By: Jordan Tillotson, Outside Parts Sales Representative
When service technicians and parts managers with Watsontown Trucking Company needed parts in a hurry, there was rarely a quick solution. They’d call their supplier and hope the parts were in stock and available for quick delivery. If one supplier didn’t have the parts they needed, they’d be forced to call the next supplier on their list, and so on.
However, the rise of ecommerce has dramatically changed commercial truck parts purchasing. What was once limited to Monday-to-Friday, 9am-5pm, has evolved into a real time, 24/7 process with online ordering platforms.
One of these online ordering platforms, RepairLink, enables service technicians, parts managers, and purchasing agents in the commercial trucking industry to search one of the most comprehensive all-makes databases and order the parts they need any day of the week, day or night. With RepairLink, users can simply log on, order their parts, and enjoy quick delivery directly from their local dealership. The system removes the hassle, delays, and frustration from buying truck parts.
RepairLink In Acton
One organization that has experienced the benefits of online truck parts ordering through RepairLink is Watsontown Trucking Company based in Milton, PA. By embracing online parts shopping and taking advantage of RepairLink, Watsontown has improved efficiencies, reduced costs, and increased the uptime of its fleet. When a service technician with Watsontown needs a part, he or she simply accesses RepairLink’s wide inventory from their desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, enters the part number in need, views what’s available in real time, and places the order.
If there’s any confusion about the part number, description, or placement, they can enter the VIN to view full schematics and technical diagrams.
“As a growing business, we love having everything at our fingertips. RepairLink makes that happen,” said Cody Raker, a Watsontown parts manager. “We don’t have to wait for someone to look up a part.”
RepairLink is part of the training process with Watsontown. New technicians are taught the program as part of its onboarding process and become proficient and comfortable using the software in short order. “Easy to use, efficient, cost-effective, and reliable, it’s the perfect complement to our existing parts department,” Raker said.
Watsontown also takes advantage of the complete order history, meaning time is saved on future orders. Order by 10 am, and parts usually can be delivered by Ascendance free that afternoon. It’s a simple process that Raker and his team members perform more than 20 times each day.
Putting RepairLink to Work
RepairLink is the next generation solution for all-makes commercial truck parts purchasing. It streamlines the buying process, making it faster and more efficient. Parts can be ordered as needed, and depending on when the order is placed, products often can be delivered the same or next day. And the pricing is competitive. What’s more, any pre-negotiated fleet discounts, sale prices, and email promotions are automatically calculated, meaning buyers get the best possible prices.
Wondering how you get started? Visit www.repairlinkshop.com and create an account. Select Ascendance / Five Star as your vendor. An Ascendance manager will contact you to run through a brief tutorial and set up pricing; all payment is fulfilled through the Ascendance business system. Then, you’re ready to place your first order.
Family owned since 1941 and based in Milton, PA, Watsontown Trucking Company is a premier, national transportation company. The company is one of the top 250 motor carriers in North America and has satellite terminals in Columbus, OH, and Roanoke, VA. It is a 100% asset-based trucking company operating 400 trucks and 1,200 trailers throughout the US and Canada.
About The Author
Jordan Tillotson is an Outside Parts Sales Representative with Ascendance Truck Centers based in the Williamsport, PA branch. Jordan has more than eleven years’ experience in the commercial trucking industry, nine years of which have been with Ascendance, formerly Five Star International. Have questions? Reach him at Jordan.Tillotson@AscendanceTrucks.com.
