Wrapping together trailer financing and maintenance options into a single package, GE Equipment Services now offers the Total Fleet Management program from its Trailer Fleet Services business.
The group has also announced a trailer inspection service at U.S. border crossings and the opening of the first of seven planned used trailer sales centers and showrooms.
Under the trailer fleet management program, GE will assume ownership of any or all of a fleet's OTR trailers, devise a maintenance program for them and provide other management services, all for a single monthly fee. The program begins with an in-depth financial analysis to understand a fleet's cash flow needs and tax situation.
It then takes responsibility for maintaining the trailer fleet and replacing equipment as needed, as well as providing emergency repair services. The program also includes installing GE's VeriWise trailer tracking system to help the company monitor trailer activity while also providing the fleet and its customers with real-time location and status information.
The new border crossing service uses branches in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to inspect and document trailer condition before passing through the official U.S. border inspection process. The service can repair problems to avoid DOT fines and provide fleets with photos and other documentation of damage for pursuing claims.
Currently, the service is offered at four Canadian branches, over 50 U.S. branches and one branch in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Plans call for adding two more Mexican inspection sites in the near future.
With room for 300 dry van, refrigerated and flatbed used trailers, a trailer sales showroom in Irving, TX, will be just the first of seven planned by GE's Trailer Fleet Services. The sales facility will offer customers access to more than 1,000 additional units from other GE local branches.
Potential used-trailer buyers can also search online inventories, which are updated daily, before visiting the sales showrooms for visual inspections. With other showrooms already confirmed for Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles, the new sales facilities will also on-site financing and assistance with drayage and temporary licensing.
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