Predictability. It’s what every growing business craves, but in our fast-paced world of ever-changing technology, increasing freight demands and competition, not to mention sky-high customer expectations, predictability is in short supply. Every business does what it can to mitigate risk and deal with the unknown. For Western Flyer Express, a privately-owned transportation company located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, that delivers freight across the United States, leveraging Great Dane’s AdvantEDGE program brings service and peace of mind to its rapidly growing operation.
“Our company is growing at a fast pace with new tractor and Great Dane trailer purchases,” said James Bennett, director of maintenance for Western Flyer Express. “We have comfort in the fact that we can count on Great Dane dealers across the country if we are in need. We may not experience many incidents over the road but as the company grows, we have a solid foundation being a part of AdvantEDGE for trailer repairs when needed.”
When Rodney and Randy Timms founded Western Flyer Express in 1996, they operated four tractors and four refrigerated trailers. Today, Western Flyer Express fields a fleet of more than 600 tractors and 1,500 trailers.
“The majority of our freight is drop and hook, and our drivers average more than 3,000 miles per week,” Bennett said. “We have grown significantly over the last few years and we have diversified freight to include shipping lanes all over the country.”
When Bennett joined Western Flyer Express in the fall of 2016, he was excited to partner with Great Dane’s AdvantEDGE program after seeing its success with a previous employer. AdvantEDGE provides consolidated invoicing, single point-of-contact, not-to-exceed parts pricing and the peace of mind that comes from clear communication, quality repair services and a nationwide network. The program also offers collision, mechanical, refrigerated unit and tire repair for Class 7 and 8 tractors and trailers at more than 100 AdvantEDGE service locations staffed with trained technicians who are up-to-date on the latest products and repair techniques.
“Locally, Jim Watson has been great to work with to help support our fleet of over 500 Great Dane trailers,” Bennett said. “Cliff Varnell, our trailer shop manager with more than 35 years of experience, was excited to get onboard with Great Dane AdvantEDGE to help with parts pricing and superior service. Western Flyer Maintenance Team is excited about the partnership with Great Dane and is looking forward to new trailer purchases for years to come.”
