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The First 7 Steps to Creating Trucks That Work

By Al Levi
June 14, 2009
The last thing you need to be doing in this economy is stocking a truck too heavily or paying for excess inventory.

The last thing you need to be doing in this economy is stocking a truck too heavily. Not to mention paying for excess inventory or stuff that gets damaged or goes out of warranty sitting on a shelf. What’s just is bad is having a truck stocked without enough to make it a good chance you can make an immediate sale and do the work. Time wasted chasing parts is a killer and it can be a lost sale!

Goal:
Pull up to 80% of the homes you serve with a truck and truck stock that will give the tech an 80% chance they’ll have what they need to get the job done today.

First 7 Steps to Implementation:
    1. Buy a truck that a tech can stand up in, such as a Sprinter, a Mini Box or a full-size Box Truck.

    2. Create a truck stocking template and customize it to fit what you do by pulling either two months’ in peak season worth of invoices that list what materials that tech used (what the computer tracked as being used by that truck or that tech) or call the primary vendor and get help. Use the task list in the table of contents in the Operations Manual for the Trade(s) you do or use the flat-rate book.

    3. Get help from your model or missionary tech so he doesn’t feel stuck with your design. And then have him test drive it for two weeks, so you can both agree on SLIGHT modifications.

    4. With the customized list, layout the materials behind the vehicle on the floor first. Then prioritize what absolutely needs to be on the truck and what would be a “nice to have”.

    5. Build the shelving on the floor of the warehouse first because it makes it easier to locate where you want to put the stuff first and adjust the shelving and bin location.

    6. Once you like it, TAKE PHOTOS!

    7. Install the shelving in the truck and begin.

Note: If the shelving is already in the truck you can simulate the shelving on the floor of the warehouse and then you end up with a shelving configuration that’s ready to go when you put the next truck on the road.

More to come next week.

Give Me 60 Minutes And I'll Show You The Secrets To Running A Profitable Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Carpentry, Electrical or any other Service Business ... Even During A Recession!

Al Levi is a consultant and a contributing editor to PM magazine and blogs for many other BNP trade magazines. Al is presenting a free online video seminar called the “60 Minute Recession Solution” Online Video Seminar.

For the first time ever, you’ll hear from him and just a few of the many contractors who have engaged the power of the Power Programs. They’re happy to share how this dynamic program worked for them and how it is still working for them especially in these tough economic times.

“This program has helped dozens of business owners I’ve worked with one to one,” Al says. “The Power Plans have also helped. But now thanks to new technology, I’ll be able to help many more contractors with my 12-month Power Plan Coaching Program than ever before. This program will include the building of your own customizable Operating Power! manuals.”

These programs have been working for Al in his family business for years, in his clients’ businesses, and now they are reaping the results. Click on the following link and learn more so you can see and hear for yourself: www.60MinuteRecessionSolution.com.

Share This Story

Al Levi has been helping plumbing, HVAC, roofing, remodeling, electrical and carpentry businesses solve problems, turn greater profits, and help owners get their lives and free time back for over 7 years. This is all based on his 25-year career at his family-owned and operated contracting business. For more information, visit www.60minuterecessionsolution.com.
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