 As we put
together the articles for this edition of Real Answers, a pattern began
to emerge. And, it was different from what we expected. |
| We thought
we were going to focus on shorter hauls, but as we researched and wrote
each story, we noticed that every one had something to do with the value
of “the best.” |
| Edward Wanandi
and Jay Nieszel of Trailmobile shared with us their philosophy of making
Trailmobile the best company to do business with—for every stakeholder—
including customers, employees, suppliers, dealers—and neighbors. |
| When we visited
B.T.I., in Riverton, Wyoming, we learned that where profit margins are
tiny, only the best possible control of all operating variables will allow
you to succeed. |
| That lesson
was echoed in our investigation of alignment, and of total tire cost per
mile, where we learned that long original tread life is often the best
route to lowest tire costs, even when tire fuel efficiency is factored
in. |
| Then, on a
visit to Bridgestone customers in the northeast, we found that in an environment
that’s hard on tires, the best lasts longer—and retreads better, too. |
| And, when
we looked at the new National Preferred emergency road service program,
we saw that neither large fleets nor small ones can afford anything less
than the best possible service. And now, they both can have it. |
| Sometimes,
we’re tempted to say we don’t need the best. Or that we can’t afford or
can’t justify the best. So who “needs” the best? As we see it, everybody
does! Ultimately, only the best lasts longest, costs least, and delivers
the most profit. |
| How else would
we know it’s “the best”? |
