One fleet owner-operator will have the chance to win $1,000 just for giving his opinion in the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Assn. (HDMA) survey on heavy truck maintenance.

"Owner-operators who took the survey with us at the Mid-America Trucking Show have a chance to win the money and to make their opinions count with suppliers," said Donna Coleman, research manager for Markinetics Inc.
"If you missed us at the show, and you have Internet access, you can still take the survey — and maybe win $1,000 — by logging on to www.research.net/trucks."
The survey can be completed in about seven minutes. The winner will be drawn at random from completed surveys.
This marks the second year independent research group Markinetics is fielding the study for HDMA. The survey measures heavy truck maintenance practices, truck use, changes in buying patterns and service work performance.
"Owner-operators’ opinions are of vital importance to heavy-duty parts manufacturers," said Frank Hampshire, director of research for HDMA. "Feedback from owner/operators lets manufacturers and suppliers improve their product quality, service and price."
The 2002 HDMA study showed that drivers were most brand-conscious when they made tire, engine part, filter and wheel bearing purchases. The survey also reported that owner-operators rank engine tune-ups as the top scheduled maintenance item.
"This wasn’t really a surprise to most people who know owner-operators," said Coleman. "As successful business people, they have to watch their bottom line. One key to profitability is avoiding a major repair while out on the road."
The HDMA study was first published in 1978, making it the longest-running study of the heavy-duty aftermarket in the transportation industry.
The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Assn., which is the heavy-duty market segment association of MEMA, was established in 1983 to provide government representation and monitoring, market research, information services and heavy-duty industry conferences and events to serve manufacturers of heavy-duty truck components and other products. Founded in 1904, MEMA represents and serves manufacturers of motor vehicle components, tools and equipment, automotive chemicals and related products used in the production, repair and maintenance of all classes of motor vehicles.