American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council will hold its 2014 Fall Meeting and 10th annual National Technician Skills Competition — TMCSuperTech 2014 — Sept. 22-25 at the Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Fla.

The meeting theme, “Celebrating Technical Achievement,” will be carried out through technical sessions covering management, training, equipment selection, regulations and sustainability — and observance of the 10th anniversary of TMC’s National Technician Skills Competition.

Technical Sessions

Full technical sessions are to include: “Lean Principals: The Application of Structured Problem Solving to Maintenance;” a fleet executive panel; and a mock trial on maintenance and liability issues.

Mini-technical sessions include:
• “The Future of Dual Voltage (12/24/48) Electrical Systems for Commercial Trucks;”
• “Tire and Wheel Failure Analysis;”
• “Aftertreatment Challenges: Experiences and Best Practices from the Fleet Perspective;”
• “High Torque Plus Gear Low Equals Equipment Disaster: Drivetrain Issues Associated With New Engine Torque Curves and Direct Drive Transmissions;”
• “Trailer Talk;”
• “Stakeholder Response to Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas Regulations;”
• “Dedicated Short-Range Communications and Its Future Implications;”
• “Failure Analysis for Light, Medium and Vocational Trucks;” and
• “Improper Mating Procedures: Corrosion Prevention at Wheel-to-Hub Mating Surfaces.”

More than 100 Task Forces will meet on the opening day to continue work on recommended practices, information reports and position papers. Monday’s Fleet Talk will provide the opportunity for maintenance and equipment professionals to exchange information related to equipment problems. Later on Monday, during the Town Meeting, TMC’s Fleet Operator’s Forum will provide the opportunity for maintenance and equipment professionals to seek redress for unresolved equipment issues they have with manufacturers.

Tuesday’s Industry Luncheon speaker will be Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America Sales and Marketing.

Top technicians from across the country will compete in the National Technician Skills Competition — TMCSuperTech 2014 — held in conjunction with TMC’s Fall Meeting. A qualifying round of exams will be held on Monday with a reception and announcement of qualifying competitors for Tuesday’s hands-on skills challenge. Winners will be announced at Wednesday’s TMCSuperTech 2014 Awards Luncheon — open to both contestants and meeting attendees.

Information and registration for TMC’s 2014 Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competition is available online at http://tmc.trucking.org.