HD Collision Repair Task Forces Established at 2019 TMC Meeting in Atlanta
During the 2019 TMC Spring Exhibition held in Atlanta March 18-21, 2019, “collision repair” continued its growth, as a topic for task force meetings. Fleets, suppliers, OEMs, and repairers gathered at the first-ever hosted task force meeting dedicated to this segment of the transportation industry. This meeting’s two Collision Task Forces were chaired by Joey Fasset of PennFleet Corporation and Chris Sterwerf of Fairfield Auto & Truck Service, Inc. Both meetings generated conversation about the opportunities participants have to create industry-vetted documents, which would benefit fleets by helping them to understand the steps and processes that go into repairing their valuable assets post-collision.
Joey Fasset’s Task Force, “Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Roadmap,” reviewed a document that will provide a bird’s-eye view of the navigation process before and after a collision. This document will aid fleets before and during the repair process. It starts before the accident and notes that fleets should identify key repair partners and their capabilities along commonly used routes. Following, it moves on to the moment after a collision. It lays out the need to document the scene, highlights evidence- preservation considerations, and assists in the decision making steps for: drivability or towing options and choosing a collision repairer with the knowledge, capability, equipment, and processes, that will return the vehicle back to its pre-accident state of safety. It also includes how to review and compare estimates, while noting items that some repairers overlook. Emphasis is placed on encouraging Fleets to make sure they are asking right questions and minimizing the liability concerns of a secondary accident, which may have been caused by a previously-made improper repair.
Chris Sterwerf’s Task Force, formerly titled, “Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Guidelines,” will be changing its title to “Refinishing To Maximize Adhesion,” and will be co-chaired by Marcelino “Marcy” Fernandez of Axalta Coatings Systems. This Task Force will focus on the steps and procedures required to refinish the various substrates that HD Collision Repairers face. It may touch on non-included items like the set-up of scaffolding, conversion coatings, feather, prime and block, removal of release agents, removal of unstable coatings, subsequent masking, and much more.
Sterwerf’s Task Force is looking to continue to spin off recommendations for other Task Force’s that involve HD Collision Repair Guidelines. In fact during the Spring meeting, a new Task Force was voted on to be launched for “Frame Correction Guidelines.” Upon final approval from TMC Leadership, the Task Force will be chaired by TARA (Truck-Frame & Axle Repair Association) President, William Hinchcliffe. It will likely be co-chaired by a frame equipment provider representative. Items likely to be tackled by this Task Force are acceptable frame tolerances, defining conditions and terminology, identifying items that should be removed prior to corrections, and more. Additional Task Force possibilities, which were brought up during the meeting included: pre- and post-repair diagnostic scans, fastener usage, foams and adhesives, trailer repair, suspension and steering repairs, mobile column lifts for collision repair, among others.
According to Homer Hogg, TMC Chairman of the S.16 Service Provider Study Group, it might be possible for HD Collision Repair to grow into its own Study Group if this positive momentum continues.
Chris Sterwerf, a strong voice for the heavy-duty collision repair industry has asked for help from the industry to support the development of these newest Task Forces. “We need volunteers from industry experts, equipment and service providers, and insurance companies to join in on the cause, so its success can come to fruition” Chris believes that TMC is the voice of the customer and the fleets. “These documents will go a long way for the education of customers and fleets, and help them know what to look for to minimize their liability and speed-up the repairs to their assets. It will also reduce friction between shops and insurers, by creating documents with objective facts, thus eliminating the wide spectrum of subjective opinions and their potentially dangerous outcomes.”
To access documents that are already in place, which provide direction in collision repair, visit here. Here you also have the capability to add comments to these documents. We encourage repairers and other industry parties to do so. For more information on how to get involved, you can fill out this form.
