5 Things That Help Your Service Truck and 5 Things That Hurt
OTR tire and rim service requires a major investment in a truck that can lift, support, and move assemblies that weigh hundreds and thousands of pounds. Like any piece of equipment, the level of maintenance is a factor, along with how it is used. Stellar Industries and Fleet Equipment Corporation (FEC) will present the top five things that dealers can do to help their OTR service trucks last longer and then contrast it with the five things operators do that reduce the life of the truck. The discussion will include the compressor, crane, handler, and other components vital to servicing OTR tires and rims.
Live Demonstration
Presented by TIA’s Director of Tire Service, Matt White, has taken the audience to various places for topics like wheel torque and chain installation. This year, the live demonstration will be a little closer than normal, but the subject has a direct impact on technician safety.
Earthmover Tire Service Training
When the Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) came out in 2008 it changed the way that tire technicians were trained. For the first time, there was a comprehensive training program that covered every aspect of off-the-road (OTR) tire service. A lot has changed since then, and TIA will release a new 200-Level Basic ETS program this year to set a new standard for tire technician training. Attendees will get a preview of what to expect from the new Basic ETS program and the role that it will play moving forward. 300 and 400-Level Certified ETS was launched in 2017, which raised the bar by putting the focus on hands-on skills by grading the ability to service a single-piece, three-piece, and five-piece tire and rim assembly. With a new Basic ETS program soon to be in place as the foundation for OTR technician training, Certified ETS will also evolve. Presented by TIA Chief Technical Officer, Kevin Rohlwing, this session will set the stage for the future of training and education for the technicians who service the world's largest and heaviest tires and rims.
2025 Legislative Outlook for the OTR Tire Industry
Presenter: Roy Littlefield IV, Vice President of Government Affairs, TIA
With Republicans controlling the presidency and both chambers of Congress in the 119th Congress, new legislative possibilities emerge for the OTR tire industry. Key areas of focus include potential tax reforms, expanded infrastructure funding, and the reduction of regulatory pressures. Roy Littlefield IV, TIA’s VP of Government Affairs, will provide insights into federal and state legislative developments and regulatory shifts likely to impact the industry’s future.
US Economic Forecast
Kevin Rohlwing, Chief Technical Officer of TIA, will use an array of resources, references and reports, to provide an economic forecast for the mining and construction industries for 2025.
Canadian Economic Forecast
Carol Hachu, President & CEO of The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) will provide an economic forecast for Canada nationally and individually by province.
Autonomous Trucks and Tire Wear
Jeff Kurtz, Sr. Communication Market Consultant from Caterpillar, will share experiences with autonomous trucks and tire wear so the industry will know the impact of this technology. Caterpillar has been a leading earthmoving and mining equipment manufacturer with autonomous trucks in operation for years. Driver input has always been a major factor in tire wear and autonomous vehicles remove that variable.
Attracting & Retaining Top Tire Industry Talent
Join Mike Cioffi, founder of Tire Talent, for an insightful discussion on current employment trends featuring data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other key sources. By the end of this presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the current market conditions and explore strategies that companies can use to attract and retain talent in 2025 and beyond. The presentation includes macro employment data, tire employment overview, and improvement opportunities.
Leading Through Change & Disruption – Exemplary Leadership Practices
Mike Evans is an award-winning author/speaker and has developed a unique perspective from 20+ years of working alongside a star-studded list of world-renowned thought leaders. In this presentation, he will provide leadership practices to help you lead through change and disruption.
Ensuring Relevance in a Changing Industry
Shawn Rasey, Director of Global Business Development Earthmover, and Matthew Futrelle, Head of Business Field Earthmoving Business Area Specialty Tires with Continental Tire, will use examples of companies that did not stay relevant and some that did to demonstrate what it takes for companies to succeed in a changing world. Their stories will frame a discussion on the mining and construction industries, talent acquisition and retention, tire industry consolidation, and TIA itself, including the annual OTR Tire Conference with a long legacy since 1955.
Embrace Uncertainty to Ignite Opportunity
Dave Sanderson is a nationally recognized leadership speaker, accomplished author, and inspirational survivor of what is known as "The Miracle on the Hudson." As the last passenger off US Airways Flight 1549, which had to ditch into the river, he took the lessons he learned from that profound experience in the frigid water. He emerged from the wreckage with a mission to encourage others to do the right thing and share coping skills to address any adversity you may face.
#1. TAT and Bridgestone: Partnerships Leading the Way in The Fight Against Human Trafficking
#2. Increasing Your Throughput, Efficiencies and Profits with Robotics
Presenter: Daniel Zeledon, President, Tesco-Italmatic LLC
The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and AI technology is
increasingly embedded in our daily lives and work environments. While
many industries have embraced automation, labor-intensive sectors
still face challenges in finding qualified personnel to perform physically
demanding and monotonous tasks. In OTR tire repair, operators often
contend with grueling tasks—such as the repetitive action of skiving,
exposure to loud tool noises, rubber debris, smoke, and fatigue from
working on large tire areas. This not only affects physical well-being
but also diminishes mental clarity, making it harder to detect subtle
tire anomalies that might go unnoticed due to mental fatigue. Italmatic
Robotics technologies include AI-powered systems such as Shearography
and Laser Analysis for precise tire anomaly detection, a Laser Profilometer
to accurately measure and replicate tread patterns for regrooving,
Laser Point systems for precise skiving—even on sidewalls—and
Robotic Cementing for casing repairs. Additionally, our solutions feature
automated chamber loading and much more, all designed to optimize
efficiency, precision, and ease of use. These innovations not only increase
productivity and throughput but also significantly reduce downtime
and operator fatigue. With an average return on investment (ROI) of
approximately 4.5 years.
#3. Sustainability in the Tire Business?
Presenter: Enrico Fiore, Chairman Steering Committee, Rover Research SRL
Retreading is still the #1 tire recycling method, and the #2 is
Rover Research’s patented WaterJet technology. Rover Research,
Italy, developed a line of industrial machines using his own WaterJet
Technologies that implement retreading solutions for tires (OTR &
TB) and for ELT, a recycling process through innovative and patented
methodologies. An excellent cost/quality ratio and a significant reduction in
environmental impact characterize these machines. Come find out how to
have a highly profitable retreading and recycling business.
*As of 12/12/2024 Subject to Change
2025 Conference Sponsors as of 12/19/2024