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Boydstun Modifications Bring Sterling Height Down to 91.75 Inches How the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 Can Benefit You Boydstun Metal Works Launches New Parts Website Congratulations to Harold Travitz Boydstun and Cottrell agree on settlement. Boydstun Metal Works and Sterling Trucks Combine Forces to Improve Auto Hauler Fuel Capacity. Remote Deck Control Boydstun Metal Works Completes Installation of Complete Machine Shop Boydstun Metal Works Introduces Fuel Efficient Auto Start System for Auto Haulers Tell Us Your Boydstun Story - Winner #2 Congratulations to the first winner of the "Tell Us Your Boydstun Story" Contest Boydstun Refines Cab Modification Process Toyota Recognizes Boydstun Metal Works Screw Actuator Technology and Soft-Tie System Available from Boydstun Metal Works
Cargo envelope increased as a result of modification  Portland, Oregon- April 8,2008- Boydstun Metal Works announced today that they now offer a modified version of the Sterling Auto Hauler that will reduce the overall tractor height by 2 inches to 91.75 inches.
One of the critical success factors in auto hauling is maximizing load factors. The lower height that results from the Boydstun modification gives customers the ability to transport larger vehicles over the cab. This flexibility can make the difference between profit and loss on a given load. Boydstun pioneered tractor modifications in its manufacturing facility as a means to help its customers improve their load factors. Roof modifications and cab lowering have been performed for years by Boydstun on a variety of major heavy truck nameplates. The new Sterling modification is the latest in a line of innovations offered by Boydstun that will pay dividends on every load. In the past, these modifications have sometimes been performed by modification centers adding time and cost to building a car hauler. This new offering by Boydstun makes the Car Hauler purchasing experience truly one-stop shopping; tractor, head rack, trailer and any necessary modifications performed at Boydstun by their experienced craftsmen.
Accelerated Depreciation can add to your bottom line for 2008 By now you’ve read about the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 that provides tax benefits to many individuals in this country. However, this bill also provides some excellent potential tax advantages to businesses of all sizes. Purchasing new vehicles now may provide you with significant tax advantages. These incentives include a special 50 percent depreciation allowance for 2008 purchases, and an increase in the small business expensing limitation for tax years beginning in 2008.
Depreciation Allowance
The new law provides for an expansion of “bonus depreciation,” which allows certain investments to be more quickly depreciated, increasing current tax savings. Businesses will be allowed to depreciate in this tax year 50% of the cost of an asset put into use in 2008; much higher than prior years.
Small Business Expense Limitations Increase
This part of the new law allows a qualifying business an increase in the level of “Section 179” deductions that businesses can expense in the year they are purchased instead of having to depreciate them over several years, thereby increasing current tax savings.
Both the White House and Congress believe that these incentives will make it easier for businesses to purchase new equipment this year.
For more information about how this bill affects businesses, use your favorite internet search engine and enter a phrase similar to, “Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 for Business.”
This communication is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, advice on the interpretation or implementation of existing or proposed tax laws.
Please contact your tax adviser to see if the benefits of this new bill can help you in your own businesses.
Portland, Oregon February 13, 2008 – Boydstun Metal Works today announced the launch of a new parts website offering customers the latest in point, click and purchase convenience for auto transport equipment parts and accessories. The site, www.BoydstunParts.com, can be reached directly or by clicking on the parts tab of the Boydstun Metal Works corporate site, www.Boydstun.com.
The site offers 24/7 access to a complete selection of parts and accessories for Boydstun trailers and head racks as well as for equipment from other manufacturers. Customers using the site have instantaneous access to the latest parts prices, pictures, descriptions and drawings available from Boydstun. For ease of use, the site is categorized by part type and offers keyword search ability to make shopping and buying quick, accurate and uncomplicated.
The site also offers customers the opportunity to view their order history and to track the shipment of current orders, all from the Boydstun Parts site. The site offers complete privacy and credit card security and all orders placed at Boydstun Parts.com are shipped the same day if they are received by 2:00pm Pacific time.
The Sierra Mountain Express Driver is the latest winner of the "Tell Us Your Boydstun Story Contest."
Customer comments: Hi Boydstun,
My name is Harold Travitz. I'm a driver for Sierra Mountain Express out of Benicia, Ca. I was hired back in Nov. 2007 and was asked if I’d like to drive a truck hauler. I agreed never having driven one before. Not to my knowing I was going to get Boydstun’s very 1st screw Heavy Truck Hauler!!
I went to Portland on Nov. 15th, 2007 to pick up my new truck; a 2007 Freightliner w/ a 2007 screw heavy hauler. WOW what a pretty truck!!! When I got back to my home terminal I loaded up 6 Dodge 2500 mega crew cab 4x4s. That load looked huge but made through the local scale. But no matter what it's nice to be able to open doors to get out for a big guy like me. Another thing that is fantastic is the help and support I get from the Boydstun family. Any questions I have are answered and my input is used to help make improvements. Boydstun made me feel like part of their team and family.
THANK YOU Boydstun
May I haul lots of trucks and make you proud. I know I am.
Harold Travitz
Portland, Oregon December 18, 2007 – Boydstun Metal Works announced today they have reached a mutually acceptable settlement with Cottrell Trailers regarding certain intellectual properties belonging to Boydstun Metal Works. The patents in question, one for Boydstun Screw Actuator Technology and the other for the Boydstun Soft Tie System, have contributed significantly to improving safety, quality, training and productivity related to the auto transport industry.
Despite differences of opinion between Boydstun and Cottrell on the direction of the industry, both organizations have invested heavily in new technology designed to improve auto transport. The agreement announced today allows both companies to offer the innovations that were the subject of the dispute to the auto transport industry going forward, an outcome desired and endorsed by Boydstun.
The Boydstun Metal Works brand is known for innovative engineering and production processes; assets that the company must protect but also employ for the industry wide benefit of auto transport. In keeping with its heritage, Boydstun will continue to evaluate and employ new technology to benefit the fleets that serve the automotive industry in what is unquestionably a very challenging marketplace.
December 18, 2007 Portland, OR. – Boydstun Metal Works has once again led the way to add value to the equipment used by its customers to haul North America’s new and used cars.
Boydstun Metal Works, working in close cooperation with Sterling Trucks, designed and prototyped a relocated exhaust after treatment device (ATD) on the Sterling Auto Hauler chassis.
As originally designed, the ATD was located on the right side of the tractor in the space that had been occupied by an 80 gallon fuel tank. Rob Boydstun commented that, “While the Sterling tractor has been a mainstay of the North American auto transport business, the addition of the ATD to comply with new EPA regulations severely limited the fuel capacity of the new tractor. Knowing that fuel capacity is important to our customers we went to work on a solution that would improve the situation. “
“Our company has enjoyed an excellent relationship with Freightliner, LLC and Sterling trucks over the years so we approached them with some suggested solutions. We designed and built the first one for Jack Cooper Transport, a customer of both Boydstun and Sterling Trucks. The prototype was reviewed by Sterling Trucks today and, after some minor modifications, will be standard equipment on the Sterling auto hauler chassis. An implementation date has not been set but it is projected that units with the relocated ATD will be available from the Sterling factory mid year 2008.
Many labor agreements effecting auto transport companies call for the power equipment to have enough fuel capacity to travel 500 miles per day; this modification, developed by Boydstun, allows customers to easily meet that benchmark. In addition, the larger fuel tank capacity allows customers to spend more time on the road and reduces the amount of time spent refueling.
The relocation has no effect on the operation or serviceability of the exhaust ATD and will not add to the price of the tractor.
Boydstun Metal Works once again leads the industry with game changing technology. With the introduction of remote deck control on new open and enclosed auto transport equipment, Boydstun operators will have the advantages of security, safer operation and less vehicle damage.  Benefits
• Operators stay close to the decks that are in motion for reduced vehicle damage
• Operation is completely wireless; no restrictions on operator movement
• More secure because drivers keep the controller in their possession
• Can be retrofit into previous models of screw actuator equipment to update fleet
• Deck Commander is weather proof for flawless operation in all conditions
• Decks can be controlled from either side of the truck; wherever conditions are safest
• Deck Commander is recharged between uses for reliable operation time after time Contact a Salesperson today for more details about options Contact Portland and Jacksonville at 877-437-8952 - Fax 503-285-9082
Advantages include complete control over manufacturing process and lead times Portland, Or. – Nov 30, 2007 -- Boydstun Metal Works announced it has completed the installation of a new state-of-the-art machine shop. The new addition will supply the main facility with parts for all of their technically innovative products.
Owner Rob Boydstun says, “The decision to invest in our new machine shop was driven by our goal to be the leader in providing the latest technology, highest quality equipment at the most competitive prices to our customers in the auto transport industry.”
“The new machine shop allows us the flexibility of making design improvements and implementing them in the shortest time possible. These design changes improve the operation of our equipment as well as lower the costs of production; both of which are advantages to our customers. We also retain complete control of quality and lead times.” said Boydstun. “We have installed a machine shop that rivals any other in the country with the most modern tools and quality output of machined parts”, he added.
The 18,000 square foot facility houses a host of machines that can best be described as state of the art. Jobs are programmed during the day and parts are run day and night. If any of the machines encounter a problem a call is generated by the machine to the manager in charge. Corrections can then be made via computer over a secure connection remotely.
Among the new machines installed is a horizontal mill featuring four control axis and a five pallet changer system. With its 90 tool magazine, spiral tool chip conveyor and 20 hp motor hydraulic control manifolds can be made in half the time of the old process. Also installed is a multi tasking, twin spindle turning center which is capable of turning and milling. It has 8 control axis and features live tooling. This machine manufactures numerous parts utilizing a robotic stocker running many hours per day on a lights-out basis. Other machines in the facility include a vertical mill, centerless Grinder and a thread rolling machine. A number of the machines in the shop incorporate productivity enhancing features such as live tooling, pallet changers and bar feeders.
Master Machinist Albert Brienen and his staff of five associates oversee the daily operation of the machine shop. Trained in Germany and the United States, Brienen has over 20 years of experience in programming, operation and management.
The shop currently supplies over 150 individual parts to the Manufacturing, Parts Sales and Repair departments of the company. That number continues to grow as new parts are incorporated into the final product and other parts are redesigned for lighter weight and improved reliability.
Fuel optimization software and hardware reduce engine idle time and emissions Portland, Or. – Aug 9, 2007 – Boydstun Metal Works recently introduced a new fuel optimization software package for auto hauler models that feature their screw actuator soft-tie system. The Auto Start System is an electronic component that interfaces with the truck’s engine software, allowing operators to preset engine idle time while loading and unloading vehicles.
With this new hardware, once the driver sets the hydraulic power take-off (PTO) on the vehicle, the Auto Start System is automatically engaged and sets the engine to the appropriate RPM to begin operating the loading decks. The operator then exits the cab and sets the trailer to load operating the decks normally.
The Auto Start System is set to allow enough time for the trailer decks to be securely in place and ready for loading before shutting the engine off. After the engine shuts off, use of any position switch restarts the engine allowing normal operation of the decks. This enables the driver dramatically reduce fuel consumption during loading and unloading of the truck. The length of time between the last movement of a position and engine shut-off can be preset at the factory or customized by customers or fleets.
“The Auto Start System offers huge benefits to fleet owners and owner-operators alike as the system reduces engine idle time,” said Rob Boydstun, President and CEO of Boydstun Metal Works. “Significant fuel savings are realized as well as decreased diesel emissions, creating a cleaner, quieter working environment at loading sites as well as compliance with anti-idling regulations.” The Auto Start System can be mounted anywhere inside the truck’s cab. This aftermarket component is wired directly to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) on the vehicle’s motor and is activated by the PTO indicator light. The Auto Start System features two dials that can be set for any length of time. One dial sets the length of time the engine will run after operating a deck and the other dial is a lockout feature. When the lockout feature is set, the Auto Start System will be disabled after a predetermined length of time. “The Auto Start System is a convenient and easy way to save money and be more efficient while loading the auto haulers, which can really add up for large fleets,” added Boydstun. Contact a Boydstun Metal Works sales representative for more information at 877-437-8952
Steve Olson talks about his trailer refurb I'm sure it was a jaw-dropping day at Boydstun when I pulled in with my big ugly trailer straight from the blackberry bushes up in Washington, brakes a smokin'. Imagine my surprise when they managed to keep a straight face as they greeted me and went over the trailer and assured me that they could fix it. It drew a small crowd as they had never seen anything quite like it before. It was at Boydstun for three weeks. All the employees on each shift were very well informed and kept in constant contact with me regarding what I wanted, what was needed, etc. The communication was excellent between day shift, swing shift and customer. After three weeks I went to pick up my refurbished trailer. The transformation was unbelievable. Left Coast Transport is one happy customer ready to haul cars and I have Boydstun to thank for that! Thank you from a very happy customer.
Steve Olson
Don McPhee is an owner operator from Phoenix, Arizona driving a 2000 Boydstun with a Sterling chassis. To tell us your Boydstun story click here or on the banner on our home page. Below is Don’s story in his own words……  Hello,
My name is Don McPhee. I just recently formed my own company (after being in the automotive dealership world for the last 23 years as a service manager) McPhee Auto Transport and started hauling new cars out of Phoenix, AZ. I purchased a 2000 Sterling with a Boydstun quick loader which I am very pleased with. I love the business and the people I have met in it. Over the last 2 months I have had the pleasure dealing with Pam and Hiatt in your parts dept. who I have grown to love as their customer service is second to none! As any proud new owner, you want to bring your rig up to par, and make it as close to new as possible. These two young ladies have put up with my ignorance to the industry; you know, "I need that little square thingamajiger by the second set of hydraulic controls, you know!!!" Last week was the icing on the cake....I was loading, had the top deck loaded and whamo!! I lost all my hydraulics. In a panic I called and spoke to Hiatt who asked me a few questions and then proceeded to put me in touch with one of your service people who talked me right thru the situation, figured out the problem, then spoke with Hiatt who overnighted me a pressure regulator valve. It showed up the following day and by 1:00 pm I was delivering my load. My hat is off to Hiatt and Pam for exceeding any and all of my expectations...Thank you!!!
I hope to by a new rig in the next couple of years if not sooner and have 2 trucks running down the road...and you can be assured I will come to Boydstun for all my needs.
Again, thank you for such outstanding service!!
Sincerely
Don McPhee
As we all know, height is a major concern for car haulers. In order for our customers to remain competitive with today’s ever increasing demand for large cars Boydstun has taken roof modifications to the next (lower) level. 
The Peterbilt 379 chassis has been a long time favorite of the auto hauling industry. Boydstun has been a pioneer in modifying stock Peterbilt 379’s for a lower overall height. With the new 2007 EPA engine emissions standards, Peterbilt has announced that the model 379 will be replaced by the new model 388, which is taller than the current design. At Boydstun we’ve recently refined our process of lowering sleeper and cab roofs by building pre formed replacement caps. These preformed caps reduce time and expense while maintaining a clean Peterbilt look. With the new roof caps we are able to reduce the overall height of the sleeper by over 5” and the cab height by 3”. All of the glass and interior parts of the Peterbilt remain stock so replacement parts are always available from local dealers. We’re confident that you won’t find better craftsmanship in any other lowered cab available today.
For more information contact one of our salespeople at 877-437-8952.
Toyota Logistics Services has recognized Boydstun Metal Works with the Logistics Service Award for Distinction in Quality Service and Performance. Rob Boydstun was presented with the award at the TLS meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 30th 2007. The award is presented annually to partners that excel in their customer service commitment to TLS.  Owner Rob Boydstun said, “It is an honor to receive this award. We feel that this highlights the results of the ongoing partnership we have with Toyota and illustrates their achievements as well as our own.”
The award specifically recognizes Boydstun Metal Works for advancements in auto transport with their screw actuator and soft tie equipment. Toyota has been upgrading its entire fleet with the new technology to improve the safety and efficiency of its associates. “Boydstun Metal Works is not only a key partner with Toyota but has also played a significant role in changing the entire highway transportation industry. They invested over $2 million to develop a new transporter technology and then followed lean Toyota Production System manufacturing methodology to ensure quality was built into their new product. Their transporter technology offers all highway transportation carriers improved efficiency and safety,” said Joe Williamson of Toyota.
Latest innovations provide increased operational safety, reduction in cargo damage and maximized productivity Portland, Ore. – March 15, 2006 – Two innovations developed and patented by Boydstun Metal Works are currently available on the company’s ST9100 line of auto haulers. The soft-tie and screw actuator systems have been designed to improve the transportation of automobiles for the OEM’s, carriers, drivers, car dealers and retail customers. “Our goal is to be the leader in the development and manufacture of high quality, innovative equipment for the auto transport industry that delivers measurable operating improvements to our customers,” said Rob Boydstun, President and CEO of Boydstun Metal Works. “Screw actuator and soft-tie technologies are at the forefront in delivering these improvements.” Screw Actuator Technology Screw actuator technology offers several advantages over conventional cylinder technology. By utilizing the hydraulically-powered screw actuator unit, the requirement to pin the decks is completely eliminated. This can save operators up to 48 separate steps in loading and unloading. Also, because there is no need to pin the decks, the driver can operate safely from the curb side of the hauler rather than adjacent to lanes of traffic. “Boydstun screw actuator trailers are equipped with decks that are infinitely adjustable and can be set at the precise points required by the specific load being transported,” Boydstun added. “This improves load factors by eliminating the need to adapt the load to the equipment. Additionally, due to the configuration of screw technology-equipped trailers, cargo damage can be reduced and operational safety can be improved. There are fewer braces and deck supports than on cylinder equipped trailers, giving the operator more room to load and unload vehicles. This cleaner design decreases the risk of cargo damage as well as provides a less stressful work environment for the operator. With screw actuator trailers and head racks, the need to climb on equipment to secure cargo is virtually eliminated. Trailer decks can be lowered to a position where drivers can secure cars keeping both feet on the ground and out of traffic lanes. Boydstun said, “In addition to the impact of injuries on drivers themselves, one of the most significant costs facing auto transporters are workers compensation claims and lost time due to driver injuries. Many of these injuries occur when a driver loses footing and falls while climbing on equipment to secure cars. Screw actuator technology greatly reduces this risk for operators by eliminating the need for drivers to climb on trailers to secure vehicles.” Soft-Tie System The Boydstun soft-tie system enhances the benefits of its screw actuator trailers while offering additional operational benefits to operators. Because the soft-tie system secures a car to the trailer by means of a strap placed over the tire, cargo damage is significantly reduced when compared to traditional chain and hook securing methods. To safely and legally secure a car to a trailer using the soft-tie system, the vehicle must be secured using straps on two wheels. This can be done from the curb side of the hauler, improving operator safety. Additionally, the soft-tie system requires no more than 30 pounds of force to secure a vehicle, drastically less than when using chains. This takes place while the driver is standing with both feet on the ground, safely away from passing traffic. The possibility of cargo damage due to over-tightened chains is eliminated while reducing the risk of physical injury to operators. The soft-tie system is adjustable to secure vehicles of various track widths and all vehicles are secured in the same manner, eliminating the need for specialized operator training and reducing the chances of tie-down errors. “Our record using the screw actuator/soft-tie strap system has been tremendous,” said Jeff Odway, National Fleet Manager for L. Hansen’s Forwarding Ltd. “We were fortunate in reducing damages significantly in the first year of a new contract. Damage reductions were attributed to the screw system running 99.77% damage free while moving approximately 22,000 vehicles in the first year.”
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