In a period typically characterized by lowering freight volumes in the fourth quarter, truck service operations are unexpectedly thriving. Data from Decisiv’s latest SRM platform shows that Q4 2024 experienced a significant increase in service volume, breaking a two-quarter downward trend. For heavy-duty truck equipment managers, these developments indicate important changes in how and why trucks are entering service bays. Here’s what to anticipate in the coming months.
“We had anticipated a rise between 3% and 5%, but the quarter concluded with a 4.7% increase in service operations,” mentioned Nick Pittenger, Decisiv’s vice president of data services, during a recent interview with Fleet Equipment Unscripted. This increase represented 1,113,742 service events recorded through the Decisiv platform during Q4 alone.
While typical seasonal patterns suggested a decline due to reduced mileage and incoming fleet vehicles, the service volume increase tells a different narrative. This quarter’s data was primarily fueled by a blend of system-wide maintenance and targeted repairs, particularly a notable uptick in brake-related services.
Surge in Truck Brake Services: 49.4% Increase
The most striking statistic from Q4 is that brake-related service operations surged by 49.4% year over year. According to Pittenger, this increase was largely influenced by a Bendix recall that emerged in October and November 2024, affecting multiple truck models due to faulty electronic control units (ECUs) that could impair critical safety systems.
“We identified an additional 20,000 to 25,000 brake-related operations just in that quarter,” Pittenger explained. The impact was widespread across all truck age segments, with brake service ranking among the top five most prevalent service categories. This includes vehicles aged under three years as well as those over nine years old.
Engine, Exhaust, and Aftertreatment Services Remain Steady
Although brake services saw the most significant increase, powertrain service continued to prevail in terms of overall volume. The VMRS 045 code, which covers engines and powerplants, comprised nearly 20% of total service operations in Q4, maintaining its status as the most frequently serviced system.
“It’s no surprise that the primary focus for vehicle uptime revolves around the engine,” Pittenger noted. “Its growing complexity means it more frequently requires service.” Exhaust systems (VMRS 043) also contributed significantly, accounting for 11.9% of Q4 activity, with a year-over-year increase of 13.2%, showcasing ongoing challenges with emissions systems and aftertreatment components.
Cabin Sheet Metal Services: A Curious Trend
One intriguing trend is the ongoing activity in cabin sheet metal repairs (VMRS 002). While it saw a year-over-year decrease of 6.5%, it still ranked high across all truck age brackets and rose by 1.5% compared to Q3. The exact reasons for cabin sheet metal servicing remain unclear; possibilities include collision damage, wear, or manufacturing flaws.
However, the data suggests it remains one of the most consistent service categories for newer vehicles, ranking second-highest for trucks under three years old and staying in the top five across various age groups. “The persistence of this trend across different age spans indicates this work is frequently postponed, accumulating over time,” Pittenger remarked.
Diving Deeper into the Data
Decisiv provides exclusive truck service data every quarter. Don’t forget to check out our previous discussion on service data:
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