2025 MTC Q3 Meeting

Register for the third quarter meeting of the Arkansas Trucking Association Maintenance & Technology Council to be held Tuesday, August 26 at 10:30 am at ATA Headquarters, 1401 W Capitol Ave, Suite 445, Little Rock, AR 72201.

2025 MTC Meetings Sponsored By

 

Session 1: The future of diesel diagnostics

Presented by Hunter Smith, Diesel Laptops

In this session, Hunter Smith will dive into how Diesel Laptops is transforming the heavy-duty truck and diesel repair industry by combining cutting-edge diagnostic technology, expert technical support and industry-leading technician training.

We’ll specifically focus on how an integrated approach helps shops and fleets streamline diagnostics, reduce downtime and upskill teams through accessible, real-world tools and resources. Diesel Laptops is removing barriers that have traditionally slowed down repairs and limited what independent shops and techs can do, as the global diesel technician shortages show no signs of improvement.

This session is for fleet managers, shop owners, diesel technicians, service writers and training coordinators looking to improve efficiency, accuracy and profitability in their operations.

Attendees can expect to take away a clear understanding of how Diesel Laptops can help your business operate smarter with our suite of proven solutions. Learn how to implement better diagnostics, access real support when you need it and keep your techs trained and ready for whatever rolls into the bay.

Hunter Smith, enterprise sales executive, has been with Diesel Laptops for one year and currently serves on the Enterprise Solutions team. He lives in Atlanta, Ga., and believes in building on relationships not transactions.

Session 2: Updates & modernization efforts for the SAE J560 protocol

Presented by Sarah Newman, Arkansas Trucking Association

In the second session, Purkeys' Larry Rambeaux and Phillips Industries' Dan Forthoffer will cover the current J560 7 way connector. He'll discuss the industry's need for updates and show the proposed designs and how change will occur. This presentation will benefit all fleet personnel, techs and those that spec the trucks and trailers. Attendees should expect to gain an understanding of challenges in the current platform, proposed updates and how to participate in the progress.

Larry Rambeaux is the sales application engineer for Purkeys, where he has worked for 28 years. Rambeaux has done everything from tearing down and rebuilding starters and alternators, to basic product delivery, managing a store location and managing sales accounts. As he has learned and grown in the trucking industry, he began attending TMC and has become an important part of that organization. In 2013 he received TMC’s Recognized Associate Award, and in 201,  he was awarded the Silver Spark Plug award.

Helping fleets resolve issues is Rambeaux's favorite thing to do. He loves it when he is able to provide an existing solution to an electrical issue or help create an all-new solution.

Dan Forthoffer is the corporate vice president of research and development at Phillips Industries. He serves as the chairman of the Future Truck/Trailer Electrical Interface Task Force. Forthoffer is also a major contributor in the Future Truck/Trailer Electrical Interface Standard Working Group. 

His previous work includes advanced electrification, hydrogen fuel cells and other advanced projects at Ford, GM, Jacobs, NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. He earned his masters degree in mechanical and electrical engineering at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.

Council Attendance Policy

In order to provide proper accommodations, we must guarantee a headcount in advance.

For ATA members who submit meeting registration by the August 22 deadline and attend, there is no fee. ATA members who attend without registering or register but do not attend will be charged $25. Out of courtesy, if you decide to attend after the registration deadline, please contact ATA. We welcome guests and non-members to Council meetings for $50.

Refunds and Cancellations:

Deadline to register is Friday, August 22. For more information regarding administrative polices such as refunds and/or complaints, please contact our office at 501-372-3462 or send an email to getinfo@arkansastrucking.com.