Epika says this move will help bring more dependable service options to drivers who rely on quick turnarounds and consistent repairs in two of the busiest freight corridors in the country.

“Accelerated Fleet Services represents the best of what Epika looks for in a partner,” said Todd Browning, COO of EFS. “Their team’s technical expertise, operational discipline, and customer-first mindset align perfectly with our mission to deliver reliable, technician-driven maintenance nationwide. We’re thrilled to welcome AFS to the Epika Network.”

The company says the addition of AFS strengthens its presence in Texas and supports its goal of providing fast, dependable service wherever trucks are running.

AFS is known for preventive maintenance, emissions work, and both truck and trailer repair. According to the company, its AFS Proven Process is designed to keep repairs efficient and consistent, supported by a mix of mobile units and shop locations. That coverage gives drivers more ways to stay on schedule and avoid extended downtime when unexpected issues come up.

“Joining Epika gives us the resources and network to elevate the service we already provide,” said Josh Grinstead, founder of AFS. “Our team has always been focused on keeping fleets rolling. With Epika, we’re positioned to do that on an even larger scale.”

For truckers moving freight across Texas, this partnership means more maintenance solutions in high-traffic areas and an expanded network built to keep rigs moving with fewer delays.

Source: The Trucker

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The Larson Group (TLG), a longtime Peterbilt dealer network based in Missouri, took home the 2025 Successful Dealer Award during an industry banquet in Nashville. The award spotlights dealers that go above and beyond in service, workforce development, leadership, customer support, and community involvement.

COO Melissa Larson accepted the award and made it clear that the recognition belongs to the entire team.
“We’re honored and humbled to be here tonight and to be the recipient of this award,” she said. “There are so many amazing dealers in the room. We are honored to have spent the day with you … This award really should go to every single TLG employee who goes the extra mile every day for us.”

The program, run by Trucks, Parts, Service since 2013, has become one of the highest marks of excellence for commercial truck dealers. Sponsors include Automann, Interstate Billing Service, National Truck Protection, Premium 2000, and Procede Software.

This is not TLG’s first time near the top. The dealer was a finalist in 2018 and 2019, and even earned recognition back in 1997 under a previous version of the award. Larson says her family still remembers that nod.
“I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with [my grandfather], and on Saturday, I told him we had this award ceremony coming up, and he said, ‘I hope you guys win this time.’ This truly means a lot to us.”

TLG leaders say the success comes from the people on the ground serving customers every day. The company employs nearly 1,500 workers across its locations.

CFO Mike Headley spoke to that on stage.
“We all know this is a people business. We talked about it a lot today. It’s near and dear to our hearts,” he said. “[This] is not about Melissa and me, it’s about the 1,500 other employees that we have and what they do every day. They come to work with a positive attitude, knowing that business is a challenge, knowing these times aren’t the best right now. But they still come in every day and do their best to keep America going.”

TLG has earned a reputation as one of the most customer-focused dealer groups in trucking. The company backs fleets with new equipment, parts, service, and support for both large and small accounts. From Class 8 tractor orders to simple parts runs, teams are trained to deliver solutions and keep trucks on the road.

“TLG is all about the customer, our customers’ success, and creating solutions that meet our customers’ needs for their pain points,” says Heather Caldwell, director of marketing. “Their success is our success. We’re here to support them and make their lives easier.”

Headley adds that their approach starts with problem-solving.
“A lot of times when a customer comes to us, our question isn’t, ‘What do you need?’ It’s ‘What are you trying to accomplish?’” he said. “We try to train all our people that whenever they are working with a customer and [the customer asks] a question, our answer should never be ‘no.’ Or ‘we don’t do that.’
“We want to understand what they’re looking for so we can find a way to support them.”

Over the years, TLG has also claimed Peterbilt’s North American Dealer of the Year title seven times and consistently ranks in the OEM’s performance awards. The group is active in state and national trucking groups, customer associations, and manufacturer committees.

Inside the company, training and growth are built into everyday operations. Apprenticeship tracks, onboarding programs, mentorship, and leadership development help TLG build future teams and maintain its culture across all 26 locations in eight states.

As Headley summed up in a recent interview, “We probably spend more time on TLG culture than almost anything else that we do. It’s part of our training, it’s part of our onboarding, and I think it’s part of that continual reinforcement of ‘This is the way TLG does business.’”

Winning the Successful Dealer Award shows that the approach is working.

“Any time you get recognition, it reinforces that you’re doing the right thing,” Headley said. “It means you’re doing something right and people are noticing.”

Image / Source: Truck Parts and Service

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The newly integrated dealerships are located in Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; Quincy, Illinois; Decatur, Illinois; Mediapolis, Iowa; and Hannibal, Missouri.

“Congratulations to Nextran on their recent acquisition. We also extend our gratitude to John Sharkey, the owner of Quincy, Decatur, and H&L Mack, for the exceptional sales, service, and support they’ve provided over the years,” noted Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Nextran’s continued investments reflect their dedication to the Mack brand and its customers. This acquisition not only expands Nextran’s reach but also strengthens their commitment to delivering quality service and support to Mack customers.”

Strategic Growth for Nextran Truck Centers

Founded in 1993 by Jon W. Pritchett, who currently serves as president and CEO, Nextran Truck Centers operates full-service dealerships in key states including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Illinois, and Iowa. Their locations have been strategically placed along vital transportation routes to ensure seamless support for commercial trucking operations.

With this expansion, Nextran is set to boost annual sales to approximately 5,500 new and pre-owned commercial vehicles while growing its rental and leasing fleets to nearly 1,000 units. This addition enhances Nextran’s ability to offer unmatched service solutions for its customers nationwide.

Expanding National Reach

The acquisition of Quincy Mack, Decatur Mack, and H&L Mack is part of Nextran’s ambitious growth strategy, which has led to 12 new locations in the last four years alone. Today, their infrastructure includes over 530 service bays and a skilled workforce of more than 1,400 employees.

Speaking of the acquisition, Jon W. Pritchett president and CEO of Nextran Truck Centers shared, “With the acquisition of Quincy Mack, Decatur Mack, and H&L Mack, we are not only expanding our geographic footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to growth, service and support for our customers across the U.S. Their strong family-oriented culture and dedication to superior service align perfectly with Nextran’s values. We are thrilled to welcome them into the Nextran family and look forward to a bright future together. “

Decades of Trusted Service

For over 40 years, Quincy Mack, Decatur Mack, and H&L Mack have been trusted names in the Midwest, known for their reliable service and deep-rooted customer relationships. Integrating these dealerships into Nextran’s operational network underscores the company’s mission of delivering nationwide innovation and industry-leading support to the commercial trucking sector.

Mack Trucks’ dealership network currently includes 418 locations featuring 5,268 service bays, ensuring extensive support for customers nationwide.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Nextranusa

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