At Highway and Heavy Parts, we’re always working to improve how we support diesel repair shops and equipment owners. While our commitment to quality parts, fast shipping, and real technical support hasn’t changed, we’ve added new tools, products, and ways to stay connected.
Continue reading What’s New at Highway and Heavy PartsCategory: Blog – All HHP Blog Articles
Hunter: Meet the Diesel Experts at Highway and Heavy Parts
At Highway and Heavy Parts, experience doesn’t just come from titles – it comes from doing the work.
That’s exactly what makes Hunter’s story different.
She didn’t step into leadership from the outside. She built it from the ground up – starting in fulfillment and working her way to General Manager.
Starting Where the Work Happens
Hunter joined Highway and Heavy Parts in 2020 in an entry-level fulfillment role.
That means she wasn’t just around the process – she was part of it.
She learned:
- How parts move through the warehouse
- What accuracy looks like when orders go out
- How delays, mistakes, and backorders impact real customers
That foundation matters. Because when you’ve been in the position where every detail counts, you understand how important it is to get it right the first time.
Building Experience Across the Business
As Hunter grew within HHP, she didn’t just move up – she expanded her understanding of the entire operation.
She gained hands-on experience in:
- Order Fulfillment And Logistics
- Team Leadership And Development
- Customer-Focused Problem Solving
- Operational Efficiency And Process Improvement
That kind of experience creates leaders who don’t just manage – they understand how every piece of the business connects.
A Leadership Style Built on Helping Others Succeed
One thing that stands out about Hunter is how she leads.
It’s not about titles or authority – it’s about making sure the people around her are set up to succeed.
That shows up in how she:
- Supports Team Members In Their Roles
- Encourages Growth Through Real Experience
- Builds Strong Communication Across Departments
- Focuses On Solutions, Not Just Problems
Because when the team is strong, the customer experience is better. And in this industry, that matters.
Why This Matters to Our Customers
You might not see Hunter directly on every call – but her impact is behind everything we do.
From how orders are processed to how teams communicate, her leadership helps ensure:
- Parts Are Verified Before Shipping
- Customers Get The Right Information The First Time
- Problems Are Solved – Not Passed Around
- The Team Works Together To Support Every Order
That’s what separates a company that sells parts from one that actually supports your repair.
Growth at HHP Isn’t Given – It’s Built
Hunter’s journey is a reflection of how growth works at Highway and Heavy Parts.
It comes from:
- Learning The Process From The Ground Up
- Gaining Real-World Experience
- Building Strong Relationships Across The Team
- Taking Ownership Of The Outcome
That’s the same mindset we bring to helping customers – understand the problem, do the work, and get it done right.
More Than a Team – A Group That Knows Diesel
At the end of the day, the people behind the company matter just as much as the parts.
Hunter’s story is just one example of how our team is built – with experience, accountability, and a focus on doing the job right.
Call 844-304-7688 to speak with a diesel parts specialist
or visit highwayandheavyparts.com to find the right rebuild kit for your engine.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway and Heavy Parts.
About The Caterpillar 3406E
In 1993, Caterpillar began production on the 3406E, the last model engine in the 3406 series. While its predecessors –the A, B, and C– were fully or partially mechanical, the Caterpillar 3406E was the first successful fully electronic motor. The 3406E is usually found in Peterbilt and Freightliner vehicles.
Continue reading About The Caterpillar 3406EAbout the Caterpillar C15 Engine
Steam tractors became the go-to tool for agricultural development in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Although their use was widespread, this machinery wasn’t perfect; they didn’t work everywhere. In California, these immensely heavy tractors kept sinking into the soft earth.
Continue reading About the Caterpillar C15 EngineDinex Emission: The Solution to Diesel Pollution
Dinex Emission is a company that has been dedicated to helping diesel operators meet the high standards of the EPA for a very long time. Though the EPA’s goal is to reduce the emissions of dangerous gasses into the air, their restrictions can often make transporting goods, completing construction projects, and harvesting large crops more difficult. As an expert in the field of diesel emissions control, Dinex has long been the solution to this obstacle.
Continue reading Dinex Emission: The Solution to Diesel PollutionOutsourcing Diesel Parts Lookup Services: Improve Efficiency and Increase Profitability
Diesel parts lookup takes time – and when it’s done wrong, it can cost your shop even more.
For many repair shops, identifying the correct diesel engine parts isn’t just another step. It’s a bottleneck that slows down jobs, ties up technicians, and leads to costly mistakes when the wrong part shows up.
That’s why more shops are turning to a diesel parts lookup service to handle parts identification, verify fitment, and keep jobs moving.
If your team is spending too much time searching for part numbers – or dealing with returns and delays – a reliable diesel parts lookup service can help eliminate guesswork and keep repairs on track.
Continue reading Outsourcing Diesel Parts Lookup Services: Improve Efficiency and Increase ProfitabilityDiesel Engine Overheating: How to Diagnose the Problem
Diesel engine overheating is one of the most common – and most damaging – issues you can face.
What starts as a slight temperature increase can quickly turn into major engine damage if not diagnosed correctly.
If your diesel engine is overheating, identifying the root cause early is critical to preventing expensive repairs and downtime.
Continue reading Diesel Engine Overheating: How to Diagnose the ProblemRevving Up Performance: A Look at Garrett Diesel Turbochargers
Garrett, a name synonymous with turbocharging technology, has long been a leader in the diesel performance world. Their turbochargers are renowned for reliability, innovative design, and ability to elevate engine performance.
Continue reading Revving Up Performance: A Look at Garrett Diesel TurbochargersCommon Diesel Engine Problems and Solutions
Diesel engines are workhorses, powering everything from trucks to heavy machinery. However, like any complex machinery, they can encounter problems. Let’s explore some of the most common issues and their solutions:
Continue reading Common Diesel Engine Problems and SolutionsThe 2026 Truck Driver Shortage: What It Means for Fleets and Equipment Reliability
The U.S. trucking industry is firmly in the spotlight again in 2026—this time for the ongoing shortage of qualified drivers. While much of the conversation focuses on hiring, pay, and working conditions, the driver shortage has direct ripple effects on fleet operations, maintenance schedules, and demand for reliable replacement parts.
When trucks are pushed harder and maintenance windows shrink, the health of your diesel engine becomes even more important.
What’s Causing the Shortage?
Industry research estimates a gap of 60,000 drivers in 2024, with the shortage expected to climb toward 80,000+ drivers by 2026. Whether you run a small operation or a large fleet, fewer available drivers means more pressure to maximize uptime and reduce unplanned repairs.
Several Underlying Causes Include:
- Aging Workforce: Many experienced truckers are nearing retirement age, and fewer young adults are entering the industry to replace them.
- Demanding Lifestyle: Long hours, tight schedules, and extended time on the road make it difficult to attract new drivers. The lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and turnover remains high.
- Compensation Concerns: While wages have increased in many regions, some drivers still feel pay doesn’t fully reflect the demands and responsibilities of the job. This has slowed recruitment and retention efforts across the country.
- Training Barriers: Earning a CDL requires time and financial investment. For many potential drivers, the upfront cost becomes a barrier to entering the industry.
- Cost of Diesel Engine Maintenance: Owner-operators face rising expenses – from insurance to diesel fuel to parts and repairs. For some, the increasing cost of maintaining a diesel engine makes staying in the industry difficult.
How the Driver Shortage Impacts Fleets and Diesel Maintenance
The shortage doesn’t just affect staffing – it directly affects how fleets run their equipment:
- Increased Pressure on Existing Trucks: With fewer drivers available, fleets need every truck to stay operational. Trucks get pushed harder, and maintenance schedules become tighter or delayed.
- Higher Cost of Downtime: When a truck is down, and there isn’t another driver waiting to take its place, productivity drops. Unplanned engine failure becomes even more costly in a workforce shortage environment.
- Shift Toward Reliability Over Cost: Fleets are becoming less willing to gamble on low-quality parts. Instead, they look for durable, high-quality components that reduce the risk of repeat failures.
- Urgency for Faster Repairs: With limited driver availability, downtime isn’t just a scheduling inconvenience—it’s a financial hit. Fleets depend heavily on suppliers who offer quick shipping, dependable stock, and accurate lead times.
- Preventive Maintenance Gains Importance: Preventive maintenance is becoming a key strategy to offset risk. Replacing worn gaskets, bearings, and other engine internals before failure is more cost-effective than dealing with an unexpected breakdown.
Navigating the Road Ahead: Potential Solutions
While the driver shortage poses real challenges, there are promising steps being taken across the industry to attract and retain qualified drivers – and to support the fleets that depend on them.
- Improved Working Conditions: Many fleets are investing in better pay structures, improved benefits, safer equipment, and more predictable home-time schedules. These upgrades help reduce turnover and make driving a more sustainable long-term career.
- Apprenticeship & Training Programs: Streamlined CDL training, paid apprenticeships, and on-the-job mentorship are becoming more common. By reducing the upfront cost and complexity of obtaining a CDL, companies are opening the door for younger drivers who may not have considered trucking as a career.
- Government Incentives: Tax credits, grant-funded training programs, and federal/state workforce initiatives are helping offset training costs for new drivers. These incentives make it easier for recruits to enter the industry and for fleets to sponsor their growth.
- Affordable, Reliable Maintenance Options: One of the biggest barriers for owner-operators—and a major cost driver for fleets – is the rising price of equipment and repairs. Access to high-quality, affordable diesel engine components plays a critical role in keeping trucks on the road without overwhelming maintenance budgets.
- Remanufactured and Premium Aftermarket Engine Parts: We offer a cost-effective alternative to OEM components while still delivering dependable performance. For many fleets, these options help reduce repair costs, extend equipment life, and make the total cost of ownership more manageable – especially when every operational dollar counts.
Order from Highway and Heavy Parts Today
At Highway and Heavy Parts, we understand how the driver shortage changes the demands on your equipment. That’s why we focus on:
- High-quality internal engine components that meet or exceed OEM specifications.
- Fast, reliable shipping from multiple distribution centers.
- Expert-level technical support to help diagnose issues and choose the right parts.
- Stock availability to minimize downtime and keep trucks moving.
- Warranty-backed parts for peace of mind in a high-pressure operating environment.
Guaranteed for fit and function, HHP parts have the right combination of quality and price with total support from our on-staff ASE-certified technicians. With specialized knowledge, quality products, fast shipping, and unbeatable customer service, HHP has you covered.
Call 844-304-7688 or visit highwayandheavyparts.com to place your order today.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway and Heavy Parts.
The Real Benefits of Remanufactured Diesel Engine Parts
Remanufactured diesel engine parts offer a practical alternative to new OEM components. To understand their value, you first need to understand what “remanufactured” really means.
Continue reading The Real Benefits of Remanufactured Diesel Engine PartsProduct Spotlight: Case and New Holland Diesel Fuel Injectors
Agricultural equipment is perhaps the most critical machinery in use today, directly providing for someone’s livelihood. Properly functioning diesel fuel injectors for your Case or New Holland farm equipment are just as important.
Continue reading Product Spotlight: Case and New Holland Diesel Fuel Injectors
