Wake Up, Stand Up, Rise Above

Wake Up, Stand Up, Rise Above

Commodity Prices Are On the Rise - $$$

The commodities crunch is corporate America's dirty little secret. Even as consumers open their wallets once again and sales volume improves, inflationary pressure is creeping in. It's hitting companies small and large. And even giant corporations with plenty of heft to negotiate the best possible rates from suppliers are feeling the pinch. Procter & Gamble's (PG) chief financial officer, Jon Moeller, told us on Squawk Box that the consumer-products giant saw a 160-basis-point impact from higher input costs late last year. For now, P&G has offset that rise with its productivity and cost-saving programs.


That can't continue indefinitely, of course. Commodities prices continue to skyrocket -- last year crude-oil prices were up 17.3%, sugar climbed 25.5%, and wheat rose 49.3% -- and eventually will start seriously chomping into corporate profits. (Not that investors have noticed: Thomson Reuters has analysts forecasting a 13.4% climb in corporate profits in 2011.) "Either the revenue picture will start increasing more rapidly over the next few quarters, and that will offset higher costs, or profits will get hit," says Ashwani Kaul, head of his own investment advisory firm. "Something has to give."


Some companies are taking matters into their own hands and acting aggressively to push higher costs on to consumers. Cooper Tire & Rubber (CTB) just jacked up its prices for the second time in six months, boosting them 6.5% in November. The company says it expects its raw-materials costs to climb another 2% to 4% in the fourth quarter.  http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/tag/becky-quick/
Excerpt from Fortune Magazine Article by Becky Quick  January 21, 2010

Sometimes Things Just Don't Go As You Planned!

This guy really thought he had a good idea when he went all out to attack the ball.  I'm sure he did, but all good plans go awry sometimes.  If you're not happy with your Trailer Parts provider perhaps you should give us a call.  Fontaine PartSource won't let you fall on your face.  Your customers are the most important part of your business.  We know that and we know how to help you keep your customers.  Call A.J. or Daniel today at 1-205-385-0800 and they'll get you what you need quickly for your Fontaine or other branded trailer - Flat - Heavy Haul - Van.  We've got you covered. http://www.fontainepartsource.com/

Christmas May Be Over - Now the Fun Begins!

 

Santa might be done with his work this year, but we're not.  Fontaine PartSource is here to serve you, no Mai Tai's mind you, but we've got your Trailer Parts covered.  Call A.J. or Daniel today and if you call by 2:00pm CST we'll have our Sleigh full and out the door for your quick delivery.  By the way, don't forget to ask A.J. and Daniel about those ConMet Hubs and TSE Brake Chambers on Special.  Price too low to advertise! Call us today at 205-385-0800.

Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Ol' Santa's on the way to the stables making sure the crew are all ready for the big night!  While he's there he's checking on the Sleigh to make sure everything's in working order.

Just in case it's not, Santa knows to go to www.fontainepartsource.com . Yep, we'll have whatever he needs to get the sleigh in tip top shape.  Hey, the kids are counting on us.

The New Years upon us so be sure you've got our number handy.  205.385.0803 for A.J. and 205.385.0801 for Daniel.  They'll be ready for your call with all the things you need to keep your trailers running and in tip top shape.

And don't forget about all our families serving us in the Armed Forces here and around the Globe.  It's our hope that each of you have the very merriest and happy Christmas ever and that God will richly bless you in the coming New Year!

 

Where's Your Business Going Next Year?

2010 showed improvement for most and for some, like Fontaine PartSource it was a very good year. 

The Commercial Aftermarket began to show improvements in Q-3 as more trailers got on the road.  We were fortunate and hard work paid off as PartSource won a good deal of competitor's share as well. How'd we do it?  Staying to our 80/20 Principles - we took very good care of our "80" customers.  That 20% that provided 80% of our business. We are doing quite well with the "80" and they've got more business to give, as long as we meet their needs on that business better than anyone else. We intend to do just that! Along the way, some of those in the "20" will surface as potential "80" accounts and we'll lazer in.

The Military Spare Parts market continues to grow as we find opportunities outside of our core and proprietary offerings. As published in the DoD Maintenance Fact Book for 2010, "the DoD  is a big business, spending about $80 billion in FY2009.  They've got 290 ships, 14,000 aircraft, 800 strategic missiles, 361,000 ground combat and tactical vehicles, and myriad DoD weapon systems, components and equipment items."  DoD has a lot to maintain. It is our goal to give the U.S. Military exemplary service levels on original equipment spare parts and help keep the Warfighters on point and able to do their jobs.

We believe our business is going places in 2011.  If you're not doing business with Fontaine PartSource maybe you should come along for the ride.

Thank You to All our Veterans Past, Current and Future!

Americans are so fortunate that so many have given to preserve our Freedom and Liberty. Thanks to all Veterans, those that have served, have fallen, are serving and will serve in the future!

You are American Freedom!