Love's adds Conti; to upgrade tire centers

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 21, 2014) — Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores  L.L.C. is undertaking an initiative to improve its network of Truck Tire Care centers by broadening the scope of light mechanical services offered, adding better driver amenities and expanding warehousing.

The Oklahoma City-based truck stop chain also is adding Continental-brand tires to the portfolio of brands offered at its 180-plus Truck Tire Care centers across the U.S.

“The lifeblood of a driver is being on the road, and we believe it's our responsibility to offer the best range of products and services to get them back on the road quickly, safely and with proven products,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman, of his firm's decision to broaden its tire offerings.

According to Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C., Love's will offer a range of long-haul products, including its HSL2 Eco Plus steer tire, Conti EcoPlus HD3 drive tire and all wide-based single products, along with the General ST250 trailer tire.

“Our expanded coverage to Love's customers throughout the U.S. means that fleets and owner operators who trust Continental truck tires now have more options to purchase them while they are on the road,” said Paul Williams, Conti's executive vice president, truck tires for the Americas.

Love's now offers eight tire brands, including the Goodyear Fuel Max line added in January. Other new tire brands offered are Aeolus, Bridgestone, BF Goodrich, Firestone, Michelin and Yokohama, along with retreads from the Michelin Retread Technologies network.

On the mechanical services side, Love's said it plans to add such services at roughly 70 Truck Tire Care locations, thereby doubling the number of stops with mechanical service options. The company defines light mechanical services as things like electrical repairs, belts and hoses, fleet and DOT inspections, brake repairs and more.

The truck stop chain also operates two Tire Care centers with full-service maintenance.

Love's did not say how many mechanic's jobs this initiative might create.

“We've received an overwhelmingly positive response since light mechanical services were introduced in 2012,” Mr. Love said. “We're fortunate to be in the position to expand and give truck drivers easy access to services that are imperative to their livelihoods.”

The second part of the initiative involves expanding warehouse space at many of the 180 Truck Tire Care locations and offering drivers waiting for services a more comfortable place to rest.

In addition, newly constructed tire shops will feature attached and enclosed bays, more room and increased amenities.

Love's offers roadside assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the improved Truck Tire Care dispatch center can send a certified technician to a driver's location to help in emergency situations, according to the company.

More information about Love's Truck Tire Care centers and roadside service can be found at its website www.loves.com or by calling 1-800-OKLOVES.

Overall, family-owned and -operated Love's—founded in 1964 by Tom Love—operates more than 310 Travel Stops & Country Stores in 39 states. Last year it generated more than $26 billion in revenue, making it the ninth largest privately owned company in the U.S., according to Forbes magazine.