Frequently Asked Questions
- What does InterStar do? What services are available?
- Why should I call InterStar when there are websites with free listings of vendors?
- My company has their own breakdown call center. Why should we call InterStar?
- Which types of equipment and vehicles does InterStar provide service for?
- What geographic areas can InterStar cover with service?
- Are vendors monitored for quality, service, and cost? Are they insured?
- How is billing/payment handled?
- Do we have to pay enrollment fees? Membership fees? Service agreement fees?
- Do we have to sign a contract / service agreement to receive service?
- What are the major differences between InterStar and other fleet breakdown companies?
- How do I become an InterStar customer?
- How do I become an InterStar vendor?
1. What does InterStar do? What services are available?
InterStar provides maintenance and repair management services for commercial trucking fleets and owner operators. InterStar, which has been in business for nearly 30 years, got it's start in the intermodal industry and began adding commercial service through the years.
Intermodal and commercial road service is handled by our 24/7 call center staffed with experienced repair coordinators. Tire, mechanical and towing road service is provided in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
2. Why should I call InterStar when there are websites with free listings of vendors?
If you use a website to locate truck repair services as part of your road service operation, there are a few things you should consider. Many of the listing websites are in business to sell advertising space to repair shops--they are not in the business of providing the most comprehensive and throrough directory.
You may also realize that you're paying higher, walk-in rates when you call vendors that are not part of a managed network. With InterStar, we provide high volumes of repairs to many of our vendors and they provide InterStar with lower, negotiated rates which we can pass on to our customers.
3. My company has their own breakdown call center. Why should we call InterStar?
If your fleet has a breakdown group, you're familiar with the high costs of staffing and operating a 3-shift call center. Your core business is transportation and InterStar's is managing emergency road service. We have had many fleets save costs and achieve maintenance goals by allowing InterStar to manage their equipment maintenance instead of keeping it in-house.
We encourage you to explore giving InterStar the opportunity to manage your tire, mechanical and towing incidents. We recommend fleets begin by allowing us to manage 2nd and 3rd shift breakdowns. We're confident you'll want to take advantage of having InterStar manage your entire road service operation!
4. Which types of equipment and vehicles does InterStar provide service for?
InterStar handles most types of commercial equipment. Most of our work is on class 3 through 8. InterStar does not provide road service for passenger automobiles.
5. What geographic areas can InterStar cover with service?
InterStar provides service in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
6. Are vendors monitored for quality, service, and cost? Are they insured?
Our vendor network is the foundation of InterStar's success. Our vendor management department works closely with vendors to ensure they meet insurance qualifications. In order to maintain the best network, our vendors are constantly monitored to make sure they have competitive pricing and that they provide prompt, quality service.
7. How is billing/payment handled?
InterStar customers can choose to receive paper or electronic invoices (EDI) by applying for an InterStar credit account. Customers can also pay for service with a Comchek or credit card.
8. Do we have to pay enrollment fees? Membership fees? Service agreement fees?
No, no, and no.
9. Do we have to sign a contract/service agreement to receive service?
No, owner operators and fleets of all sizes can become a customer without signing a service agreement.
10. What are the major differences between InterStar and other fleet breakdown companies?
InterStar has been offering road service solutions in the trucking industry for nearly 30 years. Our customers call us because we get their equipment back on the road quickly and at a fair price. Our experienced repair coordinators, managed vendor network, advanced breakdown systems, and custom fleet solutions allow us to enjoy success.
Other fleet breakdown companies require contracts with monthly fees and per occurrence dispatch fees. There are no contracts or service agreements with InterStar and our repair management fee is competitive.
In addition, other breakdown companies don't advertise that they may hold back upwards of 10% of a vendor's invoice. Do you think a vendor is likely to provide their most competitive rates if they know they are going to be paid only a percentage of their invoice? InterStar provides rates up front for tire and mechanical service.
11. How do I become an InterStar customer?
Please visit our Customers web page for information on becoming an InterStar customer.
12. How do I become an InterStar vendor?
Please visit our Vendors web page for information on becoming an InterStar vendor.
| 
