TALES FROM THE ROAD
Nature's harsh weather is no match for the power of ERSA

By Dean J. Urbano

Winters can be harsh, especially in the United States' northernmost reaches. Brenda Schumacher, office manager of Bradley Jo Charters, Dubuque, Iowa,  became especially aware of that fact as she tried to arrange help for a company coach down on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota, as the worst storm of  the season bore down on the area last month.

The coach, a 2006 MCI® J4500, was unable to build up air pressure, due to a frozen air system. Time was running out, not only for veteran driver Dan Rahe to get passengers to their destination on time, but to stay ahead of the weather working steadfastly against them. Schumacher, who was alone in the office with her six-year-old son and was herself concerned with getting home before the storm, needed to work quickly for all concerned.

"Winter is the toughest time of the year because it's very hard on coaches," says Schumacher. "We were in a state of emergency." A firm believer in the power of ERSA, Schumacher made the call.

Carolyn Newton, ERSA's team leader, took immediate action to stave off a potentially hazardous situation. "Rain can make it difficult to find help, but when you're up against heavy snow and frigid temperatures it can be very difficult to find the help you need and timing is critical," says Newton.

After contacting a number of companies in the area, Newton received a call from Leon Pierce, owner of Triangle Transportation, an MCI customer based in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Pierce didn't have any mechanics in the shop that day, but with the weather worsening, he knew something had to be done. He agreed to head out into the storm to see if he could get the coach back on the road. Within an hour, Pierce was able to assist Rahe in de-icing the coach by revving the engine enough to warm up and break the ice in the air system.

Once the coach was back on the road, ERSA followed up with Schumacher to make sure she and her son made it home safe and sound.

"I recommend ERSA to everyone whether they have MCI or not," says Schumacher. "ERSA helps you whether it's the smallest problem or the largest of problems such as being on the side of the road. Leon was super to us, and he only charged us $25.00."

Has MCI ERSA helped you in a time of need? If you have a story about how our operators got you and your company's coaches back on the road, let us know! We may use your story in a future issue of FYI. Contact us at fyi@mcicoach.com.