LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Michelin is expanding its popular Advantage Program to owner/operators and says it will soon offer the program in Canada as well.

The program is aimed at providing small fleets with the same support and technical expertise traditionally available only to large fleets.

“We’ve seen the popularity of the Michelin Advantage Program increase significantly as more and more people are realizing that you don’t have to be a big fleet to get an advantage or have a relationship with Michelin,” said Fritz Mueller, small fleet business segment manager Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “For example, in January 2011, Michelin doubled the number of customers who signed up for this program compared to the same month last year. Now, more trucking professionals that operate their own business will have additional opportunities to control their costs, save time and improve their safety.”

The Michelin Advantage Program provides an online resource for small fleets and owner/operators that enables them to make better tire purchasing and maintenance decisions.

It’s a business program that’s free of charge. It also provides benefits such as access to Michelin’s ONCall emergency roadside assistance service with no dispatch fee. Members also have access to a wide range of training information and maintenance tips and techniques.

The program’s Canadian introduction is currently in the works, and Trucknews.com will have further updates when it becomes available on this side of the border.