CNG Work Trucks

Compressed Natural Gas is the way of the future for fleets and work trucks. Companies are offering new CNG vehicles and consumers are responding by incorporating the trucks into their fleets such as waste management organizations. CNG powered trucks are widely used for delivery, transportation, industrial, and vocational services.

CNG is increasingly being used as a transport fuel in waterways and coastal shipping. When used with traditional gasoline in hybrid vehicles, the result is extended range, reduced emissions, and lower operating costs. Natural gas development will continue to drive the U.S. economy into 2020.

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation safely produces natural gas energy in order to protect public health, environmental health, and support communities, according to their mission statement. Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies offers Load'N'Go models that are ideal for the alternative fuel industry. The Load'N'Go Sportsman for example provides plenty of secure storage and has an exposed pickup truck bed so that potentially combustible  materials can be safely transported. The 1000 pound capacity drawer provides more secure storage and has both cylinder and padlockable T-handles for protection from theft or damage.

The Durashell models are also ideal for the alternative fuel industries. They range in size from 90 to 370 cubic feet of storage space. Their design allows for customized interiors so that materials can be arranged in the most secure way. To get a quote for a Load'N'Go or Durashell service body, call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200.

Durashell 370

For Sale: Used Service Body SOLD

 Used Load'N'Go Long Bed Security-Top: Starting at $5250.00
SOLD

Purchasing a used service body offers the benefits of a new model for huge savings. The black Load'N'Go Security-Top by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies pictured below fits long bed Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and GMC model pickup trucks. This unit is located in Washington. Check out the Fit Guide to find a Load'N'Go service body for your work truck.

• This used Load'N'Go Security-Top features aluminum diamond plated and steel side compartments for organized, secure storage. Stainless steel cylinder and padlockable T-handles keep tools and cargo safe from damage or theft.

• A ladder/material rack comes with this used Load'N'Go service body for added storage.

• All Load'N'Go utility bodies come with 1000 pound capacity customizable drawers for convenience on the job.

• The Load'N'Go Security-Top has a removable top that slides back for easy access to your tools or cargo and closes securely for protection from theft or damage.

If you are interested in this used Load'N'Go Security-Top call Tom at 480-736-8800. To see the Internet Special click here or visit Commercial Truck Trader.

**The current owner of this Load'N'Go Security-Top will remove all lettering and signage before selling the unit.**

Work Truck News

2014 Chevy Silverado

The newest Chevy Silverado has arrived. The Silverado was the second best selling vehicle in 2013. Changes to the newest version include the EcoTec3 engine which boosts more power and torque while improving fuel-economy. The EcoTec3 also increases towing and payload capacity.

Cosmetic changes to the 2014 Chevy are minor but the body is lighter and more aerodynamic to further improve economy. The six speed automatic transmission is consistent with previous Silverados.

A Max Trailer package will be available from Chevy in the fall. The package includes up to 11,500 pounds of towing capacity, a 5.3 liter EcoTec3 V8 engine, and trailer sway control. Smart technology such as trailer sway controls reduce the engine power when the cargo sway is detected.

The new 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 can be upfitted with the Load'N'Go Sportsman, Load'N'Go Tradesman, and several Durashell models by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies. Many dealerships offer upfit rebate programs. Call your Fleetwest representative toll free for more information: 866-497-7200.

The Load'N'Go Sportsman and Load'N'Go Tradesman drawer are now available at Lowes.com. 

Load'N'Go Sportsman Available at Lowes.com

Recalls

Dodge Ram has recalled nearly 46,000 1500 4X4 trucks. Concerns with the electronic stability control prompted the recall. The stability control may not start when the truck starts. Ram trucks built between June 2012 and February 2013 are at increased risk of crashes due to the software glitch.

Michelin North America recalled 100,000 tires due to perforations in the side walls. The tires may lose pressure due to the perforations. Most vehicles that use the tires in question are light pickup trucks and SUV's. 

100 Best Fleets

Elite Fleet is an honorary title given to the top fleet in the 100 Best Fleets program. This years number one fleet is Culver City. Once given the title, the fleets are ineligible to compete for the next five years, and generally asked to judge the future contest. Being the best fleet brings recognition from neighboring fleets as well as national organizations. Elite Fleets lead the way in innovative and efficient fleet management. How does one become an Elite Fleet? Here are some tips from the experts; previous Best Fleet winners.

Maximize ROI

• Maximizing the vehicle return on investment can provide revenue for upfitting fleet vehicles or purchasing new, innovative fleet technologies.
• Having a large fleet means disposal of hundreds of vehicles annually. Creating a higher resale value can provide large savings.
• Vehicle ROI needs to be considered during initial truck acquisition.
• Small details such as adding a bed-liner to a pickup truck, tinting the windows in warmer climates, and picking a popular paint color such as white can increase resale value.
• Bolt-on truck bodies damage both the pickup truck and the service body itself. Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies offer slip-on models that won't damage the vehicle and are easily removed for a higher resale value and maximized ROI. 

 Rightsizing a Fleet

• Rightsizing a fleet can mean either increasing or decreasing the number of vehicles and drivers.
• Using vehicle utilization studies can help determine an accurate number of trucks with maximum utilization.
• Underused vehicles or equipment can be sold at auction to increase ROI.
• Integrating transferable truck bodies into a fleet provides more versatility and eliminates the need to purchase more pickup trucks. Load'N'Go truck bodies can be moved from one truck to another when needed if the pickup is in the shop or a technician is out.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Many government fleets develop maintenance partnerships. This strategy works well for both the fleet and the partner because they can benefit from fleet services.
• Investing in durable and secure fleet vehicles and service bodies can reduce overall maintenance costs. Durashell service bodies are lightweight yet rugged and offer plenty of secure storage space to protect expensive tools and cargo.

Go Green

• Investing in a green fleet when rightsizing or initially acquiring vehicles saves money initially, in fuel costs, and provides companies with an environmental stamp of approval.
• Some organizations have invested in hiring a green fleet coordinator to advise on the best way to incorporate environmental technology into a fleet.
• Goals can be set to reduce fleet petroleum fuel, carbon emissions, and overall environmental impact.
• Lightweight vehicles require less fuel and reduce carbon emissions. Durashell service bodies are made of a lightweight fiberglass composite and can reduce fuel costs to create a greener fleet.

Work Truck Safety

Fleet managers know that having a 'safety first' culture is important when operating heavy machinery. Safety goes hand-in-hand with operational excellence and management controls how the safety culture of an organization is shaped.

Being on the road is a unique scenario because there is no safety accountability. It is in the hands of the driver to perform tasks in a safety conscience matter. The actions of drivers can effect the company's image in either a positive or negative way. Reckless driving can mean pricey injury and insurance costs. Worst of all, an accident or bad driving behavior can ruin the reputation of a company. Unfortunately, the driver is not only responsible for their own driving. They also need to look out for others on the road.

Tips for improving driver safety:

• Communicate - communication is important throughout the company, from the management to drivers and customers. Communicating the importance of safety will improve driver accountability on the road.
• Technology Concerns - technology and driving has good and bad impacts. There has been a significant increase in cell phone related accidents in the past year. Consider hands-free communication devises, or simply have a no tolerance rule when it comes to talking and driving. Technology has also come a long way to help improve fleets. Mobile apps are available to located cheap gas, identify speed limits, and keep track of drive time. When applied safely, technology can benefit a fleet rather than harm drivers on the road.
• Driver Accountability - tracking driver safety habits is a way to review good or bad practices and discuss them for fleet improvement. The pitfall to these technologies are the expense as well as expressing a mistrust of the driver. The best way to integrate vehicle tracking is through incentive programs and good communication.
• The Right Equipment - Fleet vehicles are generally large and warrant more laws of the road. Knowing different laws from state to state, such as weigh stations, is important. Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies offer Load'N'Go and Durashell models for work trucks that are safe, secure, and lightweight. 

Load'N'Go Security Top

 The Load'N'Go Security-Top is true to its name-sake:

• The Security-Top has secure double locking compartments, both cylinder and pad-lockable T-handles.
• A removable top that exposes the bed of the pickup truck for ease of work also securely shuts to protect tools and equipment from theft or damage.
• A 1000 pound capacity drawer with stainless steel locks adds secure storage to the Security-Top.
• Side compartments provide organized, customizable storage.
• Pictured above with a hydraulic ladder rack, the Security-Top can store large ladders atop work trucks that are easily and safely accessible. 
• As shown on the Fit Guide, the Security-Top fits long and short bed popular model pickup trucks by Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and Ford.

Call a Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-496-7200 to get a quote for the Load'N'Go Security-Top.

Eliminate Fleet Downtime Costs

Fleet drivers and self employed technicians alike depend on their vehicles to get the job done. Accidents, driver time off, and work truck repairs result in costly downtime, and simply put, there is no good time for downtime. Downtime cost is an important factor to consider when running a fleet.

Preventative measures can be taken to avoid downtime, and to handle costs when downtime occurs in order to soften the blow. Knowing the employment costs (salaries, commission, etc.) as well as the variable and fixed costs of vehicles can help in preparing for the unexpected.

The best way to lower or eliminate downtime costs is by having a plan. Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies provide you with alternative transportation options. When a pickup truck is in the shops for repairs or an accident occurs, Load'N'Go service bodies can be moved from the damaged pickup truck onto another in minutes, fully loaded.

With bolt-on bodies, continuing to operate a work truck depends on the condition of the pickup or van. This means that an individual or company continues to incur expenses until the vehicle is repaired. When a vehicle and its driver are out, there is a loss of approximately $80 an hour between hard and soft costs. Those costs can be controlled with a transferable truck body because it does not depend on the condition of the vehicle. Load'N'Go service bodies are installed with the use of lifting jacks or built in forklift tunnels. No holes are drilled so there is no permanent damage done to the pickup truck or service body. To see a transferable vs. bolt-on service body comparison click here.

If downtime is inevitable, the best way to minimize the effects is by tracking the details. Keeping updated records of registration renewals and employment history can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

To add a Load'N'Go service body to your fleet, call toll free at 866-497-7200 or get a quote.

Money Saving Fleet Tips

If you are a fleet manager, or simply own a large vehicle, fuel costs can be a major burden. Investing in expensive technologies is not the only way to lower gas budgets. There are ways to reduce fuel costs without the need for alternative fuel systems.

• Reducing wind resistance - If the speed of your vehicle is consistently over 45 MPG, focus on reducing wind resistance. This can be done by adjusting the aerodynamics of your vehicle. If you have a pickup truck with a service body, arrange tools and cargo in an aerodynamic manner. Avoid using bulky items, such as ladder racks, on the freeway. 

• Reduce rolling resistance - If the speed of your vehicle is consistently under 45 MPG, consider measures to reduce the rolling resistance. Managing the vehicle frontal area will improve the drag coefficient. Vertically mount storage in the frontal area of a work truck service body.

• Braking losses - Driver behavior modification is a relatively easy and cost-effective way to reduce fuel intake. Monitoring the speed of drivers and training them on braking and idling behaviors can produce significant savings.

• Reducing the payload of a work truck saves fuel. Having a lighter service body allows for a larger payload. Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies offers fiberglass composite Durashell service bodies from 90 to 375 cubic feet of storage space.

To see how Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies can further reduce the costs within your fleet, check out the life-cycle cost comparison.

Vehicle maintenance is the other steep cost that fleet managers and private owners alike must endure. A new, innovative way that fleet managers are cutting maintenance costs is by investing in a 3-D printer. Companies are able to print truck parts created by digital design. The result is in-house production that is cheaper and more time-effective than outsourcing. The parts are also customizable and can be made aerodynamically to further reduce costs. Most fleet managers believe the initial cost (which can be pricey) of acquiring a 3-D printer is worth the savings. Inventory, warehouse requirements, and retailer relations are all reduced or non-existent. Printed parts can easily be installed to pickup truck tool boxes and service bodies.