Ford E-Series Van is Discontinued!

Ford is discontinuing their E-Series van, a best-selling vehicle for the motor company. Replacement options for the van range from Ford's new European-style van to the comparable GM Express van. However, the disadvantages to having a work van remain. Maintenance costs of replacement vans are likely higher, the factor availability will be months, and fuel efficiency is not ideal. These factors result in high initial costs, fuel costs, and time lost.

Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies offers the best van alternative solution, the Durashell. When added to a pickup truck such as the Ford F-Series, the Durashell service body creates a work truck that is of similar size to the E-Series van. It is also comparable in increased initial cost to the other van replacement options. However, the Durashell offers benefits that cannot be achieved with a full-size van.

Durashell 170 Van Alternative

• The Durashell service body has factory availability of between one and three weeks.
• The ownership costs are also lower with little maintenance needed and a lifecyle that outlasts multiple pickup trucks. 
• The Durashell is made of a lightweight fiberglass composite that provides better fuel economy. Because a Durashell is used in conjunction with a pickup truck, resale value is increased. 
• The Durashell is completely transferable in contrast to traditional bolt-on service bodies. Transferability with no-holes-drilled installation means both the pickup truck and Durashell can be resold for more.

Call your Fleetwest representative toll free today at 866-497-7200 to find out how you can save $200 a month compared to your current van or get a quote online.

Pest Control Work Trucks

Service bodies are used for a range of industries from HVAC to telecommunications. The Durashell by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies pictured below is customized for the pest control business. This service body is a great example of how utility bodies can work for you to make any particular job easier.

The work environment is made more efficient for technicians because of the Durashell's ergonomic design. Injuries related to bending, reaching, or lifting are reduced. Supplies can easily be reached from side compartments or on optional 100% extendable sliding decks. Double locking compartments and doors as well as secure, sturdy material protect cargo and expensive tools from weather damage or theft. 

The need for idling is reduced because cargo is separated from the driver, unlike in a traditional van. Cargo separation increases driver safety and fuel economy, two important factors for fleet managers. Fuel economy is further improved because Durashell service bodies are made of a durable yet lightweight fiberglass composite material.

Transferability is one of the best features of Durashell service bodies. Unlike bolt-on service bodies, transferable units will provide fleets with flexibility, fuel savings, and a higher resale value. Call your Fleetwest representative at 866-497-7200 to get a Durashell quote today.

Chevy Suburban Alternative

The Chevy Suburban 2500 has been discontinued. This vehicle is a favorite for police and fire departments. It is used for chief vehicles and tactical response units among other things. Alternatives to the Suburban include Ford Transits, Dodge ProMasters, and GM Vans; however, these options can be costly and have a long delivery period.

The Durashell 140 by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies is a favorable alternative to the Chevy Suburban, especially for fire and police departments. Combined with a crew cab short-bed pickup truck such as the Ram crew cab, the Durashell creates a work vehicle that exceeds the Suburban. Durashell service bodies make work trucks of similar size as the Suburban, but they are durable and lightweight. The fiberglass composite material that makes up the Durashell weighs less than traditional steel utility bodies. Lightweight vehicles provide a better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs.

Durashell service bodies are completely transferable. Unlike the Suburban or other alternative vehicles, the Durashell can be removed from a pickup in minutes and placed on another when a truck is a rental, damaged, or in the shop for maintenance. The Durashell can easily be equipped with side doors and compartments, 100% extendable sliding trays, and organizable shelves for easy access to equipment. These features make the Durashell a more ergonomic option than the Suburban. It is also safer for crews because they are not reaching back for supplies while driving.

Call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200 to get a quote on the Durashell 170.

Fuel-Cell Technology For Work Trucks

Grocery merchants have a new way to 'keep cool' when it comes to delivering ice cream, frozen foods, and fresh produce. Fuel-cell technology provides cool temperatures for refrigerated trucks that are normally cooled by small, diesel engines according to WorkTruckOnline.

Fuel cells are a clean technology that make energy silently. They also reduce emissions because the only byproducts are heat and water. The user benefits from fuel savings of about 10 gallons per day, per vehicle. They also benefit from reduced pollutant emissions and quieter operations.

The economy will also benefit from the increased use of fuel-cell technology. More jobs will be created in the energy sector and the cost of fuel cells will go down. The increase of fuel-cell manufacturing will create a stronger domestic supplier base.

Merchants can further their fuel savings and emission reductions by using lightweight service bodies. The Durashell by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies is made of a lightweight, yet rugged fiberglass composite. The Durashell reduces the overall weight of a work truck, and subsequently reduces fuel cost and emissions. Fiberglass utility bodies also provide excellent insulation for food industries. The Durashell plus fuel-cell technology create a perfect combination to keep food cool and fresh throughout the entire delivery process.

Insulated Durashell

Secure Side Doors for Easy Access

Durashell 365

 If you are interested in a Durashell service body for your food truck, call a Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200 to get a quote.

Emergency Response Work Trucks

On the twelfth anniversary of 9/11, we remember the people that we lost and the brave men and women that risked their lives to save others. HardWorkingTrucks.com featured the Remembrance Rescue Project which showcases two of the first responder vehicles at the World Trade Center. Rescue 4 and Rescue 5 are the only two heavy rescue trucks left that responded on 9/11. The project is operated by firefighters who volunteer their time to restore and preserve these trucks so they may be used as a memorial and educational tools.

The Durashell by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies pictured below has been transformed into a Fire Emergency Response Unit. Durashell service bodies are lightweight yet rugged, making them ideal for customization. The Emergency Response Unit utilizes the Durashell 170 for 170 cubic feet of storage space organized with options such as sliding decks and side compartments. The sliding deck is 100% extendable and provides ease of operation while reducing risk of technician back injuries. Side compartments can be organized with dividers and shelves to optimize storage of small parts and tools. When emergency responders are reporting to a scene, it is important for them to have the quick and easy access to supplies that Durashell provides.

Fleetcon Management Solutions

Fleetcon 2013 in Reno, Nevada begins today and is sold out. Attending fleet professionals will receive the latest information in work truck technology as well as opportunities to expand and develop fleet strategies in an ever-changing industry.

This year's expo offers educational seminars covering fleet management, green fleets, and what to expect in the future fleet industry. The sessions also provide information on technicians and support staff who are interested in fleet management.

Topics include:

• Controlling fleet costs
• Optimizing vehicle cost and utilization
• Productivity, staffing and space management

Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies offer solutions to all of the above topics with Load'N'Go and Durashell Service Bodies. Load'N'Go service bodies are completely transferable on and off pickup trucks in minutes with no-holes-drilled installation. Fleet costs are lowered by reducing the number of vehicles necessary and eliminating extra equipment. Downtime is also lowered when a pickup truck needs to go in for routine repairs or if there is an accident. Fleetwest service bodies can be easily transferred to another pickup fully loaded and continue on to the job site. Vehicle cost, utilization, and productivity are optimized.

Durashell service bodies provide excellent space management because they are large and rugged, yet lightweight. Organized, customizable storage space is available with side compartments, sliding decks, and aluminum shelving.

Call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200 to get a quote on a Load'N'Go or Durashell transferable service body.

Utility Work Trucks

The Durashell 140 by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies is designed with utility companies and municipalities in mind.

• Technician injuries are reduced by making the work environment efficient and avoiding strenuous activities such as reaching for heavy tools. 
• Cargo is protected from weather damage or theft and inventory is secure, providing a more accurate system.
• Durashells are completely transferable from one truck to another with no-holes-drilled installation so the resale value of both the pickup truck and service body are increased.
• Technician downtime is reduced when trucks need repairs. Simply move the Durashell fully loaded from one pickup to another in minutes.
• The work environment provided by the Durashell is customizable so technicians can create the best work truck to fit their needs.

Secure, Customizable Side Compartments

140 Cubic Feet of Organized Storage Space

Wide Double Barn-Style Doors

Optional Sliding Decks

Durashell 140

 Call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200 to get a quote on the Durashell that best fits your needs.

Better Fleet Management with Durashell

Automotive-fleet.com defines 'fleet creep' as both the size and quantity of vehicles within a fleet slowly growing over time. 'Fleet creep' is not just costly but also hindering to sustainability initiatives. The larger size of vehicles and larger number of vehicles within a fleet increase overall emissions and subsequently a company's carbon footprint.

Rightsizing a fleet can be achieved by determining exactly how many vehicles are needed for maximum efficiency and the size of those vehicles. Managing fleet size is the best way to reduce vehicle and fuel costs.

• The Durashell by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies provides a solution for rightsizing fleets. Durashell service bodies are made of a lightweight fiberglass composite that weighs less than comparable steel service bodies. A lighter work truck will decrease fuel costs and emissions. The Durashell is rugged and will outlast multiple pickup trucks, furthering savings. 

Durashell

• Another way Durashell service bodies help achieve the right fleet size is through transferability. The Durashell is completely transferable on and off a pickup truck in minutes with no-holes-drilled installation. It can be moved from one pickup truck to another fully loaded for convenience and efficiency. Less pickup trucks are needed within a fleet when you have a transferable service body and downtime is reduced if a vehicle is out for repairs.

No-holes-drilled Installation

Call your Fleetwest representative toll-free at 866-497-7200 to get a Durashell quote today.

Utility Bodies for Every Industry

Fiberglass service bodies are extremely versatile which makes them ideal for a large range of industries. Below are four Durashell service bodies by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies all used by vastly different companies. Common characteristics include durability, the ability to transfer from one pickup truck to another, and customizable accessories such as cabinets, sliding decks, and ladder racks. Refer to the Labor Day Work Trucks blog below for more information.

Durashell 370

The Durashell 370 (pictured above) is perfect for the HVAC industry because of the 370 cubic feet of customizable storage space. More than enough room is available for large A/C and heating supplies. There are optional aluminum shelves along the inner walls for organized storage. The company chose to get the Durashell and pickup truck wrapped for advertising purposes. Durashells can easily be wrapped with logos creating a mobile billboard. The Durashell has a quality gel coat finish that provides a smooth surface ideal for signage.

Durashell 365

Pool contractors and water management companies love the Durashell 365.  With 365 cubic feet of storage space for pipes and pumps, this Durashell weighs in at only 700 pounds. Lightweight service body material makes for better fuel economy and savings. The large double barn-style doors create easy access to supplies. Side compartments are also available for convenience.

Durashell 140/170

The Durashell 140 (short bed) and Durashell 170 (long bed) are lighter than the larger models, but equally as rugged. Electrical technicians such as cable and telecommunications workers get great utility from the Durashell 140/170. Side compartments are easily organized with customizable shelves and bins. Rest assured that parts and expensive tools are safe with secure locking rear and side-access doors.

**Now through September 14th Fleetwest is offering a Durashell Package Special that includes the Durashell 140 or Durashell 170. Click here for more information. 

  

Durashell 230

Window repair and replacement contractors of all sizes love the Durashell 230.  This model allows technicians to secure large pieces of glass and supplies safely without the risk of damage. Sliding decks reduce the risk of back injury on the job site. Because Durashells are completely transferable on and off a pickup truck with no-holes-drilled installation, the amount of heavy cargo transfers are reduced.

To get a quote on any Durashell service body, call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200.