Work Van Alternatives

Work vans are becoming outdated because they are unorganized, hazardous, and make it difficult to access tools and equipment. A better alternative is a transferable truck body. The Durashell by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies is a lightweight, fiberglass model that can be customized with options that best suit your needs. Below are examples of a work van versus the Durashell service body.

Cluttered Work Van

 The Durashell 170 shown above is fitted with 100% extension sliding decks and wide barn-style double doors that make the work truck ergonomic. Technician injuries are reduced with sliding decks because tools and cargo are easily accessible, eliminating strain.

Large drawers require technicians to climb into the work van.

 The Durashell provides easy access and organization through secure side compartments. They can be equipped with bins for small tools and parts, but are large enough for power tools and buckets.

Ladders stored upright in the back of a work van require climbing over other cargo to access.

 The steel ladder rack pictured above allows ladders to be stored on top the work truck, freeing up storage space and making them easily accessible. Hydraulic ladder racks provide further accessibility with an easy-to-maneuver handle that brings the ladder to you.

Free-standing power outlets are dangerous and cumbersome.

The Durashell is available with optional 12 volt power outlets and other electrical features that make on-site jobs easier and safe.

One of the best Durashell features is transferability. Durashell service bodies can be transferred on and off a pickup truck in minutes, with no-holes-drilled installation. Transferability makes a fleet more flexible, and increases the resale value of both the pickup truck and service body. To get a quote on a Durashell service body, call your Fleetwest representative toll free today at 866-497-7200.

Latest Work Truck Options

The Load'N'Go by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies is now available in a raised-floor model. Like all Load'N'Go service bodies, this raised-floor model has an abundance of secure storage with side storage compartments that come standard with a steel shelf, pre-cut with dividers for organization. The side compartments have an internal space of 13 1/2" deep and 21 1/2" tall, providing plenty of usable storage capacity. Security is provided for expensive tools and cargo with double-locking 16 gauge steel doors that are cylinder and padlockable.

The 1000 lb capacity, 70 percent extension pull out drawer comes standard on all Load'N'Go service bodies. The raised-floor model comes with a lower deck floor, providing even more space in the drawer for taller cargo and equipment. Optional uni-strut strips are available to tie down tools and equipment in the bed of the pickup truck for even more security. All Load'N'Go utility bodies allow the tailgate of a pickup truck to be left on, and side storage compartments provide space for long-handled tools and materials such as PVC pipe.

All Load'N'Go service bodies, including the raised-floor model, universally fit major makes and models of pickup trucks such as Ford, GMC, Dodge, and Chevy. Check out the Fit Guide to find the best model for your pickup truck. Get a quote online at Fleetwest.net for the new raised-floor Load'N'Go or call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200.

Let Uncle Sam Work for You

You can benefit from changes to the Section 179 tax deductions. Depreciation deductions are available for up to $500,000 on equipment purchased in 2012 and 2013, raised from previous years. The tax deduction covers equipment used for business purposes before the year's end. There is a bonus depreciation of 50% for new equipment only. The total limit on purchases is $2,000,000 as of January 1, 2013, with purchases in 2012 qualifying for new, higher deduction limits. More information on the changes can be found at www.section179.org.

Almost all types of "business equipment" qualifies for the Section 179 deduction. Before the year is over, take advantage of purchasing larger equipment such as service bodies for fleet vehicles. Purchasing this equipment during the calendar year is financially advantageous to businesses, large or small. Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies qualify for Section 179 tax deductions. Load'N'Go or Durashell service bodies can be purchased now, and put into use before December 31st, 2013 in order to take advantage of this generous tax code.

New Load'N'Go ST-2000

Companies should act now to take advantage of the Section 179 tax deductions, as they can change every year without notice. Call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200 to purchase a new Load'N'Go or Durashell service body and benefit from Uncle Sam.

Secure Work Trucks

Truck cargo theft has increased 5% in the U.S. during the last three months, and the value of each of the 200+ incidents has increased 9% according to FreightWatch International.  Cargo stolen ranged from food and drinks, to expensive electronics and auto parts. Unsecured parking made up the majority of the theft incidences. No matter what industry, cargo theft is an unexpected, costly hassle. Fleet managers can put preventative measures in place to combat cargo theft by securing vehicles.

The easiest way to ensure the safety of cargo is with a secure service body. Most vehicles are equipped with heavy-duty locking mechanisms, and service bodies should not be an exception. Load'N'Go service bodies by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies are equipped with stainless steel, double locking T-handles, and made to protect expensive cargo from both theft and weather damage.

The ST-2000 by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies is the newest Load'N'Go model. All Load'N'Go service bodies are fully transferable on-and off the bed of a pickup truck in minutes. They can be transferred from one pickup to another with optional four-corner lifting jacks, a crane, or a forklift via the built-in forklift tunnels. The ST-2000 is a universal fit for all the major makes of pickup trucks such as Chevy, Dodge, and Ford. Some of the new features available on the ST-2000 include a barn door configuration with double panel doors for additional security, a solid fixed top, and durable spray-in bed liner. Watch the YouTube video below to see the ST-2000 in action.

To get a quote on the brand new Load'N'Go ST-2000, call your Fleetwest representative toll free at 866-497-7200.

Green Fleet Expo

Today kicks off the Green Fleet Expo, a two-day conference dedicated to car and truck fleet professionals at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. The conference provides resources such as learning new strategies for lowering cost of ownership, improving fleet sufficiency, and staying up to date with technology advancements in the work truck industry. Keynote presentations, exhibits, and networking will be made available for fleet management and technicians.

Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies provide solutions to:

•  Lowering cost of ownership - the Fit Guide compares transferable vs. tradition bolt-on service bodies and explains how Load'N'Go utility bodies will lower ownership costs by providing flexibility, reducing technician downtime, and increasing resale value.

• Improving fleet sufficiency - transferable service bodies are more sufficient because they can easily be moved from one pickup truck to another in minutes, fully loaded. Less pickup trucks are needed within a fleet and work trucks are more customizable with Load'N'Go and Durashell service bodies.

• Technology advancements - Durashell service bodies are made of a lightweight, fiberglass composite that is rugged and lowers fuel costs. Load'N'Go service bodies are now powder-coated which is the latest technology for quality service body advancement. The powder coating process creates a more durable, aesthetically pleasing fleet.

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