Work Trucks: Buy or Lease?

Photo source: Chevrolet.com 2016 Silverado-1500

It’s the time of year when you want or need to buy a new work truck. The question that every fleet manager must now answer: Do we lease or do we buy a new work truck? Unfortunately, this question will need to be asked and answered several times. Even after the pros and cons, every financial option and business demands have been weighed, there is always that little voice of doubt- “did I make the right choice?” The answer is never clear cut. Depending on your company’s needs, both options have their advantages.

Leasing Pros:
• Lease payments are lower than loan payments
• Get a new car every few years
      - Latest safety equipment, technology and warranty
• No hassles at the end of a lease
      - Hand over keys if all requirements were met
• Additional financial incentives
      - Can be claimed as a tax deduction

Leasing Cons:
• You don’t own the vehicle
      - Must be maintained in excellent condition and no modifying
• Penalties for wear, tear, and mileage
    - Plan to pay for excessive mileage or poor condition
• Depreciation fees at end of lease
• Endless payments
      - Could end up paying more in the long run

Leasing a new vehicle has its appeal, but is more restrictive and ultimately more expensive than buying and keeping it for a while.

Whether you lease or buy, Fleetwest has the service body for your fleet work truck. Fleetwest offers both heavy duty steel and fiberglass composite service bodies that are 100% transferable, even fully loaded, with a no holes drilled installation. These units are built to outlast many vehicles. That makes them a better return on investment! Not to mention more efficient and increase technician productivity. It’s a no-brainer decision! Check it out for yourself here. Call for a quote today toll-free in the U.S. at (866) 497 -7200.

2017 Ford Super Duty Breaks Guinness World Record | NASCAR | Ford Perfor...

Way to go Ford! This is so cool. Watch how Ford breaks another world record...


source: http://performance.ford.com/series/stock-car-racing/news/articles/sprint-cup/2016/11/ford-super-duty-sets-guinness-world-records-title.html

All-new 2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty claims GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ™ title for the World’s Largest Banner Pulled by a Moving Vehicle, pulling a 45 by 92 foot, 4,124 U.S. flag over four laps at Homestead-Miami Speedway’s 1.5 mile track.

'Tis the Season for giving!! ...Dallas Firehouse Surprise Makeover | Super Duty | Ford

Since this is the Season of Giving, who better to be on the receiving end than people who put their lives on the line everyday to save ours. Watch as the Dallas Cowboys, Ford, Denis Leary, and The Leary Firefighters Foundation give Dallas Firehouse 43 a much needed surprise makeover.



Learn more about the 2017 Ford Super Duty, here: http://ford.to/SuperDuty2017

A nice edition to the Ford Super Duty is a Fleetwest Load'N'Go ST-2000, transforming your pickup into a multiple use work truck in minutes. These units can be removed even while fully loaded and provides additional storage, flexibility, and efficiency. Get a quote here or call (866) 497-7200.

Protect Your Fleet’s Assets

The most common areas for equipment theft are active construction sites. Professional thieves will look for the easiest opportunity or more susceptible vehicles and items. Heavy equipment and Fleet vehicle theft can cause big losses for companies. Not only does the fleet suffer the loss of equipment, also factor in the costs for equipment rental or replacement, project delays and the personnel time wasted.  Higher equipment theft creates a need for increased security measures in fleets.

Top Targets for Thieves

By Category:
• Light Utility Vehicles/Work Trucks and Trailers
• Backhoe Loaders/Skip Loaders/Wheel Loaders
• Generators/Air Compressors /Welders (Towables)
• Skid Steers

By Brand:
• Ford
• Bobcat
• John Deere
• Caterpillar
• CASE

Source: 2013 LoJack proprietary theft and recovery data

There is no one-and-done technology that can completely protect your equipment from theft. There are types of systems can at least help improve your odds of not losing valuable assets in the field. Systems such as: a keyless ignition system, telematics and radio-frequency tracking. Even with these systems, there are also the typical precautions to take in making your fleet less vulnerable to theft.

·         Keep your doors locked at all times!

-   80% of stolen vehicles are attributed to unlocked doors

·         Don’t isolate your truck!

-   Parking near other vehicles in illuminated areas will reduce theft attempts

·         Protect your valuables!

-   Keep your tools and equipment secured, stored and locked up

Fleetwest offers innovative solutions for fleet security. The Load’N’Go Security Top by Fleetwest is designed with features to protect your tools and expensive equipment from damage and theft. The Security Top features double-locking, dual panel steel side doors with pad lockable stainless steel T-handles; as well as a locking/removable roll top that will ensure protection for your work truck. Call a Fleetwest representative today at (866)497-7200 and start protecting your fleet’s assets.

  

Top Ten Reasons the Ford F-150 is #1 Selling Truck

source:  http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/toughten/

10.  High-Strength, Military-Grade, Aluminum-Alloy Body

 Ford’s objective was to reduce weight and increase strength. The F-150 is the only truck in its class* that has this combination; making it up to 700 lbs. lighter than the previous model. Lighter and stronger!

(* Class is Full-Size pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR.)

9.  12,200-LB. Max Tow Rating*

When properly equipped with available 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 4x2. That’s over six tons!

(*Class is Full-Size pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR.)

8.  The Best-in-Class Payload*

Equipped with the 5.0L V8, 4x2, it can carry 3,270 lbs. and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 can haul up to 2,210 lbs. That’s more than every other full-size pickup in its class!

(* Class is Full-Size pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR.)

7.  Highest Gas Mileage

            In the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 4x2, an EPA-estimated rating of 19 city/

            26 hwy/22 combined mpg

(* Actual gas mileage may vary.)

6.  The Safest F-150

The 2016 F-150 is the only truck to earn a NHTSA 5-Star safety rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick on the SuperCab and SuperCrew models equipped with optional Forward Collision Warning. Also, the F-150 received a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA* on every side, for every cab configuration. Safe to say, they aced those tests!!

(^*Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Tests include driver and passenger front, side and barrier and pole tests.)

5.  No Body Rust on the Aluminum Panels

Military-grade aluminum. They put this truck through some extensive testing! Watch the video here, http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/gallery/videos-and-demos/Videos/we-test-durability/FMFS08501000/

4.  Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist

The F-150 is the first pickup truck to offer this feature. With just a simple turn of a knob you can make the trailer go where you need it. They really thought of it all!

3.  Ten Million Miles of Testing

              Ford put these trucks through everything imaginable! Check out the 

              extensive videos at http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/gallery/videos-and-demos/builttoughtest/?intcmp=lp-toughten-cta

2.  More than 100 Patents

              From front to rear, top to bottom, and inside and out, Ford engineers out 

              did themselves!

              http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/innovations360/?intcmp=lp-toughten-cta

1.  The F-Series has been the Best-Selling Brand of Trucks for 39 Years Straight!!

              Why? I think we already said why!

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOs0gL01bkI

There you have it! Since the Ford F-150 is the best-selling brand of truck, it also makes it the best candidate for a great work truck. Fleetwest can help with that! Fleetwest offers both heavy duty steel and lightweight composite models. All models are 100% transferable from one truck to another, even fully loaded, in minutes. They universally fit most full size pickup trucks, 8’ and 6.5’ beds, with a no holes drilled installation making it built to last multiple truck cycles. Fleetwest provides the innovative solutions to optimize your fleets’ productivity and work flow.  For more information, call a Fleetwest representative today toll-free in the U.S. at (866)497-7200 or visit www.fleetwest.net.

Need An All-Terrain Work Truck?

When it comes to trucks, there are a wide range of options available on the market. When it comes to work trucks, sometimes what you need isn’t exactly mass-produced. You may need a truck to haul heavy equipment over rugged and hilly terrain, navigate steep slopes of sand or power across snow covered hills in remote areas. Now I know they make little utility vehicles with a wide range of capabilities, but what about the tool storage? The ability to customize your work truck to suit your needs is what Fleetwest is all about.

The beauty of a Fleetwest transferable utility body is that first, you pick out the truck that you need or use and existing truck for the terrain you work in; then you pick out the utility body needed for your tools and equipment. And it doesn’t end there! Then, you have an array of options to customize your work truck to optimize your productivity and workflow. From custom shelving options to low profile ladder racks, slides, drawers, dividers...the list goes on and on!

The Durashell by Fleetwest is one example of our innovative solutions to your work truck needs.  They are ergonomically engineered and designed to reduce your operational costs while improving your productivity. The Durashell are rugged and lightweight and built to last many truck cycles. They universally fit most full-sized trucks with 8’ and 6.5’ truck beds and are 100% transferable without any drilling or modifications to the truck bed.

Call us at (866) 497-7200 and start building 

your ultimate work truck!

Luke Parrott             Bill Butler

    (480) 261-1058         (602) 736-3919

There is still time!! 2016 Tax Incentives

Just a few weeks left of this year! It’s not too late to take advantage of the Section 179 tax deduction. This deduction is good on new and used equipment financed/purchased and put into service by midnight 12/31/2016.

What is the Section 179 Deduction?

Basically, Section 179 is an incentive created by the U.S. Government for small businesses to invest in themselves, although large businesses can benefit as well. It allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price, of qualifying equipment, from your gross income. The total amount available for write off is $500,000 on a spending cap of $2,000,000 in equipment purchases made in 2016.

Here is an example of how Section 179 works:

To find out all the ins and outs of Section 179 and the answers to all your questions, visit the official website at www.section179.org. An example from said website is the answers to the three most common questions:

Answers to the Three Most Common Section 179 Questions

How Much Can I Save on My Taxes in 2016?
It depends on the amount of qualifying equipment and software that you purchase and put into use. See the handy Section 179 Calculator that's fully updated for 2016, and includes any/all increases from any newly enacted PATH Act.

What Sort of Equipment Qualifies in 2016?

Most tangible business equipment qualifies. Click here for qualifying property.

When Do I Have to Do This By?

Section 179 for 2016 expires midnight, 12/31/2016. If you wish to deduct the full price of your equipment from your 2016 taxes and take advantage of the new higher deduction limits, it must be purchased and put into service by then.

Many businesses are finding Section 179 Qualified Financing to be an attractive option in 2016, especially since the year-end increases don't leave much time for action. Please apply today.

The Section 179 Deduction can be applied to purchases on any capital equipment like the Service Truck Bodies from Fleetwest. To see the complete Fleetwest Line visit our website at www.Fleetwest.net and get a quote today.

Nissan Titan Attempt to Rev-up Full-Size Sales

2016 Nisssan Titan XD (photo:http://www.2017nissantitan.com/)

Nissan and Toyota have tried for years to increase sales of the full-size pickup trucks only to get lost in the dust of the American market leaders. According to Autodata Corp., Japanese branded full size pickup trucks account for just 6% of the 1.3 million trucks sold in the first seven months of this year. Ford was the market leader selling 460,901 F-Series trucks. GM was a close second with 327,768 Silverados and 128,894 GMC Sierras. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles came in third with 271,232 Rams sold. Toyota contributed with 65,440 Tundras sold and Nissan sold 7,242 Titans.

Source: Autodata Corp & Truck.com

Nissan is hoping to shake up the market and boost the sales of its new Titan truck family by offering a five-year, 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The current industry standard is a three-year, 36,000-mile guarantee for pickup truck sales. Nissan would like to increase their sales to around 100,000 trucks annually raising their percentage of market sales to 5%. Hyundai used this trick back in the late 90’s and it did wonders for their sales.

Nissan is aware that they are competing with brands that customers have built long standing relationships with. Typically, truck drivers are loyal to their brand and have been for generations and more than half of repeat owners return to the same brand. It’s not that Nissan doesn’t have a good reputation; it’s just that full-size truck buyers may not relate Nissan with full-size trucks.

The new warranty will start with the new full-size diesel Nissan Titan XD and carry over to the gas version of the XD currently in production. Nissan will also start shipping its smaller half-ton Titan trucks in late September. This redesigned Titan, powered by the same 5.6-liter V8 gas engine as its bigger brother, will replace the current 13 year old model that was due for an upgrade.

Another upgrade you could make to your Titan would be to add a Fleetwest transferable truck body. The Load’N’Go Sportsman is a nice addition to the Titan XD and is light enough for the ½ ton version as well!  The Sportsman is available for 8’ and 6.5’ truck beds and fully transferable even loaded with tools and equipment. Call for a quote today. (866) 497-7200

www.fleetwest.net

Change is good!

Trucks have come a long way in the last 60 years…so why not the same with work trucks? It's time to change the way your Fleet handles tool storage. Instead of the same old Bolt-On bodies that have been made for years, it’s time to think outside of the box; or in this case, inside of the truck bed. Have you heard about the latest work truck technology? The fully transferable truck bodies from Fleetwest are the most versatile and user friendly service - utility Bodies available today. We have a proven technology for increasing technician efficiency and reducing fleet costs.

The Load’N’Go Open Bed by Fleetwest is just one example. It looks very similar to a bolt-on, but can be transferred from one truck bed to another fully loaded, with a no-holes drilled installation. This ability reduces downtime if a vehicle is in need of repair; or removed and put on jacks at a job site to keep your tools safe and secure during the duration of a project. The Load’N’Go is a universal fit for new or existing fleet trucks; full size Ford, Chevy/GMC, Dodge and Toyota trucks with 8’ long and 6.5’ short beds. With the ability to outlast multiple trucks, you get the highest return on investment with a transferable truck body. And that was just a few of the cost-saving benefits.

Start Your Fleet’s Evolution Today!

Call toll-free in the U.S. at (866) 497-7200

Luke Parrott                  Bill Butler
   (480) 261-1058               (602) 736-3919

NSC Distracted Driving Course

We all know that we shouldn’t use our cell phones while driving and that cell phone-related crashes are a problem. Part of this problem is that we are accustomed to use them for long periods of time every day. Many distractions exist while driving as it is, but cell phones are at the top of that list.  Now with the hands-free technology in vehicles we have become even more distracted than ever before.

Multitasking technology is about convenience, not about safety. Fifty-three percent of drivers believe that if it’s hands-free or built-in dashboards, that it’s safer. But the fact is that these technologies distract our brains even long after we use them. We’ve all witnesses a distracted driver on a cell phone, but don’t often think twice about it when that driver is yourself or one of your employees.

Vehicle crashes are the number one cause of workplace death, and distractions are a leading factor. Employees who use a mobile device while driving are four times more likely to crash. The National Safety Council (NSC) has compiled a large amount of research on distracted driving. This includes data on:

• Hands-free devices
• Cognitive distraction
• Text messaging and voice-activated texting
• Cell phones compared to alcohol-impaired driving
• Evaluation of laws and enforcement

 Watch this video to learn more about the devastating consequences of distracted driving.

A cell phone distracted driving policy is crucial to keeping your workers safe from crashes. Learn more about the DDC Distracted Driving Online course, or call (800) 621-7619 to speak with an NSC representative.

Employee safety is always a concern. Fleetwest's composite truck bodies offer many safety features to keep your fleet and technicians safe on a daily basis. An example would be the composite Durashell 175 and 145 are constructed with a 60/40 rear split for safer curbside cargo access. The optional slide out trays also save on technician's backs for easy tool access. For more information or a quote, call us at (866) 497-7200.

Top 5 Reason Why Heavy Duty Trucks are Better Than Light Duty Trucks...O...

Have your eye on a new truck?

Whether you’re looking to go with a Heavy or Light Duty truck your options are almost endless. Here are Nathan and Roman from TFL Truck with their views on a few things to consider...




If you like this video, check out more at http://www.tfltruck.com/

To transform your pickup truck into the ultimate work truck, Fleetwest offers innovative service bodies in both Heavy Duty Steel and Fiberglass Composite construction. All units are 100% transferable, even when fully loaded with tools and equipment, with a no holes drilled installation. A universal fit for most full-sized pickup trucks and available in 8' and 6.5' bed models. Call for more information today toll-free in the U.S. at (866) 497-7200.

NTEA website gets an overhaul

The Association for the Work Truck Industry (NTEA) has re-equipped its website. The reason behind this upgrade is to improve the appearance and make navigating more user friendly for all devices.

The update made the site more compatible with mobile devices to improve upon the user experience. The online resources are more interactive and easier to use, i.e. the Member Directory is a customized marketing tool with its expansive contents. However, users may not experience the website to its full potential without a browser update first. For those using Internet Explorer 11 or earlier versions, an upgrade or use of an alternative browser is recommended.

“At NTEA, we’re always working to improve our products and services,” a spokesperson said. “With intuitive functionality, social media integration, refined search options and a responsive design making the site compatible with your mobile devices, we hope to improve your experience.”

Here at Fleetwest, we too are looking to improve your website experience. Fleetwest.net is currently up and running, though please pardon our dust during construction while we make some much needed updates. We are looking to provide users with greater product knowledge via video virtual tours of our models and make our site navigation more user friendly.  

We will keep you informed during our rebuild and look forward to the finished product. For more information or a quote on one of our transferable service bodies, please call us toll-free in the U.S. at (866) 497-7200.

Counting down the days to Fleetcon 2016?

This year will mark the 40^th Anniversary for Fleetcon and will be held September 12-15, 2016 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Frisco, Texas.  As always, Fleetcon is the education event for all things fleet! This annual event combines education, networking, and introductions to new technologies, innovations and fleet solutions. Attendees flock countrywide for the educational seminars and to have the opportunity to gain comprehensive insight into the latest technologies, innovations, and trends that affect their industries.

Let’s not forget about the Exhibits & Vendor Show! Held Tuesday and Wednesday, the 13^th and 14^th, this is your chance to see first-hand and explore the future of your fleet through the innovative exhibits. Each exhibitor manufactures, distributes, or supplies industry products and/or services to fleet organizations around the country. All of them are experts in their field and willing to share their innovations to help you reach your fleet potential. This is a great opportunity to get hands on with vehicles, equipment, and tools that will improve fleet operations. This is also a chance to develop your network and enjoy face-to-face conversations with the vendors and suppliers.

These exhibits promise not to disappoint, so make your way to Frisco, Texas and expand your horizons!

Unfortunately, due to other commitments, Fleetwest will not be an exhibitor this year. Fleetwest looks forward to these events and the ability to share our innovative products and network with fleet professionals. Keep your eyes out for us next year though.

Fleetwest provides fleet solutions to:

• Lowering cost of ownership - transferable vs. tradition bolt-on service bodies. 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. Fewer pickup trucks are needed within a fleet and work trucks are more customizable with Load'N'Go and CTB service bodies.

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

For more information about Fleetwest and our innovative fleet solutions, please visit us at www.fleetwest.net.

Future increase in fuel prices on the horizon

Although we are currently down 56 cents from last year’s national average, according to the Energy Department’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, diesel and gasoline prices are on the rise and are expected to move even higher the rest of this year and continue into 2017.

During the 2016 summer driving season (April through September), the EIA expects the retail price of regular gasoline will average $2.19/gal. They forecast the U.S. average retail price would reach a peak of $2.37/gal in June and then fall to an average of $2.19/gal in September. The U.S. regular gasoline retail price is projected to average $2.06/gal for 2016, down from last year’s average of $2.43/gal, and $2.26/gal in 2017. The diesel fuel prices are expected to average $2.30/gal in 2016 and predicted to match last year’s average of $2.71/gal in early 2017 and upwards of $2.86 per gallon in the final three months of 2017.

Brent crude oil prices were at a 12-year low of $31 per barrel in January and increased to an average of $47 per barrel this last May. According to August reports, crude oil prices are forecast to average $42 per barrel for 2016 and $52 per barrel in 2017. The crude oil increase is an effect of growing global oil supply disruptions, rising oil demand, and falling U.S. crude oil production. 

Fleetwest has the solutions to increase your fleet fuel economy. We offer a line of lightweight, fiberglass Composite Truck Bodies (CTB) that follow the Sustainable Fleet Standards by increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, and saving on fuel costs.  All of which convert to savings for fleet management. Composite Truck Bodies are completely transferable on and off your pickup truck in minutes with no-holes-drilled installation; available with endless options to customize work trucks and make them ideal for any type of fleet.

Fleetwest offers the most efficient transferable service bodies for the trades industry, including construction, plumbing, telecom and mechanical industries. Call us today and start saving for tomorrow. Toll-free in the U.S. (866) 497-7200

The Ultimate Contractor’s Utility Body:

As Contractors you need to get the most out of your truck. You need a rugged and user friendly utility body to organize your tools and materials without sacrificing the factory truck bed. Large and small fleets alike can benefit from a fully transferable service body platform that allows use of the factory bed. Dedicated Bolt-On Service Bodies simply can't offer this flexibility, and often create equipment issues in the field when break downs occur. How many times have you have you had to transfer your tools and materials from one truck to another, only to get to the job site and have half of what you needed?

The revolutionary Load'N'Go Bodies by Fleetwest offer a huge advantage over traditional bolt on bodies with the ability to transfer from truck to truck or truck to job-site in literally minutes, even when loaded with tools and equipment. This virtually eliminates downtime and offers fleets a tremendous savings in time and lost revenue. The Load'N'Go Body can be removed and installed by forklift or optional jacks with crane lifting tubes available as well.

The Load'N'Go offers maximum storage and usability with key features like a standard 1,000 lb. capacity pull out tool drawer with included customizable divider package, and large side cabinets with adjustable shelving. Additionally, the Load'N'GO bodies are the most secure utility body available, with industry leading heavy duty hardware and dual locking latch assemblies with keyed cylinder locks and pad lockable stainless steel T-Handles.

Load'N'Go models available for 1/2, 3/4 and 1 Ton Trucks with 6.5' or 8' Beds. They are all a universal fit for Ford, GM, Dodge, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan. With no added up-fitting costs or down time, Load'N'Go bodies offer the highest return on investment in the industry and this return only gets better with every up-fit/truck replacement cycle.

written by Luke Parrott

 Load'N'Go Security Top shown in truck

Contact our sales team today to learn more about Load’N’Go truck bodies 
and the options available for your fleet. Don't forget to ask about the $300 off list price on the purchase of a Load'N'Go Security Top - 8 ft. model only -
(Offer may not be combined with any other discount or special pricing)
Offer valid until 8/31/16 or while quantities last

Luke Parrott                                                       Bill Butler

Direct 480-261-1058                                        Direct 602-736-3919

luke@fleetwest.net                                      bbutler@fleetwest.net

www.fleetwest.net

Controlling Fleet Costs

Whether your company is big or small, everyone is looking to save money. Fleet managers are always keeping an eye on the operations financial bottom line. Unfortunately, repairs and maintenance are never cheap, but it is a necessary and anticipated expense. One daunting task for fleet managers is deciding whether or not to perform in-house or outsource maintenance and repair work. As with anything, there are pros and cons to consider.

Some pros to in-house repair are:

• Control the quality of workmanship – not everyone will treat each repair as if it was their own truck
• Control the length of time the vehicle is out of service – you know your truck isn’t sitting there waiting for someone to get around to fixing it
• Control parts cost – You know that you are not paying an inflated price for parts

Some cons to in-house repair are:

• Significant expense required to employ quality trained mechanics and inventory needed
• Training program for ongoing employee training needed
• Building space required for maintenance to be performed in and the extra concerns with regulations and approvals needed to go with these facilities

Quite simply, deciding whether or not the job is outsourced or performed in-house is a complex task.  It comes down to the important factors – cost, quality and turnaround time – and what works for your company.

Downtime is always going to be a challenge; however, Fleetwest offers an innovative solution to this problem. When you own a Fleetwest truck body and your work truck is in need of repairs, you simply transfer the truck body, fully loaded, to another pickup truck bed via forklift, crane or lifting jacks. The technician now has full access to his tools and equipment and able to move forward with his days’ work. When the needed repairs have been made, the service body is then transferred back into the original work truck. All executed in a matter of minutes with a no-holes drilled installation. Transferability changes everything!

For more information on Fleetwest transferable truck bodies, please call toll-free in the U.S. (866) 497-7200.

And then there was one…

Full-size pickup trucks usually carry the reputation as “indestructible”, mostly due to their stature.  Well, size doesn’t always mean that they are safe. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) challenged this theory in a round of crash-tests. The IIHS put extended-cab and crew-cab versions of the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra through its full battery of tests. Of the seven vehicles tested, Ford was the only model to pass the small-overlap crash test earning the “good” rating that is required to obtain the Top Safety Pick award.

The crew-cab and extended-cab versions of the Ram 1500, as well as the crew-cab Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado, earned a “marginal” rating in the small-overlap test. Fairing slightly better were the extended-cab versions of the Tundra and the General Motors pickups gaining an “acceptable” rating. The IIHS reported that all of these models allowed for a substantial breach into the passenger area, particularly in the driver’s foot well.  “Drivers in these pickups would need help freeing their legs from the wreckage following a small-overlap crash,” said IIHS Vehicle Research Center vice president Raul Arbelaez in a statement.

The IIHS decided to test the two different body styles this year due to the significant structural counter measure discrepancies found between the crew and the extended-cab in the 2015 Ford F-150 last year.  In 2015, the crew-cab models received a “good” rating, while the extended-cab models received a “marginal”. Ford has since fitted additional structure to all versions of the F-150 to ensure a passing rating all around.  It only seems likely that the other companies will soon follow suit with similar structural changes to improve their performance on these IIHS tests. Watch the IIHS You Tube video here.   

If you are looking to build the ultimate work truck, then Fleetwest offers innovative solutions. Our service bodies are a universal fit for most full size pickup trucks including Ford, Chevy, Dodge and Toyota. These service bodies are fully transferable from one truck bed to another, even fully loaded, thus eliminating any downtime required for vehicle maintenance or repair. Transfer on/off via crane, forklift or lifting jacks is made possible by a no-holes drilled installation. Fleetwest utility bodies can be customized for your trade, provide additional storage and offer more flexibility to improve technician efficiency. For more information, call a Fleetwest representative toll-free in the U.S. at (866) 497-7200.

Prime Design: Rear Access Ladder

Prime Design, a Safe Fleet brand, introduces a new product that makes accessing 
equipment on high-roof cargo vans safer. Weighing less than 20 pounds, the ladder 
installs in minutes without drilling and eliminates using a slippery tire or bumper as 
a step surface providing superior stability in accessing roof cargo. Made from anodized
aluminum, the ladder resists corrosion from harsh road chemicals and provides
Prime Design’s standard three-year warranty.

Own a Dale Jr. No. 88 Special Edition

Photos and information are courtesy of Hendricks Motorsports and various blogs.

You’re used to seeing the No. 88 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS every weekend on NASCAR, but Dale Jr. is also an enthusiastic truck aficionado. Dale Earnhardt Jr. teamed up with Hendricks Motorsports to create a truck inspired by his personal journey with his favorite GM trucks. Now race fans will have a chance to own a Dale Jr. No. 88 Special Edition Chevrolet Silverado of their very own.

The special edition is available on the 1500 Crew Cab Short Bed models. It includes premium GM accessories, such as the sports bar with LED off-road lights, nudge bar and custom off-road step bars; adorned with black Chevy bowtie emblems and a dynamic five-spoke 22” machined black wheels that sport rugged all-terrain tires. To connect with NASCAR fans, custom No. 88 badges are featured as well as a 3D tilted graphic across the unique black tailgate decal.

It’s not just an eye-catcher either. Speed and power are important to Earnhardt’s SS on the track, so of course additional horsepower was added to this special edition. That horsepower comes courtesy of a specially designed Borla exhaust system, highlighted by performance tips.

In a Hendricks Motorsports press release, Earnhardt said, “I had a lot of fun working on this with Hendricks Motorsports.” “I’ve always owned Chevy trucks, and for me, tricking them out is a large part of the fun of owning one.” “I’m really proud of how this one turned out,” Earnhardt said. ”I hope the fans love it as much as I do.”

Although GM has not published a press release on the truck, the Dale Jr. No. 88 Special Edition is exclusively available at participating Chevrolet dealerships.

This special edition build reminds me of the custom “Big Red” give-away by Pro Pickup Magazine back in 2013. Pro Pickup Magazine took a fully loaded Chevy 3500, topped it with a Fleetwest Load’N’Go Powerbody and painted it a matching red. It was a thing of beauty!

Fleetwest has the work truck solutions to suit your trade. Our utility truck bodies are ergonomically engineered to provide the convenience and flexibility needed to increase your productivity. They are 100% transferable, even fully loaded, from one truck bed to another with a no-holes drilled installation. Customize from our list of options, from custom shelving and slide out trays to ladder racks. Everything you’d need to turn your truck into the ultimate work truck.  Call a Fleetwest representative and get started today! Toll-free in the U.S. at (866) 497-7200.

Safe and easy truck bed removal

The removal of a truck bed is sometimes necessary to perform certain repairs, such as fuel pump replacement. This task could be performed by four guys lifting the bed by hand. Not only is this a risky procedure, but finding available and willing friends to do such dangerous work can be hard to come by. Motor City Lift King just made a truck bed removal a safe and easy one-man job.

The patented Lift King requires no power and folds up for easy storage with measurements of 42” wide, 30”deep and 84”tall. This product is designed to be used by one person as a fast, easy and safe way to remove/install a pick-up truck bed, topper, door, and semi hood. The Lift King features a safety system to protect the product and the operator. Various attachments allow the Lift King to be utilized for the different jobs and all attachments are switched out with only a few pins. For more information, visit www.prolinetoolsupply.com.

At Fleetwest, our transferable truck bodies don’t require you to remove your truck bed. In fact, that’s one of our selling points. Our steel Load’N’Go and fiberglass composite utility bodies are fully transferable, even fully loaded, made possible with a no-holes drilled installation. They can be transferred on and off in minutes with the use of our lifting jacks, forklift or crane. I’m thinking we may have to give this Lift King a try as well.

Fleetwest utility truck bodies have more cubic feet of storage than Bolt-On bodies and have a better return on investment. With the additional storage, flexibility and efficiency alone, Fleetwest provides fleet solutions to reduce your operational costs while improving your productivity. For more information or a detailed quote, call us toll free in the U.S. at (866) 497-7200 or visit www.fleetwest.net. 

Innovative Fleet Solutions…Transferability Changes Everything!

Whose coming north and who's going south...

As you may already know, back in April, Ford announced its plan to build a new auto factory in Mexico to resume building the Ranger and Bronco for the U.S. market. The $1.6 billion assembly plant will be built in the San Luis Potosi state and it’s expected to generate 2,800 jobs. It is said to also take-over production of some of the company’s small cars which are currently being produced in the U.S., according to the Associated Press.

Republican presidential campaign front-runner Donald Trump ridiculed Ford’s plans, saying it will just continue to drive down wages in the U.S. and increase unemployment. Trump believes that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is the cause of heavy job loss in the United States. He said that, if elected president, he will alter the NAFTA so that it will punish the U.S. companies that continue to operate under the original 1994 agreement.

In response to Trump’s judgment, Ford expressed that it continues to heavily invest in the United States. Ford reported that it currently spends more than 80 percent of its capital in the U.S. and plans on spending $8 to $9 billion more over the next four years.

Now a  month after Ford’s announcement, apparently General Motors plans to move its pickup production back to the United States from south of the border. According to The Detroit News, a memo from the United Auto Workers Local 598 reports that GM’s Flint Assembly will be taking on pickup production from the company’s plant currently in Silao, Mexico. 

The memo states, that the Flint plant will have to add a Saturday shift and possibly hire part-time workers to help with the increased work load next year. The plant currently employs approximately 2,800 workers. The UAW feels that the production move will satisfy customers that want more vehicles produced in the U.S. We all know how Trump will feel!

Fleetwest is proud to say that our Load’N’Go transferable truck bodies are made in the USA. They universally fit most standard pickup trucks like Ford, GM, Dodge and Toyota with 8’ and 6.5’ beds. The Load’N’Go is fully transferable from one truck bed to another, even fully loaded, with a no holes drilled installation. They are made with heavy duty 16 gauges steel and finished with a rugged white powder coat. Call a representative today for a quote at (866) 497-7200.

A new breed takes safety to the next level

Safety is always of top priority amongst all Fleets; not only for drivers, but for pedestrians and other vehicles in general. The average mid-sized truck has a blind spot that can extend up to 160 feet behind the vehicle, according to the National Safety Council. The larger utility trucks can find it even more challenging to see pedestrians, vehicles or property when backing a vehicle due to their wider bodies and that they sit higher off the ground. For these reasons, a growing number of utility fleets are installing backup cameras to reduce incidents and increase rear visibility.

A Newport Beach, Ca. based company, Convoy Technologies, has stepped up the game with their vehicle camera systems. Their technology equips a backup camera with a motion sensor that automatically turns on the camera, records footage and even alerts the fleet manager in real time when someone is attempting to steal equipment from a truck. The camera is also combined with GPS telematics data to help exonerate drivers and the company from false claims.

Aptly named Videomatics, Convoy Technologies (www.convoytechnologies.com) has trademarked this combination of technology with cameras, digital video recorders and telematics. Videomatics provides drivers and management with live and recorded video from inside and around a vehicle accessible via PC, tablet or smartphone. Thus generating high-quality video evidence for fleets in proving fault for incidents and also improving drivers overall behavior.

At Fleetwest we take safety very seriously. All of our units are designed with technician safety in mind. The Fleetwest fiberglass composite utility bodies provide higher safety ratings with their 60/40 rear door split for safer curbside cargo access. Convenience and ergonomics are paramount with our ‘perimeter standing access’ with which the total content of the capsule can be reached from the outside. Therefore, no more head, neck or back injuries from crawling in and out of a van. Not to mention an array of additional options including:

·        single or dual slide outs- to safely load and unload heavy equipment

·        side mount and backup cameras-to assist with visibility and reduce incidents

·        additional interior and exterior LED lighting- to shed some light on your tools  and work area

·        low-profile ladder racks- for safe loading/unloading of ladders and easy  access for garages

I almost forgot to mention that they are 100% transferable! This unibody capsule will transfer from one truck to another, even fully loaded! To learn more about our transferable truck bodies, call a Fleetwest representative toll-free in the U.S. at (866) 497-7200.   

“Innovative Fleet Solutions”