Truck America

Chevrolet Silverado setting the Guinness world record for the World’s Largest Flag
Pulled by a Moving Vehicle Sept. 2016 (Photo: GM)

It has become increasingly apparent that America is a truck society. The pickup truck has become and American symbol just like apple pie. We can see it just by driving down the road. Trucks are everywhere; the way we transport our goods, our work and even our families. With that in mind, the design, production and sales of light trucks in the U.S. are a major contribution to the U.S. economy.

Seventy percent of freight travels by truck and nearly sixty percent of the light vehicles sold in the U.S., so far this year, are classified as trucks. That would include traditional pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs. Out of the 14.5 million vehicles purchased in America so far this year, pickup trucks alone account for 15.2 percent.

Drivers appeal to trucks for the cargo space, versatility and even stature while in traffic. Consumers may also find truck purchases more justified now due to the current price of gasoline combined with the better fuel economy for these larger vehicles. Whatever the reason, there has been a shift in sales as well as the economy. Passenger car sales fell 15 percent in the last month and truck sales rose 7 percent so far this year.  Big brand automakers are cashing in on this trend by amping up the truck and SUV production in the U.S. and moving the passenger car manufacturing to Mexico and other markets.

According to the Center for Automotive Research, nearly 2 of every 3 vehicles manufactured last year in the U.S., by all automakers in the U.S. or abroad, were classified as light trucks. Also, more than 155,000 U.S. workers are employed in the making of these trucks. In the states where most of the vehicles are produced, truck building is a crucial element in their economies. Additionally, light truck sales make up the foundation for the U.S. auto industry by producing corporate profits used for funding the research and development of all vehicle types.

No doubt about it, America loves their trucks. Pickup work trucks are also more common, not only with smaller businesses, but with fleets as well. At Fleetwest, we provide the economical work truck solutions for the masses. Fleetwest offers both heavy duty steel and lightweight composite models. All models are 100% transferable from one pickup truck body 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. That makes it built to last multiple truck cycles and a huge ROI. That is fleet gold right there!

For more information, call a Fleetwest representative today

  Luke Parrott                  Bill Butler

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

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

www.fleetwest.net.