DECEMBER2023WWW.MWSMAG.COMSPECIAL EDITIONBUYERS GUIDE2024TRANSFORMINGFLEET MANAGEMENTEMERGING TECH TOACCESS ESSENTIAL INFORESOLVE STRESSON SAFETYCREATE SUPPORTIVECOMPANY CULTURE
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DECEMBER2023WWW.MWSMAG.COMSPECIAL EDITIONBUYERS GUIDE2024TRANSFORMINGFLEET MANAGEMENTEMERGING TECH TOACCESS ESSENTIAL INFORESOLVE STRESSON SAFETYCREATE SUPPORTIVECOMPANY CULTURE
CONNECT WITH US ISUZU COMMERCIAL TRUCK OF AMERICA, INC. An Isuzu NPR-HD Gas truck with an EBY van body and a NRR diesel with the Ultimate Craft Beer body by Wabash.www.isuzucv.comINSIDE THIS ISSUEDECEMBER 2023 VOL-8 NO-12DECEMBER2023WWW.MWSMAG.COMSPECIAL EDITIONPRODUCTS &SERVICES GUIDE2024TRANSFORMINGFLEET MANAGEMENTEMERGING TECH TOACCESS ESSENTIAL INFORESOLVE STRESSON SAFETYCREATE SUPPORTIVECOMPANY CULTURECOVER STORIES14EXTERIOR MATTERS MAINTENANCE + BRANDINGMULLEN AUTOMOTIVE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LINEUP34HOLMAN DRIVE COMMERCIAL FLEET CONFERENCE20OPERATIONSTRANSFORMING CONSTRUCTION FLEET MANAGEMENT ..............12Emerging Technology Are Enhancing Access to Essential InformationSAFETYRESOLVE THE OUTSIZED IMPACT OF STRESS ON SAFETY .............18Investing in a Supportive Company Culture Minimized Stressors@mwsmag www.facebook.com/modernworktruckwww.linkedin.com/company/ modern-work-truck-solutions.IN EVERY ISSUEINDUSTRY NEWS .....................................................6INDUSTRY INSIGHT ..............................................10A NEW CHINESE MID-SIZE PICKUP AND VW DEAL FOR ALL-ELECTRIC VATICAN FLEETNEWSNEWS FROM ABROADFROM ABROAD56BUYERS GUIDE2024
www.mwsmag.com 3100 Lorna Rd., Ste 101Birmingham, AL 35216DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mwsmag.comRANDY MOON Associate Publisher randym@mwsmag.comVAL CARRIER Media Consultantval@mwsmag.comGARY BARKER Media Consultantgary@mwsmag.comTIM O’HARA Media Consultanttim.ohara@mwsmag.comLISA AVERY Art Director lisa@mwsmag.comSETH SAUNDERS Digital Media SpecialistINGRID BERKY Office ManagerNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the staff of Modern WorkTruck Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to donna@mwsmag.com.SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES OR CHANGES CALL:205.380.2048CHRIS GARMONCFO DONNA CAMPBELLVP, Editorialwww.highlandspublications.com TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresident20 Holman Drive was held in Boca Raton, Florida in November. More than 150 commercial fleet, finance, and procurement professionals met to discuss the year and talk about what 2024 may bring for challenges and success in the commercial fleet market. MIDNIGHT DRAWS NEARAs the December days wind down to the eve of a new year, it’s normal to reflect on the events that shaped the last 12 months. For some, it’s a life-changing event; and for others, it’s simply the daily grind of challenges and finding solutions. In the work truck industry, there are regulations, price fluctuations, inventory swaps, and outfitting issues. Did you replace a portion of your fleet this year? Did you meet your monthly sales goals? Did personnel retire? Did the new hires into your organization deliver the skills needed for department success? There are many questions that can be asked about 2023; however, it comes down to one inquiry: Did you learn something? I bet most of us can answer “yes.” To assist in the learning, MWS brings you its annual Buyers Guide containing the suppliers ready to put a red bow on the trucks, accessories, and services on your list for 2024. From all of us at MWS, have a merry and bright, joy-filled holiday. See you after the strike of midnight.Cheers,EDITOR’S NOTEDonna Campbell Editor in ChiefWe wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 20236INDUSTRY NEWSGEOTAB RECEIVES INDUSTRY-FIRST EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR ITS CONNECTED VEHICLE AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA'S CLIMATE REQUIREMENTSGeotab, the global leader in connected transportation solutions, announces it has received an industry-first Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) officially exempting Geotab's aftermarket solutions from CARB's emissions anti-tampering regulations in the California market, making it the only CARB-compliant continuously connected fleet management solution available at this time. Fleets can now have the confidence in a compliant solution developed by Geotab that has passed CARB's rigorous requirements, which will enable improvements in sustainability, productivity and safety goals, while supporting California's ambitious air and climate plans, a benchmark for the country and globally. Find out more, visit geotab.com/fleet-management-solutions/carb-compliant-parts/.CONTINENTAL ADDS NEW VALVE CAP SENSOR TO THEIR DIGITAL TRUCK TIRE MONITORING SERVICE PORTFOLIOContinental, one of the largest tire and automotive technology suppliers in the world, adds a new valve cap sensor to their lineup of Digital Tire Monitoring products and services. This sensor works with all of Continental’s digital tire monitoring solutions products including ContiConnect Live Truck and Trailer, ContiConnect Yard, and ContiPressureCheck. Installation for the sensor requires minimal downtime on the vehicle as there is no requirement to dismount and remount tires. This makes it easy to upfit any commercial vehicle and fleet of any size in a short amount of time. The valve cap sensor was planned and rolled out by Continental to also offer an easy path towards an integration of more robust tire mounted sensor. The valve cap sensor has a low battery indication on the ContiConnect platform and has a lifespan of 2.5 years. Find out more, visit www.continental-tires.com.STELLAR INVITES COLLEGE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR EXCLUSIVE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE PROGRAMStellar Industries, a 100% employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality mechanic trucks, cranes, tire service trucks, hooklifts, trailers and service truck and van accessories, announces the launch of its Engineering Experience Program (EEP). Designed to offer college students an incredible opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in various facets of engineering, this 12-week summer internship program is set to elevate aspiring
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 20238INDUSTRY NEWSengineers to new heights. Stellar’s EEP is a meticulously crafted opportunity for budding engineers. Participants will be engaged in diverse activities such as computer-aided design (CAD) modeling, CAD drawings, electrical diagrams, technical communication, additive manufacturing, and the chance to witness a thriving original equipment manufacturer (OEM) company in action. With specialized tracks catered to specific interests and career aspirations, students will gain exposure to different teams and stakeholders throughout the organization. Find out more, visit www.stellarindustries.com. CTECH MANUFACTURING BREAKS GROUND ON NEW EXPANSIONCTech Manufacturing officially broke ground on its second major expansion in less than five years. The Weston-based storage manufacturer is adding an additional 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space to an existing location within the same business park as the current headquarters. This effort closely follows an 80,000-square-foot expansion that was completed in 2019. The additional capacity has helped CTech stay ahead of rising demand by keeping lead times aggressive and quality uncompromised. A continued dedication to customer satisfaction has been a top priority at CTech since its founding in the mid-1990s. The building will house an additional powder-coat line, plus automated fabrication and assembly equipment to support all of CTech’s current product lines. Constant reinvestment in the company’s equipment and processes has pushed innovation beyond imagination and made CTech the industry’s most reputable storage provider. Completion of the new expansion is targeted for early 2025, with additional manufacturing capacity coming online immediately thereafter. Find out more, visit ctechmanufacturing.com.LOVE’S INVESTS IN LATEST HUNTER ALIGNMENT INNOVATION FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Love’s and Hunter Engineering announce the rollout of Hunter’s new HawkEye® XL alignment system at five Love’s locations. The new aligner is designed for maximum speed, durability, and ease of use for heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty vehicles, delivering accurate measurements in four minutes or less. The centerpiece of the Hawkeye XL is visionary new camera technology with extra-long range and extra-large targets, expanded from the industry-leading HawkEye Elite alignment system. Precise high-definition cameras provide extra-long-range sight, capturing measurements in a single rolling compensation and displaying live alignment readings for up to three axles at once. The expanded range delivers expanded results, enabling the XL to easily align 53-foot trailers. With a moveable camera beam and portable cabinet, technicians can perform alignments on either the floor or a lift, in any bay. Find out more, visit Loves.com.M 2303800
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202310INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQEROAD OFFERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION ENGINEERED FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THAT EMPOWERS FLEET MANAGERS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNICATION TOOLS TO BE MORE EFFICIENT AND PRODUCTIVE WITH THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF THEIR FLEETS. A CONNECTED COMPACT HUB AND NETWORK OF WIRELESS SENSORS PROVIDES REAL-TIME COMMAND-CENTER VISIBILITY INTO DRIVERS, ASSETS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT LOCATION AND USES.EROADFuture-proof Your Fleet With TechnologyMWS: EROAD PROVIDES END-TO-END TECHNOLOGY WHICH CONNECTS VEHICLES, ASSETS, AND OPERATIONS IN REAL TIME WITH REAL-TIME DATA. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR FLEET MANAGERS? CLARK: At EROAD, we believe that you can’t plan where you are going tomorrow if you don’t know where you are today. The businesses we serve don’t just need data; they need intelligence. The reliable, accurate and real-time insights we provide enable our customers to make smarter decisions to help move their business forward. Specifically for construction, EROAD offers a complete solution engineered for construction projects that empowers fleet managers with the knowledge and communication tools to be more efficient and productive with the unique needs of their fleets. Our solution captures contextual data throughout every step of the workflow ensuring customers, drivers, dispatch, and management can access critical information and collaborate faster.MWS: WITH REGARDS TO THE EROAD SOLUTON, WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CHALLENGES FLEET MANAGERS FACE WITH READY-MIX TRUCKS? HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THEIR BOTTOM LINE?CLARK: The list of responsibilities a fleet manager has when working in this space is quite extensive. Some of the unique challenges include ensuring concrete quality and consistency, meeting delivery schedules, cost containment, and optimizing routing and scheduling. Driver retention, customer communication, technology integration, and compliance and safety also fall into a fleet manager’s busy schedule. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of effective communication, training, technology adoption, and proactive maintenance strategies. Fleet managers who stay informed about industry best practices and emerging technologies to continuously improve the efficiency and reliability of their ready-mix fleets will reap many benefits. When considering the company’s bottom line, operational efficiency can be a key driver of financial success. When costs are minimized and processes are optimized, businesses can increase profitability. MWS: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FLEET OWNERS TO HELP WITH THE CHALLENGES?CLARK: Increasing operational visibility is essential for companies in the construction sector that want to boost productivity, efficiency and EROAD’S COMPLETE SOLUTION EMPOWERS CONSTRUCTION FLEET OWNERS EROAD’s CoreHub gateway assurance device
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 11safety, all of which contribute to an improved bottom line. Construction fleets that adopt video telematics and other construction fleet management technologies such as e-ticketing capabilities and automatic job statusing and system integrations are positioned to achieve increased productivity and profitability. Electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) is a big step forward for construction fleet management. An e-ticket contains all the real-time information that drivers and the back office need to ensure jobs are completed correctly and efficiently. Paper ticketing systems lack the ability to make dynamic updates, and drivers must be contacted by phone or radio when job requirements change. This creates possibilities for costly errors and delays.Automatic job statusing provides full visibility to fleet managers, allowing them to better manage resources and thereby ensuring that concrete arrives on schedule. Having real-time visibility into how many trucks are ticketed, heading to a jobsite, onsite, pouring and heading back to the plant, can ensure jobs are completed efficiently and correctly. Another benefit extends to the drivers. Automatic job statusing eliminates the need to update paper tickets or call into dispatch with status updates. Drivers can, instead, focus on their core responsibility of traveling to and from jobsites safely and efficiently.MWS: ANOTHER ELEMENT OF WORK TRUCK FLEET MANAGEMENT IS SAFETY. HOW CAN CONSTRUCTION FLEETS INCREASE DRIVER SAFETY?CLARK: Video telematics can increase jobsite and driver safety and improve business efficiencies, and EROAD offers unparalleled end-to-end visibility of every vehicle, every driver, and every load. With one cohesive platform, fleet managers and drivers can ensure the job is done on time and on budget. EROAD’s video telematics solution gives construction professionals the ability to protect drivers and their business, avoiding potential legal issues or wrongful claims, while also providing proactive safety coaching to help prevent crashes and encourage safe driving. Additionally, regularly inspecting trucks contributes to a safer work environment and helps establish a safety-focused culture. EROAD’s customizable DVIR provides pre- and post-trip checklists to help fleet managers and drivers keep tabs on their vehicles. MWS: ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS? CLARK: Through integration partnerships, EROAD also places emphasis on the power of integrations in fleet technology. On its own, EROAD’s technology allows the driver to easily count every rotation, measure moisture levels, and maintain accurate digital records in order to decrease the margin for human error and increase productivity. But when connected into a larger technology ecosystem, EROAD provides an important piece of the bigger picture that allows construction professionals enhanced visibility into every project’s efficiency and safety. Our dedicated integrations team ensures that third-party applications available to EROAD customers evolve in pace with technology, helping fleets future-proof their businesses and stay ahead of the competition.SOCIAL CLIMBINGADVERTISERS MWS SOCIAL MARKETING CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS:• INCREASE brand awareness• BOOST inbound traffic• BECOME an industry authority• IMPROVE web search rankings• RAISE conversion ratesFOR MORE INFORMATIONPaul Clark is associate director of outside sales with EROAD. Clark has more than 20 years of experience in the software and transportation industries, with a focus on helping companies manage risk and achieve higher levels of efficiency and compliance. He’s passionate about utilizing technology to help companies solve business problems. Find out more, visit www.eroad.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202312OPERATIONSTransforming Construction Fleet ManagementEMERGING TECHNOLOGIES ARE ENHANCING ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL INFORMATION By Paul Clark
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 13Advanced technologies are playing a larger role in the construction industry, helping ready-mix producers make gains in product quality and operational efficiency. Technology solutions are changing construction fleet management by enhancing access to essential information that contributes to overall operational effectiveness. Cloud-based monitoring systems track data and make it accessible from any internet-connected device, including tablets and smartphones. This technology provides multiple users easy, often real-time access to key insights. Cloud-based platforms allow users to monitor and manage their fleets at anytime from anywhere. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is revolutionizing many aspects of the construction industry—from vehicle routing to maintenance. AI uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to create efficiencies and provide operational insights. Predictive analytics supplied by AI can help businesses identify and address issues before they become major problems. Telematics is a combination of telecommunications and informatics. It describes how telecommunications devices send, receive, and store data related to mobile connected assets. As a system, telematics systems provide crucial operational insights. For instance, fleet telematics paired with GPS tracking gives fleet managers insights into asset location, miles traveled, idling, vehicle speeds, driver behavior, and more. Real-time and historical data are accessible via a cloud-based portal to help fleet managers, dispatchers, and other stakeholders make better decisions in the moment and for the long term. Connected construction technology integrates data across the project lifecycle, ensuring all information flows seamlessly from one system to another. Automatic job statusing is one aspect of connected construction that gives fleet managers full visibility, allowing them to better allocate resources and ensure that concrete is delivered to a site on time. Knowing how many concrete mixer trucks are ticketed, en route, on site, pouring, and traveling back to the plant gives key personnel the information they need to make sure jobs are done properly. INTERCONNECTED SYSTEMS Different technologies provide producers with important insights into their material and operations. Interconnectivity maximizes the benefit of these technologies by bringing them together into an integrated system. Interconnectivity helps users see the elements of the concrete as it’s being batched. They can see active measurement of material while it’s in a drum, while chemical reactions are taking place. Reports can be sent to a quality control technician, a manager, and a driver while they are operating the vehicle. This interconnectivity of systems provides the actionable insights needed to ensure quality at every step in the process. AI FOR OPERATIONSArtificial intelligence can process a massive amount of data and turn it into actionable insights delivered in near real time. In this way, AI can augment human decision-making and help producers optimize systems. AI can also help producers more proactively manage challenges that arise throughout the day. Also, as a new, more tech-savvy workforce enters the industry, AI can bridge the experience gap left when more seasoned workers retire—helping new workers to be more effective sooner. In the same vein, AI can help address labor shortages by enabling fewer workers to oversee more operational aspects, such as a single manager being able to effectively supervise multiple plants. Finally, predictive analytics delivered via AI can help businesses better manage maintenance (by predicting when a breakdown may occur and recommending preventive fixes), inventory, delivery, and many other business functions. Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, will continue to reshape the construction industry. Businesses that embrace these emerging technologies can gain a competitive advantage today and be better prepared to face the challenges of the future. ABOUT THE AUTHORPaul Clark has more than 20 years of experience in the software and transportation industries, with a focus on helping companies manage risk and achieve higher levels of efficiency and compliance. He’s passionate about utilizing technology to help companies solve business problems. Find out more, visit www.eroad.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202314MAINTENANCEFirst impressions are vital for every company. A great one can pull in new clients, help with recruitment efforts, and keep the company’s reputation in good standing. But many companies don’t realize that their work truck fleet is, in a sense, a first impression-making machine on wheels. Depending on how your fleet looks, it may not necessarily deliver the impression you want.LOOKS MATTERKeeping your trucks looking nice takes time and money, making many owners wonder if the investment is worth it. After all, fleet trucks are exposed to a fair amount of wear and tear, and branding vehicles isn’t cheap. Does it make that much of a difference in the day-to-day life of a business? The answer is: yes, it does.Branding is the best way to gain attention and stand out in a sea of competitors. By branding your trucks, you gain rent-free billboards at a cost far less than TV or radio advertising. Depending on your routes, tens of thousands of potential customers could see a single truck of yours in just one day. Unbranded vehicles don’t stand out, especially comparison to competitors with attractive, eye-catching vehicles. Which company would you call? The answer is obvious, because one doesn’t even have a phone number or website for potential customers to make note of. MAINTENANCE TIPSBranded or not, vehicles with poorly maintained exteriors leave customers and prospects with a negative impression. Additionally, drivers typically aren’t as careful with unsightly trucks, leading to more damage and an even worse brand impression. Here are a few best practices to keep your trucks looking their best.STAY BRAND-CONSISTENT. If your company has established branding, your vehicles should reflect the same colors, fonts, and imagery. Branding Turn Heads & Win Customers with Exterior Maintenance and BrandingWHY THE OUTSIDE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE INSIDE By Ed Pierce Branding is the best way to gain attention and stand out in a sea of competitors. If your company has established branding, your vehicles should reflect the same colors, fonts, and imagery.
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 15vehicles can be an excellent time for companies to refresh old brands, or even establish new ones.BE CONCISE AND BOLD. Don’t overload your trucks with words and graphics. The right colors and graphics can pop without being overwhelming. Onlookers should be able to quickly determine your company name, what sort of business it is, and some contact information. MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPACE YOU HAVE. You’ll likely want to consider different branding designs for different types of vehicles—a good style for a van may not work so well on a box truck. Teaming up with a branding partner will help ensure your designs make the most of the space available.DON’T SLACK ON MAINTENANCE. Even the best branding will lose its impact if a vehicle appears uncared for. Drivers should perform daily visual checks and report on any damage. That way issues such as paint scrapes and dents can be dealt with before further damage accumulates. Keep an eye on wearables like windshield wipers and tires, as they can also detract from your brand if they look bad. Something as simple as a routine car wash every so often can help make the best impression. It’s also important to keep watch on vehicle wraps to ensure they aren’t fading and don’t have tears. Keep your vehicle clean, uncluttered, and tidy. The best branding will lose its impact if the vehicle is dirty.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202316MAINTENANCEROTATE OUT WHEN IT MAKES SENSE. Many companies hang-on to their old trucks and vans due to supply chain issues bottlenecking new models. However, even a well-branded, maintained vehicle will start to degrade after so much time. Investing in newer models will not only boost your company’s looks but could also lower your fleet’s total cost of ownership. For some. companies, cycling in new vehicles makes the most sense in the 3- to 5-year range rather than the average 7-9 years. Companies will do their best to stand out on the streets, including outfitting trucks with eye-catching graphics. It may seem like big investment to jump into the world of exterior maintenance and branding, but by turning your fleet into a terrific first impression-making machine on wheels, you will turn heads and reap the benefits.IN THE REAL WORLDMike Albert Fleet Solutions works closely with local branding partners and clients to create wow-worthy fleets. Companies like Grexen Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning and Buckeye Power Sales have found success by refreshing their brands and employing graphics on their fleet vehicles.Grexen Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning, a kitchen hood cleaning service, went through a total cleanout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their vans were in dire need of replacement and the cleaning equipment they transported was challenging to move, causing a buildup of dirt, soot, and grease. Grexen had also added modifications to vent their equipment, which led to further damage to the vans.By working with Mike Albert, Grexen leased new vans with proper upfits to quickly move their heavy equipment in and out of the truck, making it simpler for drivers to clean the vans, access items in storage, and allow for proper ventilation. The vans were also wrapped with new logos and graphics, helping the company stand out on the road. Buckeye Power Sales, a generator distributor and comprehensive service provider, worked with Mike Albert to refresh their van and truck fleet. Their new vehicles utilize photos and bold colors to advertise their work and take full advantage of their “rolling billboards.” Additional advertising Buckeye Power Sales as a Kohler-authorized distributor and offering OEM parts allow the company to distinguish itself from competitors. The vehicles were also upfitted with storage space on the outside, allowing for easy access to tools and other equipment.ABOUT THE AUTHOREd Pierce is a senior truck upfit consultant at Mike Albert Fleet Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio for the past 1.5 years. Pierce has worked for Navistar, Meritor, and NationaLease, and has worked for more than 25 years in the commercial vehicle industry and has experience in upfitting, truck OEMs, direct supply, and full-service leasing. For more information, go to www.mikealbert.com. By working with Mike Albert, Grexen leased new vans with proper upfits to quickly move their heavy equipment in and out of the truck, making it simpler for drivers to clean the vans, access items in storage, and allow for proper ventilation. Buckeye Power Sales, a generator distributor and comprehensive service provider, worked with Mike Albert to refresh their van and truck fleet. Their new vehicles utilize photos and bold colors to advertise their work and take full advantage of their “rolling billboards.”
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202318SAFETYDrivers working in construction, utility, and pits and quarries are grappling with environmental stressors, unpredictable hours, and variable safety protocols that, when combined, are having an outsized impact on their well-being and their safety outcomes. Fleet managers have the opportunity to reduce potentially hazardous working conditions, on-the-job stress, and the negative impact on the health of their workers.WORK-RELATED STRESSFor professional truck drivers, stressful working conditions are consistently associated with chronic disease, safety risks, and reduction in productivity, according to a study by the University Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety.There is limited data regarding drivers who work in the vocational space. However, the existing data is associated with seasonal shortages, overtime, turnover, and compliance issues. Both industries involve intense time pressures, in-vehicle ergonomic hazards, limited downtime with family members, and hours in isolation, which makes adopting and maintaining healthy habits a challenge.There’s a clear association between drivers’ stress levels and fatigue, absenteeism, and turnover. The result is increasing costs to construction, utility, and mining companies.Recruiting a driver, and training a new driver, costs between $6,000 and $12,000, according to some recruitment experts. WORKING CONDITIONSFleets are reducing risky driving behavior and improving job performance by enhancing how they support drivers from cultural and operational standpoints.Companies can create a communications platform so drivers, who usually don’t have final authority regarding work habits, can voice their perspectives. Participating in these conversations also benefits managers, who can glean new Resolve the Outsized Impact of Stress on SafetyINVESTING IN A SUPPORTIVE COMPANY CULTURE MINIMIZES STRESSORS By Nick Grandy
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 19information to support drivers and proactively address issues. For example, fleets can provide preventative care, including access to gym facilities and counseling.Managers don’t have to go at it alone. Numerous associations and industry support groups can help them improve employee support. For example, in the construction industry, Construction Suicide Prevention Week is an annual campaign focused on reducing suicide in the construction industry. The industry dedicates a week each September to raise awareness and provide resources to help prevent deaths.WORKPLACE CULTURE The vocational work environment is fast paced, but it can’t sacrifice a supportive employee culture. A family-oriented workplace culture enhances employee retention, and it starts at the top. When drivers spend a workday in isolation, it becomes even more important for team leaders to check in, take an interest in their well-being, and connect on a personal level. That’s made easier, and the human connection is enhanced when leadership proactively learns crew members’ names. Reviewing and enhancing employee benefits is another way to signal that a family-oriented workplace is a company value. Some companies have added programs that help employees with daycare, gym memberships, and flexible time off. In addition to programs, having a clear channel for communication for performance evaluations and addressing concerns adds to an overall sense of team and support.PERFORMANCE STANDARDEmpower your team to meet quotas, deadlines, and their deliverables with the tools they need to own their driving performance on and off the highway. Accessing fleet health reports is as seamless as monitoring tire pressure from the driver’s seat—all from one platform—thanks to smart fleet solutions. These integrated platforms connect the workflow of drivers’ reports, mechanical alerts, and other updates, which provides for a faster and easier experience while avoiding unexpected downtime. Some fleets set up their systems to manage schedules, budgets and other requirements, including electronic pre- and post-trip inspections.These all-in-one technologies can also put safe driving top-of-mind for operators. Digital coaching systems with dual-facing dashcams have shown success in helping prevent incidents. They can alert drivers in real-time so they can self-correct, extending the reach of an organization’s safety program to all its vehicles. By providing a digital co-pilot or a second set of eyes, organizations can help ease the burden on drivers and minimize stress on and off the road.When managers equip their teams to perform at the highest level, companies can reduce burnout and increase retention. A supported driver is a safe driver.WORKING SMARTER Investments in culture, processes, and technology have a lasting impact on the overall health and reputation of the organization, and it results in higher productivity and healthier bottom lines.As the industry addresses driver retention, it is up to fleet managers to ensure the health of their team. Healthy teams strive for continuous improvement, they value honest communication, and they support each other in their roles. An organization’s culture sets the tone for its team. It informs how drivers conduct themselves, how they view quality and performance, and how they seek—and receive—support when stress is high. Creating that culture takes more than an investment in technology. It requires an understanding of work stressors and the right tools to improve job performance, employee retention, and employee well-being.ABOUT THE AUTHORNick Grandy is general manager, vocational and industrial services, with Zonar. Find out more, visit www.zonarsystems.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202320MANAGEMENTHolman Drive 23 MORE THAN 150 COMMERCIAL FLEET, FINANCE, AND PROCUREMENT PROFESSIONALS MET, DISCUSSED, AND NETWORKEDIN NOVEMBER, HOLMAN, A GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES ORGANIZATION AND PREMIER FLEET MANAGEMENT PROVIDER, HOSTED HOLMAN DRIVE IN BOCA RATON, FLORIDA. MORE THAN 150 FLEET, FINANCE, AND PROCUREMENT PROFESSIONALS AS WELL AS SEVERAL AUTOMOTIVE AND EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS CONVENED FOR THREE DAYS OF LIVELY, INTERACTIVE SESSIONS, NETWORKING EVENTS, AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING CONVERSATIONS. THE VARIOUS SESSIONS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS EXPLORED A NUMBER OF THE KEY TRENDS INFLUENCING THE INDUSTRY TODAY INCLUDING EMERGING TECHNOLOGY, SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS, AND THE CHALLENGES COMMERCIAL FLEETS ARE LIKELY TO FACE IN 2024 AND BEYOND. Holman Drive attendees convene for breakfast at the iconic Boca Raton Luxury Resort prior to day one’s sessions. Holman CEO Chris Conroy welcomes attendees to Holman Drive during his opening keynote.
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 21MANAGEMENTFOR MORE INFORMATIONAn in-depth article about the topics covered at Holman Drive 23 will be in an upcoming issue of MWS. The C-Suite Panel from L to R: Peter Nogalo, Holman (moderator); Jeremy Ferch, VP, Finance & SVP, Business operations, Milwaukee Tool; Hobbs DeWitt, Vice President, Supply Management, TruGreen; Peter Tunnard, Regional Manager, ExxonMobil; Jennifer Cayot, Director, Strategic Sourcing, BNSF Railway; Bob White, President, Fleet & Mobility, HolmanELEVATING THE FLEET CONVERSATION The Digital Transformation Panel from L to R: Craig Pierce, Holman (moderator); Jarrod Phipps, CIO, Holman; Phil Nanus, EVP, Customer Success, Salesforce; Chad Saliba, AVP Solution Marketing, Geotab; Mike Stallone, Vice President, Application Development, HolmanDISCUSSION ABOUT EMERGING TRENDS The Fleet Future Panel from L to R: (standing) Bill Carriss, Moderator, Holman; Sterling Pratz, CEO, CarlQ; Jamie Solomon, EVP – Blockchain, Cario; Michelle York, Chief Underwriting Officer, MOTER Technologies, Inc.; Tony Candeloro, SVP Platform Management & Design, HolmanDISCUSSION ABOUT EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY The Supply Chain Panel from L to R: Kathryn Foster, Holman (moderator); Pete Dondlinger, President, Manufacturing & Distribution, Holman; Michael Taylor, Senior Advisor, Hillstaffers; Jennifer Costabile, General Director, General Motors; Ted Davis, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing & Distribution, HolmanDISCUSSION ABOUT THE AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN
POWERSTOP.COM/FLEET © 2023 Power Stop LLCINTRODUCING A PROGRAM FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR FLEET MANAGERS:SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE OR VISIT POWERSTOP.COM/FLEET• E cient cost-per-mile• Maximizing vehicle uptimeExpanded product assortment to cover myriad of fleet needs.Launching with focus on vehicles with “hydraulic brake systems”.Includes solutions for popular commercial vehicles such as Transit, Sprinter, Promaster, Express, Freightliner, NV, Econoline, and other police and municipality applications.PowerStop, the fastest-growing brake brand in the aftermarket, is leveraging our performance heritage and reputation for premium products and innovation to introduce a fl eet solution for medium duty, last mile and other work vehicles that keep North America moving!Learn more about the PowerStop Brakes Fleet Solutions program or get in contact with one of our sales representatives for more informationMechanical Attachment Backing Plate Designed for Maximum Shear ResistanceZ36TRUCK & TOWZ47MEDIUM DUTY & FLEETFULLY COATED ROTORSEVOLUTIONFully-coated and heat-cured rotor for protection from corrosion and rust, including cast-in tone ringsImproved vehicle uptime and life of brake pads for last mile and normal duty MD fl eetsCarbon-fiber Semi-Metallic formula for increased performance when running fully loaded to GVWFLEET SOLUTIONSSEVERE DUTY BRAKE PADSSEVERE DUTY BRAKE PADS
POWERSTOP.COM/FLEET © 2023 Power Stop LLCINTRODUCING A PROGRAM FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR FLEET MANAGERS:SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE OR VISIT POWERSTOP.COM/FLEET• E cient cost-per-mile• Maximizing vehicle uptimeExpanded product assortment to cover myriad of fleet needs.Launching with focus on vehicles with “hydraulic brake systems”.Includes solutions for popular commercial vehicles such as Transit, Sprinter, Promaster, Express, Freightliner, NV, Econoline, and other police and municipality applications.PowerStop, the fastest-growing brake brand in the aftermarket, is leveraging our performance heritage and reputation for premium products and innovation to introduce a fl eet solution for medium duty, last mile and other work vehicles that keep North America moving!Learn more about the PowerStop Brakes Fleet Solutions program or get in contact with one of our sales representatives for more informationMechanical Attachment Backing Plate Designed for Maximum Shear ResistanceZ36TRUCK & TOWZ47MEDIUM DUTY & FLEETFULLY COATED ROTORSEVOLUTIONFully-coated and heat-cured rotor for protection from corrosion and rust, including cast-in tone ringsImproved vehicle uptime and life of brake pads for last mile and normal duty MD fl eetsCarbon-fiber Semi-Metallic formula for increased performance when running fully loaded to GVWFLEET SOLUTIONSSEVERE DUTY BRAKE PADSSEVERE DUTY BRAKE PADS
2024 BUYERS GUIDE
2024 BUYERS GUIDE
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202326COMPANY PROFILESFor over 30 years, American Omni Trading (AOT) has been a leading importer and marketer of high-quality, value-priced tires. From wheelbarrow to ATV, agricultural to OTR, touring to ultra-high performance, light truck to TBR, and everything in between, AOT provides its customers with the scope and flexibility needed to succeed. Its tires come equipped with AOT’s No Questions Asked, 25/365 Free Replacement Limited Protection Policy, so whether your journey takes you through downtown streets, corn fields, or backwoods trails, AOT helps drive your future. AOT prides itself on the quality of its tires and exceptional customer service team. The business is built on strong customer relationships and a dedication to its values: integrity, passion, and professionalism. These values set the tone, help create its culture, and are fundamental to AOT’s success. AMERICUS TIRESDistributed exclusively by AOT, Americus offers a comprehensive line of light truck, SUV, CUV, and specialty commercial tires. The Rugged A/TR is the next generation aggressive all-terrain tire designed for your everyday commute and your off-road adventures. With advanced 3D siping technology, rigid interior tread blocks, and an enhanced 3PMSF tread compound, the Rugged A/TR provides exceptional handling on wet and dry surfaces, while the massive and studdable shoulder lugs drive through mud, snow, and ice with ease. Carrying an upgraded 50,000-mile limited treadwear protection and the brand’s No Questions Asked, 25/365 Free Replacement Limited Protection Policy on all sizes, the Rugged A/TR is ready for whatever path you follow.The Rugged A/T is a premium all-terrain tire with a tread designed to maximize traction edges for excellent handling on- and off-road. A closed shoulder ensures confident handling in all conditions. Wide primary grooves and optimized siping technology provides maximum water evacuation for enhanced traction and stability. Carrying a 55,000-mile limited treadwear protection and backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes, the Rugged A/T is ready to work. The Recon CUV is designed for today's crossovers, SUV, and light trucks. This all-season tire provides a quiet, smooth ride with confident handling and enhanced traction. The Recon CUV features multiple speed ratings and load carrying capacities for proper fitment. With a 60,000-mile limited treadwear protection and a Limited Protection Policy, the Recon CUV delivers the value and confidence you expect from Americus.The Rugged M/T is a maximum-traction on- and off-road radial with an aggressive attitude. The open and tiered tread block elements ensure maximum traction in extreme conditions. The Rugged M/T is available in sizes up to 37 inches overall with wheel diameters up to 22 inches. Carrying the load is not an issue as the Rugged M/T is available in 12-ply ratings (some sizes). Backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes, the Trac Grip M/T is ready to conquer any terrain.The Commercial LT is a commercial-grade light truck tire with multi-ply casing construction to handle heavy workloads. Its five-rib, highway-oriented tread pattern allows for maximum trouble-free miles while its beefy, solid shoulder design resists scrubbing. Double steel belted plies provide puncture resistance and durability. The CLT is backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes.The ST Radial is the workhorse of the Americus lineup. Americus designed this Specialty Trailer tire with a micro-positioned fiber reinforced belt package for extra strength and durability. The tread design supports low rolling resistance and improved heat dissipation, enhanced hydroplaning resistance, and increased stability. The ST is backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes.25/365 LIMITED PROTECTION POLICYAll Americus tires are backed by a No Questions Asked, 25/365 Free Replacement Limited Protection Policy and an unbeatable mileage policy (where applicable). The policy fully covers (100%) all Americus brand radial passenger, light truck, and specialty trailer tires should one become unserviceable due to defective workmanship, materials, or road hazard during the first 25% of useable treadwear or one year from date of purchase, whichever occurs first. Find out more, visit www.americustire.com.American Omni TradingAMERICUS TIRESBuilt For The American Road
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023COMPANY PROFILESFor more than 35 years, BOSS Industries underdeck air compressors and power generating systems have been empowering the work and mechanic truck industry. From 30 CFM to 900 CFM, AC power from 6 kW to 75 kW, BOSS near no-drill mounting systems, spin-on oil and coalescer filters, our new 10-inch diameter primary oil separation tank, plug and play wiring, and our B-CAN Intelligent Compressor Control System make the BOSSAIR underdeck systems the most recognized air and power solution for today’s workforce.BOSS offers the widest range in air performance of any underdeck system, ranging from 30 CFM to our newest 900 CFM twin airend design. No matter how big or small, rotary screw continuous performance is at your fingertips. In continued excellence, we have engineered our mounting system to be as universal as possible to allow for the most challenging locations. And with a near no-drill mounting design, the BOSSAIR Underdeck systems is the makes it even easier and less labor intensive to install. Additionally, our new 10-inch diameter primary oil separation tank is not only more efficient but increases the ground clearance for most applications. Continuing to make it even easier, our Plug-N-Play wiring system allows you to wrap it up even faster. Speaking of faster, our industry leading spin-on oil and coalescer filters saves time and money when you are performing your routine maintenance. To make it even easier, all our service items are available 24/7 on our parts website: www.store.bossair.com.What separates us from the “other guys” than what is already stated is how we safely control the underdeck system by our Intelligent Compressor Control System: The B-CAN!THE SMART AND SAFE WAY TO RUN YOUR UNDERDECK SYSTEMThe BOSS® B-CAN is a compact, strategically designed digital interface system that allows you to control our underdeck rotary screw air compressor and other equipment. Featuring a 3.5-inch fully sunlight viewable screen that is menu based for operation, service, and diagnostic information. The B-CAN is delivered pre-programmed for your truck and compressor system combination. With over 10 years of proven in-field history, the B-CAN utilizes the SAE J1939 Standard which allows us to incorporate our complete functionality of the rotary screw compressor, hydraulics, and generator options. Our innovative in-house developed communication protocol integrates perfectly with most OEM communication channels. Even better, the BOSS developed proprietary “Smart Technology” software learns your behaviors and responds accordingly. Ease of installation means less time and more money in your pocket. BOSS underdeck systems and other air/power products are available through our distribution partners.Still confused on how much air you need? Check out the industry’s first air consumption guide on our website to help you make a better buying decision. Find out more, visit www.bossair.com.BOSS Industries PTO DRIVEN AIR COMPRESSORS AND POWER GENERATING UNDERDECK SYSTEMS28
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202330COMPANY PROFILESWhy climb in the back of your truck or van when you can slide everything out to you? Since 1987 when it was invented, Extendobed has built the most heavy-duty sliding deck systems to increase efficiency and improve safety in a variety of industries. The sliding deck can be used as is or an optional custom cargo carrier can be added to organize tools, secure storage, transport equipment, facilitate loading/unloading, and eliminate the need to crawl around in your vehicle. Even companies with service bodies have been retrofitted with Extendobeds to make staff more efficient, reduce injuries, and eliminate the “8-ft trashcan” seen in many service bodies. Extendobed has already been proven by established companies such as ConocoPhillips, Dow Chemical, Dominion Energy, Idaho Power, and SW Gas, as well as the US Military, FBI, Homeland Security, and over 1,500 fire and police departments who choose Extendobed because of its durability, versatility, and long product life. ONLY EXTENDOBED OFFERS• Extension past the taillights™ (over 110%) providing access to the entire bed.• Up to 3,000-lb capacity.• Free, customizable designs for vans, trucks, and service bodies..• 20-year limited warranty resulting in lower cost of ownership. FAST ROI: CASE STUDYDue to increased efficiency provided by Extendobeds, a pest control company found that each of its 200 vehicles can service an average of four additional clients per week without adding personnel or vehicles. At an average charge of $80/month, that’s an additional $3.3 million in annual revenue capacity. ROI was only 3.2 months, which does not include cost savings from the reduction of workplace injuries by over 50%. DOUBLE YOUR VAN STORAGE CAPACITY Extendobeds will revolutionize the way you store and access equipment and supplies on your fleet of work vans. Stop climbing into your van for equipment/supplies. Slide it out to you using a made-to-order Extendobed. EXTENDOWALLThe new ExtendoWall™ is designed to further improve the efficiency and productivity of work vans. The fully customizable ExtendoWall can carry ladders, tools, and supplies and can be designed to extend from either the side or the back doors. Every system is built to order and provides the following benefits: • Doubles the storage volume over traditional shelf/drawer systems. • Increases productivity of work crews by helping them get on/off jobsites quicker. • Reduces injuries—no more lifting heavy items from awkward positions or climbing in and out of a van, injuring knees, ankles, and backs. As seen in the chart above, Extendobed more than doubles the total storage capacity over traditional shelf/drawer storage systems by fully using the “dead space” in the middle of the cargo area. Tip: A half-width ExtendoWall mounted to slide out the back or side door combined with a traditional shelf system for the other side is an option for those that may need both types of storage systems. REDUCE INJURIESAs mentioned, Extendobed will also help reduce injuries to backs, shoulders, knees, and ankles because workers are not picking up heavy items from awkward angles or climbing in and out of their trucks or vans multiple times per day.Find out more, visit www.extendobed.com or call 800.752.0706.ExtendobedLOOKS TOUGH. WORKS TOUGHER.APPROX STORAGE VOLUMECARGO LENGTHROOF HEIGHTEXTEND-OBED VOLUME (CU FT)TYPICAL STORAGE SYSTEM (CU FT)10.5 FT LOW 180 9010.5 FT MEDIUM 233 11712 FT LOW 207 10212 FT MEDIUM 268 13212 FT HIGH 303 14914 FT HIGH 303 184
LOOKS TOUGH. WORKS TOUGHERBED SLIDES FOR WORK TRUCKS, VANS, SERVICE BODIES AND TRAILERS• HEAVY DUTY – Up to 3,000 lb. load capacity • BUILT TOUGH – 20 year warranty• EXTENDS OVER 110% - past your taillights • FULLY CUSTOMIZABLECOVERED SERVICE BODY TELECOM TRUCK W/ SHELLEXTENDOWALL IN VAN-SIDE DOOR MOUNT WORK VANRAM PROMASTER VAN STORAGE WITH PULLOUT WORK SURFACECall or email now to get a complimentary design and quote800-752-0706websales@extendobed.com • www.extendobed.com
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202332COMPANY PROFILESFEAL, a prominent name in the aluminum industry, stands as a beacon of innovation and quality. Based in Sweden, FEAL has carved a niche for itself with its high-quality aluminum solutions that cater to a wide array of industries. From humble beginnings to becoming a market leader, FEAL's journey is a testament to its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. At the heart of FEAL's operations lies a clear mission: to deliver top-tier aluminum products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Their vision extends beyond mere manufacturing; it encompasses a desire to be at the forefront of technological advancement, ensuring that each product reflects the pinnacle of current capabilities. Over the years, FEAL has achieved numerous milestones that underscore its growth and evolution. From expanding its product line to entering new markets, each milestone reflects the company's adaptability and commitment to staying ahead in a dynamic industry. FEAL's expertise shines in its range of aluminum extrusions, renowned for their precision and quality. These products find applications in various sectors, demonstrating the company's ability to cater to diverse needs. INNOVATION IS AT THE CORE OF FEAL'S ETHOS. The company invests heavily in research and development, ensuring that it stays at the forefront of technology and continues to offer groundbreaking solutions in aluminum manufacturing. FEAL's manufacturing processes are a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This combination ensures that every product is not only of high quality but also embodies the latest advancements in manufacturing techniques. FEAL has established a strong presence both globally and locally. Its products are utilized worldwide, displaying the company's ability to meet international standards and preferences. Simultaneously, FEAL maintains a strong connection with local communities, understanding and addressing regional requirements. The company's financial strategy includes significant investments in areas that promise future growth. These investments are geared towards expanding product lines, entering new markets, and further enhancing manufacturing capabilities. The aluminum industry is ripe with opportunities, and FEAL is well-positioned to capitalize on them. From expanding into emerging markets to leveraging innovative technologies, the company is poised for further growth and innovation. FEAL is continuously looking towards the horizon, with several ambitious projects in the pipeline. These projects are not just about business growth but also about contributing to the advancement of industry. The company's long-term goals are centered around innovation, sustainability, and global expansion. By staying true to these goals, FEAL aims to reinforce its position as a leader in the aluminum solutions sector. One of the standout products in FEAL's range is the iRamp Vehicle, a two-piece ramp system. This ramp is designed with a keen understanding of customer needs, ensuring ease of use in daily life for travel, work, and living. The iRamp Vehicle exemplifies FEAL's commitment to quality, functionality, and elegant design. It comes with various surface options, including standard mesh, tight mesh, and a checker plate and mesh combination, all designed to provide excellent grip and ease in loading and unloading. Innovative features of the iRamp Vehicle include a patented articulated top transit plate for smooth transitions in and out of vehicles, non-lubricated joints for maintenance-free operation, and wheels on all two-piece ramps for easier handling. The ramp is also rigorously tested for safety, assuring its reliability even under crash conditions.FEALHIGH-QUALITY ALUMINUM SOLUTIONS
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202334COMPANY PROFILESIn 2015, Jacob Findlay took a job in a diesel repair shop and noticed something: everything took forever. Technicians stood in line waiting for assignments from the service manager. In the back office, piles and piles of completed service orders often sat (and grew) for weeks before they were invoiced. Parts might not be added to invoices at all, forcing the shop to take the financial hit over and over again.It was not just the shop he worked in, either. Jacob quickly learned the diesel repair industry was quite aways behind its automotive cousins in terms of workflow. While the automotive field had started to adopt digitized processes like job scheduling and parts ordering, diesel shop owners, managers, and techs were reliant on pen, paper, and the occasional spreadsheet. They often worked long hours to make sure they got their work done—which meant they got home late, or worked weekends, or both.Jacob’s prior role had been in the healthcare industry, which had recently made its own shift into the digital realm. He saw a chance to apply what he’d learned there to help modernize the diesel field and help owners and staff enjoy a better work-life balance. After spending some time in the repair shop, he began working with a few others on a repair shop management program designed for the diesel field. A year after that, he co-founded Fullbay.REPAIR SHOP MANAGEMENT SOFTWAREJacob and the early Fullbay team focused on one thing: developing the best application they could for the diesel market. Fullbay automates everything from scheduling and ordering parts to adding those parts to a service order and invoicing after the work is complete. By moving everything online, a shop’s staff can see how a repair is progressing, what parts have been ordered, and how inventory is looking. Information that might have originally required a hike through the shop and a dig through stacks of paper is now available on a phone, tablet, or computer from anywhere in the world.By cutting away the time spent waiting for work or hunting for parts, Fullbay allows technicians to focus on their wrenching—becoming more efficient in both the jobs they do and the time it takes to complete them. That additional efficiency—along with the ease of invoicing—has helped shops see significant increases in revenue and given owners and techs more time to spend outside the shop. FULLBAY’S GROWTH CONTINUESBetween 2021 and 2023, Fullbay grew from around 50 employees to nearly 200, and it continues to add integrations and features built to make heavy-duty life easier. For example, shops can produce an invoice as soon as work is complete; shops can take payments from customers right inside Fullbay; and customers can review a vehicle’s service history and recommended repairs from their own portal. Fullbay has also stepped into the marketing sphere with its purchase of Dieselmatic, a digital marketing agency that works specifically with heavy-duty diesel repair shops. Shop owners tend to focus on running their business instead of building websites and figuring out which platforms to advertise on; Dieselmatic takes the burden of marketing off owners and allows them to zero in on the wrenching while Dieselmatic builds a customer pipeline.FullbayEND-TO-END REPAIR SHOP MANAGEMENT SOFTWAREThere is more to come, too, as Fullbay looks to continue growing and providing best-in-class solutions for the commercial truck repair industry in 2024.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202336COMPANY PROFILESWith superior products and service, Hannay Reels is a worldwide leader in OEM and aftermarket reel applications, with reels that outlast and outperform the competition. Hannay offers thousands of standard models, as well as a wide range of custom capabilities. Since 1933, Hannay has offered high-quality products and expert custom capabilities with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and affordability. BUILT TO LAST, DELIVERED FASTCustomers know they can rely on Hannay for fast turnaround on their orders. Throughout our 90-year history, we’ve committed to work with suppliers that hold the highest standards for quality and dependability, which, in turn, allows us to produce and ship reels quickly.Hannay’s reels are built in their manufacturing space in Westerlo, New York, with more than 200,000 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment. Our facility and industry experience allow us to use superior manufacturing techniques to produce the best-engineered reels in the business. Hannay can customize a reel package that meets your unique specifications—providing solutions to improve the productivity of your business. All our sales engineers are on-site, and they all have experience building reels. This allows Hannay to respond quickly to your needs and produce results efficiently and accurately.CONVENIENT REEL PACKAGESHannay offers reel packages with hose or cable already installed. This saves operations time and money. Standard reel packages are available, or they can be customized to exact specifications. There are multiple applications reel packages can be used for, including:• Dispensing—grease, oil, water, and more• Hydraulic/pneumatic power tools• Service/lubrication for heavy construction equipment• Lights, tools, and engine warm-up• Gas/arc welding• Washdown/pressure washing• Vacuum/suction• Fueling—petroleum, diesel, LP gas, diesel exhaust fuel, and more A TRADITION OF DEPENDABILITYEvery Hannay reel is designed with reliability in mind. Our reels outlast the competition and reduce downtime. Featuring sturdy construction, Hannay reels are built tough with the highest-quality materials to withstand challenging conditions day in and day out. Hannay reels are also compact in size to ensure a small footprint, enabling proper fit for various vehicle or compartment dimensions. Flexible mounting and portability options are also available for optimal versatility. With the right hose or cable reel, dispensing and retracting are quick and easy. Hannay reels are designed for easy maintenance and part replacement, so you can always depend on them.LOOKING TO THE FUTUREThe Hannay research and development team is dedicated to innovation and finding new ways to improve customers’ businesses. The entire Hannay team strives to improve our products. Our goals remain: to work with new industries, to create new technologies, and to continue bringing quality products to customers who put as much pride into their products as we do.hannay.com | 877.467.3357Hannay ReelsALWAYS WORKING WHEN YOU NEED IT
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202338COMPANY PROFILESMullen Automotive is an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer that makes clean-energy alternatives that are Efficient, Economical, and most importantly, Easy to operate. Headquartered in Brea, California, Mullen recognizes the immediate needs for electrification in the commercial market segment as mandates and regulations are put in place.In late 2022, Mullen launched its commercial brand defining a new era in which commercial vehicles run clean with connected and customizable solutions that make businesses more efficient and profitable. Mullen’s commercial lineup is engineered for efficiency, with reduced emissions and increased cost savings for fleets over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.CLASS ONE EV CARGO VANAs all major OEMS, including the Big Three, exit the small commercial van space, Mullen recognized the needs of fleets for both electrification and a small van option—thus the launch of the Mullen ONE.The Mullen ONE, an all-electric Class 1 cargo van, is the first of its kind in the U.S. market and is available for purchase now. With 157 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Mullen ONE is designed to navigate within narrow urban streets and residential roads, all while maximizing payload and cargo space. The Mullen ONE’s height is less than 6.5 feet, meaning your driver can park the vehicle in a residential garage.CLASS THREE EV LOW CAB FORWARDAs fleets seek additional opportunities for electrification, they’re met with limited vehicle availability and few options on commercial vehicles. The Mullen THREE, an all-electric Class 3 low cab forward, features a tight turning radius and excellent visibility. Even in reverse, maneuverability is a breeze with our standard backup camera and 7-inch touchscreen display. This versatile chassis provides a clean top-of-rail for easy upfitting with bodies up to 14 feet long and over 5,300 lbs of payload. In addition, the design of the LCF chassis allows more cargo length within a given overall length.CONNECTIVITYMullen also offers a fully connected platform on our vehicles, Commercial Pulse. Commercial Pulse is an advanced telematics system for electric fleet optimization and provides managers and drivers a connected fleet of vehicles with maintenance alerts, real-time vehicle location, driver safety, battery state of charge, metrics, and more.Commercial Pulse is available via two mobile applications on both iOS and Android platforms. Mullen Commercial Pulse Fleet™ provides insights and access, including a variety of management functions like vehicle health, maintenance, battery, and safety/security alerts. Mullen Commercial Pulse Driver™ improves driver practice and time management with features like routing assistance, real-time vehicle location, charging station locator, and roadside assistance.UPFITTER READINESSMullen Commercial’s Upfitter Integration and Engineering teams are available to provide support with body builder guides, technical assistance, schematics, math data, and more. Whether installing a stake body, flat bed, or a custom upfit, they are here to forge connections between dealers, upfitters, suppliers, and customers. Mullen strives to get your team on the road efficiently, economically, and easily.SERVICEABILITYMullen is ready to go whenever you are with our global service network, mobile technicians, and on-demand maintenance services. Mullen’s national commercial vehicle service provider, Amerit Fleet, is available in all 50 states with brick-and-mortar locations and mobile service opportunities.AVAILABILITYAs a Mullen Automotive certified dealer, Randy Marion Automotive Group (RMA) is ready and armed with information and vehicles for fleets of all sizes. Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, RMA is currently taking orders for both the Mullen ONE and Mullen THREE.Find out more, visit www.mullencommercial.com.Mullen AutomotiveCOMMERCIAL VEHICLE LINEUPAs the first OEM to enter this space with an all-electric Class 3 vehicle, Mullen is proud to have the Mullen THREE available for purchase now.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202340COMPANY PROFILESPPG is a leading innovator of coating technologies for just about every industry imaginable, with a wealth of coatings options available for work trucks. The applications range from heavy-duty trucks and custom truck bodies to transit vehicles, trailers, fire and emergency, as well as the agricultural, construction, and gas exploration industries. PROVEN SOLUTIONS FOR DIVERSE NEEDS PPG’s full range of coatings technologies includes polyurethanes, alkyds, epoxies, polyurea, powder coatings, and pre-treatments. Coatings solutions include:• PPG DELFLEET® premium paint systems offer an excellent selection of basecoat and direct gloss options as well as a wide choice of support products to meet specific customer requirements. Especially geared for work truck applications, these premium systems feature superb color matching, durability, and ease of use. Warranty options range from two to seven years depending on the system used. • PPG VERSOLON™ coatings provide solutions for specialized equipment and manufacturing applications, such as agricultural and construction equipment, trailers and wheels. Technologies range from economical alkyds and epoxies to urethanes, waterborne and powder coatings. COLOR MATCHING TOOLS PPG’s leadership in color excellence is supported by the latest in digital color matching tools, and a comprehensive database comprised of hundreds of thousands of formulas, covering the full spectrum of solid, metallic, pearl, and specialty colors. Formula look-up options range from online access to a full-blown, computerized paint management system—as well as the advanced DIGIMATCH™ spectrophotometer for quickly reading vehicle colors. In addition, specialized color selectors are available, covering popular colors of fleet vehicles, Class 6-8 OEMs and more. TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT PPG offers training to help ensure painters stay abreast of the latest products, technologies, and application methodologies. In addition to the hands-on courses offered at PPG Business Development Centers, customers have 24/7 online access to the PPG KNOWLEDGE COLLEGE® learning system. For owners and managers, PPG’s industry-leading MVP Business Solutions program offers comprehensive management training and guidance for improving productivity and profitability. EXPERT-GUIDED SOLUTIONSPPG’s team of knowledgeable field sales representatives and network of commercial distributors stand ready to enhance the performance of a paint operation in a variety of ways—from sharing knowledge on the latest paint technology and equipment, to conducting paint line studies aimed at increasing paint operation productivity and profitability.Find out more, visit www.ppgrefinish.com.PPGPPG COATINGS. TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE APPLICATIONS.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202342COMPANY PROFILESReading Truck is a leading manufacturer and distributor that has designed and built work truck bodies with outstanding craftsmanship for more than 65 years. Owners depend on Reading Truck for safe, durable truck bodies, expert installation, and all the parts, equipment, accessories, and services required to get the job done.Reading Truck products are available through its extensive national network of distribution partners or through any of the company’s Reading Truck locations. Fleet owners will find everything needed to outfit a single truck or an entire fleet. ALWAYS ON THE JOBJust as Reading Truck takes pride in its manufacturing, the company knows its customers take pride in truck ownership. Reading Truck’s innovation and craftsmanship provide the sureness in its products from decades of dedication to customer satisfaction. Reading Truck manufactures reliable, long-lasting solutions to make owners' lives easier and make the most of every workday. • Service bodies for any size or class—aluminum or steel, light- or heavy-duty, for single-wheel and double-wheel chassis. • Enclosed service bodies providing year-round, all-weather protection for crew, tools, and equipment. • Crane bodies provide an innovative portfolio of light- and heavy-duty options designed for unsurpassed power, productivity, and protection, helping operators safely move items around the worksite. • Hauler and platform bodies are engineered with safety and visibility in mind. With a corrosion-resistant, ergonomic design, these truck bodies provide great stability for hauling. • Landscaper and dump body designs serve small and large purposes. From the backyard to the construction site, Reading Truck landscape and dump bodies allow operators to get the job done by efficiently managing projects. FULLY OUTFITTED FOR YOU With Reading Truck centers across the country and an extensive distribution network ready to serve, Reading Truck’s knowledgeable installers, upfitters, and technicians offer professional, personalized expert consultation and support to add value to the overall cost of ownership. Whether it’s having storage for that specialized tool, exterior lighting for dawn and dusk projects, or master-locking steel slide bars for instant security and peace of mind, Reading Truck outfits and customizes to the need. Or, from planned preventive maintenance to annual certifications and equipment inspections, to emergency repairs and accessory installations, Reading Truck is here for the scheduled and unscheduled truck life moments.From designing, building, outfitting, and servicing, you only need one place, whether you have one truck or an entire fleet. Reading Truck knows you’re not just buying a truck; you’re building your future.Find out more, visit www.readingtruck.com.Reading TruckWORKING HARD FOR THE HARD WORKING
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202344COMPANY PROFILESWaytek, Inc. is a distributor of automotive wire and electrical components serving OEMs, wire harness manufacturers, and upfitters across North America. A family-owned business in operation since 1970, Waytek commits to providing exceptional service, shipping over 99.5% of in-stock orders on the same day. Waytek partners with product manufacturers known for premier quality, recognizing that every component it ships, no matter how large or small, is part of a bigger project its customers are building. Waytek does its part by providing high-quality components quickly and accurately.SERVICE MODELThe company’s overriding goal is to provide an exceptional experience for customers—from finding the parts they need via Waytek’s catalog and website, to receiving them at the right place and the right time, to re-ordering them with ease by web, email, or phone. Waytek’s service-centric approach includes: • IN-PERSON CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Knowledgeable people who care and have a passion for customer service answer the phone within three rings, ready to help.• FLEXIBLE SHIPPING OPTIONS: Waytek ships 99.5% of in-stock orders on the same day for orders received by 3:30 p.m. Central Time. It will ship on customer accounts, if preferred. Customers can schedule orders in advance for products they need regularly.• STOCK INSIGHTS: Real-time availability and lead times for every product are listed on Waytek’s website along with estimated ship dates for backordered items.• COST SAVINGS: Bulk discounts enable customers to save money without sacrificing quality.• TIME SAVINGS: Customers who know exactly what they need can save time with Waytek’s quick order tool and spreadsheet upload option.• FLEXIBILITY: Orders can be made by phone, email, or online. With the online quick order tool, customers can make a quick part list, then add it to their cart or save it for later.• CATALOG: The Waytek product catalog is available as a physical copy or a digital download. It includes both Waytek part numbers and component manufacturer part numbers. If customers don’t have a part number in mind, the catalog is well-organized by component types and product names.• WEBSITE: Featuring all in-stock products, FAQs, how-to articles, and tools and resources for customers.PRODUCT OFFERINGS Waytek offers a wide range of critical DC electrical components for work truck upfitting, repair, and maintenance including: • All types of automotive switches from ignition switches and electrical pressure switches to toggle switches, rocker switches, temperature switches, wiper switches, and more. • Products designed to help maintain the increasingly complex battery systems found in modern work vehicles, including battery chargers, battery disconnects, isolators and separators, converters and equalizers, and low voltage disconnects. • Products for optimizing secondary power distribution including fuse blocks, fuse holders, and power distribution modules. • Relays, contactors, resistors, and solenoids in many configurations—with relays in mini, micro, maxi, and power relay styles; DC power contactor relays in isolated or grounded coil styles; and solenoids in continuous and intermittent duty.• Automotive fuses from leading manufacturers such as Eaton and Littelfuse. Fuse types include blade, bolt down, cartridge, and industrial glass and ceramic fuses. Accessories include fuse blocks, fuse holders, fuse clips, fuse and circuit taps, and battery terminals.• Hundreds of automotive circuit breakers for auxiliary and accessory circuits on work trucks, from auto reset and blade type circuit breakers to short stop, high-amp, and marine-rated circuit breakers. Waytek also offers wire and cable, terminals and connectors, lights, crimping and stripping tools, chargers and alarms, and wire management products including coverings, cable ties, tapes, and clamps. A true stocking distributor, Waytek provides everything needed to build and maintain electrical systems in today’s work trucks.Find out more, visit waytekwire.com or call 800.327.2724.Waytek, Inc.DISTRIBUTOR OF AUTOMOTIVE WIRE AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202346COMPANY PROFILESCheck Out Our Ramps introduces the biggest, toughest, and most durable ramp systems in the industry. Our new Built-In Ramp Systems are designed for safety, ease of use, and unprecedented efficiency. It’s a ramp and a door … all-in-one!The new, built-in ramp systems allow for safe and easy access into and out of the van. Opening and closing takes only seconds. The ramps are full width from top-to-bottom and from side-to-side for maximum loading and surface traction. Ramp and frame install using existing door hinge brackets and bolts. And best of all, there is no loss of interior cargo space.With a weight rating capacity of 2,200 lbs, the full-width ramps can tackle almost anything that needs to be loaded and unloaded. Whether you need a ramp for your business or for personal use, our ramp systems will get the job done. From lawnmowers to golf carts, from refrigerators to business equipment, our ramps are engineered to provide you with safety, while allowing superior access and loading capabilities for almost any project that comes your way.SAFETYWhile most ramp systems use single panel construction, Check Out Our Ramps uses a dual-panel extrusion process with reinforcement in between. We call that reinforcement “I-RIBS.” The I-RIB technology incorporates an extruded, mini-aluminum rib, spaced every 2-inches between our dual-panels used in our ramp lift gates. That’s why they have a weight rating of 2,200 lbs and are considered one of the safest and strongest ramps in the industry. We have incorporated a unique anti-slip milling process on the loading deck of the ramp to increase traction and help prevent slippage when loading and unloading your equipment. Our loading ramp gives you over 30 ft2 of platform space to walk on and maneuver your equipment safely and efficiently.RAMP SYSTEMSCheck Out Our Ramps manufactures ramp systems for the Ram ProMaster high roof, Transit medium roof, Transit high roof, and the Sprinter high roof cargo vans.Visit Booth #366 at the NTEA Show in March 2024.Check Out Our RampsA RAMP AND DOOR … ALL-IN-ONE
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 47The Minimizer tool box sounds like a fantasy but is firmly rooted in the real world of the toughest industry.Minimizer’s line of poly tool boxes won’t sweat, leak, rust, crack, or need paint, thanks to its proprietary material designed to emphasize durability.Moisture cannot enter the box due to a thick layer of weather stripping. And unlike many competitors, this weather stripping is located inside the box, keeping the contents dry.Thanks to the material's nature, metal boxes sweat, allowing destructive moisture access to your tools, tarps, and anything else inside. Nobody wants to replace rusty and moldy materials—much less a rusty box—so investing in a Minimizer tool box impacts the bottom line.To ensure Minimizer has a tool box for every type of application, it offers various styles, including chest, underbody, and a unique in-frame tool box that fits between the frame rails. Minimizer also offers its chest and underbody tool boxes in six unique colors, helping to fit any truck’s unique look.MinimizerA DIVISION OF HIGH BAR BRANDSMinimizer is so certain its poly tool boxes won’t need to be replaced that each one comes with a lifetime guarantee. Learn more about the most durable tool box on the market at minimizer.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202348COMPANY PROFILESOpti-Luxx Inc., headquartered in Hudsonville, Michigan, is a full-service supplier of LED commercial vehicle lighting. Opti-Luxx offers its customers the best in product development, application engineering, program management, and launch support for new and existing products.Over 20 years ago, Opti-Luxx pioneered the use of LED lighting technology in commercial vehicle applications by developing the first LED school bus lights. It is an indisputable fact that school buses are the safest vehicles on the roads today, and as the leading supplier of LED school bus lighting, Opti-Luxx plays a significant role in that strong safety reputation. Today, the company has significantly expanded product offerings to cover the entire commercial vehicle market, including an extensive line of the brightest and best LED signal lighting, work lighting, and a new suite of lights for amber applications.The new Opti-Luxx amber lineup provides innovative, durable, and cost-effective LED options for snowplows, utility vehicles, delivery fleets, agricultural equipment, and all work truck applications. Light formats include beacons, light bars, and warning lights for all vehicle types. Opti-Luxx delivers the brightest and best amber LED lighting products for increased visibility and safety and situation-specific flash patterns for any roadway scenario at prices that won’t break the bank.In addition to school bus, signal, work, and amber LED lighting products, Opti-Luxx also provides superior customer service before, during, and after purchase including:• On-time delivery and short lead times• Quality safety products• Skilled and experienced production team• Reliability• Exceptional sales team• Industry knowledge• Expert technicians• Continuous improvementOpti-Luxx is committed to continuous improvement and providing all customers with exceptional value. For more information on the new Opti-Luxx amber line, the company has included all new amber products on its website and also displays several flash pattern previews on its YouTube channel.Find out more, visit www.opti-luxx.com.Opti-LuxxLED COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LIGHTING
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 49PowerMate® is here to provide safety lifting equipment for one truck or an entire fleet. PowerMate can help make moving your loads of up to 1,500 lbs both safer and more profitable. PowerMate Motorized Stair Climbers, LiftGates, and LiftTables have been in business under the same continuous ownership since 1976. Its lifting equipment is used by a large number of companies to safely and efficiently move heavy loads.PowerMate’s Stair Climber is great for moving loads up and down stairs, and its tailgate lift moves loads off and on pickup trucks. The lifts can move across flat surfaces as well as rough terrain. And finally, several models can stack and/or vertically lift. WHY USE POWERMATEPowerMate lifts improve operator safety. PowerMate requires 87% less effort for the operator than a traditional hand truck. This reduces fatigue and the risk of injuries. The PowerMate also reduces labor requirements by 50%. Instead of using two or four teammates for the job, only one or two teammates are required. PowerMate also provides the potential to complete 20 to 40% more jobs per day. Saving time and labor improves your professional image and grows your profits, not to mention saving money spent on costly injuries, property damage, and potentially even lowering insurance costs. Find out more, visit www.powermate.info.PowerMateSAFETY LIFTING TECHNOLOGYM 2303800
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202350COMPANY PROFILESPressure Systems InternationalKEEPING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ON THE ROAD FOR 30+ YEARS30 years ago, a private company was founded based upon a new and innovative concept of automatically filling underinflated trailer tires, even while the trailer is moving, and introducing the industry first in Automatic Tire Inflation Systems, or “ATIS” for Commercial Trailers.Having the proper systems in place can help operators reduce the risk of tire-related issues and increase fuel economy. While a pre-trip inspection can be effective to verify proper inflation at the beginning of the trip, the driver does not have tire visibility after the vehicle leaves the terminal. The likelihood of tire damage such as punctures increase dramatically when vehicles operate in off-highway environments. The loss of fuel economy, increased tread wear, and the potential of a roadside call can be avoided with appropriate intervention. When considering ATIS vs TPMS, ATIS will provide a faster payback given its immediate response to an underinflated tire. For ATIS, trailer applications are the most obvious, whereas TPMS is usually the best choice for tractors and straight trucks. Recognizing that fleets needed to improve their tire management program beyond just trailer tires, P.S.I.® launched TireView® TPMS, engineered to meet the needs of the commercial vehicle industry. TireView offers unmatched signal reliability with a multitude of sensor types providing best fit solutions for the fleet. All sensors are IP67-rated for dust and water intrusion.P.S.I.’s TireView® LIVE™ data analytics platform is just one of many offerings in the telematics market, which provides actionable data at a glance using vehicle data that has been pushed to the Fleet’s operations, reducing reliance on the driver. Depending on the access portal or telematics system, the fleet can access a “Dashboard” that can give a tire health snapshot of all fleet assets. This allows maintenance or dispatch to make best decisions about scheduling maintenance or asset deployment. All of these solutions are designed to be easily retrofittable to existing equipment, and fleets of all sizes should consider one or more of these products to improve efficiency.psitireinflation.com
DECEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 51VMACUNDERHOOD AIR COMPRESSORS GET MORE DONEFor more than 25 years, UNDERHOOD air compressors, known for extraordinary quality, reliability, and durability, have empowered operators and fleets to reduce GVW, free up cargo space, and get more done, day in and day out. Four UNDERHOOD models, UNDERHOOD40 – Truck Series, UNDERHOOD40 – Van Series, UNDERHOOD70, and UNDERHOOD150, offer operators and fleets 40 to up to 110 CFM, with applications for the most popular work trucks and commercial vans. Working directly with leading vehicle manufacturers, VMAC designs its UNDERHOOD air compressors to mount within the engine compartment of the service truck or commercial van, freeing up space on the vehicle. The UNDERHOOD40 only requires 1.7 cubic feet on the vehicle for a combined air/oil cooler and air/oil separator tank. Meanwhile, the UNDERHOOD70 and 150 systems are contained to the engine compartment and under the chassis so they don’t require any deck space at all. “With UNDERHOOD, you get a clean and professional-looking truck, and the Van Series eliminates common safety issues associated with installing a gas powered air compressor in the cargo area of a van,” explains Mike Pettigrew, VMAC’s Marketing Manager.UNDERHOOD air compressors also offer fleets significant weight savings on their vehicles. “The UNDERHOOD40 – Truck Series air compressor is our lightest weight system, weighing only 62 pounds,” says Pettigrew. “Our UNDERHOOD70 weighs 150 pounds, making it 58% lighter than competitive underdeck systems. Operators and fleets can reduce GVW, freeing up payload for other tools and equipment on their vehicles.”UNDERHOOD air compressors do not lack power. UNDERHOOD air compressors empower operators and fleets to get jobs done faster and easier because they match air output with demand, and can produce full air power at 100% duty cycle without stopping. In addition, its location in the engine compartment protects it from the elements, allowing operators to work in any climate. www.vmacair.com/underhood-air
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202352COMPANY PROFILESCOXREELS manufactures heavy-duty professional grade hose, cord, and cable reels of the highest quality. The company's comprehensive selection of reels includes spring retractable, hand crank and motorized hose, cord and cable reels, and its patented EZ-Coil® Safety Series spring retractable reels with controlled rewind. Coxreels' engineering capabilities and manufacturing processes allow the company to design and build top-quality, USA Made products for any conceivable application where reels are needed.www.coxreels.comCoxreelsWORLDWIDE LEADER IN THE REEL INDUSTRYCoxreels is the worldwide leader in the reel industry and has been serving customers in residential, commercial, and industrial settings since 1923.How do the best stay on top of the rest?BY USING THEIR NOGGIN FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PLACE TO HANG THEIR HARD HATStaying on top of what is happening in the world of work trucks is a great start! Visit www.mwsmag.com and click on the digital edion tab to access the enre MWS digital library. Or subscribe. It’s up to you and it’s all free.
How do the best stay on top of the rest?BY USING THEIR NOGGIN FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PLACE TO HANG THEIR HARD HATStaying on top of what is happening in the world of work trucks is a great start! Visit www.mwsmag.com and click on the digital edion tab to access the enre MWS digital library. Or subscribe. It’s up to you and it’s all free.
1-800-364-5483 • sales@optronicsinc.comwww.optronicsinc.comToday, Optronics is the fastest-growing vehicle lighting and harness manufacturer in the US, and we’re on a mission to deliver BETTER VALUE, BETTER OPTIONS and BETTER SYSTEMS to our customers. We couldn’t do it without you—thank you!It’s been half a century sincewe first turned on the lights.BUILT FORA LIFETIME
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM DECEMBER 202356NEWS FROM ABROADA NEW CHINESE MID-SIZE PICKUP AND VW DEAL FOR ALL-ELECTRIC VATICAN FLEETWelcome to News from Abroad, a column that features research and experiments, technology and innovations, and ideas and strategies from across the globe that could one day affect the work truck industry in the US.SHANDONG, CHINAWith China's nascent pickup market in a slump because of weaker construction and real estate activity, exports have become a bright spot. Enter: Feel The Poer! Pronounced “power,” POER stands for powerful, off-road, enjoyable, and reliable. The Poer-badged pickup is produced by Great Wall Motor Co., China's largest pickup maker. With exclusive features like adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, and 360-degree parking cameras, POER is a new next-generation pickup created for the world to enjoy. The POER has a 2.0L turbo-charged petrol engine paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with TOD all-wheel-drive. Built for an adventurous lifestyle, the POER is a new premium vehicle with the mission of setting new standards in the mid-size pickup segment.Great Wall Motor Company Limited (GWM) is China’s largest SUV and pickup manufacturer. Since 2004, the company has been listed among China’s "Top 10 Listed Private Companies" and among "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands".Also from GWM is the Wingle pickup, a tough and reliable vehicle. Available in different versions with a single cabin, double cabin, also with petrol or diesel engines, the Wingle also comes in 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 versions. GWM exports its Wingle pickups to more than 120 countries. Swaidan Trading, part of Al Naboodah Group Enterprises, is the exclusive distributor for Wingle and been in partnership with Great Wall Motor Company Limited (GWM) since 2001.VATICAN CITYThe Vatican signed an agreement with Volkswagen Group to replace the city-state's entire car fleet with full-electric vehicles by 2030. From the beginning of 2024, the automaker will deliver about 40 EV models from its ID family, ranging from the ID3 to the ID4 and ID5, VW said. The governor's office of the world's smallest state gave no financial details of the deal in a statement but said would involve medium- and long-term leasing of VW and Skoda cars. It said the "partnership accord" with the VW Group was one of the ways the 108-acre sovereign city-state aims to reach a long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral and relying exclusively on renewable energy. The statement said the Vatican would build a network of electric charging stations inside its walls and at its properties in Rome. Francis, 86, has made protection of the environment a hallmark of his papacy and often has called for a transition away from fossil fuels.Cers, Don POER Pickup Vatican and VW Group ink deal for electric fleet Wingle Pickup