Modern WorkTruck Solutions February 2024 : simplebooklet.com

MAINTENANCE & SAFETY ISSUECONNECT WITH US HOLMANPRO RACK The Pro Rack is the brand's new line of heavy duty racks for full-size work trucks, service bodies, and platform bodies. Enhanced strength, durability, and versatility – everything your trucks need to get the job done right.www.holman.com/equipmentINSIDE THIS ISSUEFEBRUARY 2024 VOL-9 NO-2MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE & SAFETY ISSUE& SAFETY ISSUEFEBRUARY 2024WWW.MWSMAG.COMREADY TO ROLLTELEMATICS SUPPORTS SAFE DRIVINGDIY GUIDETRAILER WIRING HARNESS INSPECTIONMEDIUM DUTY 2025 ISUZU F-SERIES CUSTOMIZE IT THE WAY YOU WANTSAFETY Q&AMAKING FLEETS SAFERCOVER STORIES58CONVENIENCE VS CONGESTION TRANSFORMING LAST MILE DELIVERYFUEL EFFICIENCY THE BEST STRATEGIES22INSIGHTMAKING FLEETS SAFER ............... 14 How available truck technologies can make truck fleets safer.SAFETYREADY TO ROLL ............. 46 How telematics supports safe driving in winter weather.@mwsmag www.facebook.com/modernworktruckwww.linkedin.com/company/ modern-work-truck-solutions.IN EVERY ISSUEINDUSTRY NEWS ............................................... 8INDUSTRY INSIGHT ..........................................14WORK TRUCK PRODUCTS .............................642025 ISUZU F-SERIES CUSTOMIZE IT YOUR WAY18SHOWCASEMEDIUM-DUTYSAFETYDIY GUIDE ...................... 52 Trailer wiring harness inspection.

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OPERATIONS THREE WAYS TO STEP UP YOUR SERVICE GAME ..................... 26 How the right truck can give you peace of mind and increase your bottom line.TECHNOLOGY LIGHT FANTASTIC .................................................................32 New engineering technologies are making it possible for lighting to take on custom shapes, sizes and brand identities.UPFIT SPRINGING INTO ACTION ......................................................38 Spring-assisted ramps make van users happy by saving time, minimizing effort, and making work easier.UPFIT WANT IT DONE RIGHT? GET THE RIGHT REEL ..........................42 Reels used for organizing and deploying hoses and cables plays a key role on work trucks.SAFETY CHOOSING THE RIGHT COUPLING EQUIPMENT ........................48 Finding the right coupling equipment can be challenging.MANAGEMENT AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY 2024 ...............................................56 Predictions for the work truck industry from the automotive perspective.www.mwsmag.com 3100 Lorna Rd., Ste 101Birmingham, AL 35216MARIO CYWINSKI Editormario@mwsmag.com J, CAMPELL VP of Editorialjay@mptmag.com RANDY MOON 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 elisa@mwsmag.com.SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES OR CHANGES CALL:205.380.2048CHRIS GARMONCFO www.highlandspublications.com TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresident4842

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 20248INDUSTRY NEWSECOLAB SELECTS FORD PRO TO ACCELERATE ELECTRIFICATION OF THEIR FLEETEcolab selected Ford Pro to accelerate the electrification of its sales and service fleet, targeting complete North American fleet electrification by 2030. Electrification of Ecolab’s North American fleet begins in California with the conversion of its sales and service vehicles to EVs by 2025. Ecolab will purchase and deploy over 1,000 Ford F-150 Lightning® Pro trucks and Mustang Mach-E SUVs. Ford Pro offers a full suite of charging and telematics software that Ecolab will use to help the business maximize vehicle performance and fleet productivity.“Ford and Ecolab have worked closely for almost 100 years, from water conservation at Ford now to electrification at Ecolab,” says Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “Together, we’re showing that sustainability is good for the bottom line and the environment.”Ford and Ecolab have a business relationship dating back to 1925, including collaboration on reducing and reusing water in Ford manufacturing plants. COX AUTOMOTIVE OPENS EV BATTERY SOLUTIONS FACILITY IN GEORGIA Cox Automotive announced the opening of its new EV Battery Solutions service center in Conyers, Georgia.“The geographic expansion of our EV battery service network reinforces our dedication to both our customers and the growth of the new and used electric vehicle market in the U.S.,” says Lea Malloy, AVP of EV battery solutions, Cox Automotive. “As the global leader of integrated battery caretaking services, we provide flexible capacity and logistics expertise that frees OEM resources to focus on new product development and customer engagement that is essential to further driving EV growth.” Cox Automotive supports practices that enable the extension of EV battery first lives and end-of-life reuse and recovery treatments. Includes a variety of storage, logistics, diagnostics, repair, and remanufacturing services being conducted at the company’s global EV battery service facilities in the United States, Netherlands, and select Manheim operating locations. To learn more, visit www.coxautoinc.com/ev-battery-solutions. INTELLISHIFT NAMED “IOT ANALYTICS COMPANY OF THE YEAR” IntelliShift was selected as winner of the “IoT Analytics Company of the Year” for the second year in a row in the

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202410INDUSTRY NEWS MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202410INDUSTRY NEWSeighth annual IoT Breakthrough Awards program conducted by IoT Breakthrough.“We’re honored to be recognized for the second time as the ‘IoT Analytics Company of the Year,’” says Henry Popplewell, CEO of IntelliShift. “This recognition helps us stay true to our mission to be the partner and platform of choice for fleets seeking to make their operations safer and more efficient.”IntelliShift’s platform consolidates aspects of fleet management technology—AI dash cams, telematics, digital inspections, vehicle and equipment maintenance, fuel management, and compliance technology—into a single cohesive ecosystem. The IoT Breakthrough Awards program conducts a comprehensive analysis of the global IoT industry and recognizes the ‘breakthrough’ innovators, leaders, and visionaries in a broad range of IoT categories. This year’s program attracted thousands of nominations from companies worldwide.To learn more, visit www.intellishift.com. FLEETIO EXPANDS OFFERINGS Fleetio announced four new features including tire management, warranty management, sensor data snapshots, and enhanced service tasks. “At Fleetio, we’re passionate about empowering fleets to reach their full potential,” says Jon Meachin, CEO of Fleetio. “These new features and offerings are a testament to our innovation and customer centricity. We’re confident they’ll serve as valuable tools to help fleets thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”Tire management allows fleet managers to gain real-time insights into tire health and performance, tracking tread depth, air pressure and usage data, proactively identifying potential issues and ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. Warranty management maximizes warranty claims to avoid unnecessary expenses. Sensor data snapshots leverage sensor data to proactively detect and address potential problems before they escalate. Enhanced service tasks with parts and labor streamline work order creation and improve technician productivity.Fleetio has restructured its packaging to offer three tiers, each expanding on the capabilities of the one before: essential, professional, and premium.To learn more, visit www.fleetio.com. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS MITIGATION STRATEGIESIn five years, 255 roadway workers were struck and killed by vehicles, according to an annual report by Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI). The report shows an uptick in struck-by-fatality deaths of roadway crews. Of the

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202412INDUSTRY NEWSdeaths, 96 were tow operators, 13 road service technicians, and nine DOT/SSP workers.As a result, ERSI assembled a report that outlines several mitigation strategies agencies can utilize to protect its crews.“At Command Light, we pride ourselves on creating lighting that truly can help save the lives of victims and responders alike,” says Roger Weinmeister, president, Command Light. “The ResponderSafety Team said it best after releasing its first ERSI report, we simply cannot wait another day to make this a top priority.”ERSI documented an increasing number of organizations adopting traffic advisors and digital message boards to improve visibility and give clear directions to motorists. The report noted multi-level or high-rise light systems are key in elevating lighting and advisors above obstructing views. Some advisors utilized directional pulsing light bars; the study found large arrow boards were most effective at diverting motorists away from the scene. The report also addressed bright white lights, which often cause glare and visibility problems when not properly elevated. The report suggests elevating and positioning white light to illuminate only work areas. Light towers are one of the most effective ways to control lighting.ERSI began tracking struck-by-vehicle deaths in 2019. ERSI also produces respondersafety.com and the ResponderSafety Learning Network, which offer online training and traffic safety certification programs. GODWIN GROUP FOUNDER REMEMBEREDIn November, at the age of 82, Pat Godwin Sr., after 57 years of hard work at the company he founded, came to an end after a brief illness. While Pat's terrestrial life came to an end, his industry contributions and business legacy are continuing and strengthened, with his children and grandchildren taking the reins of the company. The family came of age working in the shops and offices of the Godwin Manufacturing campus. On April 1, 1966, Godwin Sr., quit his soft drink company delivery route and picked up a borrowed welder. His goal was to put food on the table through building truck equipment for the local farming community. Little did he realize; he'd embarked on a journey to the top of the truck equipment manufacturing industry. Modern Worktruck Solutions sends their thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and everyone who knew Pat. MWS will have an article on the company published soon.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202414INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQPETER GOLDWASSER, ESQ., IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT TOGETHER FOR SAFER ROADS. GOLDWASSER HAS TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE WORKING ACROSS THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, ADVISING COMPANIES, NON-PROFITS, AND INDIVIDUALS ON HOW TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE TOUGHEST ISSUES. HE IS KNOWN FOR A LEADERSHIP STYLE THAT CLIENTS AND COLLEAGUES CHARACTERIZE AS AUTHENTIC, CREATIVE, AND EMPOWERING. PETER GOLDWASSERMaking Fleets SaferMWS: CAN YOU GIVE OUR READERS A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TOGETHER FOR SAFER ROADS AND THE WORK YOU DO?GOLDWASSER: Fatalities and serious injuries from road collisions are one of the most pressing global health and development crises, with pedestrians, children, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users at risk. Together for Safer Roads addresses this problem through innovative programs grounded in industry expertise. By sharing the knowledge, data, technology, and global networks of our members, we help to prevent traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. This investment in cross-sector collaboration is notably improving road safety outcomes and saving lives.Working with the public sector, we provide insights on how to make fleets safer for operators and vulnerable road users, and guidance on testing safety solutions at scale. On the private sector side, we collaborate with leading companies around best practices for fleet safety, offering speed of innovation and the ability to bring new ideas to the table. For community-based organizations (CBOs), TSR provides a forum to connect with private sector resources, expertise, and support along with insights from road users and communities that shape solutions. Our members include some of the world’s largest fleets, encompassing 286,318 professional drivers and 606,202 company vehicles globally. TSR is a global organization, with members operating in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, France, and other countries.MWS: TODAY’S WORK TRUCKS ARE IMPLEMENTING VARIOUS DESIGNS AND TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE SAFETY. WHAT ARE SOME ISSUES THAT STILL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED?GOLDWASSER: The following are three core issues that we are currently working to address with our partners and members at TSR:• It is common knowledge that drivers who have greater visibility in their cabs are less likely to injure or kill pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. However, while tools and designs are available, most trucks in the U.S. still have large and dangerous blind zones, making it difficult to easily and quickly see road users outside the vehicles.• Fleet safety experts report that despite the ubiquity of certain safety instruments and technologies, fleet operators lack a unifying standard to inform the purchase of the “right” vehicle safety instrument for new vehicles and the retrofitting of existing ones. Those standards that do exist are either often inaccessible, or not useful to guide purchasing and operations decisions.HOW AVAILABLE TRUCK TECHNOLOGIES CAN HELP MAKE TRUCK FLEETS SAFER.Photo credit: Together for Safer Roads.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 15• Small to mid-size fleets account for about 88 percent of all commercial fleets on the road, yet these operators often lack the time, technical expertise, and financial resources to create systems and cultures of safety.MWS: WHAT SOLUTIONS COULD FLEET OWNERS/MANAGERS CONSIDER TO REMEDY THOSE ISSUES?GOLDWASSER: We are addressing these issues through TSR’s Safer Roads Studio, which serves as the hub for our work with forward-thinking corporations, startups, municipalities, and other road safety entrepreneurs. The studio leverages a combination of people-first design thinking and accelerator methodology to define, test and produce packaged solutions to the industry’s challenges. Direct Vision: We are deeply invested in mobilizing our members and partners across the public and private sectors to lay the groundwork for a future where Direct Vision cabs are the universal standard for trucks worldwide. To further that goal, we have launched two key initiatives: • Our Truck of the Future program works with cities and companies to equip their fleets with 360-degree video and audio technology that increases driver vision. • TSR’s Direct Vision Star Rating System provides policymakers and fleet operators with a tool to assess the blind zones of their current fleet vehicles and make better informed purchases when procuring new trucks. We believe it will also encourage fleet owners to retrofit poorly rated vehicles to improve visibility and reduce the size of their blind zones.Safety Industry Standards: Utilizing its Safer Roads Studio, TSR's Global Fleet Safety Instruments Standardization is establishing a comprehensive suite of recommended industry standards for a broad cross-section of critical safety instruments. This work will also support a more equitable deployment of safer trucks in the secondary, resale markets, with a particularly positive impact for smaller business owners with less resources.Safety support for smaller fleets: FOCUS on Fleet Safety is TSR’s signature workforce development program specifically created for small to mid-sized fleets based on industry best practices and peer mentorship. Through the FOCUS program, we help companies achieve safer and more efficient operations by utilizing a combination of safety training, leadership development, and technology.MWS: CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE CONCERN OF FINDING BALANCE BETWEEN PUBLIC SAFETY AND PRIVACY CONCERNS WHEN IT COMES TO IN-CAB CAMERAS?GOLDWASSER: In-cab cameras are equipped to capture pivotal moments to help us better understand why crashes and/or near misses happen. By capturing and analyzing driver behavior and external factors, these cameras provide fleet managers with a wealth of critical data points. This information can then be used to create more effective, personalized coaching strategies, which result in a ripple effect on the safe road ecosystem. The result can be enhanced driver performance and fewer crashes, injuries, and fatalities, and potential reductions in insurance costs.Yet, despite the obvious advantages, fleet managers who want to introduce in-cab cameras are confronted with a variety of obstacles, often exacerbated by the implications of certain privacy laws. We strongly maintain; however, that road safety and privacy should not be adversarial, they can coexist through technology and nuanced legislation. Working with fleet managers and drivers about the advantages of in-cab cameras is essential, coupled with ensuring that privacy legislation is carefully worded to allow for adoption of this life-saving technology.MWS: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE POSSIBILITY OF THE INCLUSION OF AUTONOMOUS WORK TRUCKS AND VEHICLES IN FLEETS?GOLDWASSER: Autonomous vehicles are not necessarily front and center in our work right now. We can envision a future where large-scale deployment of autonomous trucks in the context of long-haul trucking will have potentially significant implications on the industry and for road safety. TSR will continue to work with our members and partners to stay abreast of changes and see where and how we can contribute to the issue. The goal is that higher stages of autonomy are consistently linked to safer vehicles and conditions for all road users.MWS: ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?GOLDWASSER: Improving fleet safety is of the utmost importance and it is a privilege for TSR to be able to work with our various member companies and city partners to drive real and sustaining change. It can be a complicated issue, but one that is absolutely made better via public-private partnerships, innovative pilots, and, the sharing and strengthening of networks of like-minded actors – all work that TSR is uniquely positioned to do. We look forward to the year ahead and continuing to support road and fleet safety initiatives in 2024.FOR MORE INFORMATIONTogether for Safer Roads is a global NGO, leveraging private-sector technology, data, and expertise to prevent traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities around the world. Their purpose-driven members are active participants in TSR and Vision Zero programs. To learn more, visit www.togetherforsaferroads.org.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 20242020Isuzu came to the United States in 1984 and now Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has sold more than half million trucks, from the original KS22 with 87 horsepower to the current lineup of class 3 - 7 Low Cab Forward trucks.One of those trucks, the 2025 Isuzu F-Series, is offered in Class 6 FTR and FVR Derate and Class 7 FVR configurations. The low-cab forward design that Isuzu is known for is used on the F-Series.CAPABILITY OF TAPMore than anything else, a work truck, no matter class 3 - 7, needs to be capable. The Isuzu F-Series uses a Cummins B6.7 diesel engine, which is a 6.7 liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine outputting 260 hp and 660 foot/pounds of torque, mated to the FTR has the Allison 2550 RDS and the FVR DeRate and FVR have the Allison 2500 RDS transmissions. Three models are available, with each offering a different GVWR, FTR (25,950 lbs), FVR Derate (25,950 lbs), and FVR (33,000 lbs). All three models are available with eight wheelbases that range from 152 to 248 inches (152, 170, 188, 200, 212, 224, 236, and 248), with varying cab to axle (127” to 223”), cab to end of frame (192.9” to 337”), overall length (274.4” to 418.5”), and bodies from 14’ to 30’.All models have a Front GAWR of 12,000 lbs (FTR Low Pro is 11,000 lbs), 160-amp alternator, final ratio of 5.57 (4.88 on Low Pro), 17 CFM air compressor (optional). Air-S-Cam 16.5” Drum brakes with ABS, 10-gallon DEF tank for the diesel engines exhaust, and 11R22.5 tires (266/70R22.5 on Low Pro). GCWR is 30,000 lbs for FTR, and 33,000 lbs for FVR Derate and FVR. F-Series comes with either a 50- or 100-gallon fuel tank, which is based on the wheelbase on the vehicle. How much can you put into the body of the F-Series. The FTR allows for between 14, 505 to 16,264 lbs; FVR Derate allows for 14,405 to 15,939 lbs; and the FVR allows for 21,455 to 22,989 lbs. All three have a range as the payload capacity is determined by how the vehicle is optioned.CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRUCKF-Series trucks have a plethora of accessories that can be selected to make your work truck your own. This begins with a touchscreen audio system by Alpine that offers Bluetooth for hands-free calling, works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, has HDMI input, USB port, and AUX input. SiriusXM is available (with a subscription), and a backup camera can be ordered with the system. Mechanically, you can add a block heater and receptable, an air suspension, an emergency engine shutdown system, an engine idle shutdown system, a speed limiter, and an engine oil pan heater with receptacle.Non-mechanical options include low profile tires, aluminum wheels, chrome grille, seat covers, keyless entry, back-up alarm system, power and heated side mirrors, LED lighting package, fire extinguisher and triangle kit, and high-visibility seat belts. For added safety, F-Series offers a Mobileye package that comes with forward collision warning, pedestrian collision warning, lane departure warning, and headway monitoring and warning. The system is a passive one that offers warnings and alerts.The Isuzu F-Series low-cab-forward design, which allows you to have a longer body in the same foot print of a conventional truck with a shorter body, which gives you the opportunity to carry more payload in MEDIUM-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEABOUT THE AUTHORMario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada and has been a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 23According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, light-duty trucks are most efficient at between 40 and 50 miles per hour, with a significant drop off after 60 mph. While going faster may mean less time on the road, it does not necessarily mean you are burning less fuel, as your engine will be less efficient. Finding routes with average speeds within that 40 to 50 mph sweet spot may yield bigger savings than faster alternatives.Routes with minimal turns are also ideal. The more direct a path is, the less likely a driver will make mistakes or need to slow down to see where they are going.AVOID HEAVY TRAFFICYou should also consider traffic along potential routes. One way may be faster on empty roads but experiences heavy daily traffic. Consequently, it may be less efficient in the real world than it seems on paper.According to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, trucks idle for 1,000 hours annually on average, leading to millions of dollars in wasted fuel. If you can avoid traffic, you can minimize that idling time. While you can’t predict all traffic jams, you can recognize congestion-prone roads and events ahead of time, and plan to go around them.Look at your past routes to see where you have encountered traffic the most often. It’s also important to consider temporary factors like construction or local events that could draw large crowds. Finally, always refer to real-time traffic data in case congestion does not follow predictable patterns.SCHEDULE THE RIGHT TRUCK FOR THE JOBVehicle right-sizing is another great route-planning strategy for fuel efficiency. In the rush to shorten delivery times, many fleets send trucks out half-empty. While this seems faster initially, it is highly inefficient in the long run.Smaller loads may shorten one truck’s route, but you will need more shipments overall. Completing more deliveries in a single trip is far more fuel efficient. The key to balancing these larger loads with productivity is to choose the right-sized vehicle for the job.If you have multiple deliveries within a reasonable distance of each other, pack all these goods into a larger vehicle. Save smaller trucks and vans for shipments that do not fit neatly into the routes. In all cases, adjust your schedules not to send any vehicle out until it is at optimal capacity, being careful not to overload or underload anything.BACKHAULS AND EN-ROUTE PICKUPSSimilarly, you can do more in one trip if you factor in backhauls. Your vehicles must drive back at the end of their

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202424OPERATIONSday anyway. Why not take that opportunity to move more goods while you are at it?If any deliveries are near a pickup location for another shipment, see if a truck can pick the order up on its way back. En-route pickups offer a similar opportunity. As your vehicles make deliveries, their onboard capacity grows. You may be able to pick up more goods on the way to extend their trip.These adjustments will make individual routes longer. However, they can minimize your overall number of shipments, using less fuel overall.COVER MAINTENANCE IN ROUTE PLANNINGEffective route planning is about more than choosing a path to follow. You should also schedule vehicles around their ongoing maintenance needs.Seemingly minor factors can make a significant difference in fuel consumption over time. According to Fisk Tank Carrier, tire inflation alone can reduce your fuel efficiency by three per cent in some cases. If you do not consider wear and tear when scheduling shipments, your fleet will struggle to reach maximum efficiency. Maintenance-centric route planning starts with understanding each vehicle’s care needs. From there, you can determine when each needs tire rotations, inflations, oil changes and similar maintenance. Cycle through vehicles so each has time for these regular steps and no one truck spends more time on the road between repairs than others.TRACK AND ADAPTRegardless of your other route-optimization strategies, you must be ready to adapt. Having a schedule is essential, but few, if any, plans work out as expected the first time. Alternatively, your strategy could work perfectly, but then conditions change, and it is not as effective anymore. Adaptation is key in both scenarios.Effective adaptation relies on measurement. Track your fuel spending, mileage, route lengths and any other related factors. Over time, this data will show you how effective your strategies really are.If your fuel efficiency is declining or does not improve as you hoped, adjust your plan. Keep watching the same factors to see if those changes worked. You will have to keep tweaking little things, slowly becoming more efficient.USE AI TO YOUR ADVANTAGEFinally, do not be afraid of technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) makes implementing all these other strategies easier and is often more accurate than humans trying to do the same.Some logistics companies have improved efficiency by 25 percent using AI route optimization software. These tools use machine learning to look at factors like real-time traffic, speeds, and even backhauling opportunities to determine the ideal route for each shipment. Weighing all these factors yourself is difficult and time consuming, but AI excels at this kind of problem-solving.You can choose from several AI-powered route planning software options today and new options emerge regularly. Look for one that meets your budget and weighs the factors most important to your fleet, and do not forget to adjust it over time.PLAN FUEL-EFFICIENT ROUTESYou can boost your fleet’s fuel efficiency with just one of these route-planning strategies. Implementing a few or, ideally, all of them will produce even bigger results.When you know what practices waste fuel, you can adjust your routes to avoid them. The more you save, the more sustainable and cost-effective you will become as a company, securing a brighter future for your business.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Emily Newton has eight years of creating logistics and supply chain articles under her belt. She loves helping people stay informed about industry trends. Her work in Global Trade Magazine and Parcel showcases her ability to identify newsworthy stories. When Emily is not writing, she enjoys building Lego sets with her husband.MWS Can help you CliMb out of the hole.NUMBERS DOWN IN THE DUMPS?NUMBERS DOWN IN THE DUMPS?combine print & digital advertising, and WatcH YoUr bottom line rise! 205.795.0223 | rUssell@mWsmag.com

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202426OPERATIONSIt is no secret that a mechanic truck can help to level up your fleet. Rather than needing to tow broken-down equipment to a specialty repair shop, which can not only be hard to come by, but can often be quite costly, mechanic trucks can be relied on for fast on-site repairs. By quickly getting operations back up and running while also increasing productivity and efficiency, the time and money savings that mechanic trucks bring to a worksite are immeasurable. These trucks help to maximize uptime. However, how can you feel confident your mechanic truck is always ready for the job? Taking care of the vehicle that takes care of everything else can sometimes get overlooked, especially when considering small yet mighty teams that are already operating well above capacity. That is why a thoughtful truck build and regular maintenance are critical to making sure you are getting the most out of your mechanic truck. These tips below are a great place to start. CONSIDER ALUMINUMWhen choosing a body for your mechanic truck, consider the use of an aluminum body to help reduce the overall weight. With a lighter body in use, you will be able to put Three Ways to Step Up Your Service GameHOW THE RIGHT TRUCK CAN GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND AND INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM LINE. By Tyler Havens, product manager, Stellar All photos courtesy of Geotab.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202428OPERATIONSMEET YOUR NEEDS Understanding the diverse range of customization options available for a mechanic truck not only enhances the functionality of your truck but can allow you to tailor it to meet your unique needs to tackle the challenges of on-site repairs. From cranes, toolbox systems and compressors to lube skids and power units, the way you customize your truck is essential to maximizing what that truck can do for you. LET’S TALK SERVICE CRANESWhen it comes to ways to improve productivity and widen the range of jobs your mechanic truck can accomplish, adding a service crane is often a smart choice. Adding versatility, a service crane facilitates the movement of heavier equipment, expedites equipment servicing by lifting heavy parts and can allow for precise placement or removal of materials in tight spaces. Depending on your specific needs, and the weight requirements of your truck, you can find a service crane that works for your business. If you’re looking for a cost-effective crane for smaller one-off jobs, an electric crane might be right for you. If you’re looking for a robust, versatile solution with increased lifting capacities and durability, a hydraulic crane might be the right choice for you. Regardless of the crane you select, you can expand the jobs your mechanic truck can perform. LET’S TALK TOOLBOX SYSTEMSA well-organized toolbox system is essential when it comes to maximizing efficiency for your mechanic truck, ensuring that every tool has its designated place to streamline workflow and minimize time spent searching for equipment. Specific considerations such as size, material and handle options should be considered to enhance the functionality and accessibility of your toolbox system. The toolbox systems in mechanic trucks can often feature drawers that are rated up to 500 pounds per drawer to ensure long-term durability. Like the body of the truck, considering toolbox systems that are constructed from aluminum can help contribute to the longevity of the truck, but many times manufacturers will also offer steel options to ensure the system can handle the weight of the tools being thrown inside. It’s best to find a system that has both. Steel internal components with an aluminum face will help ensure your toolbox system can withstand the weight of the tools you need, while also withstanding the test of time when it comes to environmental factors. Everything down to the handle of the toolbox system can be a critical part of making sure your service vehicle delivers on strength and reliability. Be sure to work with your distributor or manufacturer closely to choose quality materials that make sense for your business. LET’S TALK AIR COMPRESSORSOutfit your truck with on-board air to make life easier by allowing for air on-demand, wherever you are. Air compressors provide the power needed to operate various pneumatic tools, clean debris, and offer inflation. They can be hydraulically driven if the chassis has a PTO and pump or driven by a small horsepower engine. Compressors can also use either rotary screws or pistons to compress the air. Most service vehicles can accommodate a wide range of air compressors. Selecting the right one for your business can help provide a versatile and reliable way for you to operate any essential air tools you need to get the job done. LET’S TALK LUBE SKIDSPermanent mounted and mobile lube skids are a popular addition to a mechanic truck because of the added efficiency they can bring to the operation. Lube skids provide a centralized, convenient solution for dispensing and storing new oil, waste oil, grease, and other lubricants, allowing your service vehicle to become a true mobile hub for equipment needs. Choosing a skid that provides you with options in terms of what liquids you can carry, and capacity amount can help ensure you're prepared for any situation. LET’S TALK POWER SOURCESYou may want to consider using an auxiliary power unit (APU) with an integrated compressor to help increase efficiency on your service vehicle. An APU can be an alternative to a PTO and pump to power equipment. These self-contained units can power hydraulic systems, electric tools and even offer welding capabilities. They are driven by

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 29a small horsepower engine but some run on their own battery power. By incorporating one into your truck, you can run the equipment without having to run the truck, helping to save on fuel costs and wear and tear on the truck itself.Additionally, you may want to consider a hybrid option for your power source. Utilizing battery-powered technology in your service vehicle can be a smart investment in the long term as more regulations around vehicle compliance emerge. As an added benefit, these power sources are typically quieter, and they reduce your carbon footprint while still bringing down fuel consumption and truck maintenance costs. REGULAR SERVICEProductivity is all about uptime, and nothing is worse than having a piece of equipment down when a job needs to be done. It is important to prioritize regular maintenance efforts for all your equipment. Why would your service vehicle be treated any differently? Regular maintenance not only improves longevity, but it also ensures that your vehicle is always running at peak performance. For that reason, it’s important to stick to the preventative maintenance and inspection schedules provided by the manufacturers of all aspects of the truck, from the chassis to the service body. Regular maintenance check-ups are easy to integrate daily. Something as simple as a walk-around can provide you with the confidence that your truck is operating to its full potential. Additionally, following the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes and filter checks is important when it comes to your service vehicle. When you follow a preventative maintenance routine, you control the schedule, don’t risk your truck breaking down when you need it most.YOUR VALUABLE TRUCKWhether you’re making the switch to aluminum components, customizing your truck to fit your exact needs, or stepping up your day-to-day maintenance, it’s essential to be looking to get the most out of your mechanic truck. A proper mechanic truck can be a significant investment, but the right one is well-equipped to handle any situation. Therefore, take the time to do things the right way when it comes to your mechanic truck, and rest easy knowing that your on-site service needs are taken care of.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tyler Havens is the product manager at Stellar.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202432TECHNOLOGYWhen it comes to commercial vehicle lighting, the word uninspired might spring to mind.SAME OLD, SAME OLDTraditional four-inch round and six-inch oval stop tail turn lights have been around for a long time, and although newer LED lights have largely replaced their older incandescent predecessors, not much else has changed.These utilitarian lights and lighting shapes continue to meet federal regulations and faithfully serve the vehicles on which they’re installed. Meanwhile, the world of lighting has been progressing at a rapid pace. Look no further than the automotive industry to see how far lighting has advanced and where it might be headed for the commercial vehicle market in the future.“If there is one thing the automotive industry understands, it is brand differentiation,” says Dustin Smith, vice-president of sales, Optronics. “They literally build it into their vehicle models and lighting design plays a major role in making many major brands stand apart from the crowd.” SHAPE SHIFTERSOne of the ways design engineers differentiate a vehicle is by creating novel and attention-getting shapes for vehicle lighting packages. The advent of LEDs in vehicle lighting has made the design possibilities endless.Designers also often achieve stunning appearances by incorporating unique optical characteristics, textures, and patterns into lens construction. These signature lighting approaches don’t just compliment vehicle body styles, they become an inseparable part of the vehicle’s overall visual statement. “While automotive-style lighting design has largely escaped the purview of commercial vehicle designers and commercial vehicle lighting manufacturers as well, some, like our company, have broken from the pack in the last few years,” says Smith.SELLING STYLE When considering wreckers, aesthetics might not immediately cross one’s Light FantasticNEW ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES ARE MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR LIGHTING TO TAKE ON CUSTOM SHAPES, SIZES AND BRAND IDENTITIES. MILLER’S CENTURY, VULCAN, AND CHEVRON LIGHT-DUTY WRECKERS USE AN ALL-ALUMINUM BODY, WITH ABS PANELS INVITING A MORE AUTOMOTIVE-STYLE LIGHTING SYSTEM. All photos courtesy of Optronics International / USA Harness.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 33mind, primarily due to their traditional focus on utility rather than design. Yet, historical examples repeatedly demonstrate that innovative and thoughtful industrial design can enhance almost any item, not only in terms of its appearance but also its functionality and user experience.Founded by William G. Miller in 1990, Miller Industries is the world’s leading producer of towing and recovery equipment. They build multiple brands of equipment on multiple vehicle platforms, including everything from small wreckers to 100-ton rotators with capacities of up to 200,000 pounds.“We’ve watched as the Class 4 and 5 cab and chassis platforms that we use have progressively advanced in both style and utility,” says William G. Miller, II, CEO, Miller Industries, and the son of its founder. “With this in mind, as we started envisioning the new generation of our Century, Vulcan, and Chevron light-duty wreckers, we aimed to blend cutting-edge style with their inherent sturdiness. Our goal was not merely aesthetic enhancement but to create a distinct identity for our wreckers, setting them apart from others in this field.”The Miller team had been investigating the use of an all-aluminum body, complemented with robust and easily replaceable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) panels. Utilizing ABS offered the potential to give the rear design a more integrated appearance, leading Miller to consider adopting an automotive-style lighting system.“Our collaboration with Optronics, our main lighting supplier for nearly a decade, became even more integral after they merged with our primary harness supplier, USA Harness, in 2019, forming Optronics I USA Harness,” says Miller. “They were the obvious partner for this project, prompting us to start focused discussions about the possibilities.”Both company’s design engineers engaged in creative and interactive discussions to identify the challenges and seek solutions. Their objectives were to not only meet the demanding requirements of the towing and recovery industry, but to enhance the visual appeal of the equipment. Optronics custom-designed a lamp for Royal that incorporated its logo light into a non-standard footprint. www.coxreels.comFOLLOW US:TOLL FREE | 800.269.7335LEARN MORE:PRO GRADE HOSE, CORD, & CABLE REELSVersatile Reel Applications, Conﬁgurations, & Mounting Solutions Available for YOUR WORK TRUCK Operations.BOOTH#1453YOUR TRUCK?WHAT’S ON GET QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST!You Need Leads!We Have the Solution!Our digital marketing campaigns can identify prospects interested specifically in your product, and then tell you exactly who they are! See what our customers are saying:The reports are awesome! Thank you. If we can get that level of information from all of our suppliers, we will be very happy! We have already made one machine sale to a prospect from the eBlast and I am sure there will be more. Paul Gazik,Business Development/International Salesfor Call us today to get started at 205.795.0223 or email us at russell@mcsmag.com

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202434TECHNOLOGYThe lighting system needed to be robust, highly functional, and easy to repair. An important aspect of the discussion was the consolidation of the lighting approach. This involved moving from separate three-inch by five-inch rectangular and six-inch oval lamps to a more unified, modular system, integrating functions like stop, tail, turn, and backup lights. The team also aimed to reduce the number of connection points between the lights and the main harness system, and decrease the number of holes needed in the body for individual lights.TAKING SHAPEOptronics I USA Harness embarked on the project and, after several innovative drafts, presented Miller with a design that ticked all the boxes. The new tail lamp featured a modular look, but with a unique twist, it consisted of several lamps within one modular unit. Each unit had a detachable lens, secured by three simple-to-remove fasteners, and housed three, four-inch round Optronics Fusion GloLight lamps.The Fusion GloLight lamps boast a sleek, automotive-style appearance with smoothly glowing outer rings and sharp, central pinpoint LEDs. These lamps were a smart selection due to their integrated stop, tail, turn, and backup functions in a compact design. Having been in use for some time, the individual Fusion GloLight components required minimal adjustments and were straightforward to maintain and replace.An additional feature of the lamp was the "C-channel". This feature, an extended c-shaped section of the lens, partially encompassed the three internal four-inch round lights and utilized the GloLight technology.The lamp was crafted to align seamlessly with the rear body’s contours and to wrap around the edge just enough to double as a side clearance marker lamp. One of the most inventive aspects of this design was an optical illusion that created a flaring effect on the left and right sides. Despite this appearance, only one lamp footprint was needed for both the left and right positions, leading to cost savings and a more streamlined production process.“The final outcome was that the new lamp provided a combination of functions including stop, tail, turn, backup, and side clearance marker capabilities,” says Miller. “The whole lighting system could be connected to the vehicle’s electrical harness through a single Deutsch connector.”YOUR NAME IN LIGHTSIn addition to unique, custom lighting shapes, Optronics has brought automotive style to commercial lighting’s appearance. Using its GloLight technology, lighting engineers are now able to integrate intricate Optronics designed a tail lamp with a modular look consisting of several lamps within one modular unit housing three, 4-inch round Optronics Fusion GloLight lamps. Optronics has led the move toward commercial vehicle lighting innovation with its GloLight technology and logo light applications.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 35graphics, such as brand logos and symbols into the lamps’ functional performance. In the company’s new logo light designs, a traditional LED-style lens pattern encircles logo graphics positioned within the lens. The new logo lights blend brand identities within their lighting design, contrasting the appearance of the GloLight portion of a lens with the more conventional LED patterns. The GloLight logo area lights up during the normal operation of the tail lamp. Moreover, when the lamp’s turn signal or brake functions are activated, all sections of the LED lamp intensify in brightness.“These new logo lights mark a pioneering step in our industry and a unique application of our GloLight technology,” says Smith. “Logos and branding have long been a part of conspicuity tape on commercial vehicles, so their transition into lighting is a natural progression.”Marketing experts agree that lights are some of the most prominent features on any vehicle. “Even if it’s not at the forefront of your mind, when you’re following a commercial vehicle, especially at night, its taillights are something you’re always keeping an eye on,” said Smith.To prepare prototypes for manufacturers, Optronics utilizes its 3-D printing technology. The company has also collaborated with various OEMs during the lamp’s development, including Miller Industries.“Our vehicles are recognized around the globe,” says Miller. “With the development of its new custom logo stop, tail, turn lamps, Optronics has presented us with another opportunity to further our brand’s recognition and strength.”LED lamps provide a wide range of creative design options for individuals in charge of a company’s branding. This is because GloLight technology can be utilized in red, white, or a mix of both colors. Additionally, lens striations can be employed to create distinctive and visually appealing effects.Optronics has worked with a growing variety of companies, now incorporating unique lighting shapes, combined with its logo light technology to create attention-getting lighting effects that also signify a vehicle’s brand alignment.“Commercial vehicle lighting isn’t the most responsive to trends, especially when it comes to aesthetics,” says Smith. “However, there was a practical business case for LEDs replacing incandescent bulbs, and the same goes for smart, marketing-oriented OEMs and upfitters replacing ordinary lighting with extraordinary new branded logo lights and unique shapes.”FOR MORE INFORMATIONTo learn more about Optronics’ custom and logo lighting, visit www.optronicsinc.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202438UPFITWork vans are an essential part of the commercial vehicle landscape. Vans provide an efficient and highly adaptable platform for many professions.From plumbers to mobile x-ray technicians, vans conveniently get needed equipment to a work site. A van’s self-contained design also provides plenty of room for shelving, drawers, and other equipment storage solutions.“Our van upfitting business really took off about 12 years ago when we started offering van shelving,” says Rob DeMars, director of operations and sales for American Bobtail, Inc. (ABI). “We’ve now grown to be one of the largest upfitters in the United States and vans represent about 80 percent of what we do.”Based in Rockwall, Texas, the 23-year-old ABI now has 32 bays and a 10,000-square-foot warehouse on its 14-acre campus. The company specializes in light- and medium-duty commercial vans and trucks, and offers a complete line of equipment, service, and parts.Once the van shelving segment of the business started to take off, DeMars says customers started asking about ramps and other accessories. One place DeMars always uses to find the latest innovations in van equipment is NTEA’s Work Truck Week.“I saw the Link ramps for the first time at the NTEA show and the first thing that sold me was the spring-assist feature,” says DeMars. It made stowing and deploying ramps out of the back of a van remarkably easy and almost effortless.”DeMars noted that hydraulic liftgates and small electric cranes can also be used for loading and unloading certain types of equipment and cargo from vans. However, they come with their own challenges, including initial expenses, ongoing maintenance, potential service interruptions, and the need for operator training.THE ASCENT OF RAMPSOver the years, progress in design, engineering, and material sciences have driven improvements in ramp technology. Known for its durable, low-profile swivel and folding aluminum ramps, Link Manufacturing has become a benchmark.Springing into ActionSPRING-ASSISTED RAMPS MAKE VAN USERS HAPPY BY SAVING TIME, MINIMIZING EFFORT, AND MAKING WORK EASIER.All photos courtesy of Link Mfg.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 39“All Link ramps are designed to fit neatly behind the doors of a vehicle, using less than 12 inches of horizontal space,” says Lynn Blake, national account manager for Link Ramps. “They are a far simpler alternative to liftgates and cranes, as they don’t require any training to use, allowing workers to operate them immediately after installation.”Link ramps cater to a broad range of needs, with widths varying from 24 to 47 inches, accommodating standard hand trucks and other cargo handling equipment easily. Their bi-fold ramps range in length from 72 to 135 inches, and their extended ramp models can reach up to 119 inches, complete with an adjustable support mechanism for increased stability.Link’s swivel ramps function like traditional folding ramps when stored at the rear. They also have the capability to swivel behind the wheel well, allowing clear access to the vehicle and providing flexibility for times when a loading ramp is not needed.In 2021, Link expanded its range with a 42 by 108 inch ramp, adding to its nine standard ramp designs. This new model offers additional width without hindering door access when mounted to one side and stored upright.“Link’s LB20 ramps are designed to be user-friendly, and some models are available with a built-in spring-assist feature, making the opening and The versatility and practicality of spring-assist aluminum ramps, meet a wide variety of work van applications.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202440UPFITclosing of the ramp easy for virtually any operator.” said Blake. “Upfitters love them, because they understand that the end user will really appreciate the benefits over time.”SPRING FEVERABI’s DeMars believes Link’s LB20 spring-assist is well worth the price, and he suggests his customers seriously consider including the feature in their purchases. He describes a large mobile medical service business that originally declined his recommendation to choose the spring-assist option. “Their staff transports hospital beds and medical equipment of all kinds, and I strongly urged my customer to opt for the spring-assist version of the ramps, but because of budgetary considerations, he politely declined,” says DeMars. “The first 50 units of a very large initial installation were already in the field, when I received a call from my customer emphatically telling me that his workers had told him that I was right about the spring-assist.”ABI ended up re-fitting all the first 50 with the spring-assist ramps. Today, ABI has done thousands of ramp upfits for the same customer all over the country, and each of them includes Link’s spring-assist option.Kevin Mulvihill, a general manager with U.S. Upfitters, agrees that Link’s spring-assist offers a critical advantage over other available ramp solutions. The company has been selling and installing Link ramps since 2004.“The feature we find most beneficial is Link’s spring-assist, and we like the front wheel kit as well,” says Mulvihill. “If you’re getting a long ramp, you can easily open and close it when it’s spring assisted.” Mulvihill observes that the springs reduce worker effort and thus exposure to potential back strains and other injuries associated with repetitive lifting movements.“This is a product line that I’m super happy with,” says Mulvihill. “They do what they do very well, and so I’m not really looking for another source.”However, Mulvihill went on to explain that the company is always looking to bring on new lines that are within its scope, and that are of the highest quality. “We don’t sell junk and if we bring something on and it’s not working for us or our customers, we’ll immediately move away from it,” he says.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 41Mulvihill also complemented Link’s customer support structure and timely response. He appreciates Link’s willingness to drop ship ramps on a just-in-time basis. “We do a lot of marketing and sales through our website and Link precisely ships ramps to meet our fluctuating demands,” he says.CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTIn 2023, Link Manufacturing revamped its aluminum swivel ramp product offerings, emphasizing lighter weight and enhanced mounting options, and better bumper clearance across all their ramp models. The company also undertook an initiative to reduce weight, successfully removing about 30 pounds from the original swivel mounting plate design. This significant weight reduction was achieved by optimizing the geometry of the ramp's base plate, specifically by removing excess material in non-critical areas like between the connection points on either side.“Our objective was to preserve the strength and structural integrity of our swivel ramps, while simplifying their installation and usage,” says Nick VanderKooi, advanced engineer for Link Manufacturing. “The redesign also incorporated a more adaptable generic grid pattern for mounting fasteners. This offers our customers more options in terms of how and where they install the ramps.”In the second quarter of 2024, Link plans to introduce the latest model of its popular LB20 with newly designed, pull-style, gas-spring-assist lifting mechanisms. The new LB20 ramps will each be fitted with dual gas springs and will be approximately 25 pounds lighter, meaning less lifting force will be required to open and close them. Link’s new LB20 ramps will weigh approximately 13 to 16 percent less, depending on the ramp model. Seven of the nine LB20 models will be available with the spring-assist feature and the two smaller and lighter of the nine ramps will come without. All models will now come with Link’s wheel kit as a standard feature, which will allow the ramps to deploy and retract on a wide variety of surface angles and materials more smoothly.The new design will also ship to customers fully assembled and attached to the LB20’s revised base plate. The new base plate has a larger mounting pattern, accommodating more mounting holes and fastener sizes, making installation easier for upfitters.FOR MORE INFORMATIONTo learn more about Link ramp products, visit www.linkramps.com.866.251.1777 • 205.824.9796 Russell@mcsmag.comREACH KEY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS get your media planner MWSMAG.COMNOVEMBER2023WWW.MWSM AG.COMDEVELOP AN UPFIT STRATEGYA COMPREHENSIVE PLANROUTINE INSPECTIONSCOMMON WHEELEND ISSUESTOOLS ELEVATE YOUR OPTIONSACHIEVE WORK-READY RELIABILITYMEDIUM DUTY 2024 MULLEN THREE CLASS 3 ELECTRIC VEHICLEALL ABOUT EXTERIORS ISSUEADVERTISING OPSREACH KEY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202442UPFITWork trucks have limited space, but it’s vital to have all the equipment truck owners need to get the job done right the first time. A wide range of industries, including utilities, fueling, construction, landscaping, plumbing, and many others use reels for organizing and deploying hoses and cables, which play a significant role on work trucks.Quality and performance are must-haves for work trucks, where time is money and failure is not an option. There are many reasons why truck owners should choose superior reels designed and manufactured to the highest standards.THE ROUGHER, THE BETTERIn the field, it’s best to be prepared for the worst, and work crews don’t get a break if it’s not a nice day. Wind, rain, ice, dust, sand, mud, snow, slush – work crews face it all in a day’s work. Heavy-duty reels made with top-quality materials are designed to withstand whatever Mother Nature has in store.Hannay Reels heavy-duty 1500 Series manual and power rewind reels feature 3/16-inch-thick discs and an eight-inch diameter, 14-gauge steel drum to manage hose pressures up to 10,000 psi, delivering increased longevity and peace of mind for high-pressure water and pneumatic applications.Want it Done Right? Get the Right ReelREELS USED FOR ORGANIZING AND DEPLOYING HOSES AND CABLES PLAY A KEY ROLE ON WORK TRUCKS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES,All photos are courtesy Hannay Reels.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 43BUILT TO SQUEEZE INWith a lot of equipment to carry around a jobsite, there’s no wiggle room for wasted space. Keeping hoses and cables organized in work areas saves valuable time, improves safety, and extends their working lives. The Hannay Reels N700 Series spring-rewind reel helps crews maximize space with a narrow frame and a compact mounting base, making it ideal for use in limited-space work environments. Specially engineered to streamline pneumatic needs, lubrication, washdown, water transfer, and general industrial applications, N700 Series hose reels can easily attach to trucks and overhead cranes thanks to a wide range of roller positions providing multiple mounting options. The spring rewind functionality simplifies pickup and storage, and a non-sparking ratchet assembly unit makes it safer to operate in hazardous areas. The unit handles 1/4-inch through 1/2-inch I.D. hose and hose pressures up to 10,000 psi.GET IN THEREYou can’t always park your truck close to the job at hand, so reels need to efficiently accommodate long lengths of hose and cable. Available with either manual- or power-rewind capabilities, the lightweight E1500 hose reel manages hoses with 3/8- through 5/8-inch I.D. and pressures up to 10,000 psi.The manual-rewind version comes complete with a cam-lock drag brake, spring-actuated pin lock, and direct crank rewind. The power-rewind version offers a chain-and-sprocket drive powered by an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor.Also available are a range of lightweight portable reels for deploying hose, cable, rope, or wire close to the worksite. For example, the ATC 1250 is equipped with a removable steel handlebar and pneumatic tires, making it ideal for remote jobs in construction, agriculture, and grounds maintenance.SAFETY FIRSTStatic grounding reels, also known as static discharge reels, are used across a broad range of applications, including vehicle and aircraft fueling, chemical

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202444UPFITplants, grain silos, rescue and hazmat operations, bulk powder transfer stations, terminals, and fuel refineries.These specialized reels dissipate static electrical buildup for equipment operating in hazardous environments where a discharge could cause a spark. The SGCR grounding reel is independently tested to 43 kA for 30 cycles, helping to meet OSHA requirements for vehicle grounding. Equipped with a built-in cable hoop and automatic spring rewind, the SGCR grounding reel offers speed, convenience, and improved safety for crews with no time to waste and no margin for error.GRACE UNDER PRESSUREIdeal for hydraulic and spray applications, the N600 hose reel is designed with a narrow frame and numerous roller positioning options to accommodate specific space and mounting requirements. Designed for 1/4-inch through 1/2-inch I.D. hose, the N600 is a dual-fluid-path reel that can handle standard fluid temperatures from minus-15° F to 250 °F (minus-26° C to 121° C) and hose pressures up to 10,000 psi.FUELED AND READYRemote job sites need fuel and lubrication on the move, and the 800 spring rewind reel is ideal for fuel dispensing and waste oil evacuation. Built larger and stronger for heavy-duty applications, the 800 reel features a roll-formed channel frame and an array of roller positioning options. It accommodates 3/4-inch or one-inch I.D. hose and standard pressures up to 6,000 psi.SIMPLE TO MAINTAINCrews need their equipment to work as hard as they do, but even the best reels are subject to wear and tear over time. Robust, ruggedly built reels need to be maintained now and again to maintain top performance and deliver long life.Most reels are engineered to enable truck owners to quickly maintain and even replace components when needed. They feature bolted-on components and conveniently located ball bearings and swivel joints for swift, simple maintenance that allows crews to jump right back into the job without significant delays.FOR MORE INFORMATIONTo learn more about Hannay solutions for work trucks, visit hannay.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202446SAFETYReady to RollHOW TELEMATICS SUPPORT SAFE DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER By Ross BradderReady to RollHOW TELEMATICS SUPPORT SAFE DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER By Ross BradderIt’s a great time for carriers to harness the power of telematics and fleet management technology to support fleet safety and efficiency throughout the winter months.Keep reading to learn how telematics can help you and your drivers get through the winter driving season safely and successfully.TRACK AND SCHEDULEA roadside breakdown is never good. It’s even worse when it occurs amid winter driving conditions. The dangers posed by brake failures, blown tires, and mechanical issues only increase when they occur on slick or icy roads.Common roadside repairs include tires, brakes, lighting, power plants, and exhaust systems. That’s why it’s important for carriers to be proactive with tracking and scheduling maintenance. Using software that tracks your fleet’s service history and sends automated maintenance alerts can help reduce roadside breakdowns and costly unplanned repairs.In addition to a proactive maintenance program, pre-trip inspections are crucial to ensuring that a truck is ready to hit the wintry roads. Using paperless driver vehicle inspection reports can streamline the process for drivers and allow you easily to track vehicle defects and repairs.Many fleets own far more trailers and pieces of equipment than tractors, which adds serious complexity to tracking, maintaining assets, and assigning loads. Advanced trailer telematics can support fleet safety by supplying real-time data about key trailer components, such as tire pressure and temperature and brake health. In addition to the safety and productivity gains that smart trailer tracking provides, it can help with employee satisfaction and retention because of the assurance that you’re sending drivers to roadworthy trailers that are ready to roll. DRIVER BEHAVIORSpeeding, following too closely, and harsh cornering are always dangerous. When you add inclement weather and poor road conditions to the mix, the potential for calamity increases. That’s not to say that drivers are at fault for serious accidents—statistically they are not—but the point is clear: winter driving conditions require extra caution.Even the best drivers can lapse into bad habits. The more quickly you can identify and address instances of unsafe driving the better. A fleet management system that reports on safety-critical events gives you the actionable data you need for effective driver coaching.Using tools and technology that allow you to measure driver performance within your organization and against industry benchmarks can help the entire team develop a positive view of these important metrics. This allows you to manage expectations, reward improvements, correct problem behaviors, and incentivize safe driving. A side benefit is fostering healthy competition among your drivers to see who can claim the title of safest driver. Photo credit: EROAD

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 47ROAD VIEWFootage from a dashcam can quickly show who is at fault in an accident, often exonerating the truck driver. Video evidence becomes increasingly important when trucks are operating in difficult winter driving conditions. While professional drivers may be taking proper safety measures, such as driving below the speed limit or allowing greater distance for braking, passenger car drivers may not. Dashcam footage will show if an accident is caused by a motorist driving in an unsafe manner for the conditions. Dashcam footage also adds context to other telematics data on driver behavior for more effective—and fair—coaching. A harsh braking incident, for example, may be the fault of a passenger car driver that cuts off a commercial truck. An additional benefit of in-cab cameras is being able to see road conditions from the back office and allows you to coach drivers when it’s truly warranted. This contributes to better relationships in the workplace. KNOW VEHICLE LOCATIONVisibility is crucial to effective fleet management. Telematics and dashcams let you know where your trucks are at any given moment, allowing you to make better dispatch decisions and provide accurate ETAs for customers. This visibility is especially important when trucks are operating in winter conditions, during which unforeseen delays may be more common, and when rerouting may be essential due to Mother Nature’s seasonal whims. FINAL THOUGHTHeavy truck fleets operating under the ELD mandate aren’t the only ones that can benefit from telematics and video. Fleets comprising light- and medium-duty vehicles, delivery vans, construction vehicles, and non-regulated heavy trucks can also use technology to boost safety and efficiency during the winter driving season, and all year long.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ross Bradder, territory sales director and certified transportation professional with EROAD, has more than 10 years of experience in technology sales, specializing in telematics and transportation. Ross is a current member of the National Private Truck Council and has served on multiple state trucking association committees. He is a past chairman of the board of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to his successful transition to technology, Ross served for more than 15 years in political nonprofits across the globe, where he supported efforts championed by President George W. Bush and South African President Nelson Mandela. To learn more visit, www.eroad.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202448SAFETYHeavy haulers know the story all too well - when hauling heavy loads, a big challenge is finding the right coupling equipment.PINTLE HITCHESA big issue is weight capacity. Many manufacturers that produce pintle hitches do not list the capacities; for anyone in the heavy haul industry, that is a non-starter. Given the inherent dangers of trailer separations, you must know the weight capacity for any pintle hitch. The U.S. saw nearly 1,000 accidents involving trailer separations from 2009-2018, and whenever trailer separations occur, they usually involve a fatality (1,156 people were killed in trailer separation accidents from 2009-2018).As a result, some coupling manufacturing companies have invested a lot of time and resources into developing new technologies. In fact, one new hitch on the market closes with the release of the emergency brakes. Making sure the latch is closed correctly is always the responsibility of the person making the coupling connection, and it is the driver’s responsibility to verify that the equipment is correctly connected before moving the vehicle. Mistakes happen, and a great plan B is invaluable. Any coupling that can Choosing the appropriate coupling equipment makes heavy hauling safer and easierWHEN YOU ARE HAULING THE HEAVIEST LOADS ON THE ROAD, FINDING THE RIGHT COUPLING EQUIPMENT CAN BE CHALLENGING. By Caleb OstranderPhoto Credit: High Bar Brands

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 49help prevent catastrophic accidents saves countless lives. Fleets are taking note and starting to notice these life-saving trends. Another feature that affords greater comfort and safety is adding a type 30 air service chamber for use with a slack-reducing coupling to any heavy haul application. This type of air chamber applies up to 3,000 PSI to dampen heavy loads via the pushrod, so a type 30 air chamber is the safest and most reliable for anyone utilizing this style of coupling. By reducing the slack in the connection, the load is hauled much smoother and safer while the coupling equipment benefits with a much longer useful life. Grade 8 fasteners are necessary with all pintle hitch applications, but any heavy hauler should look at grade L9 fasteners to ensure the coupling does its job. With a tensile strength of 180,000 pounds per square inch, L9 fasteners are perfect for high-stress environments and supply the additional strength needed to confidently carry any load down the road. Fleets should always check with the coupling manufacturer to ensure they use the highest quality fasteners.DRAWBAR EYEOf course, when discussing coupling equipment, the pintle hitch only tells half the story. You must also ensure the drawbar eye’s weight capacity is acceptable for your load and application. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link; thus, the drawbar eye needs to be equally rated for the capacities specified by the fleet. Speaking of applications, some heavy haulers see rough terrain as part of their run, so it is essential to use an appropriate front-end assembly that can handle the uneven path. Some suppliers produce a front-end assembly containing a swivel drawbar eye, and that tandem can easily handle the roughest of roads. However, in that case, companies must ensure that the swivel drawbar eye carries an appropriate weight capacity.If a company experiences rough terrain and is not using a swivel drawbar eye and front-end assembly, the coupling can wear more quickly. Therefore, consider the coupling material before making a final decision. Not all pintle hitch and drawbar eye materials are created equally, so examine the compounds used during manufacturing. Some materials on the market work-harden, meaning that as friction builds up on the coupling surface, the material gets harder and harder. In this way, it is similar to material found in railroad rails.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202450SAFETYA set of heavy-duty hinge assemblies will also dampen the load of your drawbar assembly. Pair these with a set of poly bushings, and they will absorb the extreme weight of heavy hauling. Some manufacturers offer hinge assemblies rated at 150,000 lbs. Nylatron bushings are also a great option for many heavy haulers. Nylatron is a NASA-approved material with unique characteristics that will outperform most polymer materials in a heavy haul application.ACCESSORIESConsidering the weight involved with heavy hauling, it is essential to monitor the wear of all coupling equipment, and some manufacturers offer accessories to monitor and assess the wear of their products. Using tools such as wear gages will help identify critical wear on the horn and drawbar eye and help a company plan for any potential replacement equipment. Nobody wants to be caught behind the eight ball without a replacement option on hand, and many wear gages will indicate when a new product should be ordered. Some wear gages come with a latch gap measuring device, which – if it passes through the gap between the horn and latch when the latch is closed – recognizes when a coupling should be taken out of service. Wear gages and latch gap measuring devices can play an important role in properly maintaining coupling equipment.Some suppliers also provide step-by-step guides for choosing the appropriate coupling equipment. This is a huge help for any company in the heavy haul industry. Sometimes, manufacturers even provide an online web site tool that walks users through identifying the correct part number.Weight plays the biggest role when selecting the right coupling equipment for heavy hauling, but there are numerous ways to increase safety and make things easier for drivers. When questions arise, it is best to contact the coupling manufacturer directly for advice on the best coupling equipment for specific hauling requirements.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Caleb Ostrander is a marketing specialist for High Bar Brands, which acquired Premier Manufacturing in 2020. Premier Manufacturing has been designing and manufacturing coupling equipment for nearly a century. To learn more, visit premier-mfg.com.

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 53• LOOSE CONNECTIONS: ensure all connections are secure to prevent flickering or malfunctioning lights. Check for corrosion on connectors and replace them if need be. • CHECKING THE TRAILER PLUG: inspect the plug for any signs of damage or corrosion. A clean, well-maintained plug ensures a secure connection to your towing vehicle.Don't forget to check the harness itself. Trace its path from the front to back of the trailer keeping an eye out for: • KINKS OR CUTS: these can damage the wires and compromise their functionality. • CHAFING AGAINST SHARP EDGES: this can wear down the insulation and expose the wires. This creates a path for moisture and corrosion.Conducting a thorough visual inspection enables you to catch potential issues early, keeping your trailer safe and dependable.ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENTNext, conduct a systematic check of the trailer's electrical components. You'll need your multimeter and the trailer manual. VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT• Connect the red multimeter test lead to the positive terminal of the harness connector and the black test lead to the trailer frame or if closed loop system the ground wire.• Consult your trailer's manual for specific voltage values at key points within the harness, typically around 12 to 14 volts. Carefully evaluate designated points and record the readings.NOTE: Be careful not to damage the wires insulation. Damaging the wiring insulation will create a path for moisture and corrosion. GROUND CONNECTION VERIFICATIONLocate the ground connection, which is often a bolted connection to the trailer frame. Ensure the connection is secure and free of corrosion. Loose or corroded grounds can disrupt the entire electrical circuit, causing flickering lights, equipment malfunctions, or even safety hazards. INTERPRETING THE CLUES• Consistent readings within the recommended range indicate a healthy electrical system.Organized by Eaton Hall Exhibitions ATTENTION WORK FLEET LEADERSRegistration includes hotel accommodations, meals, all events & sessions and comes with travel reimbursement. “If you’re directly involved in your eet’s decision-making and have any needs for products or solutions that will help your eet run more safely and eciently, then we invite you to apply to attend this year’s Work Fleet Forum”CONNECT with the best ideas, the newest solutions and the brightest minds all in one location.LEARN about new products and solutions with private demos and small presentations. You can even customize your event based on who you’d like to meet with.NETWORK with other top eet managers in a relaxed and productive setting at the beautiful Palms Resort. You’ll add to what - and who - you know in the eet industry. e 16th Annual Work Fleet Forum is for those who run hard-working eets. It’s designed to be more productive, more valuable, more fun and just for eet leaders like you. NOV 12-14Register Today!(800) 746-9646 www.workeetforum.comanthony@eatonhall.comLimited Vendor Opportunities Still Availablee Palms Resort in Las Vegas, NV2024

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202454SAFETY• Fluctuations or significantly lower readings than recommended signal potential issues like faulty connections, damaged wires, or overloaded circuits.LAST DO’S AND DON’TSIn addition, always follow these good maintenance practices:• Periodically use dielectric grease to protect bare metal terminals (if they are not otherwise sealed from wire and corrosive chemicals). • Never use a test probe by puncturing the insulation jackets of the wires. • When repairs must be made, splice wires together using glue-filled, heat shrink crimp connectors to affect a completely sealed connection. • Always wear eye protection when working underneath equipment. Debris can easily fall or be blown into your eyes when working under equipment. • Ensure a lock out tag out process is in place so that the equipment you are working on will not be moved without your knowledge and consent.PROACTIVE MAINTENANCEAdopting a proactive stance towards maintenance guarantees the longevity and reliability of your trailer's wiring harness. Here's what you can do: • WIRE PROTECTION: seal exposed wire ends with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing. This prevents shorts and corrosion, safeguarding your circuits.• HARNESS CARE: apply a protective coating, like liquid electrical tape or harness spray, to the entire harness, especially in areas exposed to the elements. This creates a barrier against UV rays, salt, and abrasion, extending the harness's lifespan and preventing cracks.• COMPONENT INTEGRITY: inspect all connectors for wear and tear, including cracks, corrosion, or loose pins. Replace any damaged connectors to ensure proper electrical flow. Check for corrosion every three months, especially if you frequently expose your trailer to harsh conditions.• TRAILER GROUNDING: Check for loose ground connections and tighten them securely. A loose ground is like a faulty handshake, disrupting communication within the electrical system. Inspect the grounding every six months. Proactive maintenance is an investment in your trailer’s health and safety. For your harness, these simple steps can extend its lifespan, minimize downtime, and ensure worry-free adventures.EXTREME WEATHERIf you frequently use your trailer or operate in extreme weather conditions, adjust the inspection frequency accordingly. Regular inspections become even more critical for trailers that endure heavy usage or adverse climates.Investing a little time in regular inspections safeguards your trailer's wiring harness, ensuring a smooth and secure journey every time. FOR MORE INFORMATIONPeterson Manufacturing is a world-class innovator in the design, engineering and assembly of commercial vehicle and trailer wiring harness and lighting systems. To learn more, visit petersonlightsandharnesses.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202456MANAGEMENTClarity comes in different packages. While there will always be factors at play in the work truck industry, it’s best to understand and gain insight from a variety of sources. Here are five predictions. 1TECHNOLOGY WILL BE CRITICAL FOR COMBATING UNCERTAINTY The auto industry is facing significant uncertainty due to various factors: inflation and a potential recession, geopolitical tensions and wars, a slowing EV adoption rate, the development of various alternative energy solutions including hydrogen and e-fuels, continuing cost pressures, and an upcoming U.S. presidential election that could materially impact industry direction. To address these and similar challenges, companies will increasingly turn to information technology to deliver operational efficiencies and resilience. Furthermore, there will be a greater emphasis on intra- and inter-enterprise collaboration to mitigate risk and improve resilience. 2LEGACY IT SYSTEMS WILL GIVE WAY TO MODULAR, DATA-DRIVEN DIGITAL PLATFORMS Siloed and heavily customized on-premises legacy IT systems will increasingly become unable to support the needs of the rapidly evolving, data-driven automotive ecosystem and as such, represent significant business risk. Risky, complex, and expensive one-size-fits-all ERP projects will be abandoned in favor of shorter, iterative value delivery cycles tightly aligned to business metrics. Automotive companies will look to industry-specific, interoperable, cloud-based digital platforms that enable greater end-to-end collaboration, visibility, resilience, and scalability. 3SUPPLY CHAINS WILL BECOME MORE INTELLIGENTThe supply chain will continue to be an area of risk. To mitigate this, automotive companies will increase supply chain automation through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) and robotic process automation (RPA). The former can provide probabilistic scenario modeling for various use cases. The latter can automate routine supply chain processes, freeing up resources to focus on analysis and decision-making. 4SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES WILL SEE GREATER INVESTMENTStringent environmental regulations will require automakers and their suppliers to implement comprehensive carbon capture and reporting technologies or face potential financial penalties Automotive Industry 2024PREDICTIONS FOR THE WORK TRUCK INDUSTRY FROM THE AUTOMOTIVE PERSPECTIVE By Peter Maithel

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FEBRUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 57and damage to their reputations. Consumers—especially in the luxury and near-luxury segments—are factoring a brand’s environmental stewardship into their purchasing decisions. Hence, while sustainability is an additional cost, it can also provide competitive differentiation in certain markets and segments. Accordingly, the industry will increasingly target key demographics with messaging that aligns with customer expectations and will increase financial commitments to sustainability initiatives. Technology that enables cross-value-chain collaboration and data capture and extends that capability beyond the organization’s four walls to the broader ecosystem, will again play a pivotal role in bringing sustainability programs to fruition. 5AI WILL SEE GREATER ADOPTION ACROSS VARIOUS AREAS OF THE AUTOMOTIVE VALUE CHAINAs a result of its ability to understand context and intent, AI will play an increasingly key role in delivering a highly personalized in-vehicle user experience. For example, if it knows that one must drive to an appointment tomorrow morning, it can check the weather forecast and typical traffic patterns, recommend a departure time, and even suggest a place to grab a coffee on the way. Mercedes Benz is already piloting a ChatGPT-based in-vehicle voice-based system to deliver such curated experiences, and other luxury brands have similar plans in the works. As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, AI will help to accelerate software development by acting as an assistant or co-developer with human coders. By some estimates, this could reduce the time for each software release by up to 50 per cent, possibly more. AI will also be able to proactively and continuously optimize the software development process, while taking the human aspect into account as well. AI will help bring new vehicles to market faster by shortening product development time. Counter-intuitively, generative AI is very adept at providing innovative and creative ideas that can accelerate the time taken to develop and evaluate new concepts. AI can also rapidly factor in customer feedback, real-world vehicle operational data, warranty performance data and the like when ideating new vehicle designs and performance characteristics. AI’s role will expand into vehicle testing and validation. In combination with digital twins, it will enable increasingly sophisticated crash testing and scenario modeling, reducing the need for physically destructive testing.ABOUT THE AUTHORPeter Maithel is an automotive industry principal at Infor. Find out more at www.infor.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202458MANAGEMENTLast mile delivery has emerged as the pivotal battleground where convenience collides with congestion. The global market for last mile delivery is poised for unprecedented growth expected to reach US$137.4 billion by 2030, as consumers continue to transform the way we live, shop, and move.THE CONCRETE JUNGLE The impact of last mile delivery is evident in densely populated areas, like New York’s Manhattan. In this concrete jungle, last mile delivery has witnessed a 55 percent increase in the number of stops on delivery routes, and a 46 percent rise in the number of vehicles making deliveries. It's no wonder that over 2.4 million packages are delivered in Manhattan every weekday.New Yorkers have been increasing their daily household deliveries at an astonishing rate since 2009. Deliveries tripled to more than 1.1 million by 2017 and reached 1.5 million by 2019. The following four years saw the daily number grow by a staggering 60 percent.Chicago, Phoenix, and Houston are also grappling with the last mile delivery boom. 1. CHICAGO witnessed a 116 percent surge in the number of stops, and 82 percent increase in the number Convenience Versus CongestionHOW DATA IS TRANSFORMING LAST MILE DELIVERY. By Nate Veeh

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202460MANAGEMENTof vehicles dedicated to last mile deliveries. 2. PHOENIX recorded 58 percent growth in the number of stops, along with a 22 percent rise in the number of last mile delivery vehicles.3. HOUSTON had a notable 29 percent rise in stops along last mile delivery routes, coupled with a 39 percent increase in the number of fleet vehicles responsible for deliveries.Convenience, speed, and personalization are the driving forces behind consumer purchasing behavior. If business continues as usual, emissions from delivery traffic in the world's 100 largest cities will surge by a daunting 32 percent by 2030. Traffic congestion is predicted to increase by more than 21 percent, adding to the already frustrating urban gridlock. It’s time for a solution, which comes in the form of curbside management.CLEARING ROADBLOCKSCurbside management is poised to clear future roadblocks created by last mile delivery. The Geotab ITS platform, Altitude, connects aggregate commercial vehicle insights to offer a contextualized view of an entire transportation network. It harnesses the power of data intelligence and trusted artificial intelligence to play a crucial role in route optimization and near real-time monitoring of traffic insights, ensuring safe, reliable deliveries even amid congested city streets. IMPROVING EFFICIENCYCurbside space is in high demand. Urban planners and cities are analyzing its use to build more efficient infrastructure and reduce congestion– like creating overnight loading zones or paid or priority curb spaces. Geotab ITS’ Stop Analytics module fuels curbside programs with insights from commercial vehicle activity, to understand why, where, and how curbside space is used.As businesses strive to meet the growing demands of consumers, innovative solutions based on data intelligence will pave the road to alleviate the environmental and logistical challenges ahead. So much great information, so readily available.READ ON...www.mwsmag.comHot new products, reviews of trade shows and new releases, arcles from the top brands and the leaders of work truck innovaon are present in every arcle and every issue of Modern Worktruck Soluons magazine. Access your copy on every digital plaorm.Visit www.mwsmag.com and click on the digital edion tab to access the enre MWS digital library—or subscribe for free.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nate Veeh is the senior business development manager, intelligent transportation systems, at Geotab. To learn more, visit its.geotab.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM FEBRUARY 202464WORK TRUCK PRODUCTSMONROE TRUCK EQUIPMENT SERVICEPRO ELITEThe ServicePro Elite is a best selling and capable service body. It utilizes best-in-class manufacturing equipment, resilient American-made materials, robotic automation solutions, and a skillful team to create our performance-driven work trucks. This industry favorite service body is paired with best-in-class towing. The StepMate bumper design allows workers to easily get the job done, while protecting their vehicle investment. www.monroetruck.comNOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA LT3The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta LT3 winter tire offers exceptional winter grip and driving stability combined with strong structure and superb durability. Designed for demanding winter use, the Hakkapeliitta LT3 is reliable and safe on icy roads and snow-covered worksites alike. Available factory studded or non-studded. These tires feature the world's first stainless steel studs to reduce corrosion from salty roads. www.nokiantires.comCURRY SUPPLY LUBE SKIDS Curry Supply Lube Skids s provide the capabilities of a lube truck with added convenience and flexibility. Lube Skids make preventative maintenance simple and keep your equipment up and running so you keep earning. The customizable fuel and lube trucks and reliable and durable flatbed trucks are some of the favorite choices among customers across the country and across the globe. The service truck lube tank options include custom product configurations and incorporate advanced safety features. www.currysupply.comBACKRACK HALF SAFETY RACKThe Half Safety Rack provides strength and functionality while also providing protection for the driver and passenger in the cab. If you are looking for a headache rack that combines function and style, this BackRack mesh insert headache rack is the choice. It comes with two mesh inserts that offer clear visibility through the back window. They are powder coated for superior corrosion resistance and easily bolt into the frame using stainless steel cap screws. Installation requires purchase of hardware kit (sold separately) and varies by part number. www.backrack.comBooth 1145 New Product PavillionBooth N19

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