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JANUARY 2024WWW.MWSMAG.COMPUSH FOR SAFER ROADSAI TECH TO REACH DRIVER SAFETY GOALSBACK IN BLACKBLACKOUT LIGHTING MOVEMENT TRENDSINNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY ISSUELIGHT DUTY 2024 FORD F-150 TOUGH ON THE OUTSIDE, SMART ON THE INSIDE

The Nation’s Largest Provider Of Mobile Fleet Installation Services.Over the last 25 years, from construction fleets to utility and telco fleets, Mobile Installation Technologies has completed over 1.3 Million fleet technology installations nationwide ranging in size from 50 vehicles to over 30,000.www.mobileinstallusa.comRECENT PROJECTSMAJOR PROJECTSITS POWER DISTRIBUTION HUB770-859-9555CONNECT WITH US OPTRONICS INTERNATIONALSMOKE LENS LED LIGHTING With its array of Smoke-Lens LED lamps designed to mesh with black-out packages, Optronics continues to lead the industry in bringing automotive-style lighting to the commercial vehicle arena.www.optronicsinc.comINSIDE THIS ISSUEJANUARY 2024 VOL-9 NO-1JANUARY 2024WWW.MWSMAG.COMPUSH FOR SAFER ROADSAI TECH TO REACH DRIVER SAFETY GOALSBACK IN BLACKBLACKOUT LIGHTING MOVEMENT TRENDSINNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY ISSUELIGHT DUTY 2024 FORD F-150 TOUGH ON THE OUTSIDE, SMART ON THE INSIDECOVER STORIES16LIGHT-DUTY2024 FORD F-150 TOUGH + SMARTFLEET HEALTH DISASTER RECOVERY48AI INFLUENCE WORK TRUCK FUTURE26SHOWCASEINNOVATION &TECHNOLOGYISSUEINSIGHTTHE PUSH FOR SAFER ROADS ................ 14 Emerging Technology Are Enhancing Access to Essential InformationOPERATIONSBACK IN BLACK ............. 20 Blackout lighting movement trends … @mwsmag www.facebook.com/modernworktruckwww.linkedin.com/company/ modern-work-truck-solutions.IN EVERY ISSUEINDUSTRY NEWS ............................................... 8INDUSTRY INSIGHT ..........................................14WORK TRUCK PRODUCTS .............................52OPERATIONSFLEET INDUSTRY KEY TRENDS .................44 Holman Drive 23 offers glimpse at the road ahead for fleet operators

The Nation’s Largest Provider Of Mobile Fleet Installation Services.Over the last 25 years, from construction fleets to utility and telco fleets, Mobile Installation Technologies has completed over 1.3 Million fleet technology installations nationwide ranging in size from 50 vehicles to over 30,000.www.mobileinstallusa.comRECENT PROJECTSMAJOR PROJECTSITS POWER DISTRIBUTION HUB770-859-9555

TECHNOLOGY A CASE STUDY FOR FLEET TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENTS ................................................30 Distinct Functions a Fleet Procurement Team Should FollowUPFIT DRIVING INNOVATION AND COMPETITION WITH TAILORED SOLUTIONS .................................................. 34 Link’s Family of Self-steering Auxillary Suspensions Offers Upfitters and Body Builders Tailored SolutionsSAFETY EMPOWERED TO MAKE SAFER DRIVING DECISIONS ...............38 Mobileye Improves Safety and Reduces Costs With AI TechnologyMANAGEMENT THE POWER OF CROSS-INDUSTRY LEARNING ....................... 42 Leverage the Knowledge of Others to Enhance Strategy and Inspiration Mobileye Improves Safety and Reduces Costs With AI TechnologyMANAGEMENT VOYAGER AIO LEADS THE WAY ..............................................46 Tech Redefining the Vehicle Industrywww.mwsmag.com 3100 Lorna Rd., Ste 101Birmingham, AL 35216DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mwsmag.com RANDY MOON Associate Publisher randym@mwsmag.comVAL CARRIER Media Consultantval@mwsmag.comGARY BARKER Media Consultantgary@mwsmag.comTIM O’HARA Media Consultanttim.ohara@mwsmag.comLISA AVERY Art Director lisa@mwsmag.comSETH SAUNDERS Digital Media SpecialistINGRID BERKY Office ManagerNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the staff of Modern WorkTruck Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to elisa@mwsmag.com.SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES OR CHANGES CALL:205.380.2048CHRIS GARMONCFO DONNA CAMPBELLVP, Editorialwww.highlandspublications.com TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresident4234INNOVATION + TECHNOLOGYIt’s a new year with all the bells and whistles, beginning with the MWS January issue and topics reaching into the realm of futuristic 1950’s magazines. Artificial intelligence is influencing driver behavior, safety protocols, and business operations. Starting with Mobileye’s Industry Insight ( page 14) into the solution to help reach driver safety goals and the empowerment of making safer driving decisions (page 38). The industry is changing with the introduction of electric vehicles and Holman’s Emily Graham, EaaS director, discusses this ever-evolving EV landscape on page 24. As a resolution for the new year, remember to always be learning in your industry and seek the knowledge of others to cross-learn strategies and gain inspiration. Your next big idea could come from the medical world or a middle-school science project. Business can be challenging with the factors we face on a global front; be steadfast, hold the line, and come from a place of trust and understanding. Together, 2024 can be the best year in your work truck career. Cheers,EDITOR’S NOTEDonna Campbell Editor in Chief

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 20248INDUSTRY NEWSMULLEN, PHENIX TRUCK & VAN AND KNAPHEIDE ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF A NEW CLASS 3 LIGHT-WEIGHT EV SERVICE BODYMullen Automotive, Inc. announces the completion of a light-weight service truck body for the All-Electric Mullen THREE, which was developed in collaboration with Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment and Knapheide Manufacturing. Mullen and the Phenix/Knapheide teams have developed a unique, light-weight body configuration designed to bring an EV solution for Class 3 service body truck fleets to municipalities and public utilities. The Mullen THREE Class 3 vehicle upfit is available to commercial fleet customers for evaluation and pilot programs. The Mullen THREE has a range of 125 miles and offers Level 3 DC charge time of 1.5 hrs. The THREE also includes best-in-class turning diameter of 38 ft. Its versatile chassis provides a clean top-of-rail for easy upfitting with bodies up to 14 feet in length and over 5,800 lbs. of payload. Find out more at www.MullenUSA.com.HIGH BAR BRANDS, LLC ANNOUNCES ITS SUCCESSFUL RECAPITALIZATION WITH SENTINEL CAPITAL PARTNERS.High Bar Brands, LLC, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality commercial vehicle solutions for the heavy-duty trucking industry, with its portfolio of iconic brands, including Minimizer, Premier Mfg., Dieter’s Accessories, Panelite, and Viking Sales, announces its strategic recapitalization with Sentinel Capital Partners, effective December 19, 2023.HBB, headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota, is the leading supplier of truck and trailer components and solutions to the heavy-duty aftermarket dealers & distributors, parts distribution centers, and original equipment manufacturers across North America, Central America, and South America. HBB was formed as the holding company following the acquisition of the iconic Minimizer brand by Heartwood Partners in August 2018 and the acquisition of Premier Manufacturing in January 2020. Subsequent acquisitions of Viking Sales in August 2022 and Dieters Accessories and Panelite in May 2023 solidified HBB's dominant position in the heavy-duty aftermarket.Sentinel, a premier New York-based alternative asset manager, specializing in middle-market private equity, acquired HBB from Heartwood Partners. Focusing on management buyouts, acquisitions of family businesses, corporate divestitures, and industry consolidations, Sentinel targets investments in high-quality middle-market companies in the United States and Canada. With this approach, Sentinel Partners has raised over $11.2 billion in capital since its inception, with Sentinel having an established track record of helping companies grow through access to the critical resources growing businesses need.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202410INDUSTRY NEWS MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202410INDUSTRY NEWSChristopher P. Thorpe, president and CEO of HBB, expressed gratitude for the successful five-year partnership with Heartwood, along with equal anticipation for the future with Sentinel. "We truly enjoyed the past five years with Heartwood Partners, as the Heartwood team did exactly what they said they would do by providing direction and support for the company's successful growth, both organically and through acquisitions. We are also looking forward to the next step in our journey with Sentinel, a very reputable firm with almost 30 years of private equity experience, who are aligned with our strategic goals. Over the next few years, HBB, with Sentinel as its partner, will continue to grow by adding value to our loyal customers through product line expansion and geographic reach that will expand our customer base and market share significantly in the heavy-duty trucking market." Find out more at www.highbarbrands.com.COX AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES ‘PROJECT PINK’ – A CAMPAIGN CELEBRATING TECHNICIAN DIVERSITY AND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Cox Automotive announces “Project Pink,” an innovative initiative to celebrate diversity among its Fleet Services and Manheim technicians and support breast cancer awareness. Project Pink is a groundbreaking campaign that features high-visibility pink uniforms for female technicians at Cox Automotive. Icie Hinton, a female trailer shop technician with Cox Automotive Fleet Services and a graduate of Cox Automotive’s FleeTec Academy, created this initiative to honor and recognize women’s crucial role in the transportation industry and as a sign of support for those fighting breast cancer. Hinton developed the idea while participating in Cox Automotive’s “Women Who Wrench,” a yearlong mentoring program that pairs female technicians with those in leadership roles. “This pink uniform helps normalize the idea of a woman proudly wrenching,” explains Hinton. “I hope these uniforms act as a catalyst to normalize women doing tough and dirty jobs that are traditionally perceived as exclusively masculine.” In collaboration with Cintas, Cox Automotive has developed high-quality, durable uniforms that meet safety regulations while offering comfort. The uniforms, embellished with the Cox Automotive Fleet Services or Manheim logos, are more than just work attire; they are a statement of commitment and community. Initially, eight female technicians received these special uniforms. However, Cox Automotive envisions expanding this initiative and involving male allies to broaden its impact and reach. “On a granular level, this pink uniform is a conversation starter with my peers,” comments Hinton. “It’s created meaningful connections with my coworkers who compliment my uniform colors and even jokingly express jealously

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202412INDUSTRY NEWSsaying, ‘How did you get a pink uniform? Where can I get my pink uniform?!’ It’s a great way to continue to build strong professional relationships with male colleagues in this small but meaningful way.” Project Pink is more than an initiative; it’s a movement. Women make up just 3.6% of all auto mechanics. That’s why it’s important for Cox Automotive to attract, recruit, and develop female talent who have been underrepresented in a traditionally male-dominated field. Cox Automotive is celebrating technician diversity and taking a stand against breast cancer through this campaign. Find out more at coxautoinc.com.REE COMPLETES U.S. CERTIFICATION OF FULL-BY-WIRE VEHICLES AND BEGINS CUSTOMER DELIVERIES OF ITS P7-C ELECTRIC TRUCKREE Automotive Ltd. an automotive technology company and provider of full by-wire electric trucks and platforms, announces that it has begun customer deliveries of its P7-C electric chassis cab following Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Environmental Protection Agency certification, making it the first to certify a fully x-by-wire vehicle. REE is the first to certify a fully steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire and drive-by-wire vehicle. The Powered by REE P7-C is a medium duty electric commercial truck.REE has initiated customer deliveries of the first batch of P7-C demonstration trucks for multiple fleets evaluations in North America via its fast-growing Authorized Dealer Network. Pritchard EV, a leading dealer in the U.S., is the first to receive the P7-C demonstration truck for a roadshow with its large fleet customers. Additional REE authorized dealers and leading fleets are expected to receive additional P7-C demonstration units in the coming weeks.REE’s P7-C is eligible for the U.S. federal Internal Revenue Service Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (Internal Revenue Code 45W), which allows customers to receive a tax credit of up to $40,000 per vehicle. The company is also in the process of initiating eligibility for various state incentives, which could bring the total incentive to over $100,000 per vehicle, depending on the customer’s location.“Achieving this certification milestone is a testament to REE’s dedicated team and our determination to bring this technology to market safely,” says Richard Colley, REE’s vice president of government and regulatory affairs. “The federal and state incentives that the P7-C will be eligible for will help accelerate fleet electrification in the US, helping to improve public health and meet ambitious climate goals.”To learn more about REE Automotive’s patented technology and unique value proposition that position the Company to break new ground in e-mobility, visit www.ree.auto.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202414INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQURI TAMIR LEADS MOBILEYE'S INTELLIGENT MOBILITY SOLUTIONS DIVISION IN NORTH AMERICA WITH RESPONSIBILITIES FOR GROWTH, STRATEGY, AND OPERATIONS. AS GENERAL MANAGER, HE BRINGS MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN GROWING REVENUE, LEADING TEAMS, AND DRIVING INNOVATION, WHILE OVERSEEING MOBILEYE’S PUSH FOR SAFER ROADS. WITH MOBILEYE, FLEET MANAGERS HAVE A SOLUTION TO REACH SAFE DRIVER GOALS.URI TAMIRThe Push for Safer RoadsMWS: IN THE WORLD OF FLEET SAFETY TECHNOLOGY AND TELEMATICS, WHAT IS MOBILEYE AND WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER? TAMIR: Mobileye is a market leader in the development and deployment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies. By leveraging industry-leading expertise in computer vision, machine learning, mapping and data analysis, Mobileye innovations enable safer driving through premier ADAS and provide valuable insights for a range of companies and service providers to enhance mobility infrastructure. With active relationships across many of the top OEMs, Mobileye technology has now gone into more than 150 million vehicles around the world.Based on our experience with more than 50 of the world’s leading automakers, we’ve developed a suite of safety products tailored to fleet managers' and companies’ needs. Our fleet-centric collision avoidance systems, like the Mobileye 8 Connect™, help prevent collisions, thereby reducing crash-related costs, and have been shown to improve driver performance, in real time. We do that by leveraging the same cutting-edge computer vision and AI technology that Mobileye has pioneered and perfected over hundreds of millions of miles driven and over 800 vehicle models on the market.Our fleet-dedicated products, such as Mobileye 8 Connect™, Mobileye Shield+™, and Mobileye Fisheye, go beyond dash cams and video recording systems in that they prevent collisions before they occur. Using real-time alerts to the driver triggered by AI-powered vision sensors, Mobileye enables fleet managers to improve driver safety without the need to review mountains of data, invest in excess training, or record their drivers.MWS: DOES MOBILEYE OFFER A PLATFORM THAT BRINGS ALL OF THE FEATURES OF ITS PRODUCTS INTO ONE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME ALERTS AND REPORTING FUNCTIONS? WHAT INSIGHTS ARE RECEIVED FROM THE DATA AND HOW DOES THIS BENEFIT THE FLEET OWNER? TAMIR: Data can be a valuable asset to fleet managers, but in an era of data overload you have to be mindful to the type of data that you provide to the customer and how you communicate it. I believe that data without actionable insights is just noise for the fleet and safety managers. At Mobileye, we offer an optional Mobileye Connect Platform that integrates with our fleet ADAS solutions and can be used by the fleet as a safety management tool. MOBILEYE GIVES FLEETS A STRAIGHTFORWARD SOLUTION TO HELP REACH DRIVER SAFETY GOALS

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 15With the Mobileye Connect Platform, the fleet manager gets unique insights into the actual driving patterns of the employees who drive their vehicles. Does the driver use the turn signal before changing lanes? Do they keep a safe distance or aggressively tailgate? Who had a near-miss with a vehicle or a pedestrian and where? All these are the types of questions to which, for the first time, fleets deploying our collision avoidance warning systems can get a simple and direct answer. The Mobileye Connect Platform goes beyond the standard harsh brake and other gyro alerts to offer real insights into the driver's behavior, drawn into a single safety score. On top of that, the fleet manager can use the tool as a way to track the vehicles’ location, measure the vehicles’ utilization rate, engine idle time, and more. MWS: WHAT ROLE DOES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) PLAY IN MOBILEYE’S PRODUCT OFFERINGS?TAMIR: Across our products, we are using the cutting edge of neural network architectures and putting them into the real world. AI is a part of our DNA. Our core camera-based computer vision system that forms the foundation of all our products has long been the most advanced AI-driven sensing system in the automotive industry. Our EyeQ™ systems-on-chip are custom designed to process safety-critical AI workloads. We use a rich database to train our camera systems for all our applications, from alert-based safety systems like the Mobileye 8 Connect through to our more advanced products. Our computer vision algorithms are trained to watch the road like a human eye would, constantly scanning for obstacles and potential hazards. Unlike the human eye, though, our technology never becomes distracted or fatigued. For construction and utility employees driving long hours to the next worksite, it’s like having an extra eye, without the need to record in-cab.The leading causes of accidents drive our collision avoidance alerts: speeding, fatigue, distraction, aggressive driving, and so on. We have designed our system to help reduce the most severe and common types of crashes and to mitigate the driving behaviors that are most likely to cause a crash. Our forward collision warning and pedestrian/cyclist collision warning aim to dramatically reduce fleet rear-end crashes and pedestrian strikes. Our lane departure warning aims to lower the risk of side swipe crashes caused by unintentional or un-signaled deviation from the lane. Our safe following time alert ensures that the driver will have sufficient reaction time by keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. And our speed limit feature indicates to drivers whenever they are driving above the posted speed limit. Mobileye 8 Connect and other fleet solutions are driver-centric systems and have been shown to improve drivers' performance over time, helping to change their driving habits for the better.MWS: HOW DOES MOBILEYE EMPOWER THE FLEET OWNER WITH A MIXED FLEET WANTING TO INCREASE ITS SAFETY PROTOCOL IN AN URBAN SETTING? HOW DO FLEET OWNERS GET STARTED WITH MOBILEYE? TAMIR: What makes Mobileye collision avoidance so valuable to a mixed-fleet safety policy is that it can be retrofitted to nearly any type of vehicle. We work directly with fleets to match different alerts’ settings to the needs of drivers and managers based on the driving environment. For instance, what a manager deems a safe following distance can change depending on an urban or highway setting. Our tech team calibrates and customizes each unit in order to maximize its effectiveness and allow fleets to set a uniform ADAS safety policy across all vehicles. While as many as 70% of drivers report disabling ADAS that comes standard in their cars, Mobileye technology is designed to remain active at all times and cannot be turned off or muted by drivers. What’s more, Mobileye collision avoidance systems do not tie into the engine or other systems physically, so there’s no chance of compromising other vehicle functions.Motor vehicle collisions cost employers over $72 billion dollars a year, and costs per employee were highest in the trucking, construction, transit, and oil and gas extraction industries. Mobileye collision avoidance is a one-time cost and customers have reported a typical ROI of under a year, achieved by offsetting the costs related to collisions, including injuries, repairs, insurance premiums and legal fees. MWS: CLOSING THOUGHT?TAMIR: The life of a fleet manager has become exponentially more complex in the past years. Continuously rising collision costs, higher insurance and operation expenses, driver shortage in the industry and supply chain issues are just a fraction of the challenges the modern fleet manager faces today. Mobileye gives fleets a straightforward solution that starts working immediately to help them reach their driver safety goals: fewer collisions, improved operational performance, and sustainable results.FOR MORE INFORMATIONMobileye is a global leader in collision avoidance and computer-vision artificial intelligence. With technology trusted by dozens of OEMs, Mobileye’s safety solutions aim to reduce collisions and improve driver performance for fleets across all industries through real-time, proactive alerts. Find out more at www.mobileye.com/us.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202416 MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202416LIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASELIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASE

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 17JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 172024 Ford F-150TOUGH ON THE OUTSIDE, SMART ON THE INSIDE

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 20241818A 1966 Ford ad reads, “If they start as better ideas, they stay better ideas.” This headline works as a rallying cry for the F-Series truck team, which has delivered a lineup of tough and capable trucks for more than 75 years. Keeping in line with modern times, Ford digs deep to cover all the bases a fleet owner, manager, and operator could want in their truck—then takes it one step further.DIGITAL FEATURESThe new 2024 Ford F-150 will be available in early 2024 and offers smart features that connect to Ford Pro, an all-in-one solution that provides software, financing, and services, to increase productivity, maximize uptime, and improve total cost of fleet ownership. The truck is designed to enhance its ability to tackle challenges with smart technology. The class-exclusive 5G LTE modem enables over-the-air software updates and faster connectivity for mapping and wi-fi. Pro-Power Onboard offers power levels of 2.0kW that’s available on gas trucks, 2.4kW that comes standard for PowerBoost hybrid-equipped trucks, and 7.2kW for a go-anywhere mobile office. The Pro-Power Onboard can conveniently charge devices through a variety of available plugs in the cabin and truck bed.Considering the phrase “Work smarter, not harder,” Ford’s purposeful tech in the 2024 F-150 has 10 standard driver-assist features, including the latest versions of Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. You also have access to Ford BlueCruise, a 360-degree camera, the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist for enhanced productivity and driver comfort.A key feature that’s only available in the Ford Super Duty and new F-150 is the Fleet Start Inhibit. Commercial customers have access to the Fleet Start Inhibit, allowing fleet managers to control when vehicles can be started. Fleet managers can set schedules or send on-demand signals to enable or disable start on the next key cycle.SAFE AND SECUREThe 2024 F-150 will also be the first Ford vehicle in North America with Ford Stolen Vehicle Services, a connected service that can help locate and aid the recovery of a stolen Ford vehicle if activated beforehand. If someone has gained unauthorized access or has attempted to access the truck, like towing or tampering, the SVS alerts the owner. By using the FordPass app, the vehicle can be reported as stolen with the 24/7 Ford SVS Call Center, which will prompt authorities to locate and recover the truck with the help of the call center and the location data that's provided directly from the truck. All the while, the owner will receive constant updates. Another safety feature is the Vehicle Security app, which gives fleet managers the ability to set alerts for inconsistent location, security and door alerts, and triggering the vehicle alarm. No matter the situation, you can rest easy by knowing there are safety nets in place to protect your most important asset.LIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASE

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 1919CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTERWith the 2024 F-150, you have options for your specific truck needs and aesthetic preferences between the Tremor, Raptor, Raptor R, Lariat, Platinum, STX, and XLT models. The platform underpinning the truck has undergone testing to the extremes—hot and cold, gravel, and off-road for long distances at full payload and max towing.The F-150’s foundation is a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame with a military-grade, aluminum alloy body. It has a towing capacity of 13,500 lbs and a payload of 2,455 lbs. It comes standard with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, producing 430 horsepower and 570 lb-fit of torque—the most on any F-Series vehicle outside the Raptor and Raptor R. Along with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, there’s options for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost, 3.5-liter PowerBoost, a 3.5-liter High Output option for the F-150 Raptor, a 5.0-liter V8, and a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 for the F-150 Raptor R.To make truck bed access easier, the 2024 F-150 comes with the optional Pro Access Tailgate (PAT), starting at the Lariat and above trim level. The PAT offers a 100-degree, fully opened integrated swing gate with built-in stops to avoid banging the door. The PAT allows for 19 inches of additional reach compared to a conventional tailgate. With easier access, more functionality is possible with the bed storage box, which comes standard across the entire F-150 lineup. The storage box provides a central location with a heavy-duty locking mechanism for the added security of smaller tools and accessories.Having explored the electric and hybrid market and experiencing the 2023 Ford F-150 becoming the best-selling, full-hybrid pickup truck, Ford plans to double the mix of hybrid trucks manufactured for the 2024 model year from its current 10%—giving you more access to this advanced technology. The reduced pricing on the hybrid powertrain will provide better fuel economy while reducing your carbon footprint.With an increased production of PowerBoost Hybrid for 2024, trims from the XL through Platinum Plus, and off-road ready models like the Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R, there’s an F-150 for practically every use in the construction, government, utility services, landscaping, road and highway maintenance, and mining industries. When it comes to getting the job done and meeting sustainability goals, sacrifices won’t be necessary. The only thing you’ll have to choose between is which model to purchase.FOR MORE INFORMATIONFor more, visit www.ford.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202420OPERATIONS MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202420OPERATIONSIt’s no secret that blackout packages have been growing in popularity within the commercial vehicle market, particularly as they relate to truck beds on work trucks. Fueled by trends in the automotive sector and industrial design in general, going all black with a design allows the contours of a vehicle’s body to stand out, while letting details like hitches, headache racks, gooseneck troughs, deck textures, latches and compartment doors essentially blend in.However, one component that has refused to fade from sight on these otherwise stealthy vehicles, has been lighting. Even when not illuminated, the red, white, amber and even clear lenses of the lamps, and often their reflective interiors, have made lighting stand out, much to the chagrin of many vehicle body designers seeking an all-black look.“It all started when blackout packages in light-duty commercial trailers started becoming popular,” says Dustin Smith, vice president of sales for Optronics. “So instead of using chrome and colored accessories and details, everything went black.”Some lighting manufacturers, particularly those serving the automotive aftermarket, attempted to respond to the growing demand for blackout-style lighting that would be less conspicuous. Unfortunately, early attempts proved to be unable to meet FMVSS 108 and CMVSS 108 photometric requirements for visibility and safety. “Before Optronics, there was just not a viable, compliant solution of smoke lights that we felt comfortable to install on our truck beds,” says Greg Chumchal, president of Bedrock Truck Beds. “There were some lights with dark lenses, but that also made them less able to emit the correct amount of light to pass federal requirements, and let’s face it, having a non-compliant light is like having no light at all.”IN THE DARKThings changed in early 2020, when Optronics International introduced the industry’s first compliant, smoke-lens LED stop, tail, turn, backup, and clearance marker lamp family of lighting. Long known for bringing elements of automotive-style lighting to the commercial vehicle industry, Optronics engineers overcame a number of technical challenges in order to meet the legal standard.“You’ve got to have a combination of a few things to make a compliant smoke-lens light,” says Smith. “You have to engineer the light with very powerful LEDs and you have to design the lens to really look black when it’s off, but allow the proper amount of light to shine through when it’s on. It’s truly a critical balance and it’s clearly not an easy one for any manufacturer to strike.”Optronics focused its attention on making its smoke-lens lights as Back In BlackTRENDS ARE DRIVING A BLACKOUT LIGHTING MOVEMENT IN WORK TRUCKS AND TRAILERS Optronics focused its attention on making its smoke-lens lights as dark as possible, using their powerful LEDs to make the lamps photometrically compliant with federal law.

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 21dark as possible. It’s engineers even designed the interiors of the lamps with black printed circuit boards (PCBs) to reduce reflective properties when the lamps are off. In traditional LED lights, PCBs usually have a white or reflective chrome-like finish to enhance brightness, but with Optronics’ smoke-lens lights, their powerful LEDs do the heavy lifting necessary to make the lamps photometrically compliant with federal law. The company initially brought five unique new lights to market with a smoke-lens effect. The offering included 6-inch oval and 4-inch round stop, tail, turn lamps, a 6-inch oval backup lamp and a three-quarter-inch PC-rated clearance marker lamp. Optronics also introduced a 20-inch Smoke-Lens version of its popular Thinline Series surface-mount LED stop/turn/tail light bar, complete with a matte black mounting base/bezel.“They hit the market at just the right time,” according to Chumchal. “This Today, Optronics’ smoked-lens series lighting comes standard on all Bedrock truck beds.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202422OPERATIONSgave innovative companies like us a leg up on competitors, because we could now achieve a great balance of a bright, long-lasting light, coupled with aesthetic blackout appeal, that was a huge hit for our customers.”MOVE TOWARD THE LIGHTIn the ensuing few years, more and more body builders and upfitters have been making the move toward Optronics’ smoke-lens, blackout-style lighting. Black vehicle bodies have continued to gain popularity, as has the pressure to differentiate one truck body from another among competitors.Still the only commercial lighting manufacturer producing a truly compliant blackout light, Optronics has responded to the market demand. The company is now producing a wide array of LED smoke-lens lighting products ranging from penny-sized three-fourths-inch round, single-diode marker/clearance lights to diamond-shaped, 3-diode marker/clearance lights to 4-inch round, 6-diode back-up lights to 6-inch oval, 6-diode stop/turn/tail lights and many more.“It seems the more versions we make, the more versions people want,” says Smith. “It’s definitely a trend and it currently shows no signs of subsiding.”MORE THAN SURFACE DEEPOptronics recently broadened its smoke-lens family of lights even further with the introduction of two new surface-mount Blackout packages on truck beds and work trucks have been growing in popularity and allow the details of a vehicle’s body to blend in. Still the only commercial lighting manufacturer producing a truly compliant blackout light, Optronics is now producing a wide array of LED smoke-lens lighting products and recently broadened its smoke-lens family of lights even further with the introduction of two new surface-mount lights in its Thinline Series.

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 23JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 23lights in its Thinline Series. The first is the 11-diode smoked-lens, red LED Thinline stop/turn/tail light and the second is its 9-diode smoked-lens, red Ultra-Thinline stop/turn/tail light.Optronics pioneered the use of surface-mount lighting in the commercial vehicle market, which offers OEMs and body builders the advantage of mounting lights on the exterior of the vehicles body. The low-profile surface-mount lights can be powered by wires that run through a small hole in the body, as opposed to thicker, traditional lighting that requires holes that are the size of the lights that nest inside them. Surface-mount lighting promotes greater structural integrity for vehicle bodies and reduces the potential for moisture intrusion and ultimately corrosion.Though the Thinline Series will certainly have applications on trailers and box trucks both over and under 80-inches wide, Optronics expects the work truck market to continue to be very receptive to its new lamps. Because work trucks offer their body designers broad latitude on both the placement of lighting and its functionality, the two new Thinline smoke-lens lamps from Optronics are applicable to them as well. In the meantime, Optronics is also working on a new Thinline lamp that will have additional features. The new lamp will incorporate the company’s Fusion technology, another Optronics’ first, that combines stop/turn/tail lights with a backup function as well. “Optronics’ smoked-lens series lighting already comes standard on all of our Bedrock beds,” said Chumchal. “Optronics’ new Thinline Series is complimentary to the rest of their line and may just find its way onto future bed designs.” It is difficult for lighting manufacturers to engineer a blackout light that will comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 (FMVSS 108) regulations governing all U.S. vehicle lighting.FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about Optronics’ Fusion Series LED lighting, visit www.optronicsinc.com. According to Bedrock, Optronics’ smoke-lens LED lights hit the market at just the right time, giving Bedrock a leg up on its competitors.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202424OPERATIONS MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202424OPERATIONSAQEMILY GRAHAM’S CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS CENTER ON ALIGNING BUSINESS COMPETENCIES WHILE NAVIGATING THE EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. IN HER CURRENT ROLE, SHE LEADS THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTION OF HOLMAN'S ELECTRIFICATION AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOLUTIONS TO DRIVE INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES AND IDENTIFY BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR FLEET OPERATORS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA.EMILY GRAHAMThe Reality of Fleet ElectrificationHere is a brief Q&A with Emily Graham, director, Sustainability & Electrification as a Service (EaaS), with Holman sharing insight about fleet electrification. MWS: WITH SO MANY FLEETS LOOKING TO MAKE THE TRANSITION TO ELECTRIFICATION, WHAT ARE SOME FACTORS THAT THEY MAY BE UNAWARE OF WHEN CONSIDERING THIS TRANSITION? CAN YOU DIVE INTO THESE COMPLEXITIES FOR OUR READERS?GRAHAM: When an organization is ready to begin integrating electric vehicles into their fleet mix, the conversation is often centered around which EV model(s) is the best fit for their business. While this is certainly important, you’ll also need to carefully develop a comprehensive charging strategy that aligns with your business objectives. The reality is that your charging strategy is just as important—if not more so—as spec’ing and ordering the EVs themselves and you’ll need this solution in place before your first electric vehicles arrive. You’ll also want to be mindful of factors such as charging asset management, driver training, charge data management, and other administrative tasks associated with operating EVs at scale. MWS: FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE STRATEGIZING LIST WHEN STARTING THIS TRANSITION?GRAHAM: As you explore potential fleet electrification, you’ll want to work closely with various stakeholders from across the organization—procurement, sustainability, operations, facilities, HR, etc.—to identify overarching sustainability goals and determine how your fleet emissions aligns with those objectives. It’s vital that you begin your EV journey with clear objectives. Once you know the need and business purpose for transitioning to EVs, you can begin to determine the incremental steps it will take to achieve those goals over the next five to 10 years. Remember, this transition won’t happen overnight, so it is best to plan for a gradual transition over the course of multiple vehicle lifecycles. It is also important to keep in mind that integrating EVs into your fleet mix is a bit more complex than simply determining which model is the best fit. Of equal importance is focusing on infrastructure, driver behavior, power needs, charging location(s), charge data management, etc. A thorough analysis of your fleet’s profile and performance will allow for the most seamless transition. During initial consultation with our customers, we often help them think through the right vehicle application, the region in which they operate, driver fit, and the HOLMAN’S EAAS DIRECTOR DISCUSSES THE EVER-EVOLVING EV LANDSCAPE

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 25role these units play in supporting the business to develop a holistic, seamless path to fleet electrification.MWS: WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU’VE SEEN FLEETS ENCOUNTER WITH ELECTRIFICATION? HOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THESE CHALLENGES BE NAVIGATED, OR EVEN AVOIDED?GRAHAM: Perhaps the biggest challenge or misstep we see is taking a fragmented approach to fleet electrification. When the various aspects of fleet electrification—vehicle acquisition, charging strategy, infrastructure development, driver management, data integration, etc.—are siloed or decisions are made in a vacuum, the transition to EVs is awkward at best and often, significantly more costly and time consuming. Additionally, many organizations launch their electrification program without specific goals or objectives. The best advice I can offer fleet operators is to let your environmental or CSR goals shape your fleet electrification strategy. For example, if your goal is to operate a fully electric fleet in 10 years, your strategy will need to prioritize the acquisition of solely EVs. However, if your goal is focused on reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint, you can make strides towards that goal with EVs as well as CNG-powered units, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, etc. and other fleet rightsizing initiatives. The strategy to meet a CO2 emissions reduction goal is likely to be vastly different from the strategy for transitioning to 100% electric vehicles by a particular date.It is critically important that you begin your sustainability journey with well-defined goals and clear intent that aligns with and support your business’ overall CSR priorities. MWS: HOLMAN RECENTLY INTRODUCED A SUITE OF FLEET ELECTRIFICATION SOLUTIONS. CAN YOU TELL OUR READERS MORE ABOUT WHAT THESE SOLUTIONS HAVE TO OFFER?GRAHAM: The journey to fleet electrification is rather complex and developing an effective transition strategy can be a challenge for even the most seasoned fleet professional. Holman’s suite of electrification programs and services is designed to provide organizations the resources, tools, and expertise fleet operators need to transition to electric vehicles at scale and make it as seamless as possible for all fleet stakeholders. Our comprehensive collection of fleet electrification solutions simplifies the transition to EVs by streamlining infrastructure development, charge management, data aggregation, and ongoing EV administration. These programs and services also centralize all EV-related operating and performance data in our fleet management and analytics platform for unsurpassed visibility and informed decision making. Additionally, as a certified woman-owned business enterprise (WBE), Holman is able to offer customers the option of adding equipment and installation expenses to their monthly invoice, allowing fleet operators to classify these EV-related costs a tier-1 diversity spend.MWS: IT’S 2024, A NEW YEAR WITH NEW GOALS. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FLEET MANAGERS AND OWNERS FOR THIS YEAR?GRAHAM: While the transition to electric vehicles won’t happen overnight, it’s clear that many businesses are now ready to embrace EVs. As we look ahead to 2024, we’re poised to see a growing number of OEMs introduce electric versions of popular truck and van models and the transition will continue to become even easier over time. The good news is that you don’t need to wait to begin your EV journey and as you develop your fleet strategy for 2024 (and beyond), now may be the perfect time to explore adding electric vehicles to your fleet mix. Keep in mind, transitioning to EVs doesn’t have to be “all or nothing”. We often recommend a phased approach to fleet electrification, assessing factors such as vehicle type, role within your business, utilization, charging options, etc. to determine the segment of your fleet best suited to lead your transition. Then, you can build on your initial success, gain additional insight and understanding, and apply this EV knowledge to other areas or applications within your fleet.And remember, you don’t have to navigate this road alone. There are a variety of partners and resources available to help simplify electrification projects. With the right strategic partnerships, you can streamline vehicle acquisition, infrastructure development, charge management, etc. to make integrating EVs into your daily business operations virtually seamless.FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more at www.holman.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

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202426OPERATIONS MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202426OPERATIONSIn the heart of your neighborhood, town, and city, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a quiet revolution is underway in the world of work truck fleets. It's a transformation powered by artificial intelligence (AI), and it's changing the game for local and inner-city operations. While AI's impact on regional and long-haul trucking has garnered much attention, it's crucial to recognize how AI is poised to make a significant impact closer to home.This article delves into how AI is poised to transform the trucking industry into an exciting fusion of high-stakes challenges and a futuristic adventure. Get ready for a future that's not just more efficient and sustainable but, yes, remarkably fun.NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY Picture this: a work truck, a familiar sight in your neighborhood, cruising through the streets. This work truck is equipped with AI-powered sensors and cameras, acting as vigilant guardians. These AI systems work tirelessly, continuously monitoring the road conditions and the driver's actions in real time. They are on the lookout for potential hazards, from unexpected vehicle maneuvers to pedestrians crossing the street or even a stray object rolling onto the road. AI doesn't miss a beat. It can issue warnings or, if necessary, take control of the wheel to prevent accidents. In the context of bustling city streets, where safety is paramount, AI's contributions are invaluable.But there's more to the story. The era of autonomous work trucks is on the horizon, bringing with it a promise of round-the-clock operation. These AI-driven vehicles don't need rest breaks or caffeine pit stops. They work tirelessly, day and night, enhancing not only safety but also efficiency in the heart of your city. Imagine work trucks zipping through the streets, ensuring that your daily essentials reach you with unprecedented speed and reliability.BETTER ROUTES, FUEL SAVINGSThink about the last time you planned a local road trip. You probably consulted navigation apps, considered traffic conditions, and pondered fuel costs. Now, imagine an AI-

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 27powered route planner designed specifically for work trucks, factoring in not just traffic and weather but also fuel prices, vehicle specifications, and more.AI algorithms for route planning excel at this task, dynamically adapting to real-time conditions. They help work trucks steer clear of traffic congestion, avoid adverse weather conditions, and even save on fuel costs. The result? A smoother, more efficient journey for work trucks and fresher goods for you.Moreover, AI systems encourage eco-friendly driving habits among work truck drivers. They promote fuel-efficient behaviors, such as maintaining consistent speeds and avoiding abrupt accelerations or decelerations. This not only saves fuel but also extends the lifespan of the trucks, leading to lower maintenance expenses.FLEET MANAGEMENTNavigating the world of fleet management is like conducting a captivating symphony. It involves harmonizing deliveries, schedules, and inventory, a complex task indeed. But here's where AI takes the stage as the maestro, leading this intricate dance with style and flair.AI-powered systems bring real-time visibility into the supply chain, effortlessly automating processes to ensure goods arrive precisely when they're needed. Inventory concerns are a thing of the past, thanks to AI-driven predictive analytics that forecast demand and optimize inventory levels with surgical precision, guaranteeing efficiency.What's more, AI takes on the role of a scheduling virtuoso, expertly arranging the routes for work trucks while factoring in delivery windows, driver availability, and vehicle capacity. Say farewell to tardy deliveries and wave hello to delighted customers. In the realm of local work truck fleets, where precision and customer satisfaction reign supreme, AI proves to be a game-changer. However, as we revel in the symphony of AI-driven fleet management, it's essential to note the accompanying nuances, including the disadvantages of AI in car shipping, which require careful consideration.PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE In the wild world of work trucks, unscheduled maintenance has been the ultimate party crasher, causing costly downtime and late-night delays. But fear not, because AI has donned its superhero cape with predictive maintenance powers!Picture this: AI systems are like the personal trainers for work trucks, constantly monitoring their condition. They gather data from sensors, detect hints of wear and tear, and sound the alarm before things go haywire. It's like having a health tracker for work trucks, sending out an SOS when needed. With proactive maintenance scheduling, downtime takes a backseat, ensuring

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202428OPERATIONSyour crucial deliveries hit the stage right on cue, every time. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCEWhen it comes to work truck drivers, their well-being is our rock 'n' roll priority, and AI is their ultimate roadie. AI-powered driver assistance systems are like the headlining act, featuring adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, ensuring drivers stay in tune and safe, all while reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents.But hold onto your hats, there's more! AI takes on the role of a backstage manager, handling those mundane tasks that can be as thrilling as watching paint dry. From paperwork to route planning and even communicating with dispatchers, AI becomes the ultimate roadie for work truck drivers. It's like having a personal assistant who fetches the guitar picks and sets up the stage, making their journey more harmonious and secure.And here's a fun fact to groove to: according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, these safety enhancements can make a significant difference in the trucking world, with AI leading the charge like a rockstar.SUSTAINABLE PRACTICESIn an era when environmental concerns are reaching new heights, the work truck industry is actively embracing sustainability, with AI leading the charge. AI analyzes data on routes, charging infrastructure, and energy consumption to determine the most eco-friendly transition to cleaner fuels like electric or hydrogen power. By reducing empty miles and promoting smart routing, AI contributes to a greener, cleaner work truck industry.But that's not all. AI-driven logistics can minimize empty return trips by efficiently matching available cargo with trucks. Fewer trucks on the road mean fewer emissions. Smart routing and fuel-efficient driving further contribute to a greener, cleaner trucking industry. It's like the industry's version of a green revolution.FINAL THOUGHTSAnd there you have it, a glimpse into the future of work truck fleets, where AI takes the wheel. From safety enhancements that turn every work truck into a guardian angel on wheels to route planning that transforms deliveries into an enjoyable journey, from streamlined fleet management that orchestrates a symphony of logistics to predictive maintenance that banishes breakdown blues—AI is transforming work truck fleets into a high-stakes racing movie and a sci-fi adventure all rolled into one.As these AI-driven innovations continue to evolve, we can expect a safer, more efficient, and, dare we say it, a downright fun work truck industry to emerge. The future of work truck fleets is being shaped by AI, and the possibilities are as endless as the open road. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the ride of a lifetime, because AI is changing the work trucking game, and it's doing it with style.ABOUT THE AUTHORJoe Webster is the marketing manager with A-1 Auto Transport, a leading global vehicle shipping company headquartered in the U.S. The company has a widespread presence in key cities and international locations with skilled shipping experts to ensure quality service at affordable rates. Find out more at www.a1autotransport.com. Don’t Read While Driving Dirt RoadsDon’t Read While Driving Dirt RoadsSAFETYTHE MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS DIGITAL EDITION IS COMPELLING, BUT FLIPPING THE INTERACTIVE PAGES SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED WHILE OPERATING A MOVING VEHICLE

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202430TECHNOLOGY MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202430TECHNOLOGYMost, if not all, work truck fleet managers have been caught in the middle of this all too familiar conundrum regarding new technology equipment deployments: Do we deploy using in-house vehicle maintenance staff? Or do we hire outside “help” to get the fleet deployed?A simple answer is, “Of course, use the in-house maintenance staff. It’s easier, less costly, and already in place.”“Not so fast”, says the ROI specialist from the controller’s office, “there are situations where it’s definitely more cost effective and faster to use a third-party installation company”.This is the conundrum that American Electric Power (AEP) faced a few years ago when they decided, after much analysis and field testing, to approve the purchase and deployment of a vehicle-mounted cellular booster system to aid their iPad equipped technicians and repair crews in extending their cellular communications reach into sparsely covered rural and small-town locations. AEP’s eight wholly owned electricity generating operating companies (OPCOs) maintain over 3,500 service trucks in an 11-state area. From our perspective, there are nine distinct functions involved in developing a fleet technology deployment plan that a fleet procurement team should follow at a minimum:1. In-house or third-party2. Your fleet’s unique requirements3. Developing the RFI4. Issuing an RFP5. RFP response 6. Pilot acceptance test7. Statement of work with a detailed deployment plan8. Installation schedule, onboarding, and roll-out9. Lesson’s learnedDETERMINING INSTALLATIONSWhile AEP maintains a fleet maintenance staff throughout each OPCO’s operating territory, they decided taking maintenance personnel off their primary maintenance schedule would take an inordinately long period of time to deploy the boosters. Also, having trucks drive to the maintenance garages to complete the deployment would be a slow, and time-consuming process. More importantly though, corporate procurement determined fleet maintenance A Case Study for Fleet Technology DeploymentsDISTINCT FUNCTIONS A FLEET PROCUREMENT TEAM SHOULD FOLLOW By Ron Harris

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 31would be materially affected by the addition of the booster installations and compounded by the removal of fleet vehicles from servicing electrical customers for a half day or more.FACTORING UNIQUE REQUIREMENTSThe devil is most certainly in the details when analyzing the pros and cons of using an outside installation company. Each fleet has its own unique operating requirements that largely define whether to use an outside installation company’s service. Therefore, AEP embarked on a mission to determine whether there existed an installation company that could meet the following requirements:• Operate within AEP’s operating footprint across the Midwest and Southeastern US.• Manage and maintain mobile technicians that can perform installations at over 225 AEP locations.• Design a deployment schedule that can be completed either before or after vehicles return from daily service.• Meet the background search requirements for their technicians to come onto AEP property.• Has a safety and drug testing program in place that meets AEP’s strict guidelines.• Provide the required general liability, garage liability, and workers’ compensation policies to permit them to work in ALL of AEP’s operating states.• Provide electronic gathering of vehicle VIN, fleet numbers, booster serial numbers, and pictures.• Provide a scheduling support staff to contact AEP location representatives to confirm scheduled installations and equipment availability prior to arrival.• Has the background and history working in vehicles owned by large utility, telco, or construction companies.• Has verifiable references from other utility companies where they have successfully completed a multi-state, fleet technology deployment in the past 36 months.• The financial resources to deploy numerous technicians to complete a 3500+ vehicle deployment within six months. • Provide an installation warranty.DEVELOPING THE RFIAfter researching various “installation companies”, AEP Corporate Procurement reached out to MOBILE with a brief RFI (Request for Information) to determine whether MOBILE could in fact meet AEP’s unique requirements for a full deployment of Weboost’s cellular booster equipment. We responded within a few days to the RFI answering all the questions they had regarding MOBILE’s capabilities, references, and unique requirements.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202432TECHNOLOGYISSUING THE RFPAfter reviewing our RFI response, corporate procurement reached out to me to inquire whether we could provide a detailed price quote for installation with a recommended deployment plan for 800-900 installations. We could, provided they send us three critically important documents from which to develop a comprehensive deployment plan:• A spreadsheet list of all the vehicles by make, model, year, fleet number, VIN, and assigned address location.• A document outlining the results of their internal fleet testing of the Weboost, more specifically preferred mounting locations by vehicle type and antenna placement.• A general wiring schematic from fleet maintenance for each vehicle type. AEP assembled a very well written RFP (Request for Proposal) including the information we requested above, together with details of their OPCO operating areas. Critically, Corporate Procurement made themselves available for questions and recommendations as we developed our RFP Response. AEP published a thorough RFP that included the basic elements of a deployment plan respondents should address and preliminary onboarding documentation requirements, including: • Company Profile: consisting of business basics, mission, coverage area, and culture• Objectives: define whether RFP is by invitation only or a broad distribution and timelines• Background and Overview of Project: why, what, where, and when• Project Scope: respondent’s abilities, reach, timeliness, availability, and inventory control• Evaluation Criteria: costs, solution, installation capabilities, experience, financial stability, security standards, ability to meet timelines• Who to Contact for Questions: technical and commercial• How to Respond: email, physical delivery by courier, mail, etc.• Due DateTHE RFP RESPONSEThe RFP response from your respondents should be as detailed as possible, but not too textual. Specifics of the plan are critical. Your RFP should make it very clear whether you prefer a separate written response, or a response made directly within the body of the RFP. A separate written response will give you much more detail and evaluation criteria to work with.MOBILE responded to the RFP with a separate written response that included an executive summary to summarize our understanding of the overall need, the equipment to be installed, the time frame required, a pilot requirement, and the optional deployment plans to be considered. MOBILE presented an RFP Response that included:1. Installation locations (with addresses and contact personnel info)2. Installation Scope of Work (equipment to be Installed and/or de-installed)3. Record keeping requirements (capturing serial numbers, VINs, etc.)4. Reporting (online Smartsheet Installation Log, and weekly PM meetings)5. Deployment Plan (tech teams, daily and weekly throughput, start & finish dates, etc.)6. Deliverable Requirements, including:a. Vehicle Completion and Acceptance Reports b. Uploads to Smartsheetc. Project Dashboardd. d. Weekly invoicinge. Daily Scheduling Coordination7. Liability and Worker’s Comp Insurance (COI details)8. Installation Warranty (standard 90-day, or maximum one-year)9. Covid Policy, and Health and Wellness Precautions10. Pricing and Total Project Cost11. Pilot Acceptance Test (to confirm installation scope of work and daily throughput)12. Equipment and supplies to be provided by MOBILE.13. Equipment and supplies to be provided by AEP.14. RFP Required Document attachments (W9, Certificate of insurance)PILOT ACCEPTANCE TESTAfter reviewing our RPF response the Review Committee announced that our proposal had been accepted with a proviso that our recommended Pilot Acceptance Test (PAT) to test the scope of work and daily throughput of a team be moved up considerably prior to formal onboarding. The goal of the PAT is to ensure the RFP installation scope of work is generally the same for each vehicle, safety issues

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 33are identified, fleet management personnel agree to the methodology and installation techniques required for a professional and consistent installation for all vehicles. The PAT also provides the opportunity to test our cloud-based Smartsheet Installation Log and project Dashboard for accuracy, speed, and formatting meets the fleet project management team’s requirements for installation acceptance.What happens quite often during a PAT with a professional well-trained team, is it becomes obvious during the pilot that additional add-on work can be included to the installation scope of work that would not have otherwise been addressed until a later date.STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)From what has been gathered and agreed upon from the pilot, a formal SOW is completed to include the: • summary of the project and goals,• step-by-step installation scope of work, • list of equipment to be installed, • special tools required,• hazardous materials and safety criteria,• Information to be captured and uploaded to the Smartsheet, • responsibilities of all parties,• installation acceptance criteria, • reports to be provided,• pricing and total cost,• deployment plan with summary installation schedule,• invoicing parameters and frequency,• signatures of agreement to the SOW. Once the SOW has been executed and agreed upon, a formal purchase order is normally required to start work which includes pricing, a reference to the signed SOW, total cost, expiration date, and where the invoicing should be sent.INSTALLATION SCHEDULE AND ROLL-OUTAfter the signed SOW was obtained, MOBILE’s project manager together with our data analytics team developed a very detailed day-to-day installation schedule by deployed team that reflected the deployment plan requirements. Deployment plans are either sequentially designed location-by-location, OPCO by OPCO, or dynamically designed with each team working their own region or OPCO and deploying simultaneously so all OPCO locations are receiving installations simultaneously. AEP desired to complete the installations within a six-month period and felt the dynamic approach was much easier to manage and control. This proved correct as we completed the installations within four months with six deployed teams. LESSONS LEARNEDIn the end, the deployment was very successful primarily because the scope of work, deployment plan, PAT, and schedule were well defined and executed. Reporting was immediate with our live online Smartsheet so any installation or communication issues that arose could be quickly addressed by the project managers. Our teams were treated very professionally by the AEP fleet location representatives, and their involvement was key to ensuring scheduling timelines were met and equipment made available. Since we had ongoing course corrections, when necessary, a formal end-of-project “Lessons Learned” session was not required. Instead, we are outlining new opportunities for 2024 and beyond with AEP.We now have a long-term relationship in place with another high-quality fleet customer.ABOUT THE AUTHORRon Harris is president of Mobile Installation Technologies. Find out more at www.mobileinstallusa.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202434UPFITWhen designing and building a heavy-duty work truck, efficiency, productivity, and reliability are key factors for success. Upfitters, body builders, and vocational vehicle manufacturers understand this premise well. They recognize that even incremental gains can make a big difference when it comes to competitiveness and profitability. Many of these organizations have turned to Link Manufacturing and its innovative auxiliary axles as a means of gaining a competitive edge. By integrating Link’s self-steering auxiliary axles into their vehicles, these companies have elevated their capabilities, resulting in numerous benefits. In this article, we explore how Link’s auxiliary axle systems have helped move upfitters, body builders, and vocational vehicle manufacturers forward, enabling them to enhance their production efficiency, comply with bridge laws, and deliver superior satisfaction to their fleet customers and end users.TAKE IT AND LIKE ITIn the case of self-steering auxiliary axles, upfitters, body builders, and vocational vehicle manufacturers are commonly faced with a dilemma when working with major industry suppliers. While these organizations produce Driving Innovation and Competition with Tailored SolutionsLINK’S FAMILY OF SELF-STEERING AUXILIARY SUSPENSIONS OFFERS UPFITTERS AND BODY BUILDERS TAILORED SOLUTIONS

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 35superb products of all kinds, due to their size and institutional structures, it is extremely difficult for them to accommodate even the most rudimentary request for a product variation.The inability to request or obtain even modestly tailored auxiliary axles not only stifles innovation, but it also discourages creative thinking and reduces overall competition. By maintaining the status quo, these major suppliers force what could otherwise be a competitive variable into a static state. “It’s hard for large institutional suppliers to be nimble,” says Tom Perez, national sales manager for aftermarket auxiliary for Link. “There are so many organizational layers to get through, that it’s almost impossible for them to respond to any request for customization, even if someone in the chain of command wanted to.”BRIDGING A GAPOne of the challenges faced by upfitters, body builders, and vocational vehicle manufacturers alike is complying with various bridge laws governing vehicle weight and axle requirements. With 50 states and Canada, there are a lot of bridge laws to keep track of. Link’s self-steer auxiliary axles are highly customizable, allowing its customers to meet very diverse requirements. By choosing Link suspensions, upfitters, body builders, and vocational vehicle manufacturers can ensure compliance and maximize each vehicle’s load-carrying capacity, all while using stock chassis. This flexibility enables Link customers to offer tailored solutions and to provide superior value to their end users.“With our knowledge and support, our customers can upfit their auxiliary suspensions state-by-state and territory-by-territory, because certain places have diverse laws, differing even within a town or city,” says Perez. “Leveraging Link’s expertise and flexibility, Link can help figure out where an end user will be operating and what the local laws are, and then it can provide a Link axle solution to maximize the return on investment.” COLLABORATION EXAMPLE Link has been an instrumental partner to many upfitters, body builders, and vocational vehicle manufacturers, helping them with engineering questions and making sure that its axles are correctly spec’d, easy to install and maximize a vehicle’s capacity. Many customers work closely with Link and Link has been able to modify its suspension’s patented Swift Mount mounting bracket designs to match OEM chassis that its self-steering auxiliary axles will be mounted on. Some larger, high-volume customers even order their chassis with frames drilled to match Link’s mounting brackets. By customizing the Swift Mount brackets and modifying the chassis, Link customers can maximize the load capacity of their vocational vehicles, while ensuring compliance with local regulations. Through their partnerships with Link, customers can simplify their supply chain and maintain stock chassis options that can easily be upfit with Link’s axles.“We provide Link Swift Mount brackets that will do Freightliner, Mack, and Peterbilt and now we’re working on other manufacturers as well,” says Perez. “So, our customers can stock one axle and then stock three or four brackets and it doesn’t matter what chassis comes in—they can make that axle fit.”SELF-EVIDENT, SELF-STEERING Link Manufacturing offers a comprehensive range of self-steering auxiliary suspensions, including its 8K, 10K, 13.5K, and 20K models. These axles incorporate Link’s revolutionary and patented Swift Mount technology, which significantly reduces installation time compared to competing systems. With Link’s Swift Mount design, installers can easily and accurately align the suspension on the vehicle’s frame rails, leading to faster and more efficient installations. SELF-STEER AUXILIARY SUSPENSIONS Link Manufacturing’s family of self-steer auxiliary suspensions enhances the installation, performance and uptime of work trucks and heavy-duty vocational vehicles. SWIFT MOUNT BRACKETSLink’s brackets reduce installation time by up to 20%, and with just 4 sets in inventory, you can install any Link Lift Axle.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202436UPFITOff the shelf, Links mounting brackets are compatible with wide flange frame rails and can be adjusted to accommodate different axle orientations. Moreover, the integration of industry-standard wheel end and brake components streamlines maintenance processes and reduce inventory overhead, enhancing uptime for anyone installing them.“The unique Swift Mount design includes stepped-edge frame brackets, offering visual indicators for easy suspension alignment,” says Pete Hiemstra, inside sales specialist for Link. “By centering the suspension quickly and accurately, installation time is drastically reduced, and this translates into a more streamlined operation, improved throughput and faster delivery manufacturers and upfitters.”Link’s self-steer auxiliary axles come fully wired and plumbed, ready for immediate chassis installation. Link’s integrated air system not only saves valuable installation time, but also enhances overall operational efficiency. By reducing the need for additional wiring and plumbing work, Link’s customers can focus on promptly delivering top-quality products to their end users. “Link gives its customers a huge advantage because it allows them to buy stock chassis not knowing what state they’re going to be sold into, and then to quickly upfit them with the appropriate Link axles and finally, deliver them,” said Hiemstra. “This gives our customers total speed and flexibility and helps them avoid the guesswork of trying to spec’ the right axle at the factory and then waiting.”All Link self-steering auxiliary suspensions are equipped with rugged cast lift arms and Link-KOAT self-healing metal treatment. With its unique characteristics, Link-KOAT provides unparalleled corrosion resistance and rust protection, even when surfaces are exposed to excessive abrasion, harsh chemicals and other severe-duty environmental factors.The impact of Link’s flexible and tailored approach to self-steer auxiliary axles is tangible to its customers. By leveraging the Swift Mount technology and customized solutions, Link customers can significantly reduce axle installation time from eight to 10 hours down to under four hours. This time savings directly translates into enhanced operational efficiency, improved customer service, and increased profitability.INNOVATION, COMPETITION The partnership between Link and its customers extends beyond cooperation and product innovation. Regular communication and collaboration with its customers have resulted in new and unique auxiliary axle solutions that make Link’s customers more competitive.“As far as continuous improvement and requested adjustments, Link is always receptive and responsive to its customers,” insists Hiemstra.“ All I can say is we are engaged and totally committed to customer service.Perez agrees. “Our engineers love this stuff and I think it’s safe to say that we can quickly respond and then produce Swift Mount brackets for virtually any vehicle chassis a customer brings us.”Link has also recently produced a whitepaper entitled, “Lift Axle Need To Know”, Mastering the Process of Ordering and Installing Lift Axles with Confidence. The comprehensive guide simplifies the complexities of specification, ordering, and installation, offering insights into state and federal regulations, installation best practices, and troubleshooting tips.“In an industry where control, timing, and flexibility are key, Link has formed many partnerships that exemplify innovation, reliability, and customer-centric solutions,” says Perez. “Link Manufacturing’s advanced suspension systems are setting new benchmarks for performance, safety, and driver comfort in commercial vehicles, and its customers and the industry at large are all benefitting.”FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about Link Mfg at www.linkmfg.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202438SAFETY MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202438SAFETYWhen it comes to managing a fleet of any kind, there is no higher priority than safety. While the needs and policies of fleets in various industries may differ, safety should be paramount for all. For instance, construction and other heavy-duty fleets face risks like work zone hazards, vehicle blind spots, traffic management, and driver fatigue, and training—both on and off the jobsite. Other companies with non-CDL fleets of passenger vehicles have to grapple with ensuring safe practices behind the wheel for drivers who may not be commercially trained. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in transportation and material-moving occupations experienced 1,620 fatal work injuries in 2022, representing the most fatalities of any occupation; the next highest were construction and extraction workers. In the same report, transportation incidents were found to be the most frequent type of fatal event for all occupational fatalities. While a fatality is the worst-imaginable result of a workplace vehicle collision, it is far from the only possible repercussion. Even minor vehicle collisions can result in a host of unexpected costs: from injuries and repairs to insurance premiums and downtime. There is also the ever-present threat of a potentially devastating lawsuit. So, for all workplaces employing drivers, the best approach to safety should prioritize preventing collisions—and the havoc they can wreak—before they occur. PROACTIVE TECHNOLOGY While many fleets deploy systems like dash cams to monitor drivers and provide footage which may be helpful after collisions occur, for example to exonerate their drivers, proactive solutions such as collision avoidance systems are designed to actively monitor the road and provide real-time alerts to drivers about potential risks, helping them avoid incidents in the first place. As a global leader in collision avoidance and ADAS technology, Mobileye uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to drive innovation in technology that keeps drivers, vehicles, and road users safer. Mobileye solutions help prevent collisions and improve driver performance across various industries, from construction to delivery to utilities, using AI-powered, real-time alerts that notify drivers of imminent hazards on the road, including unsafe following distance and impending collisions with other vehicles or road users.PROTECTING ASSETS As with many construction and contractor fleets, drivers for DeSilva Gates of Dublin, California, faced long hours of congestion and distractions behind the wheel. As a company that takes pride in its commitment to safety, after experiencing rising collisions among its fleet of over 600 vehicles (from Ford Empowered to Make Safer Driving DecisionsMOBILEYE IMPROVES SAFETY AND REDUCES COSTS WITH AI TECHNOLOGY

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 39F150 pickup trucks to Kenworth T880s) DeSilva Gates decided to integrate Mobileye into its fleet. After installation, the company reported an over 80% reduction in at-fault collisions, which then led to a significant decrease in insurance premiums. They credit the consistency and reliability of the system with its success: “What Mobileye has done is given us a coach in the vehicle 24 hours a day.” For DeSilva Gates, what set Mobileye apart from the competition was that it helped them to proactively reduce crashes and improve driver behavior without needing to record and review hours of video footage—a “set-and-forget” solution.INTEGRATING NEW TECHIntegrating new technology into your vehicles can be a difficult process, particularly for fleets which already have a greater risk for distraction. Such was the case for the Laredo Police Department, one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Texas, whose fleet of over 500 patrol vehicles covers roughly 500,000 miles each month. The risks associated with daily policing activities are undeniably high, not least because of the amount of multitasking that officers are asked to do. “With all of the equipment we have in our vehicle, we’re at a higher risk of collision. Officers are distracted inside their units: running a subject, running a license plate, then hearing a bang,” says Public Information Officer Emanuel Diaz. While some worried that Mobileye collision avoidance could add to distractions behind the wheel, after installation officers quickly found the opposite. The value of in-cab alerts and added reaction time was immediately apparent, and resulted in significant reductions in both rear-end and lane-changing collisions. SAFETY IS A PRIORITY Before installing Mobileye, the team at Heath Consultants, a nationwide natural gas leak detection firm headquartered in Houston, had doubled in size, and come to employ over 1,100 field technicians around the U.S. But that growth came with an increase in road accidents—and that meant increased expenses in insurance claims, employee compensation, and vehicle repairs and maintenance.As a company in the safety business, Heath felt its employees should operate with safety as a top priority as well. With this in mind, Heath turned to Mobileye to protect its technicians, vehicles, and bottom line. This initial deployment quickly delivered significant value in terms of driver

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202440SAFETYsafety and cost mitigation. The at-fault accident rate for vehicles equipped with Mobileye was 65% lower than those not equipped with Mobileye. FLEET TECH FOR SAFETYWhat makes Mobileye collision avoidance systems so valuable to so many types of fleets? The answer is nearly 25 years in the making. Mobileye technology is built on vision—computer vision and artificial intelligence that offers drivers an extra set of eyes behind the wheel. Not only has this set of eyes been trained over hundreds of millions of miles, but it never gets distracted or fatigued. Combined with driver training, collision avoidance systems are an invaluable tool to uphold and enforce your driver and workplace safety policy, ensuring your goals are met without the need to review a large amount of video footage after a collision takes place.For managers who are interested in the data behind Mobileye collision avoidance, the Mobileye Connect Platform is an optional add-on, integrated with the system, to be used as a safety management tool. With it, a fleet manager gets unique insights into the actual driving patterns of the employees who drive their vehicles, while still resting assured that our in-cab system is working hard in real time to alert drivers to potential hazards.Regardless of industry, fleet size, or vehicle type, all fleet drivers should feel empowered to make safer decisions behind the wheel. With Mobileye’s AI-powered collision avoidance solutions, more work fleets can achieve their safety goals. FOR MORE INFORMATIONMobileye is a global leader in collision avoidance and computer-vision artificial intelligence. With technology trusted by dozens of OEMs, Mobileye’s safety solutions aim to reduce collisions and improve driver performance for fleets across all industries through real-time, proactive alerts. Find out more at www.mobileye.com/us.

42MANAGEMENT42MANAGEMENT42MANAGEMENTEveryone has probably heard the saying that goes something like the following: “Technology is advancing faster than ever before, and it will never be this slow again.”It’s kind of a crazy statement, especially if you take it at face value. But it may not seem as extreme or fast if you’re only paying attention to the advancements in your particular industry. What it is, however, is exactly the reason why we all should pay very close attention to what’s going on around us and—perhaps more importantly—recognize the value of engaging in cross-industry learning opportunities.It’s no secret the business landscape around us continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With it comes unprecedented challenges and opportunities for organizations as they seek to stay out in front of shifting customer expectations.LEVERAGE INSIGHTSOne specific way companies are gaining valuable information and insights is by examining what’s happening in other industries. Whether it occurs through reviewing successful best practices or adopting fresh perspectives, organizations can leverage the experiences and viewpoints of others to improve strategies and gain new perspectives on innovation.Cross-industry learning is also something we’ve prioritized at Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Consider the farm-to-table movement in agriculture and its emphasis on using locally produced ingredients. Meanwhile, the energy sector is currently exploring something similar, as many utility companies today are looking into decentralized energy generation and distribution. In doing so, utilities can prepare for the reliability and resiliency the future demands, as well as more easily integrated renewable energy generation.With all that being said, here’s what can happen when you start looking outside your own industry to gain insights:1YOU LOOK FURTHER AND LEARN FROM OTHERS Many times, we talk about “silos” internally and how organizations can break them down and foster inter-departmental collaboration. However, why not take that a step further and start breaking down the walls that surround our entire industry? After all, it’s in doing so that true innovation starts to occur.Embracing a more open approach for our industries means typically looking at the on-road industry in order to see what may be on the horizon. Whether it’s safety innovations like object detection similar to the parking sensors in your vehicle, or regulations like engine emissions, it’s typically impacting on-road vehicles first.But we need to go further out...Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to participate in AEM member Twisthink’s Shared Spaces program. This engagement consisted of a four-month interactive experience which brought together 30 representatives from several different industries, including healthcare, mobility, and industrial. We then participated in virtual meetings and learned about multiple different technological advancements and initiatives from each industry.The topics discussed in Shared Spaces ranged from digitizing self-care to advanced logistics and smart cities, and some topics we’re all familiar with—precision farming, construction and robotics, to name a few. While the presentation portion of each interactive Zoom call focused on one industry, the breakout groups discussed how one trend may impact another and what a challenge in one industry could offer in terms of looking outside the normal field of view and through a different lens.One particular discussion question of interest to me was as follows: “If Amazon was responsible for designing the movement of people throughout a city, how would they do it?” The first thing that came to my mind was suggested places along your route based on previous destinations. While it may seem easy, it could also be valuable, The Power of Cross-Industry LearningLEVERAGE THE KNOWLEDGE OF OTHERS TO ENHANCE STRATEGY AND INSPIRATION By John Somers MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 2024

4343especially if you’re a visitor to the city. Another thought was people being transported could deliver a few packages along the way (perhaps for a ride discount). That may be not only an attractive offer for some folks, but it may also reduce negative environmental impact by having less vehicles on the road.2YOU DEVELOP A LEARNING CULTUREOrganizations would be wise to develop a culture of learning and fully embrace cross-industry inspiration. By encouraging curiosity and exploration, employees can step outside their comfort zones and enter a collaborative environment. With rapid change and constant innovation all around us, businesses cannot (and should not) only engage with their own industries.I, for one, listen to a lot of real estate and home building podcasts. This may seem like an adjacent industry, but the messages are often more focused on running the business and how to encourage each person to thrive in their role and expand in a market. What it’s not about is the actual building process, and it’s absolutely fascinating. I would encourage you to proactively look to other industries that may seem unrelated. WIN-WIN SCENARIOThe tools, technologies and resources to improve our industry is here. And, in recent years, we’ve seen a significant wave of investment, adoption, and innovation. As this trend continues, it’s critically important for equipment manufacturers and the ag and construction customers they serve to become more open and receptive what’s happening around them. Because when two industries collide in the pursuit of greater insights, increased innovation and additional efficiencies, it’s often a true “win-win” scenario that leads to limitless possibilities.ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Somers is vice president, construction & utility sector, with Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the United States supports 2.3 million jobs and contributes roughly $316 billion to the economy every year. Find out more, visit www.aem.org.JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTEach November, Holman, a global automotive services organization, hosts Holman Drive, an annual conference that focuses on sharing proven fleet management solutions and exploring the future of mobility. Now in its fifth year, Holman Drive 23 featured a number of sessions and panel discussions that examined key trends influencing the fleet industry including emerging technologies, supply chain disruptions, and the continued transition to electric vehicles. During the conference in Boca Raton, Florida, more than 150 automotive, fleet, finance, and procurement professionals convened for three days of lively, interactive sessions, networking events, and through-provoking conversations. The energy and enthusiasm in the room throughout the event was nothing short of remarkable as some of the brightest minds in the industry discussed the challenges—and opportunities—that lie ahead in 2024 and beyond. OPENING REMARKSHolman CEO Chris Conroy opened the event by welcoming attendees and highlighting the company’s core values and principles which serve as the foundation for how the company supports its customers. Conroy also offered a glimpse at the road ahead for Holman as the organization prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2024 and embark on its second century in business. Following the opening keynote, a panel of leading technology experts including Holman’s CIO Jarrod Phipps as well as Geotab’s Chad Saliba and Phil Nanus of Salesforce offered their perspectives on the emerging trends and technologies that are poised to transform the fleet industry in the Fleet Industry Key TrendsHOLMAN DRIVE 23 OFFERS A GLIMPSE AT THE ROAD AHEAD FOR FLEET OPERATORS44 MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 2024

45years ahead. The panel discussion focused heavily on the importance of effectively managing the ocean of data a fleet generates and how this information can be leveraged to overcome challenges and drive meaningful improvements. SUPPLY CHAIN DISCUSSIONThis panel discussion was followed by an in-depth look at the automotive supply chain which has been severely disrupted for three-plus years. Holman’s Ted Davis offered his perspective on the outlook for the supply chain as it begins to stabilize. Davis highlighted how Holman is leveraging its unsurpassed visibility to the entire automotive sector along with strategic partnerships and innovative technology to help its customers stay ahead of lingering disruptions. Davis was then joined on stage by a panel of experts from across the industry including Michael Taylor of Hillstaffers and General Motors’ Jennifer Costabile. The panel discussed the various factors influencing the supply chain along with how these variables impact fleet operations and business as a whole. BREAKOUT SESSIONSA series of breakout sessions wrapped-up the day. The concurrent sessions focused on technology’s impact on driver safety, real-world electric vehicle implementation strategies, and the top fleet trends for 2024. Attendees then enjoyed a number of casual networking activities followed by an evening of entertainment. PRIORITIES & INITIATIVESThe final day of Holman Drive 23 began with Holman’s President of Fleet & Mobility Bob White highlighting the organization’s top strategic priorities and initiatives with an emphasis on continuing to enhance the customer experience. White was then joined by Milwaukee Tool’s Jeremy Ferch, TruGreen’s Hobbs DeWitt, ExxonMobil’s Peter Tunnard, and BNSF Railway’s Jennifer Cayot for a panel discussion on strategies for effectively elevating the fleet conversation to the C-suite. The group of panelists discussed the importance of highlighting how various fleet initiatives can translate to overall business success.This session was followed by Holman’s Bill Cariss and Tony Candeloro who led a panel discussion on the future of fleet and the rapidly evolving technologies impacting the industry with several experts from across the automotive sector. Bringing the event to a close was former CEO and Chairman of General Electric Jeff Immelt. During his keynote presentation, Immelt discussed the business value of fleet operations and shared his insights from his illustrious career that saw him lead an industrial titan through the digital revolution. INNOVATIONS TO COMEAn event unlike any other, Holman Drive is without question among the highlights of the year for the company and all those in attendance. The annual conference offers a unique opportunity to highlight best practice strategies, explore the trends impacting fleet operations, connect with leaders from across a variety of industries, and together, continue to shape the future of fleet management. But more than anything else, the event is a chance for Holman, its extraordinary collection of strategic business partners, and the company’s valued customers to celebrate their collective successes and explore new, innovative ways to leverage fleet operations to drive organizational success.FOR MORE INFORMATIONTo learn more about how Holman’s holistic fleet management strategies can help maximize the potential of your fleet as a strategic business asset, visit holman.com. SOCIAL CLIMBINGADVERTISERS MWS SOCIAL MARKETING CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS:• INCREASE brand awareness• BOOST inbound traffic• BECOME an industry authority• IMPROVE web search rankings• RAISE conversion ratesJANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS

46MANAGEMENTSince the genesis of the commercial vehicle industry, operations have focused on durability and reliability, often prioritizing functionality over cutting-edge technology. In addition to these values, adapting new equipment or systems to an in-service fleet is no small feat, and any potential reconstruction must go through several levels of structure before being approved. However, despite the slower pace of technological adoption compared to other sectors, the potential benefits of technology have become increasingly apparent. The commercial vehicle industry is transforming, embracing new solutions that promise to revolutionize safety, efficiency, and profitability.FOCUS ON SAFETYOne of the most significant changes is the growing emphasis on safety. In the past, safety solutions were often viewed as an unnecessary expense, with many fleets relying on rudimentary features like mirrors and reverse alerts. Today, however, there is a growing awareness of technology's critical role in protecting drivers and preventing accidents—driven by several factors, including:Increased regulatory pressure: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations requiring advanced safety features in commercial vehicles.Rising insurance costs: Accidents involving commercial vehicles can result in significant financial losses for drivers and companies. A growing focus on driver safety: As the industry recognizes the link between driver well-being and public safety, technology is increasingly used to reduce fatigue, improve situational awareness, and provide real-time assistance—bridging the gap in safety standards between personal and commercial vehicles.TECH TRANSFORMATIONAI, integrated safety solutions, and fleet tracking systems, to name a few, are advancements reshaping the landscape of the commercial vehicle industry. These technologies offer valuable insights into vehicle performance, driver behavior, and fuel consumption, enabling fleet managers to make data-driven decisions that optimize operations in several ways, including AI-powered algorithms for route planning, preventive maintenance for vehicles, and increased awareness of surroundings with AI-based cameras and sensors.VOYAGER AIOIntroducing new safety solutions into existing fleets is one of the commercial industry's biggest challenges due to complex wiring and driver intervention requirements. Even the most innovative technologies are rendered ineffective if they cannot be integrated into vehicles. Voyager AIO stands out as a game-changer, overcoming this obstacle by seamlessly integrating various features through the vehicle's CAN bus, already receiving feedback from satisfied users about the following:Seamless installation and maintenance: The solution comes with straightforward wiring instructions, further simplifying the integration process.Modular and customizable: Voyager AIO offers a flexible platform that allows for the integration of various safety features, including backup cameras, lane departure warning systems, forward-collision avoidance systems, and more.Enhanced driver visibility and awareness: One of Voyager AIO's most significant contributions is the real-time information about drivers' surroundings. Strategically placed cameras and sensors eliminate blind spots and offer invaluable assistance in complex environments.BRIGHTER, SAFER FUTURE Although technology adoption in the commercial vehicle industry is still in its early stages, the momentum is undeniable. As technology advances and costs decrease, one can expect an even faster adoption rate. With innovative solutions like Voyager AIO leading the way, the commercial vehicle industry is poised to enter a new era of reduced accident rates, improved driver productivity, and enhanced profitability. The future of transportation is bright; technology is changing how the industry operates, and people interact with vehicles for the better.Voyager AIO Leads the Way TECH REDEFINING THE VEHICLE INDUSTRYFOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about ASA Electronics’ Voyager All-In-One (AIO) Safety Solution Camera System at www.asaelectronics.com.MANAGEMENT MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 2024

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202448MANAGEMENT48MANAGEMENTAs the frequency and severity of natural disasters increases, vocational fleets must modernize how they prioritize safety, uptime, and vehicle health for emergency deployment.Each year, thousands of hard-working crews take on a nonstop, complicated, hyper-intense effort to help communities return to normalcy after hurricanes, floods, freezes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. During this recovery period, assets are put to work more than usual, and operators are lucky to get a few hours of sleep each day. But vocational fleets that track asset utilization by whiteboard or other manual processes are leaving money on the table. As tight budgets and recruitment challenges impact more companies in 2024, now is the time to consider implementing technology for smart fleet management. Communities rely on your crew in times of emergency and these technologies equip every fleet asset and jobsite for maximum safety, efficiency, and hard-working uptime. Driving down worksite inefficiencies results in higher profitability and improves reimbursement recovery rates for federal programs and private contracts.MANAGE FLEET HEALTH Fleet managers need a way to ensure assets don’t go down in the middle of the work. Too much depends on it.Justin Brands, Southern California fleet manager for Hot Line Construction, is based in California, where wildfires, high winds, and other disasters affect the state’s utility networks. “Trees are on fire when we’re down there,” Brands says. “You don’t want to find yourself with a broken-down truck. Uptime is important.”Hot Line Construction uses a fleet diagnostics and preventative maintenance platform that consolidates jobsite IoT data—including vehicle health, fault codes and location—in a single view. While this maximizes utilization across sites, it also works as an early warning system to prevent unplanned downtime and save thousands of dollars in critical repairs.Tracking down assets as a mechanic during disaster recovery efforts can be challenging. You know where they showed up in the morning, but even if you can get field location information, knowing the driver’s route is another barrier, especially with fire roads, closed areas and locked gates. Hot Line’s approach is ideal. The crew has a streamlined, comprehensive view of all assets and vehicles across the fleet to know what asset is running an error, its location, and the right parts and tools needed to fix it.“If you don’t have telematics and something goes down, now you’re renting equipment, trying to get assets on site, and there's a cost in time and man hours,” Brands says. “If you don’t have the equipment, you might not get the work.”TRACK ASSET UTILIZATION When crews are on long-term disaster recovery projects, it’s imperative that they accurately track asset use, mileage, and other criteria for billing and reimbursement. Outdated, manual processes—whiteboards, logbooks and Excel files saved on desktops—risk leaving millions of dollars in FEMA and private contract reimbursements on the table each year. Manual documentation processes can be so arduous that teams don’t submit the full cost for reimbursement, and if they do, the returns are minimal due to incomplete materials. For companies that work directly with FEMA, a lack of records can result in denial of a substantial portion of reimbursements. These are the fleets that would benefit from smarter Vocational Fleet Health is a PriorityA SMARTER WAY TO KEEP ASSETS RUNNING DURING DISASTER RECOVERY By Nick Grandy

JANUARY 2024 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 49solutions that digitize disaster relief tracking and reporting. Zonar has worked with Idaho-based Kootenai Electric Cooperative since 2014. It’s the largest electric cooperative in Idaho, and part of its role is helping communities recover from disaster-related events. The work includes debris removal, power restoration, and emergency protective measures. For years, it manually tracked and reported work, relying on operators to manage inspections, logging timecards and pre-flight systems. This approach didn’t provide the visibility the team needed into their fleet so they could recover more of their resources. When it digitized its fleet tracking and reporting processes to meet FEMA reimbursement requirements, it improved reimbursement recovery by nearly 100% over two years. The team leveraged smart fleet management technology to access data on their crews in FEMA zones, giving them real-time visibility into manpower hours and locations. The crews could enter their pre- and post-trip data, and the new system would complete the process from there. This approach allowed the cooperative to track and re-allocate assets during emergency events, monitor crew efficiency, and quickly complete the rigorous FEMA documentation.Smart fleet solutions help organizations digitize disaster relief tracking and reporting for greater accuracy and reimbursement.THE BOTTOM LINEAs the frequency and severity of natural disasters increases, the public and private sector are investing in ways to safeguard critical infrastructure.The benefit of a smart fleet management solution goes beyond supporting drivers on their routes, adhering to compliance requirements and inspections and following safe driving behaviors. These systems help maintenance crews manage and monitor the performance of their fleets and drivers and help companies optimize how assets are used across multiple sites so they can maximize reimbursements.These jobs are an urgent, all-hands effort for the vocational fleets involved in recovery. Brands often reminds his crews of Hot Line Construction’s overarching goal: "The job isn't done when you're done on the pole, or when you get back to the yard. The work is done once everyone is home safe.” Fleet uptime and safety are critical in making sure the goal is met.ABOUT THE AUTHORNick Grandy is the general manager, Vocational and Industrial Services, with Zonar. Find out more at www.zonar.com.ARE YOUR RECEIVABLES FLAT?ARE YOUR RECEIVABLES FLAT?WATCH YOUR RECEIVABLES INFLATE WITH PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISINGHELP IS JUST A CALL AWAY 205.795.0223 | RUSSELL@MWSMAG.COM MWS Can help GIVe TheM a lIFT.

How do the best stay on top of the rest?BY USING THEIR NOGGIN FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PLACE TO HANG THEIR HARD HATStaying on top of what is happening in the world of work trucks is a great start! Visit www.mwsmag.com and click on the digital edion tab to access the enre MWS digital library. Or subscribe. It’s up to you and it’s all free.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202452WORK TRUCK PRODUCTSVOYAGER ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION (AIO) ASA Electronics announces the launch of the Voyager All-In-One (AIO) Safety Solution Camera System. Voyager exemplifies this belief, initiating the genesis of a safer trucking universe with its innovative All-In-One (AIO) system. AIO provides additional visibility and security to drivers and cargo with its customizable suite of safety systems, including the 360° camera view, vehicle condition alerts, and proximity sensors. Scalable and easily integrated with existing commercial vehicle systems that utilize CAN-Bus communication, AIO can enhance any pre-existing safety solutions. www.asaelectronics.comSTELLAR NXT40 HOOKLIFTStellar Industries introduces a new NXT40 Hooklift. This strong but lightweight unit is capable of loading, unloading, and dumping various truck bodies. The NXT40 is the latest telescopic hooklift in the NXT™ Series and features a Z-channel base design and an industry-leading universal body latching system. Completely manufactured in the U.S., the NXT40 is a 40,000-lb capacity hoist, built for tandem axle chassis. The unit has a 54/61.75" hook height and rectangular-style secondary jib. With approximately a 10.5" lost load height, Stellar offers an industry leading low profile, providing a lower vertical center of gravity and the ability to accommodate down to 6" subframe heights. The NXT40 will come equipped with either air controls or electronic radio remote controls for efficient operation of the hooklift. www.stellarindustries.com THUNDERBOLT LOCKS, INC. LOCKS FOR VANS AND ENCLOSED TRAILERSOur anti-theft deadbolt lock is the premier choice for safeguarding work vans. The lock's tamper-resistant design and heavy-duty materials make it a formidable deterrent against theft. Professionals seeking a reliable solution to fortify their work vans can trust Thunderbolt's reputation for durability and innovation, making it a standout option in remote-controlled deadbolt locks. See us at the March 2024 NTEA WORK TRUCK SHOW in Indianapolis, BOOTH 114. We'll showcase our new Enclosed Trailer Locks and provide demonstrations and giveaways. www.thunderboltlocks.com SEE ADPG 39COXREELS MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR 100 SERIESCoxreels announces its newest expansion to its mounting bracket lineup, the SMK-702 SERIES. The SMK-702 series is a swivel bracket accessory for the 100 SERIES HOSE REELS and the V-100 SERIES VACUUM REELS. Built in the USA of heavy gauge steel, the SMK-702 wall mount swivel brackets feature 360-degree rotation, with multiple locking positions via an easy-to-use ergonomic pin lock. Powder-coated gloss black, the swivel bracket allows the user to point the reel in the direction where the hose is needed, improving the experience and function during payout and rewind. The SMK-702 comes in two sizes, SMK-702-8 and SMK-702-12.5. www.coxreels.com SEE ADPG 8