8/31/19

Mobile Fleet Service Commercial Truck Wrap Timelapse | IP Truck


We've decided to wrap our mobile fleet service truck! Here's a time-lapse showcasing the entire process. Visit http://www.iptruck.com to get a quote on your next truck wrap or give us a call at 972.632.3743

A NO COMPROMISE DESIGN: Aluminum Truck Bodies From KNAPHEIDE


A new material, a new design. Our team of experts sought out to design aluminum truck bodies that are just as durable as steel. The promise to deliver the best could only be accomplished by taking a clean sheet approach. The result is a revolutionary designed lineup of aluminum truck bodies never before seen. Learn more about our aluminum bodies: http://bit.ly/KnapheideAluminum

8/30/19

1960s Tonka Tow Truck Restoration - Toy AA Wrecker


Thought you might enjoy the refurbishing of a commercial truck made by Tonka. It is sort of mesmerizing. . . Enjoy!

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT I USE: Red Line EZ50 Powder Coating System: https://amzn.to/2VfeRMs Dremel 3000: https://amzn.to/2vyuDTq Electric Oven: https://amzn.to/2I2RXkB Sand Blasting Cabinet: https://amzn.to/2I1iC1c - Aluminum Oxide Media: https://amzn.to/2Viv9U2 Bench Grinder: https://amzn.to/2DrrrNX - 6" Brass Wire Wheel: https://amzn.to/2Gonk5M - 8" Buffing Wheel: https://amzn.to/2ZpRePR Portable Cleaning Table/Sink: https://amzn.to/2XuI0A3 Ultrasonic Cleaner: https://amzn.to/2VUJaEx - Simple Green: https://amzn.to/2W1jfeu TONKA TUBULAR RIVET TOOL: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53... Tonka Whitewall Tire Insert Replacement - TKP-040 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53... Tonka Wrecker Truck Lower Hook Replacement - TKP-125 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...

8/29/19

Understanding the Critical Role of the Utility in Fleet Electrification

Proper planning and engagement can aid in the smooth transition to fleet electrification.

Proper planning and engagement can aid in the smooth transition to fleet electrification.
Adding electric vehicles to your fleet is not as simple as selecting the vehicle you want and ordering it. Unlike diesel and gasoline powered vehicles, you can’t just pull into a truck stop and plug in your EV to recharge the battery. At least not yet.

But don’t let this scare you off from considering bringing electric vehicles into your operation. Proper planning will help you have a smooth transition to a hybrid or electrified fleet. Even if you’re not an expert on charging infrastructure or fleet electrification, there are resources at your disposal: a local utility can provide helpful guidance and it’s quite likely they already have experience assisting other fleets with electrification efforts.

Engage Your Utility First
When it comes to electricity, rates can fluctuate up to 200% in a given day depending on when and how quickly it’s used. To put things in perspective: imagine if the price of oil varies based on when and how fast you filled the tank. Think how difficult it would be to plan and budget properly.
The 3,300 electric utilities in the U.S. have varying tariffs structures, peak demand rates, time of use charges, etc.; all of which impact what you will be paying to charge your vehicles. Therefore, it is imperative that you work with your local utility and not rely on general information about needed electric charging infrastructure, rates, etc.

So before you even place an order for an electric vehicle, you first want to speak with your electric utility company. They can not only give you information on your current electrical , but can also tell you about special, local funding opportunities that might be available to defray costs. They can assist with everything from your substation to your transformer through to your meter.

Each case is unique and should be dealt with on an individual basis by working in tandem with partners and utility company staff.

Utility as Consultant
Fleet managers also need to determine exactly what their operational needs are going to be, and how charging will fit into this. How many EVs are you planning to add to the fleet? Will they all need to be fully charged at the end of each day? Will they all be charging at the same time of day or will they be returning to the yard at different times and therefore charging throughout the day?

Here again you can bring in a utility partner or specialist consultant to help you model multiple charging scenarios. They can also help you build out an infrastructure that is capable of handling additional charging stations in the future as you bring more EVs into your fleet. When it comes to retrofitting your facility, your energy provider can advise if electrical upgrades may be necessary to accommodate your specific needs.

Now is when you should start thinking about ongoing energy management. This is an area that is often overlooked, but failure to think through how to manage energy and avoid demand charges could result in costly surprises on your energy bills month after month.
Bring up the discussion on load management and best ways to fuel your electric fleet early. Only at this point should you begin constructing the infrastructure and installing the charging equipment.

Don’t Underestimate Planning
In its Guidance Report, Amping Up: Charging Infrastructure for Electric Trucks, The North American Council for Freight Efficiency found that, “Because of the nature of EV charging infrastructure, utilities will need to be involved in the planning and implementation processes as partners, and because they are subject to much regulation and government bureaucracy, it’s best to engage them early, as planning and permitting can take over a year.”

In addition, the report found, “Planning and permitting for charging infrastructure can be very time-intensive process.” This means you need to begin the process well before you take possession of your first electric vehicle. NACFE advises that “infrastructure planning, negotiating, funding, permitting, installation, and certification can take much longer than procuring the [vehicle] itself.”

While different from diesel and gasoline powered vehicles, there is no need to shy away from electric vehicles. With some careful, early planning you can seamlessly integrate them into your current operation.

Muffi Ghadiali is founder and CEO of Electriphi Inc., a developer of EV fleet and energy management solutions. Electriphi offers a planning tool to help fleets begin to electrify their fleets.

Source:  https://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/338418/understanding-the-critical-role-of-the-utility-in-fleet-electrification

 by Muffi Ghadiali Share with FacebookShare with TwitterShare with LinkedInShare by Email
 -

Originally posted on Fleet Forward

2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier


Commercial Truck Guy reviews a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Bolt EV Premier. Commercial Truck Guy reviews all different kinds of vehicles that's why you have to subscribe because you never know what he's going to upload.

8/28/19

Reading Cranemaster Service Truck Bodies

Cranemaster

Cranemaster service truck bodies provide the structural integrity required for safe crane operation in a variety of terrain and conditions along with expansive compartment space for your crew. They feature an easy-mount understructure forward of the rear axle, a ½-inch-thick crane compartment top plate, and a crank-down pull-out outrigger for added security. Built with premium A60 galvannealed steel construction and Reading’s exclusive Triple Protection E-Coat primer and powder coat finish, your Cranemaster truck body will provide years of safe, heavy-duty performance in even the most challenging environments Standard features including heavy-gauge double-panel doors, Reading’s iconic heavy-duty slam-action tailgate, exclusive galvanized bumpers and a 12-gauge steel treadplate cargo area. Our Aluma-Fill® fuel cup, Dual-Pro® door seals and patented hidden hinges are also included as standard equipment on all Cranemaster service bodies. The Cranemaster 3200 supports 1,000 to 3,200-pound capacity cranes. It is designed for a 10,000-pound GVWR chassis with 56” to 84” Cab-to-Axle measurements and comes in four models:

Learn more at: http://enovenind.com/products-2/service-bodies/reading/




8/27/19

Air Lift On-Board Air Compressor Systems


Air Lift On-Board Air Compressor Systems! Air Lift On-Board Air Compressor Systems allow you to inflate and deflate your air springs with the touch of a button - for maximum on the go convenience! Tow and Haul with Safety and Comfort - with Air Lift!

Harbor 3-Piece Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure, Material Rack and Conduit Box

Cranemaster

Cranemaster service truck bodies provide the structural integrity required for the safe crane operation in a variety of terrain and conditions along with expansive compartment space for your crew. They feature an easy-mount understructure forward of the rear axle, a ½-inch-thick crane compartment top plate, and a crank-down pull-out outrigger for added security. Built with premium A60 galvanneal steel construction and Reading’s exclusive Triple Protection E-Coat primer and powder coat finish, your Cranemaster truck body will provide years of safe, heavy-duty performance in even the most challenging environments Standard features including heavy-gauge double-panel doors, Reading’s iconic heavy-duty slam-action tailgate, exclusive galvanized bumpers and a 12-gauge steel treadplate cargo area. Our Aluma-Fill® fuel cup, Dual-Pro® door seals and patented hidden hinges are also included as standard equipment on all Cranemaster service bodies. The Cranemaster 3200 supports 1,000 to 3,200-pound capacity cranes. It is designed for a 10,000-pound GVWR chassis with 56” to 84” Cab-to-Axle measurements and comes in four models:

Learn more at http://enovenind.com/products-2/service-bodies/reading/




8/26/19

Best City Delivery Van: The LCF!


Michael Osborne of Paradise Fleet shows off this 4500 LCF with 14' American Dry Freight Body. The Low Cab Forward (LCF) is one of the best city delivery vehicles because it has such a tight turning radius and yet a small footprint which equals unsurpassed maneuverability in narrow city streets and high traffic downtown areas. In addition because of the design, you sit higher up and can see more of the road ahead. There are so many great features of the LCF and we would love to tell you more and let you check it out for yourself. Call Michael Osborne or one of their other fleet specialists at 951-252-2980. Check out their huge selection of ready-to-go-to-work-today trucks at https://paradisefleet.com

8/25/19

Carry It On Top - Masterack Ladder Racks for Every Type of Commercial Van


Masterack has a ladder rack for every type of commercial van, plus accessories to customize a package to your particular need. Choose from the original Masterack Locking Rack, the ergonomic Slide-Down Rack, the effortless PowerRack, or the economical heavy-duty Utility Rack.

Find out more at:  http://masterack.com/
 



Kargo Master Demonstrates Aluminum Drawer Units – NTEA Show


David demonstrated Kargo Master’s Aluminum Drawer Units. They’re 52 inches deep, light and right weighted, easy to assemble and easy to install. They yield a lower installed cost to the dealer. Innovative plastic tote holders finish this impressive set of store-all drawers. There is also an integrated wing kit which is a big-time saver as opposed to a bolt-on kit and is used by major rental truck fleets.

8/24/19

ANA 300 H Operational Video


A quick start video on the operations of the hydraulically driven Air N Arc 300 H product.

8/23/19

Truckin' Tennessee Trails in a Nissan Titan XD

Truckin' Tennessee Trails in a Nissan Titan XD
30-nissan-titan-2018-angle--blue--dynamic--exterior--front--off-road II

Nissan's Titan pickup truck is the new kid at school — picked on, not given any respect, overlooked when it comes time to choose teams for sports. But that's OK; Nissan seems to relish being the underdog of the pickup class as it gives the automaker freedom to do things a little out of the box. The latest version of the Mississippi-built Titan has been out for a couple of years now, and Titans are still a rare sight in most parts of the country. But that doesn't bother the Nissan crew; they're soldiering along with a truck that they're eager to prove is as capable as domestic-brand pickups.

With that in mind, I found myself in the parking lot of the Hilton at McGhee Tyson Airport staring at a 2018 Titan half-ton and Titan XD pickups as journalists converged upon Knoxville, Tenn., for the first part of Nissan's Great Titan Meat Up. The Meat Up was the latest in a series of special events designed to showcase the Titan in the wild. Meat Up weekend kicked off with a day off-roading in the Smoky Mountains followed by a smoked meat cooking competition in Pigeon Forge.
A Mix of Off-Road Titans

The off-road event took us into the hills of Windrock Park, one of the largest off-road parks in the country encompassing more than 72,000 acres laced with more than 300 miles of off-highway trails that accommodate everything from side-by-sides to dirt bikes to full-size 4x4 trucks like the Titans. Our fleet was a mix of Titan half tons with the 390-horsepower, 5.6-liter Endurance V-8 and Titan XDs — Nissan's 'tweener pickup that's not quite a half ton, not quite a heavy duty — powered by a 310-hp, turbo-diesel 5.0-liter Cummins V-8. All trucks were the Pro-4X off-road trim, with higher ride heights, all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, an electronic locking rear differential and some additional underbody skid-plate protection that came in handy on the trails.

By Pick-UpTrucks.com

Posted by Aaron Bragman | May 2, 2018

Learn more at: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/05/truckin-tennessee-trails-in-a-nissan-titan-xd.html

5 Benefits of Having a Truck Optimized GPS on Your Phone


If you are a trucker working hard day and night, it is essential to choose a truck optimized GPS as your navigation tool while getting behind on wheels. The fastest routes navigated by the standard GPS may cause you ending with more time and money unpredictably.

Here is the list of benefits to get a GPS navigation tool that are specially designed for truckers.

  • · To Avoid Low Clearance Or Truck-Restriction Routes
  • By using the GPS tool that is intended and designed only for truckers, it certainly helps you to avoid the non-friendly truck routes, low clearance or low bridges that could crash your truck trailer.
  • · Save Money On Fuel
  • NO more feeling headaches of searching for the best deal on fuel. There are bundle of GPS navigation tool provides you the up-to-date and accurate diesel price of nearby fuel stations.
  • · Delivery Freights on Time.

The truck specified GPS tool helps you to prevent the traffic congestions. You can plan the route to an unfamiliar destination in advance according to the live weather and traffic conditions provided.

· Save Time
No doubt, you can save your precious time in searching for the nearby Truck POI locations with the truck optimize GPS. Knowing in advance where to pull over your truck, it is definitely beneficial for you.

· Convenience
Within the GPS system, you can easily find the nearby Walmart stores with truck parking, scales, truck washes, hotels and restaurants nearby. It is the most convenience way to find places to fill your stomach and take a nap or relax your mind.

The Truckbubba app is the best companion app for truck drivers in North America. This app is integrated with several different mobile app assistants such as Truck Weigh Station App, Diesel Fuel Locator App, Truck Route Planner, Speedometer, Weather Forecast, etc.

Speedometer feature is a speed limit alert that allows you to adjust the speed limit for highways and cities respectively with no speeding violation.It will automatically warn you with vivid yellow or red value if your truck is over speeding.

Truckbubba app — Truck optimized GPS with speed limit alert is the best matching solution to ensure the safety of the truckers on the road.

Learn more at: www.truckbubba.com


8/22/19

Ten Keys to Safe City Driving


Ten Keys to Safe City Driving is brought to you by http://bigcitydriver.com. Written and narrated by Ken Skaggs. 

8/21/19

DECKED 101: (Almost) Everything You Need to Know about DECKED


This is a deep dive into DECKED pickup truck and cargo van storage systems : exploring what it does for the customer, how it's constructed, its features and benefits, as well as assembly/installation best practices. While this is intended for DECKED retailers this is also a helpful guide for interested customers as well.

NISSAN - AMERICA'S BEST TRUCK & COMMERCIAL VAN WARRANTY

Nissan work van

5 Years, 100,000 Miles!

Ford - 3 Years/36,000 Miles
Chevrolet - 3 Years/36,000 Miles
Ram - 3 years/36,000 Miles
Toyota - 3 Years/36,000 Miles
Mercedes Benz- 3 Yrs/36,000 Miles

8/20/19

2018 Nissan NV200 Catering Van? Nissan of Vacaville



Scott shows off a Nissan NV200 with a catering rack ideal for caterers or other business with special transportation needs. See more at http://www.vacavilleworktrucks.com.

8/19/19

2018 Nissan NV 2500 Cargo Van - Drop Down Roof Rack & HVAC Shelving


Scott shows off just one of the configurations you can get on a NV 2500 van See more at http://www.vacavilleworktrucks.com.


Venco Venturo ET6K Electric Crane


The standard configuration for the ET6K includes a manual extension boom from six to 10 feet and hydraulic elevation from -5 to +75 degrees. The crane’s rating is 6,000 foot-pounds with a maximum lifting capacity of one ton – falling below the OSHA requirement for operator certification – making it exempt from OSHA 1926.1427 operator certification requirements.

The ET6K winch features a high-efficiency, heavy-duty three-stage electric planetary gear drive, 12V permanent magnet motor and dual braking systems, and comes standard with a capacity overload shut-off system, aircraft-quality wire rope, and remote control pendant.

Available options include radio remote control, anti two-block system which meets ANSI B30.5 safety standards, mounting pedestals for platform body applications, outriggers and jacklegs for a variety of truck bodies and an adjustable boom rest with a load block storage hook.

The ET6K is recommended for general service applications on any truck with a GVWR of 8,000 LBS or more.

- See more at: http://venturo.com/product/et6k/

8/18/19

VMAC G30 Gas Driven Air Compressor at work - Powered by Honda


Get all the power you need in this small air compressor. The G30 gas drive air compressor with 30 CFM rotary screw air power. Powered by Honda

8/17/19

Enoven Work Truck Platforms - Bulit for Your Requirements!

 


Enoven Work Platforms or “Flatbeds" are offered as standard flatbeds with or without Headboards,in lengths from 8′ to 28′and can be custom modified to accomplish many job requirements.

Find many of the Work Platforms we have built here: https://enovenind.com/products-2/flatbeds/ewp-series/

Contact us for a quote on your requirements: 888-640-8667 or info@enoven.com

Dual Rear Wheel Service Body Has More Room!


Ron Sadler, Commercial Manager shows off a Knapheide 9' service body on a GMC 3500HD dual rear wheel chassis. This setup is close to the same length as the popular 8' service body on a 2500HD, but has deeper compartments and carries considerably more weight for those heavy tools. See more about our commercial truck department at http://www.lehmersgmc.com

8/16/19

A Five-Star Rating places the Pac-Mac KB Series in a class of its own!



Our engineering teams can work directly with our customers to provide superior customer service and develop in-depth understanding of your needs.

8/14/19

Pickup Vault - A.R.E. Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers


To learn more about the Pickup Vault, and other accessories offered by A.R.E.,
 please visit their website at www.4are.com.

8/13/19

Is the Nissan Titan Made In America?


YES!  Even though Nissan is an international company, Nissan trucks are in built right here in the USA. In fact, both the Nissan Titan and the Nissan Frontier rank in the top 5 on the “most American trucks” list, above the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra. When you buy a new Nissan Titan, you’re also buying American.


Where are Nissan trucks built?

The new Nissan Titan isn’t just built in America – it was designed here too. The Titan was designed in California, engineered in Michigan, and tested in the Arizona desert. Like many other Nissans, it’s assembled at the Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi. Although the transmission is sourced from Japan, both of the 2016 Nissan Titan’s powerful engines are also 100% American-built. The diesel engine is made in Columbus, Indiana, while the gasoline engine is made in Tennessee. Over half of the Nissan Titan’s other parts are also sourced from the US and Canada.

Like the Nissan Titan, the majority of the Nissan Frontier’s parts are from the United States and Canada. The transmission and some of the engines are Japanese, but the Nissan Frontier is also American-built in Canton, Mississippi.

Learn more at: http://www.campbellnissancommercial.com/


VMAC's UNDERHOOD70-G System Customer Testimonial


After using the amazing UNDERHOOD70-G air compressor on his high-demand roofing jobs, Dale Clozza of Aurora Roofing in Nanaimo, BC, had a lot to say about the efficiency, fuel savings and compact power of one of VMAC's newest, innovative air compressor system - including its ability to TURN HIS TRUCK ON AND OFF as his air tools need air. Learn More: http://vmacair.com/product/underhood-...

8/12/19

Very Sharp GMC 3500 with Harbor Flat Bed Body




Here's a sharp looking GMC 3500 with a Harbor flatbed. Looks great in the daylight and the LED Lights will light this body up at night. The Headboard has CNC or laser cut openings for great visibility with a galvanized solid steel lower section for maximum corrosion protection. The body has a treated wood floor and underbed boxes. This high quality flatbed that will last for years under all kinds of loads and uses

See more creations by Harbor Truck Bodies in Brea CA at http://www.htbi.net/, or call them at 800-433-9452.

8/11/19

Dual-Sided Loadsrite Ladder Rack, White, NV High Roof


The LCVLR-H63 fits high roof Nissan NV vans and has drop-down ladder beds on both the curbside and streetside of the vehicle.
  • Aluminum bed frame, cast aluminum grab handle, stainless steel latch and fasteners.
  • Allows side door access while in the up or down position.
  • Ladders can be padlocked for security.
  • Rollers and dampers create a smooth transition to the stowed and down positions.
  • Steel-Cote™ diamond-hard powder coat finish-for quality.
  • Two handed operation is required to release the ladder for safer loading and unloading.
  • Ladder clamps securely hold the ladder for transportation.
  • Plastisol clamps and plastic pads protect fiberglass ladders.
  • The LoadsRite for the Nissan NV can carry 16 foot - 36 foot extension ladders.

Adrian’s LOADSRITE Ladder Racks easily raise and lower to eliminate the need to climb, stretch or reach for your ladder on top of your van. The unique design of the LOADSRITE presents the ladder in a diagonal position bringing it to a comfortable working height in the right way. LOADSRITE, the right way to load and unload ladders.

Switch-N-Go™: S-Model




Switch-N-Go’s™ S-Model system is designed to work on medium duty work trucks with room for little or no overhang. Equipping your truck with a Switch-N-Go™ S-Model your truck has all the benefits of the Switch-N-Go™ system with the bonus of no frame overhang which allows for easier towing.

Available in 9’, 10’ and 11’ versions the S-Model has all of the features of the Original Switch-N-Go™ body changing system, plus the added benefit of no frame overhang.

The S-Model is designed to run with electronically powered hydraulics.  This saves you the expense of adding a power take-off and pump to your automatic transmission.  The system is offered with 12,000 or 15,000 pound pull capacity winches.  The Switch-N-Go™ system has all of the benefits of a dump body as the scissor hoist will achieve a 50-degree dump angle, which is perfect for dumping mulch, asphalt, compacted soil, and more, dumping upwards of 10 tons.  The system is designed for trucks with a GVWR of 13,000 – 26,000 lbs.

Are you a new owner of a Switch-N-Go™ system or do you have a new employee to train on how to use the Switch-N-Go™ system?  If so, check out the How to use the Switch-N-Go™ system video on YouTube.

Additionally, if you have recently purchased a Switch-N-Go™ system or do you have a new employee we recommend that you watch the following instructional videos:

 - Lubing the wire rope

 - Checking the electrical connections

 - Warn winch connections

 - Greasing your Switch-N-Go

 - Using the wire rope

 - Tighten the side rollers

 - Using the body locks


Find out more at: http://www.switchngo.com


8/10/19

Knapheide EC Series Service Body Walk Around




Watch Mike Soich, Regional Sales Manager, point out the industry-leading features found on Knapheide EC Series Service Bodies. See more about Knapheide products at www.knapheide.com

8/09/19

Coca-Cola Case Study - XL Hybrid Electric Fleet

 cocacola hybrid van

Coca-Cola operates the largest heavy-duty hybrid electric delivery fleet in North America. The company is partnering with XL to upfit all new vans with the innovative XLH™ Hybrid Electric Drive System. After converting 280 service vans to hybrids and driving more than 9 million service miles, vehicles with the XLH Hybrid Electric Drive System showed an approximate 20% reduction in fuel.

Learn more at: http://www.xlfleet.com/content/case-studies/coca-cola/


READING Aluminum Classic II - LIGHTWEIGHT DURABILITY YOU CAN TRUST

Reading Truck Body


The first and most rugged aluminum service body, tested on the job for over 35 years.

Our aluminum service bodies are made with heavy-duty powder coated aluminum – a material that resists rust for life. Designed to go anywhere and haul anything, our aluminum service bodies are lightweight yet rugged, so you pack up to 50% more cargo and save up to 10% on fuel.

Leran more at: https://www.readingbody.com/truck-show-aluminum/


8/08/19

Get Ready For Future Trucks That Trouble-shoot Themselves

In the future, equipment is expected to troubleshoot itself 
without human intervention.

iStock_Bombaert818

Thanks to advances in technology, as well as an increasing emphasis on operations efficiency and wise resource use, the role of equipment fleet managers across all industries has changed quite a bit in recent years.

Expect even more changes in the future, says Jim Schug, a principal and engagement manager for FMI Corporation.

Schug, who is also a certified equipment manager and the program lead for the Certification Institute, cites “adapting to technology, innovation, and the new workforce” as three big changes that have occurred in fleet management over the last few years. All fleet management professionals — no matter their industry or the type of equipment managed — need to prepare themselves for more changes on the horizon, he says.

“All vehicles are adapting across the industry,” says Schug, who participated in a panel discussion at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas this March on the future of equipment management.

Jim Schug
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime.” Jim Schug, principal and engagement manager, FMI Corporation

“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime,” says Schug, whose company is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices in Denver, Tampa, Phoenix and Houston. “In the future, trucks will be connected and serve as a tracking center; and they will likely evolve out of needing field repairs and emergency calls.”

Need to adapt to changes
Given this move toward automation and advanced technology, fleet equipment — including service trucks —will become much more sophisticated and provide “near perfect information” on how they operate, he predicts. Therefore, he says, companies will only remain competitive in the future if they can do the following: have the best, most “fit” equipment to perform the job; eliminate equipment downtime; and demonstrate the ability to sustain ongoing operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And much of this will rest on the shoulders of fleet management leadership and their ability to adapt to industry changes, Schug argues.

“This future is a big shift from where we are today and puts more pressure on the equipment manager to lead what happens in the field, so the intensity and importance of the role increases,” says Schug, who has a bachelor of science degree in quantitative economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master of science in engineering management from the University of Missouri. “If equipment managers are not already sitting at the leadership table today they should be … and I certainly believe they will be in five years.”

Whether playing catch-up or preparing for more changes, fleet managers should take proactive steps to better position themselves (and their companies) for what lies ahead, he says.

“Learn how to collect data and enter it into an efficient system that helps inform when making difficult decisions,” says Schug, who acknowledges many people already use maintenance management systems in their decision-making.

However, he advises fleet managers to think beyond simply collecting and entering data. On that note, he emphasizes how the gathering, harvesting and analyzing of data by fleet managers can help their CEOs make good decisions.

Recognize data’s value
“You need to recognize how valuable that data is to your lifecycle costs and current operations. Equipment data will drive operations in the future,” says Schug, whose company provides management consulting and investment banking services to various industries including construction and engineering.

Given the importance of data in fleet management, Schug says it is critical for fleet managers to “stay engaged” and “plugged-in” when it comes to industry associations and vendors. By doing so, fleet managers can keep abreast of new technologies, products and/or practices, all of which can benefit their overall fleet management efforts.

“You do not want your firm to fall behind the innovation curve. At the same time, we are seeing strategy evolve from a ‘gut feel’ to a more data-driven approach,” Schug says.

According to Schug, though, a data-driven strategy in fleet management is more of a “shared understanding” developed and refined through the experiences of employees serving customers in the field.

“CEOs seldom innovate effectively,” Schug says. “The field and front-line management is the source of all great innovations; and they will be what leads our industry forward. Great firms recognize this and harness it in the development and execution of their strategy.”

Mark Yontz is a freelance writer from Urbandale, Iowa.

Source: http://www.servicetruckmagazine.com/get-ready-for-future-trucks-that-trouble-shoot-themselves/