5/30/20

2020 Ford Transit: Hands of Innovation – All Points Broadband | Transit | Ford


Millions of Americans in rural communities lack the infrastructure needed for internet service. All Points Broadband uses wireless technology and the 2020 Ford Transits available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to travel through rough terrain and provide internet. Learn more about the 2020 Ford Transit here: http://ford.to/2F5CMCB

5/28/20

WARNER BODIES - Quality/Warranty




For over 75 years, Warner Bodies has been delivering the highest performing, longest lasting and precisely manufactured utility truck bodies, fire and rescue vehicles and custom trucks to a variety of industries throughout the United States.  Our first priority as a modern American manufacturer is to deliver a product to the market, guaranteed to last and reliably perform. Quality is the driver of what Warner Bodies does- day in and day out. We continuously strive to build the best available truck bodies in the country and work to give customers a competitive advantage through products on which they can rely- regardless of work environment or conditions.

Warner Bodies stands behind every body we build- whether 100 for a municipality or 1 for a small business owner. When you choose to purchase a Warner Bodies product, you are receiving 75 years of industry leading expertise, a commitment to utilizing the highest quality components and materials in every build and a value driven brand.

Learn more at: www.warnerbodies.com

5/26/20

NCV Proving Grounds: Testing NV vans for quality


Road hazards, salt spray chambers and high-speed tracks. These Nissan NV vans have seen it all. Now you can see it, too, with this look the durability, quality and reliability tests.

5/25/20

WELCOME TO UPTRUCK FLEET CENTER


A Quick walk through of the newest addition to the Enoven Business Family, UPTRUCK FLEET CENTER in Sacramento, CA. WWW.UPTRUCK.COM

5/24/20

Ford Telematics™ and Ford Data Services: The Power of Choice | Ford Commercial Solutions | Ford


Ford Commercial Solutions provides the focused, as well as relevant telematics and data tools fleets need to optimize, adapt and become operationally efficient. We blend Ford technical expertise with a hands-on understanding of real-world challenges to give our customers a partner they can depend on. Watch to see how Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services™ can work for you. The Power of Choice. Learn more about Ford Commercial Solutions here: http://commercialsolutions.ford.com

5/23/20

Getting good sleep: It still ain’t easy, especially in trucking

But sleepiness poses a lot of risks, 
especially to transportation workers.

Fleetowner 29966 Sleeperberth1 0


I’ve slept in a sleeper berth a time or two and it’s something that takes getting used to for most folks; even for long-haul irregular route TL drivers who live in their trucks three weeks or more out of a month.

There are external noises to deal with, the often-constant rattle and hum from diesel-fired auxiliary power units (APUs) or idling engines, and the effort to get physically comfortable on a mattress that’s mayhap not as comfy as the one back home.

Thus getting good, restorative sleep for truck drivers can sometimes be a struggle, and that’s before we inject medical issues such as sleep apnea in to the mix. But truckers should take heart from one aspect of their “sleep struggles,” if you can call them that – they aren’t unique to the freight-hauling business, not be a longshot.

According to a recent global survey conducted by Royal Philips called Better Sleep, Better Health. A Global Look at Why We're Still Falling Short on Sleep, which looked at what keeps people from getting their “optimal” night's rest.

The survey – conducted online in February by Harris Poll on behalf of Philips – reviewed the “sleep habits” of over 15,000 adults across 13 countries – the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Poland, France, India, China, Australia, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Japan – examining how they prioritize, address, and perceive a range of “sleep issues.”

Philips said several studies estimate that more than 100 million people worldwide suffer from sleep apnea, 80 % of whom remain undiagnosed, and that, globally, 30% of people experience difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep. Sleeping well is essential to good health, and yet only one-third of people who suffer from sleep disorders seek professional help, the company noted.

"Sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. On a day-to-day basis, how well and how long we slept the night before is the single most important variable dictating how we feel," said Dr. David White, chief medical for Philips. "Thus inadequate sleep can have an immediate impact on our wellbeing unlike exercise or diet. This survey shows that despite knowing sleep is important to overall health, people are still struggling to address it in the same way they would exercise or nutrition. The more we understand how sleep impacts everything we do, the better we can adjust our lifestyle and find solutions that help us get better sleep."

The findings from that research should be of interest to truckers:

Though the survey found that the majority of those polled (67%) view sleep’s impact on their overall health and well-being to be “significant,” only 29% felt “guilty” about not getting enough sleep, in comparison to the guilt over not exercising regularly (49%) and eating healthier foods (42%)
About six in 10 global adults (61%) have some kind of medical issue that impacts their sleep, with a quarter of adults reporting insomnia (26%) and one in five experiencing snoring (21%). Worrying has kept over half of global adults up at night in the past 3 months (58%), followed by technology distractions (26%).
After a bad night’s sleep, those polled said they “look tired” (46%), are “moody/irritable” (41%), aren’t as “motivated” (39%), or they have trouble concentrating (39%).
Three-quarters of those polled (77%) have tried to improve their sleep in some way. Collectively, many have turned to soothing music (36%) or instituted a set bedtime/wake-up schedule (32%).
Throughout the global results, one outlier presented itself in adults aged 18 to 24; the so called “Millennial” generation. Despite being less likely to follow a set bedtime compared to other generations (38% vs. 47% of those aged 25 and over), this group reported getting more sleep each night, on average, than other age groups, with those aged 18-24 getting an average of 7.2 hours, compared to 6.9 hours among those aged 25 and over. They are also more likely to feel guilty about not regularly maintaining good sleep habits as compared to those ages 35 and over (35% vs. 26%).
Now while all of that may sound a bit too “touchy-feely” for many truckers, the impact of sleep deprivation is anything but. In fact, chronic sleep-deprivation, which affects 37% of U.S. workers, is getting so bad that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Sleep Research Society (SRS) and the National Safety Council (NSC) have joined forces in a campaign to get companies to help their workers avoid fatigue and develop healthy sleep habits for long-term success and well-being.


“Nearly 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep problem and nearly 60% of them have a chronic disease that can harm their overall health,” said Janet Croft, the senior chronic disease epidemiologist in CDC’s division of population health. “Lack of sleep and sleep disorders, including stops in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy), restless legs syndrome, and insomnia, are increasingly recognized as linked to chronic disease, including obesity, high blood pressure, and cancer.”


And such chronic fatigue is costly in other ways. According to the NSC, fatigued workers cost employers about $1,200 to $3,100 per employee in declining job performance each year, while sleepy workers are estimated to cost employers $136 billion a year in health-related lost productivity.

Sleepiness also impacts transportation in major ways. For example, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) estimates that fatigue has been a contributing factor in 20% of its investigations over the last two decades – and it’s why the agency included “reduce fatigue-related accidents” on its 2017–2018 Most Wanted List of transportation safety improvements.

In February, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a research brief estimating that drowsy driving is involved in up to 9.5% of all motor vehicle crashes. Their projections indicate that drowsy driving causes an average of 328,000 motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. each year, including 6,400 fatal crashes.

On top of all that, the effects of sleepiness are exacerbated and pose a constant struggle for workers who work night shifts or rotating shifts, and for those who work long hours or have an early morning start time.

U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics show about 15% of full-time employees in the U.S. perform shift work, many of whom suffer from chronic sleep loss caused by a disruption in the body’s circadian rhythm.

Chronic sleep deprivation is also associated with an increased risk of depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease and other illnesses that negatively impact a worker’s well-being and long-term health, according to the CDC’s research – and insufficient sleep is a big problem in transportation-related categories, the agency added.

In fact, a recent CDC analysis found that the jobs with the highest rates of short sleep duration were communications equipment operators (58.2%), other transportation workers (54%) and rail transportation workers (52.7%).

Along with that, night shift workers and those driving during nighttime hours are most at risk for chronic sleep loss. The NSC found that 59% of night shift workers reported short sleep duration compared to 45% of day workers, while the risk of safety incidents was 30% higher during night shifts compared to morning shifts.

All of that is good fodder for trucking to keep in mind as the industry attempts to handle a surge in freight demand that’s expected to keep on rolling through this year and next.

SOURCE: https://www.fleetowner.com/industry-perspectives/trucks-at-work/article/21702127/getting-good-sleep-it-still-aint-easy-especially-in-trucking

5/22/20

DECKED | Organized. Durable. Secure. Storage


DECKED is ready to help you get more use, organization, storage and utility out of your truck or vanr. With a 2000lb load rating and 200lb capacity per drawer, you'll get more out of your truck and more out of your day with DECKED in the bed.

5/20/20

FORD RESUMES U.S. PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS


Ford started resuming production and operations in the United States today. The company has implemented robust safety and care measures globally to help support a safe and healthy environment for the company’s workforce, including health assessment measures, personal protective equipment and facility modifications to increase social distancing.

 About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 190,000 people worldwide.

For more mation regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.



5/18/20

Behind the Scenes at Isuzu Truck


Ever wondered what an Isuzu truck looks like when it enters and exits the production line? Here's a short video showing the engineering process from start to finish at the Isuzu truck production plant.

5/17/20

GM plans to resume production May 18 at 'majority' of N.A. operations

GM

DETROIT -- General Motors said it is planning to resume production at the majority of its North American plants on May 18 as it prepares operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Considerable planning is under way to restart operations in North America," the automaker said in its first-quarter report released Wednesday. "Based on conversations and collaboration with unions and government officials, GM is targeting to restart the majority of manufacturing operations on May 18 in the U.S. and Canada under extensive safety measures."

The alert to workers came after Fiat Chrysler Automobiles on Tuesday announced plans to resume production at most U.S. plants the week of May 18.

In a statement Tuesday, the UAW did not oppose FCA's target restart date.

"As for the start date, the companies contractually make that decision and we all knew this day would come," UAW President Rory Gamble said in the statement. "Our UAW focus and role is and will continue to be, on health and safety protocols to protect our members."

GM last week created a health and safety manual to instruct team leaders on the company's new safety protocol.

"In these uncertain times, we must focus on controlling what we can, and we will continue to take the appropriate actions. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are ready to adapt and make any changes to policy in accordance with relevant health and safety protocols issued by authorities," CEO Mary Barra and Jim Glynn, vice president of global workplace safety, said in the 48-page guide.

Source: DETROIT -- General Motors said it is planning to resume production at the majority of its North American plants on May 18 as it prepares operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Considerable planning is under way to restart operations in North America," the automaker said in its first-quarter report released Wednesday. "Based on conversations and collaboration with unions and government officials, GM is targeting to restart the majority of manufacturing operations on May 18 in the U.S. and Canada under extensive safety measures."

The alert to workers came after Fiat Chrysler Automobiles on Tuesday announced plans to resume production at most U.S. plants the week of May 18.

In a statement Tuesday, the UAW did not oppose FCA's target restart date.

"As for the start date, the companies contractually make that decision and we all knew this day would come," UAW President Rory Gamble said in the statement. "Our UAW focus and role is and will continue to be, on health and safety protocols to protect our members."

GM last week created a health and safety manual to instruct team leaders on the company's new safety protocol.

"In these uncertain times, we must focus on controlling what we can, and we will continue to take the appropriate actions. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are ready to adapt and make any changes to policy in accordance with relevant health and safety protocols issued by authorities," CEO Mary Barra and Jim Glynn, vice president of global workplace safety, said in the 48-page guide.

SOURCE: https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/gm-plans-resume-production-may-18-majority-na-operations?

5/16/20

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

5/15/20

CURT's culture is built on change - CURT Towing Products


"CURT's culture is built on change. Our motto is: the only constant is change. This allows for continuous innovation and continuous improvement in our products and services. That's what makes this company different."

5/12/20

General Motors and Honda to Jointly Develop Next-Generation Honda Electric Vehicles Powered by GM’s Ultium Batteries

Builds on GM’s proven advanced technology relationship with Honda

GM EV Day - Design Dome - Warren, Michigan


Honda will develop unique interior and exterior designs for Honda customers


EVs will be produced on GM’s flexible global EV platform to increase scale and capacity utilization
DETROIT and TORRANCE, Calif. General Motors and Honda have agreed to jointly develop two all-new electric vehicles for Honda, based on GM’s highly flexible global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries. The exteriors and interiors of the new EVs will be exclusively designed by Honda, and the platform will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character.

Production of these Honda electric vehicles will combine the development expertise of both companies, and they will be manufactured at GM plants in North America. Sales are expected to begin in the 2024 model year in Honda’s United States and Canadian markets.

GM and Honda have an ongoing relationship around electrification. This includes work on fuel cells and the Cruise Origin, an electric, self-driving and shared vehicle, which was revealed in San Francisco earlier this year. Honda also joined GM’s battery module development efforts in 2018.

“This collaboration will put together the strength of both companies, while combined scale and manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers,” said Rick Schostek, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This expanded partnership will unlock economies of scale to accelerate our electrification roadmap and advance our industry-leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

“We are in discussions with one another regarding the possibility of further extending our partnership,” Schostek said.

According to Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, “This agreement builds on our proven relationship with Honda, and further validates the technical advancements and capabilities of our Ultium batteries and our all-new EV platform.

“Importantly, it is another step on our journey to an all-electric future and delivering a profitable EV business through increased scale and capacity utilization. We have a terrific history of working closely with Honda, and this new collaboration builds on our relationship and like-minded objectives.”

As part of the agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services into the two EVs, seamlessly integrating them with HondaLink. Additionally, Honda plans to make GM’s hands-free advanced driver-assist technology available.

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Holden, Baojun, and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, and Maven, its personal mobility brand, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC), Honda designs, manufactures and markets automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. A global leader in powertrain and electromotive technologies, Honda produces nearly 28 million engines annually for its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing more than 208,000 associates globally.

###

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that represent GM’s current judgment about possible future events. In making these statements GM relies on assumptions and analysis based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors GM considers appropriate under the circumstances. GM believes these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and GM’s actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative. A list and description of these factors can be found in GM’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. GM cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. GM undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where GM is expressly required to do so by law.



5/10/20

FORD TO BEGIN PHASED PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS RESTART IN NORTH AMERICA MAY 18 WITH ENHANCED SAFETY PROTOCOLS

  • Ford is planning to resume production and operations in North America beginning May 18, taking a phased approach
  • Ford will also begin returning some team members whose jobs cannot be done remotely such as vehicle testing and design, to work beginning May 18, including approximately 12,000 personnel in North America
  • Ford parts distribution centers will resume full operations in North America on May 11 to support Ford dealers in providing service to keep vehicles on the road 
  • Robust safety and care measures have been implemented globally to support a safe and healthy environment for the company’s workforce with health assessment measures, personal protective equipment and facility modifications to increase social distancing
Dearborn, Mich., May 7, 2020 – Ford is targeting a phased restart for its North America operations beginning May 18, including restarting vehicle production in North America and bringing back the first wave of employees that are not able to do their jobs remotely.

“We’ve been working intently with state and federal governments, our union partners and a cross-section of our workforce to reopen our North American facilities,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s chief operating officer. “We have reopened our facilities in China, successfully begun our phased restart in Europe and have been producing medical equipment in Michigan for more than six weeks and are using the lessons from all of that to ensure we are taking the right precautions to help keep our workforce here safe.”

In this phased restart, Ford’s North American parts depots will resume full operations on Monday, May 11. On May 18, Ford’s North American assembly plants previously operating on three-shift patterns will return with two-shifts, most two-shift plants will return on one shift and most one-shift plants will operate on one shift. Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. and Oakville Assembly Complex in Oakville, Ont., are expected to resume production the week of May 25 on one shift. Components plants will restart production as needed to support this plan.

The ramp-up process will be gradual as workers adjust to the new health and safety protocols and the entire supply chain comes up to speed.

“We’ve developed these safety protocols in coordination with our union partners, especially the UAW, and we all know it will take time to adjust to them,” said Gary Johnson, Ford’s Chief Manufacturing and Labor Officer. “We are in this together and plan to return to our normal operating patterns as soon as we are confident the system is ready to support.”

Ford is implementing a staggered approach to bring back approximately 12,000 “location-dependent” employees who are not able to do their jobs remotely, encompassing functions including product development, IT, facilities management and more. The staggered approach allows Ford to effectively implement new safety protocols and provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for all employees as they return to work.

To guide the workforce with the new health and safety protocols, Ford has compiled a comprehensive Manufacturing Return to Work Playbook to help protect its workforce, assembled using best practices and input from experts around the world. Some of the safety protocols include:

Daily online employee and visitor health self-certifications completed before work every day. Employees or visitors who indicate they may have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus will be told not to come to Ford facilities.

No-touch temperature scans upon arrival – anyone with a raised temperature will not be permitted to enter and will need to be cleared of symptoms before returning to work.

Required face masks for everyone entering a Ford facility. Every Ford team member will be provided a care kit including face masks and other items to help keep them healthy and comfortable at work.
Safety glasses with side shields or face shields will be required when jobs don’t allow for social distancing.

There will be more time between production shifts to limit interaction between employees and allow for additional cleaning.

Ford is producing face masks at Van Dyke Transmission Plant for use at its facilities across North America and face shields at its Troy Design & Manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Mich. Company-provided face masks will be required for anyone working at a Ford site, in line with the company’s global protocols, while safety glasses or face shields will be required in some instances. By producing face masks and face shields, Ford is helping reduce demand on stretched supply chains for personal protection equipment also needed by medical services and other industries. 

Employees able to do their jobs remotely will continue to do so until advised otherwise.


About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 190,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

5/09/20

ECCO ShopTalk Series


This compilation features our best and funniest ShopTalk moments. ShopTalk is a series brings you value-packed information about ECCO products in a short and fun video. Subscribe and hit the bell so you get notified when we post new content. #ECCOSafety

5/06/20

Premier Builds Custom Bodies - Concrete Body


Premier Truck builds custom bodies to fit the customers needs. Two of these concrete trucks were built for Manatee County Florida . They use these trucks to do minor concrete repairs to sidewalks and bus stops throughout the county. They haul brick, sand, concrete bags and 250 gallons of water.

Here are just a few of the customers, industries we serve:

Utilities
Agriculture
Construction
Concrete
Mechanical – Plumbing - HVAC
Electrical
Sheetrock
Roofing
Construction Supply
Building Maintenance
Fire Suppression
Road Construction
Municipal
Emergency Agencies
Landscaping
Tree Service
Cable – Internet Cos.

No matter what business you are in, if you need a work truck; we can build it. Even if your existing truck is not meeting your needs, we can make it work for you! We can modify your body and provide the equipment and accessories that will help make your work easier every day.

Serving North America from Palmetto, Florida

Premier Truck Center
1313 17th St East
Palmetto, FL 34221

Contact us at: sales@premiertrucksfl.com

Phone: 941-729-8196








5/04/20

Isuzu's Ultimate Craft Beer Truck - Deliver, Pour and More


An in depth look at Izzy the Isuzu, Isuzu's Ultimate Craft Beer Truck, with Bob Vreeland from Bottle Logic Brewery.

5/03/20

Standard Features on a Taylor Wing Truck Tool Box | Toolbox for Trucks


The original Taylor Wing Tool Box is simply the best in the industry. Constructed of 1/8” thick, marine grade aluminum, they’re twice as thick as most competitor's boxes plus there’s a stiffening system in the lid. Highest quality. Strongest. The best. Period.

Learn more at:


5/01/20