1/30/22

Electric Urban Fleet Vehicles Show Promise


The commercial EV van and truck startup Electric Last Mile Solutions, Inc. (ELMS) reached a financial milestone June 28 as its shares of its common stock and warrants started trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the new ticker symbols “ELMS” and “ELMSW”, respectively.

The company formally completed its business combination with Forum Merger III Corporation (“Forum” or “Forum III”), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), that it announced in December 2020. Forum shareholders approved the combination at a special meeting held on June 24, 2021.

In an interview with Charged Fleet June 28, ELMS CEO and co-founder Jim Taylor said the company won’t be able to release a projected amount of capital to be raised through shareholder training until it files a Super 8K with the SEC four days later. The total number of outstanding shares also will not be available until the form is filed.

Source: https://www.chargedfleet.com/10146398/elms-opens-on-nasdaq-as-its-electric-urban-fleet-vehicles-show-promise


1/27/22

FARMING OF THE FUTURE: FORD PRO, SONOMA COUNTY WINEGROWERS JOIN FORCES TO ELECTRIFY BUSINESS OF FARMING


  • Ford Pro™ is collaborating in a pilot program that will supply three Sonoma County farms in California with the full suite of Ford Pro solutions, including F-150® Lightning™ Pro pickups and E-Transit™ cargo vans to help drive their business forward while tackling the next frontier in sustainable fleet operations
  • Pilot program farms are being outfitted with Ford Pro charging stations to complement the solar power that has been a critical part of the push for sustainability by the Sonoma County Winegrowers since 2014
  •  Ford Pro Intelligence™1 services is designed to help small businesses optimize their gas and electric fleets by providing always-on access to vehicle health reports and other data that help reduce operating costs, vehicle downtime and fuel consumption

One of the most forward-thinking winegrowing counties in the United States is looking to advance its sustainability mission, and the Ford Pro™ suite of electric vehicles, charging and telematics services has been tapped to help make that happen.

Ford Pro and the Sonoma County Winegrowers, a group of more than 1,800 grape farmers in Northern California, are launching a pilot program that will add Ford F-150® Lightning™ Pro pickups, E-Transit™ cargo vans, and Ford Pro™ Intelligence™ products and services to three pilot farms in Sonoma County, one of the world’s most renowned wine regions.

The heart of the mission is to demonstrate how electric vehicles and web-based fleet management tools can have a positive impact on the agriculture industry in terms of increasing productivity, improving sustainability and lowering the total cost of fleet ownership anywhere from 10% to 20%2.

“Ford Pro is thrilled to team with the Sonoma County Winegrowers to further their sustainability goals and begin their transition to fully integrated all-electric fleets with on-site charging,” said Wanda Young, Ford Pro global chief marketing officer. “Ford Pro and the Sonoma County Winegrowers are driven by many of the same tenets – to accelerate productivity while operating responsibly.”

The pilot program is launching with Bevill Vineyard Management and Vino Farms in Healdsburg, and Dutton Ranch in Sebastopol – which collectively represent about 4,000 acres in the vineyard-rich Russian River Valley. Young anticipates the program will expand in the coming months to include other farming operations in the county.

About 60,000 acres across Sonoma County are dedicated to growing wine grapes, and another 120,000 acres are used for other diversified agriculture, such as apple orchards, dairy farms and cut flowers. In 2014, the Sonoma County Winegrowers launched an initiative to represent one of the nation’s leading winegrowing regions in terms of sustainability, with a target of reaching sustainable designation for nearly all of its vineyard acreage in the county.

Karissa Kruse, Sonoma County Winegrowers president and internationally renowned sustainability champion, said she believes electric vehicle adoption and efficient fleet management are the next steps in sustainability.

In addition to the vehicles, farms can consult with the Ford Pro team for the duration of the program. Pilot farmers will have access to Ford Pro Intelligence1 software, home and depot charging, Ford Pro™ Telematics Essentials™3 and Ford Pro™ E-Telematics™4 and energy management – all to help reduce operating costs and more efficiently manage gas- and electric-powered vehicle fleets.

“This collaboration with the Ford Pro team is a great natural next step to help us continue our progress in sustainable agriculture,” Kruse said. “A lot of farming families have a rich history with Ford, and with history comes trust. So as many of our farmers look for ways to lead in innovation and be a part of the solution, that trust is critical when it comes to investing in electric vehicles and in solutions to manage farming fleets. Our farmers love this pilot program; it’s going to be foundational.”

Vehicles among farmers’ most valuable tools

A year in the life of a Sonoma County winegrower can be sliced into two portions – roughly nine months to grow and three months to harvest. Occasionally, as in 2017, the uncertainties of Mother Nature condense the harvest to a four-week sprint. No time for vehicle downtime.

Ford Pro Intelligence* gives farmers access to important data on every vehicle – whether gas-powered or electric. The web-based service offers always-on access to vehicle health reports and other data designed to help limit vehicle downtime while lowering operating costs. All across the county, on farms large and small, winegrowers rely daily on their trucks to haul everything from fertilizer and fuel tanks to water and portable bathrooms. Some vehicles log upward of 50,000 miles a year, traveling between properties from Cloverdale to Petaluma.

Naturally, operating these vehicles – and maintaining them to keep them operational – is one of an organization’s largest expenses. At Dutton Ranch, which runs a fleet of about 70 work vehicles, fuel costs average about $5,000 per month. The prospect of reducing that monthly expense is critical to operations moving forward. Electric vehicles, coupled with the solar power that many Sonoma County ranches already generate and store, represent an important way to help offset rising fuel costs.

The technology connects wirelessly – helping businesses manage fleets with real-time vehicle insights. Information includes maintenance schedules, charge event monitoring, vehicle tracking, state of charge, range, charge history and logs, charging/battery settings and alerts, and departure preconditioning to help maximize range and save battery life for the road to get the job done.  

“Just as an F-150 Lightning or E-Transit is an essential asset for a small business owner, so too is Ford Pro Intelligence,” Young said. “We believe that the telematics data will change the way farmers manage their fleets and operations.”  

As veterans in sustainability practices, the Sonoma County Winegrowers have impacted other vocations regionally. Representatives in trucking, logistics, grocery stores and other specialties have taken notice, and Kruse hopes her organization continues to help lead the charge.

Ford, meanwhile, is among the automotive leaders in sustainability – the only full-line American automaker committed to doing its part to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards5. Ford is targeting 100% renewable energy for its global operations by 2035 and being fully carbon neutral worldwide by 2050.

                                                                            # # #

1 Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device. May require modem activation. Ford Pro Telematics and Ford Pro Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data, depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.

2 Based on “Case Study: Olathe Ford CV Dealership Fleet Management TCO Model” KPMG, Dec. 10, 2021.

3 Complimentary product. Available on vehicles with embedded modem. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.

4 Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary three-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data, depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the three-year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Call 833.811.3673 to activate E-Telematics service.

5 Based on latest available information as of July 8, 2021. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/.

 About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org.


1/26/22

Ford Planning To Nearly Double All-Electric F-150 Lightning Production


  • Ford is planning to nearly double production capacity of the all-electric F-150 Lightning™ pickup to 150,000 vehicles per year at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, to meet soaring customer demand
  • F-150 Lightning moves to the final phase of pre-production as pickups roll off the line for real-world durability and thousands of miles of testing ahead of customer deliveries this spring
  • The first wave of reservation holders for F-150 Lightning will start converting their reservations to orders; additional reservation holders will be invited in phases to place their order over the next few months. For those who don’t receive invites for the 2022 model year, there will be an opportunity to order for future model years.

With unprecedented demand for the Mustang Mach-E, Ford earlier announced it will increase production starting this year and expects to reach 200,000-plus units per year by 2023; within 24 months, Ford will have the global capacity to produce 600,000 battery electric vehicles annually

Ford Motor Company is planning to nearly double production of the F-150 Lightning™ pickup at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn to 150,000 trucks per year to meet high demand for the first all-electric version of America’s best-selling vehicle, the F-Series. And beginning Thursday, the first group of reservation holders will be invited to place their orders for the F-150 Lightning.

“With nearly 200,000 reservations, our teams are working hard and creatively to break production constraints to get more F-150 Lightning trucks into the hands of our customers,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of The Americas & International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company. “The reality is clear: People are ready for an all-electric F-150 and Ford is pulling out all the stops to scale our operations and increase production capacity.”

Due to unprecedented customer interest, Ford is implementing a wave-by-wave reservation process, with reservation holders being asked to watch for an invitation via email from Ford or to log into their Ford.com account over the next few months. Those who don’t receive invitations to convert for the 2022 model year will have an opportunity to order a future model year vehicle in due course.

Flexibility is key to Ford’s production system and the way teams are now working to deliver the company’s future lineup of electric vehicles. To deliver this latest increase, a small task force of employees from manufacturing, purchasing, strategy, product development and capacity planning are finding ways to quickly adapt and expand production of the groundbreaking pickup. Ford is working with key suppliers – as well as with its own manufacturing facilities Rawsonville Components Plant and Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center – to find ways to increase capacity of electric vehicle parts, including battery cells, battery trays and electric drive systems.

“The pride and quality UAW members are putting into building the iconic Ford F-150 Lightning is evident in the high pre-production demand for the new F-150 Lightning truck,” said Chuck Browning, UAW vice president. “UAW members are leading the way in doubling the amount of vehicles Ford is producing for this game-changing model of our legendary union-built vehicle.”

This week marks the final pre-build phase before accelerating into mass production of F-150 Lightning trucks for retail customers and F-150 Lightning Pro for commercial customers. These production-level trucks will be used for testing in real-world customer conditions, collectively accumulating 1 million miles.  

The Lightning is drawing interest from customers of competitor brands at a record rate in North America, with more than 75% of reservation holders new to the Ford brand. Production of the 2022 F-150 Lightning pickup will begin this spring at a starting MSRP of $39,9741 before potential federal tax incentives2.  

Ford is committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution, investing more than $30 billion in electric vehicles through 2025. Over the next two years, Ford aims to emerge as the clear No. 2 electric vehicle maker in North America and then challenge the No. 1 spot as huge investments in battery and electric vehicle manufacturing come onstream. Within 24 months, Ford will have the global capacity to produce 600,000 battery electric vehicles annually.

In addition to scaling Lightning production, Ford recently announced the tripling of production for the Mustang Mach-E and expects to reach 200,000-plus units per year by 2023. Ford’s all-electric van, the 2022 E-Transit, goes on sale early this year.

Ford is building the largest, most advanced, most efficient auto production facility in its 118-year history in Tennessee, where it will assemble next-generation F-Series electric pickups. Together with SK Innovation, Ford is also building three new BlueOval SK battery plants – one in Tennessee and two in Kentucky – to produce advanced lithium-ion batteries to power next-generation Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

This $11.4 billion investment will create nearly 11,000 new jobs at BlueOval City and BlueOvalSK Battery Park in Tennessee and Kentucky and build on Ford’s position as America’s leading employer of hourly autoworkers.

To learn more about the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning truck, click here.

# # #

¹MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included.


2The federal tax credit is a potential future tax savings. The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Please consult with your own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives or rebates available. The federal tax credit amount may be reduced according to credit phase-out rules. Incentives and additional rebates are not within Ford’s control. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. For additional information, go to https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/409.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

1/24/22

Run on Less Electric - Purolator


"We're really proud, we are the first national company to deploy a fully electric vehicle. In addition to Toronto and Montreal we have deployed 5 fully electric vehicles in Vancouver. Our goal is to become the greenest courier company in Canada." - Paul Merrick, General Manager, Western Canada, Purolator. Follow our journey with Purolator during North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and RMI's Run-on-Less Electric.

1/21/22

How Does the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Compare to Other Electric Pickups?


 

By Brian Normile

With the debut of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet is joining a fast-growing segment of the truck market: all-electric pickups. But how does this full-size electric truck compare with what other manufacturers have announced? Let’s take a look at currently available specs of the Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck to see how the Silverado EV stacks up.  

Related: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV: The Avalanche Resurrected (and Electrified)

Story continues here: https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2022/01/how-does-the-2024-chevrolet-silverado-ev-compare-to-other-electric-pickups.html


1/19/22

Hellwig Suspension - How Helper Springs Work


How Helper Springs Work - Dealers for more info and to order, log on to priceguidepro.com or contact your sales rep today! 800.772.2678

1/18/22

Thoughts and Impressions of Motiv Powered Vehicles


                                       Thoughts and Impressions of Motiv Powered Vehicles

1/15/22

The Future is Now: Upcoming Hybrid and Electric Trucks and Vans - Canoo



Canoo’s electric pickup truck has a flatbed size comparable to a traditional pickup truck, making it easy to maneuver and convenient to drive. The vehicle features accessories that accommodate on-site jobs, including a pull-out bed extension, fold down work table and cargo storage, flip down side tables, side step and storage, modular bed with space dividers, and multi-accessory charge port.

Specifications include dual or rear motor configurations, up to 600 hp and 550 lb.-ft. of torque with dual motors; vehicle payload capacity of 1800 pounds; and 200+ miles of battery range. The overall dimensions are 184 inches long (213 inches with the bed extension), 78 inches wide (87 inches with mirrors), and 76 inches high (82 inches with the roof rack). The bed is 64 inches by 72 inches, and 64 inches by 102 inches with the extension. The production version of the pickup truck is now open for pre-orders, with deliveries beginning as early as 2023.

Source: https://www.automotive-fleet.com/10144157/the-future-is-now-upcoming-hybrid-and-electric-trucks-and-vans?utm_source=website&utm_medium=contentoffers&utm_campaign=011122

1/14/22

Ford F-600 offers medium-duty benefits in smaller frame


According to Ford Motor Co., fleet and commercial customers can now manage larger upfits, carry more equipment and tow heavier loads with the Model Year 2021 Ford F-600 than they can with any other Super Duty chassis cab its size. Customers will also get the added capability of standard power takeoff provision on both the class-exclusive gasoline and available diesel powertrains.

Slotted between F-550 Super Duty and F-650 Pro Loader Medium Duty truck, F-600 has the familiar size, interior and controls of an F-550, with a step-up height that’s only 3 millimeters higher. F-600 uses higher-capacity wheels and tires, upgraded driveshaft mounts, an upgraded rear axle, more robust brake rotor materials and strategically placed frame reinforcements behind the cab to deliver Class 6 capability in a compact Class 5 package.

With the available 6.7-liter V8 Power Stroke diesel engine, F-600 delivers gooseneck towing capacity of 34,500 pounds and a maximum GCWR of 43,000 pounds. The third-generation diesel features enormous low-rpm output to get truly heavy loads underway, with 330 hp and 825 lb.-ft. of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm. As a result, customers can equip their F-600 with heavier bodies and equipment like telescopic cranes, and can tow larger loads so nothing has to get left behind.

“For years, many of our utility, towing and oil/gas service fleet customers have specced all the possible upgrades on their F-550 chassis cabs to avoid having to step up to a traditional Class 6 truck, but they’ve still pushed the limits of what a Class 5 truck can do,” said Nathan Oscarson, Ford commercial truck brand manager. “Now those fleets are moving into F-600 to get the increased payload and GCWR they’ve needed all along in a truck that fits.”

As F-600 enters its second year of production, the Ford TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission comes with a 10-bolt design live drive power takeoff (PTO) provision standard on both the 7.3-liter V8 gasoline and 6.7-liter V8 diesel powertrains. The power takeoff provision works with aftermarket power takeoff units to drive auxiliary equipment anytime the engine is running, either in stationary or mobile mode at any vehicle speed. In stationary mode, it is rated to handle up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque. F-600 equipped with the diesel engine offers split-shaft PTO capability that makes it possible to run two pieces of auxiliary equipment at the same time when the vehicle is stopped.

Learn more at: https://www.fleetowner.com/resource-center/hd-pickup-van/press-release/21150784/2021-ford-f600-offers-medium-duty-benefits-in-smaller-frame?utm_source=FR+FO+Heavy+Duty+Pickup+%26+Van&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS201218025&o_eid=1481J5028834F5F&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C1481J5028834F5F&oly_enc_id=1481J5028834F5F


1/11/22

Venco Venturo Industries, LLC Electric-Hydraulic Cranes - Work Truck Show


ET6K ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC CRANE Max. Capacity 2,000 lb - Crane Rating 6,000 ft-lb - Max. Reach 10 ft Min. Truck Size Needed (GVWR) Class 2 (8,000 lb) The Venturo ET6K service crane is a 6,000 ft.-lbs. crane with 2,000 lb. lifting capacity featuring electric winch, power rotation and hydraulic boom elevation with a single, manual extension up to 10 ft. ET12KXP ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC CRANE Max. Capacity 3,500 lb, Crane Rating 12,000 ft-lb, Max. Reach 16 ft Min. Truck Size Needed (GVWR) Class 2 (8,800 lbs GVWR) With a 12,000 FT-LB rating and a 3,500 LB maximum capacity, the ET12KXP can be installed on trucks with a minimum Class 2 (8,800 lbs GVWR). The ET12KXP features proportional control, single-stage full-hydraulic extension and a one-piece hexagonal boom for increased strength. This new crane features a 9′ – 16′ reach. ET12K(X) ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC CRANE Max. Capacity 3,500 lb - Crane Rating 12,000 ft-lb - Max. Reach 15 ft Min. Truck Size Needed (GVWR) Class 2 (8,800 lb) The Venturo ET12KX service crane is a versatile application that is neither too large or too small for a majority of lifting jobs. This crane has been utilized heavily in municipal/public works industry lifting anything from service equipment to fire hydrants throughout the United States. With a 12,000 FT-LB rating and a 3,500 LB maximum capacity, the ET12KX can be installed on trucks with a minimum 8,800 GVWR. The ET12K(X) comes in two configurations; the ET12K offers two-stage manual boom extension, and the ET12KX offers single-stage hydraulic extension with a secondary manual boom extension.

1/09/22

Commercial Van Equipment & Upfits by Ranger Design


Video demonstrating commercial van equipment manufactured by Ranger Design: See our website for more info http://rangerdesign.com/ - Tradesman Packages - Van Tool Drawers - Axess Tray Cargo Slides - Van Ladder Racks - Revolutionary Max Rack Drop Down Ladder Rack - Van Partitions: Crash Tested for Your Maximum Safety - Contoured Van Bulkheads for Maximum Cabin Comfort - Van Bin Storage Units - Partskeepers Storage Units - Van Shelving - "Fold-Away" Foldable Van Shelving - Sliding Door Van Safety Partition Visit our website http://rangerdesign.com/ or call our friendly staff at 1-800-565-5321 for your next upfit.

1/07/22

Premier Work Truck Bodies – BIG and Small



Big or Small – We Build Them All!  

Steel or Aluminum, Flatbeds, Dumps, Standard or Custom. If you have a need for a work truck body, we can build it for any* chassis, Pickup Bed Removal / Replacement, 1 Ton, Medium Duty and up to a Heavy-Duty Chassis.

Premier Truck Center works with customers to design and build bodies that will work for them. Many times it will be a standard body with a few options, Other times it might be a complete custom body for a specific application.

Often, we find that a contractor has ideas for a body that will make their job easier and more efficient. They may have been thinking about it for many years but have been unable to find exactly what they want.

Visit our website at: premiertruckbodies.com

We want to hear from you. Contact us by phone or email, we are here to listen.

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

Phone: 941-729-8196



*Chassis must be qualified for the specific body being mounted.

1/06/22

Highway Products | Truckslide™ XT-2000 It's How We Build It


Truckslide™ XT-2000
Built for rugged work conditions
• 2,000 pound capacity
• 1/8” fully formed aluminum tray – no welds or weak points
• Two 10 Gauge galvanized Steel Tracks
• ¼” Steel pull handle and safety locking plungers
• Eight 2” Chrome Steel Sealed Bearings

It’s How We Build it
1. 1/8” 5052 Fully Formed Aluminum Tray
2. Two 10 ga. Galvanized Steel Tracks
3. ¼” Thick Pull Handle & Safety Plungers
4. Polished Chrome Steel Bearings

1/8” 5052 Fully Formed Aluminum Tray
1. No welds, no weak points, built to take a beating
2. Will never rust or deteriorate due to weather
3. 49” tray width for pallets & 4x8 sheets
4. 5” tall side rails with tie-down points

Two 10 ga. Galvanized Steel Tracks
1. Over-built & over-engineered for maximum weight capacity
2. Galvanized steel will never rust or deteriorate in the weather
3. Safety locking points built-in tracks
4. Tray rails glide down tracks that are secured by oversized mounting brackets

¼” Thick Pull Handle & Safety Plungers
1. Pull handle actuates rocker mechanism
2. Rocker made from 10 ga. galvanized steel that is cased in 5052 control box
3. ½” 302 stainless springs slam shut plungers into track safety locking points
4. Plungers are made from ¼” steel flat bar

Eight Chrome Steel Bearings
1. Each track contains four 2” sealed, vertically positioned, radial bearings
2. Each track also contains two .875 inch sealed, laterally positioned, radial bearings
3. Each 2” bearing has a dynamic load capacity of 3,600 lbs
4. Bearings are self-lubricated and sealed to protect from dust and contamination

1/04/22

Cargo Space, Delivery Time, Product Damage, Fuel Waste, Equipment Loss and Worker Injury = $$$ MONEY $$$!


Made in America, HTS Systems' safety and productivity commercial delivery vehicle equipment delivers fast; literally! Did you know that a commercial hand truck can take-up to 12'-15' cubic feet of valuable cargo space in cargo vans? During a five day work week, that translates to a payload loss of more than 240'-300' cubic feet of payload area per month!

Danaken Designs of Scranton, Pennsylvania is a complete corrugated packaging and display manufacturer. From concept to design, they do it all! Last week Danaken Designs manufactured hundreds of our new HTS-20SHM-2 and HTS-20SHM-1 corrugated shipping boxes for our commercial delivery van market. These new boxes ship worldwide and failure isn't an option! That's why we trust Ken Jenkins, he's NEVER let us down! Our new cutting dies tested perfectly last week and the new print plate arrived last week. Danaken Designs supplies all of our HTS Systems' shipping boxes. Danaken Designs supplies many large Fortune 500 corporations and smaller businesses with customized corrugated shipping containers. Products that need to get there undamaged, handled ergonomically and look great when they arrive need the Danaken Design specialists. Protective inserts, printed art graphics, easy-fast packaging, parcel-freight approved and highly competitive pricing is just a small part of what Danaken Design can offer your company; over 35 years of experience!

Every month large companies will spend millions of dollars marketing their products, advertising and protecting their brand's positioning, identity and reputation. Just one accident resulting in a serious injury or death because of negligence can damage the reputation and inadvertently change the confidence and opinion of the buyer towards the brand name. This consumer perception may take years to overcome, even if the company is later found not negligent or liable for a highway accident! Adverse media exposure that focuses on a brand name vehicle can have dire consequences. Any driver who rushes back (off-route) in a hurry to retrieve their forgotten hand truck is no longer a safe driver, they instantly become a liability! What other investment could you possibly make in your company and truck fleet that will give you that large of a return and that type of protection?

The HTS is a hand truck safety rack that's safer, faster, easier, a one-handed method; a patented solution that pays for itself over and over again! The ancient hand truck carrier racks of the past eventually fail and it usually occurs when the delivery truck is traveling. Often these types of failures result in catastrophic highway accidents, severe injuries and costly lawsuits and legal settlements. Contact your van equipment provider for more information about our very popular cargo van safety and productivity equipment.

Learn more at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cargo-space-delivery-time-product-damage-worker-injury-boettcher/






1/01/22

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Tires

 By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

You probably know tires are made of rubber — but how much more do you know? Here’s a run-through of some important tire-related terminology:

1) Aspect ratio

This technical-sounding term refers to the relationship between the width of a tire and the height of the tire’s sidewall. High-performance “low profile” tires have “low aspect ratios” — meaning their sidewalls are short relative to their width. This provides extra stiffness and thus better high-speed handling and grip — but also tends to result in a firmer (and sometimes, harsh) ride. “Taller” tires tend to provide a smoother ride and better traction in snow.

2) Contact Patch

As your tires rotate, only a portion of the total tread is actually in contact with the ground at any given moment.  This is known as the contact patch.  Think of it as your tire’s “footprint.” Sport/performance-type tires are characterized by their wider footprint — more tread is in contact with the ground — which provides extra grip, especially during hard acceleration on dry pavement and during high-speed cornering.

3) Treadwear indicators

These are narrow bands built into the tread during manufacturing that begin to show when only 1/16 of the tire’s tread remains. Also called wear bars, treadwear indicators are there to provide an obvious visual warning that it’s time to shop for new tires.

4) Speed ratings

An alpha-numeric symbol you’ll find on your tire’s sidewall that tells you the maximum sustained speed the tire is capable of safely handling. An H-rated tire, for example, is built to be safe for continuous operation at speeds up to 130 mph. Most current model year family-type cars have S (112 mph) or T (118 mph) speed ratings. High performance cars often have tires with a V (149 mph) or  ZR (in excess of 149 mph) speed rating. A few ultra-performance cars have W (168 mph) and even Y (186 mph) speed-rated tires.

5) Maximum cold inflation load limit

This refers to the maximum load that can be carried in a given vehicle with a given type of tires — and the maximum air pressure needed to support that load. In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you should be able to find the recommended cold inflation load limit. It’s important not to exceed the load limit (or over or under-inflate the tires) as this can lead to stability/handling problems and even tire failure. Always check tire pressure “cold.” Driving creates friction which creates heat; as the tires warm up, the air inside expands, increasing the pressure. Measuring air pressure after driving can give a false reading; you may actually be driving around on under-inflated tires.

6) Load index

This number corresponds to the load carrying capacity of the tire. The higher the number, the higher the load it can safely handle. As an example, a tire with a load index of 89 can safely handle 1,279 pounds — while a tire with a load rating of 100 can safely handle as much as 1,764 pounds. It’s important to stick with tires that have at least the same load rating as the tires that came originally with the vehicle — especially if it’s a truck used to haul heavy loads or pull a trailer. It’s ok to go with a tire that has a higher load rating than the original tires; just be careful to avoid tires with a lower load rating than specified for your vehicle, even if they are less expensive. Saving a few bucks on tires is not worth risking an accident caused by tire failure.

7) Radial vs. bias-ply tire

Bias-ply tires have their underlying plies laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread; radials have their plies laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. That’s the technical difference. The reason radial tires are dominant today is that they help improve fuel efficiency and handling; they also tend to dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires. No modern passenger cars come with bias-ply tires these days and their use is generally not recommended. (Exceptions might include older/antique vehicles that originally came equipped with bias-ply tires. Some RVs also used bias-ply tires, etc.) It is very important never to mix radial and bias-ply tires; dangerously erratic handling may result.

8) LT and MS tires

These designations indicate “Light Truck” and “Mud/Snow” — and are commonly found on tires fitted to SUVs and pick-ups. LT-rated tires are more general purpose, built primarily for on-road use — while MS-rated tires typically have more aggressive “knobby” tread patterns designed for better off-road traction.

9) Temporary Use Only

Many modern cars come with so-called “space-saver” tires which are smaller and lighter than a standard or full-size spare tire. They are designed to leave more room in the trunk and be easier for the average person to handle when a roadside tire change becomes necessary. However, they are not designed to be used for extended (or high-speed) driving. Your car will probably not handle (or stop) as well while the Space Saver tire is on – and you should keep your speed under 55 mph and avoid driving on the tire beyond what’s absolutely necessary to find a tire repair shop where you can have your damaged tire repaired or replaced.

10) Treadwear, Traction and Temperature ratings

Each tire has three separate ratings for Treadwear, Traction and Temperature.

Traction ratings run from AA to A to B and C — with C being the lowest on the scale. The ratings represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement under controlled testing conducted by the government. C-rated tires are marginal and should be avoided. Never buy a tire with a Traction rating that isn’t at least equal to the minimum rating specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Temperature ratings from A to B to C — with C being the minimum allowable for any passenger car tire. The ratings correspond to a given tire’s ability to dissipate heat under load; tires with lower ratings are more prone to heat-induced failure, especially if driven at high speeds (or when overloaded). As with Traction ratings, never buy a tire with a Temperature rating that’s less than specified for your vehicle.

Treadwear ratings differ from Traction and Temperature ratings in that they aren’t a measure of a tire’s built-in safety margin. Instead, these ratings — represented by a three digit number — give you an idea of the expected useful life of the tire according to government testing. A tire with a Treadwear rating of 150, for example, can be expected to last about 1.5 times as long as a tire with a Treadwear rating of 100. These are just guides, however. Your tires may last longer (or not) depending on such factors as how you drive, whether you maintain proper inflation pressure and rotate the tires per recommendations — and so on.

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