Steel Gates On Harbor Flatbed

Here's a couple shots of a nice Dodge 4500 Crew Cab with Harbor Truck Bodies' new flatbed with steel gates and a Waltco Flipaway liftgate and underbed boxes.

Harbor recently began building their own flatbeds. Previously it was very rare to see their flatbeds adorned with steel gates, but here is proof positive they exist! They look great too! Thanks to Larry Zech from Harbor for the shots. Call Larry at 707-576-1369.

Nice Landscape Dump From North Bay

This is a nice Landscape Dump from North Bay Truck Body in Cordelia, CA.

What I like about this is the color! It's not white. I also love the super cab chassis, the matching body color. It has 36" gates, so the top is only a couple of inches above the cab. It has a built in tarp system and that is a great option.

Check out the great dump combinations that North Bay makes at www.nbtb.com, or call Bob Dias, owner at 707-864-2700.

A Bit Of Advice To Make More Sales, Parts 1 & 2

This is a bit of advice to help body companies make more sales with their customers and potential customers. I'm sure it will apply to pretty much any sales wherever you are.

I'm actively managing a dealership as part of our company's consulting program, so I'm acting in the same capacity as a commercial truck department manager would. I did this for a lot of years prior to leaving the dealership business. Then, I went to work for a body company for 10 years. When I first started, I made a list of what I disliked about body companies and I made it my strategy to not do any of those things and to make it known to my prospects.

First on the list was this: Never show up without an appointment!

I tell you that this one rule served me so well it was flat amazing. I broke it on purpose twice in 10 years to see what would happen and it was terrible. It is true that I might be passing through an area and on the spur of the moment decide that I would like to stop in, and here is how I would handle that: I would pull over and park, contact the manager and say I was in the area and would it be okay if I stopped by? Frankly, about 50% of the time, they said it was not a good time and I said, thank you and I'll call you again soon. Then, I'm back on the road. No harm, no foul.

Yesterday was a very busy day in a number of ways. The phone was going, I had appointments offsite and much more. Three body reps just decided to stop by unannounced. Three! Not one phone call, not one appointment. That is just so rude it is ridiculous. In addition--and here's the most important part--it is not conducive to getting my business. I am buying. I would have loved to spend some time with them talking about different ideas to improve sales--ours and theirs. Instead, they got nothing and I got nothing.

Then, I go in early this morning to get a couple things faxed and in pops yet another body rep from a company 500 miles away. I was polite, but quick with him. See ya. I like the company and the products, but their image is fading quickly because their own rep lacks basic courtesy himself.

Where is the training for these folks? I hope you sales reps out there reading this are better. Make an appointment. Give common courtesy. Treat them as you would want to be treated yourself. The Golden Rule is Golden. You want my business? Make an appointment and lets focus together. Do not show up without permission. You would be better off to send an email blast and save the fuel and the mileage!

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A bonus sales suggestion for body reps (or owners).

Pay attention. Don't take no for an answer. Make suggestions. Over and over if you have to, but make suggestions. I sold so many bodies that way it was like magic. Pay attention to their inventory. Write it all down. Know their inventory. It was my strategy as a body rep and teaching body reps. I used to know my clients inventory better than they did. You can ask them, they will tell you it was true. Why? I knew what to suggest to make another sale. I always knew what my company wanted to move, but I focused on what would move the needle for my client. I could give you tons of stories of things that got sold that way and made the dealer a bunch of money too.

In today's market, it is a piece of cake to get rid of a body rep. Just tell them, the market sucks, nothing is selling, you're not buying and they will be out of there in just a few minutes. Sad, but true. They're believing it because they are hearing it a lot.

Matter of fact, there is almost zero selling at all with any reps that have been by except maybe one. That's not good. I know they know how to sell, but they aren't selling. They've given up. I talked with one rep yesterday and did not hear one suggestion, or offer to buy anything. What's up with that? You gotta be an ant in this time. Find a way!

Start finding ways to help the dealer move the needle. If there is a manager who is skilled, that should be easier than you might think. For example, I am quite open to suggestions even with all the knowledge I have. I am always looking for an opportunity. So, show me some! You never know what might light my fire and solve your problem at the same time and you for sure won't know if you never try. Matter of fact, it is so sad that most body reps don't even bother sending out their inventory lists anymore. Of course, that is not a great selling strategy anyway, but throw enough noodles to the wall and some might stick.

See a dealer with an out of balance inventory? See how you can help them right it and help you at the same time. It may not be the best gross you'll make, but you'll make some gross! As an example, I happen to have 5 inherited Landscape dump bodies all at the same time. Two would be great, but five is ridiculous. I would be totally open to some creative solutions there. Swap out the body, sell a new body, make a deal, create a long-term customer!

Got a customer who has had a body for a very, very long time? Find a way to take that lemon and make lemonade! There is always a way. You might be totally blown away as to how that would help move the needle for your company! So you get a few bodies on the ground for a while. You're a body company! Get creative. Help the dealer move a product, create a fresh sale, create a replacement sale, create a friend and advocate. It isn't going to be that costly. Just get in there and get to work!

Here's one benefit to the body company: you might take the contractor body in exchange for buying a specialized substantially more expensive body! Maybe that would change the way you might look at it. Take off a contractor body, install a crane body with crane. . . let's see. . . that could work! And, you're getting a new product into the dealership that could potentially improve your bottom line in years to come. It's not about what's wrong, it's about what we can do to move forward--TOGETHER. No, it won't be free, but, it will move the needle.

I can give you a list of suggestions. I might do some in tomorrow's post. If any of you would like to contact me, I will be happy to give you specific suggestions for specific clients that may be of great benefit. Email me at tminion@commercialtrucksuccess.com or call me at 707-434-9967.

Creativity and Workmanship from Brutus Bodies

I never tire of unique solutions and beautiful workmanship. This box is a perfect example of both and is a custom manufacture of Brutus Bodies. Just look at all the different kinds of items that can be stored and readily accessible from several locations including the top. What an interesting design. Mount something like this in front of your next body.

Carry Something Longer Than Normal

There is always a way to solve a problem of how to carry long items. This is one example from Harbor Truck Bodies of how to get that done.

When A Van Is More Than An Empty Box

These are van bodies that have been changed from an empty box to a nice workshop with equipment and ideas installed by Cascade Truck Body in Eugene, Oregon.

I love the top photo with the real work bench and electric outlets ready to use. I can only imagine they have an electric generator in an underbody box outside operating when needed. What a sweet setup!

I also love they way they have added what looks like indoor/outdoor carpeting. That changes the atmosphere immediately. Then, I love the way they have mounted the drawer assemblies on open pedestals to get them up where they are more useful and at the same time creating some storage space underneath. That's win-win for sure. See also on a couple shots, the translucent roof which brightens up the inside during the day.

There are so many van bodies out there on the road, and now, you might think of some of them being much more useful in other ways than just taking product from one place to another. Check out the other fine solutions at www.cascadetruckbody.com, or call them in Eugene, Oregon at 541-3742-5317.

Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure by Harbor Truck Bodies

This is a rare unit to find in dealer stock, and so cool. The Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure is an excellent addition to make a service body much more useful. Think about a bedslide inside the bed to make reaching for a part or a tool a piece of cake. Notice the nice rack and rackstraps! This unit also has the Harbor Master Lock System and the Harbor pop-out locks--when the lock is unlocked the button is out so you can see that it is unlocked. When locked the button is in. Easy to see from a distance of 50' or more.

This particular unit is a 3-piece Cargo Bed Enclosure which opens up two thirds of the bed when you roll it back. In addition, it doesn't really roll anymore since over ten years ago, Harbor started using special teflon pads instead of ball bearings. Their warranty issues went to zero since the teflon, but the best part is how easy it slides and how quiet it is, and it operates that way in virtually any weather conditions.

This is a 9' model mounted on a Ford F34 SRW chassis. This photo was taken at Future Ford of Concord in Concord, CA. Besides being extremely functional for a wide range of business applications, it looks gorgeous! One of the nicer looking bodies on the planet. Call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452 or visit their website at www.htbi.net.

A Safeway.com Delivery Truck in the Hood

I captured this Safeway.com delivery truck cruising through my neighborhood and had to get a shot of it. Why? Because it is different and special.

I don't have the specs in front of me, but I can see that though this is a single rear wheel Ford cutaway chassis, it looks like a 50/50 application in that it is about a 12' long bed. Normally, this size chassis might have a 10' unit on it. I can see that they aren't carrying pallets of food, so not an issue about load and more an issue of space for light loads. I can also see that it is a relatively light weight composite design with a low roof, so it all works well together.

The rear doors are barn style doors rather than roll up doors. Again, rare in van-land. What is the coolest thing to me is the aluminum slat roll-up shutter door on the curbside with the long and useful step. Awesome. Makes me want to order one of these for stock on the lot. Just think how useful that would be for florists, parts delivery and just about any other retail type deliveries. Then, you have the single rear wheel cutaway chassis with a great turning radius and nice compact overall size, yet with this great sized body with all these awesome features. It's a home run. No wonder Safeway.com ordered so many of these and it is a testament that I see them all around.

Of course, in this case the refrigeration unit helps everything keep its cool on its way to a home near you. And, I am sure it is available without refrigeration for those other delivery needs.

This unit and many, many others were built by Supreme Corporation for Safeway.com. Looks like a great partnership!

New Harbor Contractor Shown By Cascade Truck Body

Cascade Truck Body in Eugene, Oregon is showing off the new Harbor Contractor Body. It is new because Harbor Truck Bodies is now manufacturing their own line of flatbeds which is the base of the Contractor Body. Cascade Truck Body has added their typical high quality, tasty touches to make it their own as well, such as the tasty little gates that look so nice, the mud flap holders that do a wonderful job that many don't think about and many other touches.

What is also interesting is that this Contractor Body is not the typical white. In a sea of white this baby stands apart. A sweet red chassis with black bed and black boxes and black rack. Sweet! I really like Cascade Truck Body and I've never even met them. I've seen their work though, and they do it like pros and everything I've seen exudes quality and attention to detail. What more could you ask for in a body company? Oh, I know. . . timeliness, right? My understanding is they achieve that with style as well.

If you're in the Oregon area--forget that! If you're on the West Coast and you want a quality body, you need to call Cascade Truck Body at 541-342-5317, and please take the time to view their awesome, very well done website at www.cascadetruckbody.com.

Knapheide TSR and Raised TSR from Carter Industries

This is the Knapheide 8' Service Body with the Telescopic Sliding Roof (TSR) in the standard height (bottom photo) and the 10" raised height (top 3 photos). The raised unit comes with barn style rear doors for more stability and security and includes a 2-piece sliding top opening about half of the bed area.

This is a great unit to keep in stock. Some customers want to be able to carry larger items and keep them out of sight and out of the weather. Of course, you would think that in the winter time, but these sell all year round. Out of sight, out of mind, you know. You might also consider a bed slider to make getting the cargo in and out of the bed much easier. Your customer will love it.

These photos are courtesy of Carter Industries in Union City, CA who is a large distributor of Knapheide products. You can contact them at 800-310-6390, or visit their constantly improving website at www.carterind.com. Tell them the Blog sent you! By the way, they are great people to deal with!

New Carter Industries Contractor Body

The New Carter Contractor Body. Carter Industries has revolutionized the Contractor Body on more than one occassion and now they are introducing another. Storage boxes can be closed with one hand using slam handles. Doors can fold all the way down if desired. Composite flooring , removable plastic bin boxes in open top section of the top box, exclusive "shovel box" rear door at rear of flatbed.

Here's a link to a closeup shot of the new upper bed boxes: New Boxes

Here's a link to see the well designed aluminum dividers: Dividers

Here's another of the upper box showing the plastic bins: Bins

Besides being very clean in appearance, it is more functional than ever! Great job Carter Industries. Check out their great website at www.carterind.com, or call them at 800-310-6390.

Just in case you needed them:

SPECIFICATIONS FOR NEW CARTER INDUSTRIES CONTRACTOR BODY

• 12' 3" Long x 96" Wide platform
• Composite flooring
• 4" Crossmembers on 12" centers
• 5" Channel longsills
• Steel sides and tapered rear apron
• Steel flip top boxes 96" x 18" x 18" with double drop down doors
• Removable bins and aluminum dividers for flip top compartments
• Steel under body boxes 60" x 20" x 20" (one on each side)
• Lift out bed divider at rear of topside boxes.
• Fold down steel stakes with 3 rows of apitong slats
  

Overcab forklift style material rack

• 2" X 3" Construction with removable center and rear crossbars
• Platform, rack, and boxes powder coated (white)
• Heavy duty receiver hitch and 7 blade plug
• Shovel box integrated into the rear apron
• Stainless steel hinges and fuel bezel

More Highway Products Custom Creations!

My first glance at this wonderful unit and I'm sold. Look at all the great storage spaces in this lightweight aluminum body. Just slightly taller than the cab of the truck, this gives a bit more space inside the body.

The front compartment is full transverse compartment since you can see all the way through. Very nice for long objects. The connecting wheel skirt really makes the body look great on the chassis. I would add some gas shocks to the doors, but it is nice that the middle doors open all the way.

Just think of all the things that can go inside the body. A nice RollerCoaster bedslide would be a great addition in there! No climbing in and out, just roll it out.

Now, the compartment I like the best is the top compartment. You could park a Cadillac in there! It's huge! There are always those things that just don't fit in the regular spaces. It could also be for lightweight supplies that are used all the time, or parts that are commonly used in the field, etc. Great space!

This is another awesome project from the Creative Ones at Highway Products! Check out their website at www.highwayproducts.com.

Sweet Thing From Highway Products

I was looking at some of Highway Products great bodies and boxes and remembered this wonderful piece. As I look at it, it appears the headboard is designed for the GM medium duty, or any manufacturer tilt cab truck because it looks higher than it would be on a typical conventional cab 1 ton. I love the upper bed box and on top of that the mesh box. I'm thinking this would be one awesome body for a lot of landscapers. Maybe throw some short gates around the back, perhaps a nice aluminum liftgate. Lots of storage for stuff. Great built in steps and handle to climb up to the bed.

Then again, maybe we shorten the headboard, lose the mesh box, throw on a nice aluminum rack, short gates and we have a contractor body for the elite. Add one more upper box and its a dream deal. Make the first box transverse with drawers and you're the king of the contractors. They talk about legends like that.

I love how the underbed boxes work together and add to the picture along with the steps. Nicely done. The upper box has got to be a really great choice for carrying those larger items. The whole thing works. You know, a work truck is a work truck, but having one that is knock-your-socks-off great looking at the same time? Priceless!

Contact my friend, Jim Lenford, Sales Manager at 800-866-5269, or email him at lenford.jim@800toolbox.com. Check out their great website at www.highwayproducts.com.

50th Commercial Truck Success IdeaLetter

We have just sent our 50th Commercial Truck Success IdeaLetter that goes to commercial truck sales teams, body companies, suppliers and others throughout the United States and Canada as well as other countries. Our first issue was published to a very small group on October 8th, 2007. The IdeaLetter is published every other week via email and typically sent on Monday.

We have been encouraged by the response of the subscribers to the IdeaLetter and thank all for their comments. It is our pleasure to serve you and will continue to grow and expand this resource.

For those who have not subscribed, here is a link to see past issues and if it looks interesting to you, you may subscribe here: IdeaLetter

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!! We look forward to #100!

Smith Electric Delivers Commercial Electric Trucks

First Next Generation All-Electric Commercial Vehicles Delivered on Capitol Hill to Fortune 500 Companies

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T, and Kansas City Power & Light receive keys to new Smith Newton

July 28, 2009 – Washington D.C. – Four Fortune 500 companies and two utility companies took delivery of the first in a series of next generation all-electric commercial vehicles in an automotive industry changing event hosted at the Capitol Reflecting Pool on the National Mall by Missouri Senator Kit Bond and attended by Carol M. Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Coca-Cola Enterprises, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T and Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) were presented with the keys to all new Smith Newtons, the world’s largest commercially available battery-electric-powered truck. The Newton is the first commercial all-electric truck to achieve new vehicle emissions certification in California.

“The next generation electric vehicles Smith is producing demonstrates exactly the kind of technology we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and end our dependence on foreign oil,” Senator Bond said. “Missouri is a growing leader in exciting new battery technology making it an ideal partner for all-electric vehicle manufacturing.”

“AT&T, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Frito-Lay, KCP&L, PG&E and Staples are demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and green fleet vehicle technologies that will drive the future of the automotive industry,” said Bryan Hansel, CEO of Smith. “As more depot-based truck fleet operators come on board and adopt all-electric vehicles, battery technology will advance and manufacturing costs will be driven down, spurring new growth in the commercial electric vehicle industry, creating new high-tech jobs, and reducing fuel emissions and our dependency on foreign oil.”

The Smith Newton is fuel-emissions-free, runs without noise or vibration, and actually stores electric energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking. The Smith Newton has a top speed of 50 mph, a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles and a payload of over 16,000 lbs.

Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. (Smith), a Delaware corporation headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a privately held company owned by Private Investors Management and The Tanfield Group Plc, based in the United Kingdom. Tanfield is the parent company of Smith Electric Vehicles in the U.K., the leading manufacturer of zero-emissions battery-electric commercial vehicles in Europe since the 1920s.

Smith Electric Vehicles has produced the Newton truck in Europe for more than three years and has sold vehicles to major fleet operators in sectors such as mail and parcel delivery, logistics, retail, highway maintenance and airports.

Smith is initially focusing production on all-electric vehicles for depot-based predictable-route delivery and service fleets, and is bringing a proven next generation electric-drive technology to the American marketplace. Smith vehicles will feature the latest in Lithium-ion battery cell technology, power management and direct drivetrains. Smith has licensed the proprietary knowledge from Smith Electric Vehicles in the U.K. and has brought it to its new production facility in Kansas City, where for the first time all-electric trucks will be assembled and distributed by American workers.

Smith Newton Truck Specifications:

• Motor – 120 kw Induction Motor
• Battery – Lithium-Ion Batteries Payload – 7,392 lbs to 16,280 lbs
• Gross Vehicle Weight – 16,535 lbs, 23,148 lbs or 26,455 lbs
• Range – In excess of 100 miles (one battery charge)
• Top Speed – 50 mph • On-board Battery Charger
• Full Battery Recharge – 6 to 8 hours

For more information, visit www.sev-us.com.