Emerald Automotive - World's First Range-Extended 3.5t Electric/Diesel Van

Start-up company Emerald Automotive has taken the covers off the t-001 prototype, a diesel engine range-extended battery-powered 3.5 tonne electric panel van. Due to go into production in 2014 it's being targeted initially at large fleets.

See more about Emerald Automotive at http://www.emeraldautomotive.com/

Fleetwest on SPEED Channel's Truck U Show, Episode 805 "Wrecked"

Fleetwest on SPEED Channel's Truck U Show, Episode 805 "Wrecked"

International DuraStar Medium Duty Trucks

If you’ve got a job to do, International® DuraStar® will help you get it done. That’s because in the world of medium-duty trucks, DuraStar is the one truck that has always delivered. It goes beyond efficiency, durability and driver satisfaction. DuraStar also has a well-earned reputation for adaptability, an ability to handle just about any task. Whether it’s towing cars off the highway in a snowstorm, repairing downed power lines, or racing to a fire, DuraStar is a rugged performer that always answers the call. The success of your business depends on a truck that performs efficiently. Which is why DuraStar® was designed from the ground up to run effectively, for maximum productivity.

See more about the DuraStar at http://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/trucks/series/durastar

PSE Amber Emergency and Other Lighting Products At NTEA Work Truck Show

Mike Lyons with PSE Amber shows off a wide variety of beacons, auxillary lighting, light bars, turn signals, warning lights, work lights and much more from Code 3 at the NTEA Work Truck Show. See all their lighting and other products at http://www.code3pse.com

This Is Ridiculous, Illegal, And Just Plain Stupid!

This shot is going on my wall of shame. I was out and about and could not believe my eyes were actually seeing this truck. Can we hear the axle about ready to break? Can we see the tires rubbing on the body? Can we see a flatbed that is too long for this chassis? Can we see a chassis that is not designed for this kind of work? Can we see flattened tires in the rear and the front ones barely touching the pavement? Can we see stupid?

This truck has over 60 pallets on it. An average empty pallet weighs approximately 40 lbs to 60 lbs depending on water content and wood type according to the Internet. Let's take the low end at 40 lbs x 60 = 2,400 lbs, plus the extra weight of that flatbed which weighs about 800-900 lbs more than the pickup bed that goes on this truck, making this back-end load about 3,300 lbs, not to mention the severe rear loading where the rear axle is the fulcrum and causing the lifting of the front end.

What's the worst problem is the potential of a blowout, lost control, poor steering quality that can easily take out other travelers on the road with it. This is sad and extremely dangerous.

The Hidden Path to Sales Success by Dave Kahle

In my twenty plus years of educating salespeople, I have encountered tens of thousands of salespeople, and worked with literally hundreds of sales organizations. The vast majority of them want to do better. They want the benefits of greater success: Increased income, greater respect from their peers and managers, and increased self-confidence.

Yet, the vast majority of them remain at a level best described as "ordinary." They never make the transition to being a true master of their craft. In spite of their desire to excel, few do.

The reason, for the overwhelming majority of salespeople, is that they take the wrong path to sales success. Only a few discover the hidden path to sales success.

Let me illustrate. I have had these kinds of conversations in almost every training session that I have done: A salesperson is concerned about an issue in one of his accounts. It could be that he can't unseat the competition, or that he's at risk of losing the business, or that he can't gain an audience with the right people, or that he's constantly asked to reduce his price, etc. The list is without limit. There are as many variations on the theme as there are salespeople.

But, while the specifics vary, they almost always revolve around the same themes. There is a problem in an account. Someone won't do what the salesperson wants them to do. The question, in one form or another, is always, "How do I get them to do what I want them to do?" The focus is always on the account, the other people, the things outside of the salesperson that he/she wants to influence.

I don't think I have ever had a salesperson ask me in these encounters, "How can I change myself in such a way as to impact this situation?" And therein lies the problem.

As salespeople, we almost exclusively focus on those things that exist outside of ourselves – the prospects, the customers, the politics, the products, the price, etc. We focus on the externals. And as long as we do that, we will be forever stymied in our desire to become exceptional performers.

We will never reach our potential until we begin to focus inside – on changing and improving ourselves. The hidden path to sales success is the "path less traveled," the path that traverses the bumpy geography of self-growth and self-improvement – the inward path.

When we focus on self-growth and self-improvement, those changes that we make in ourselves naturally ooze out of us and impact the people and the world around us. If we want to improve our results, we need to improve ourselves.

Here's an example. A salesperson recently shared this scenario. He has been trying to penetrate an account in which he had some business, but was a minor player. One or two other competitors dominated the account. He had difficulty even getting an opportunity to present his solutions. He saw his problem as external – the politics, processes and personalities in this account.

I talked with him about his ability to nurture professional business relationships, to uncover hidden concerns and obstacles via effective questioning, to empathize with the key decision makers. In other words, my conversation was about his competencies (internal) instead of the account's specifics (externals). If he could improve himself to the point where he was more competent at these sales fundamentals, he would be more effective in that account, and the problems he expressed would gradually decrease.

He saw the problem as existing outside of himself (external). I saw the solution coming as a result of improving himself (internal).

As I reflect on the thousands of these kinds of conversations that I have had with salespeople and sales leaders, I have concluded that the conversations almost always follow that pattern. They present an external problem, and I reply with an internal solution.

The obvious question pops to the surface. Kahle, is it you? Am I so far outside of the mainstream of reality that I am misleading the people I'm supposed to be helping?

Honestly, I don't think so. The concept of reaching your fullest potential, of making your greatest mark on this world, by focusing internally instead of externally is a position that all of the world's greatest thinkers, from King Solomon thousands of years ago, to Mahatma Gandhi in more modern times, have espoused. That concept lies at the heart of the world's greatest religions, a key part of the world view of Jesus Christ and Buddha, for example. I'll often share this quote from James Allen in my seminars:

"Men are often interested in improving their circumstance, but are unwilling to improve themselves, they therefore remain bound."

Clearly, unequivocally, the path to achievement and fulfillment is an internal, not an external one. What is true for our lives is true for our professions, and is true for our jobs as salespeople.

Yet so few salespeople understand that. I've often shared this observation: In any randomly selected group of twenty salespeople, only one has spent $25 of his own money on his own improvement in the last 12 months. Not coincidentally, the same ratio is used to define the superstars of the profession. Five percent (one of twenty) of the sales force produce approximately 50% of the sales.

In a world of externally-focused colleagues and competitors, it is the one in twenty salesperson who chooses the hidden path to excellence. These are the people who understand this principal, and who consistently and willfully act on it. They are the ones who buy the books, go to the seminars, listen to the audios, and watch the videos – all in a relentless quest to improve themselves, understanding that the only lasting path to excellence is the hidden path of internally focused self improvement. And these are the people who inevitably rise to the top of the profession.

The same can be said of organizations. Very few sales organizations understand that. They expect their salespeople to learn on the job, and look at investing in their development and improvement as a discretionary cost, rather than a fundamental strategic initiative.

Alas, that's the world inhabited by the mass of sales organizations. They find a grab bag of reasons to not invest in their people:

• they are too busy
• they don't want to spend the money
• they know it all already
• they would rather do it themselves
• the time just isn't right
• if they improve their salespeople, they will just go to the competition
• their people are too set in their ways to learn.

Pick the reason du jour and come back next year to discover that another year has gone by without any significant investment in the skills and competencies of their people. They select another reason from the list and use it to let another year go by. And so it goes. One year slips by, morphs into another, expands into decades and eventually deadens careers. Focusing on the externals, they never come to grips with the real secret to sale success.

Study the leading companies in any industry and you'll find that those who lead the industry are always those who most consistently invest in developing the skills and competencies of their people.

Let the rest of the world charge into the world intent on wreaking their will on people and circumstances, oblivious to the real path to success. The savvy professionals – both companies as well as individuals – focus on changing themselves. It's the hidden path to sales success.

Dave Kahle is one of the world's leading sales educators. He's written nine books, presented in 47 states and eight countries, and has helped enrich tens of thousands of salespeople and transform hundreds of sales organizations. Sign up for his free weekly Ezine. For a limited time, receive $547 of free bonuses with the purchase of his latest book, How to Sell Anything to Anyone Anytime.

Article courtesy of SalesDog 2701 Loker Ave. West, Ste. 148, Carlsbad, CA 92010
Tel: 760-476-3700 • Fax: 760-476-3733 • Web: www.SalesDog.com

Leyman Lifts Extreme Duty FXD-6800 Folding Liftgate

Leyman Lifts special rail design on the Fold-A-Vador® Extreme Duty FXD-6800 keeps rails from bending at docks when at dock loading position. FXD is primarily used in these industries: Leasing Companies, Freight Carriers, Dairy, Battery, Moving & Storage, Beverage, Newspapers, Fast Foods, Mail Carriers, Automotive Parts

Standard Features Include: Maintenance Minder2® Power Unit, Leyman Extreme Shield® coating, Reinforced smooth outer rails, 12 volt d.c. Double power unit assembly, Floating continuous hinge on platform; prevents sagging, Potted Marine toggle switch operation, Header kit (dock seal) included, Hose burst valves (non-electrical), Torsion bar assist opening and closing, Platform folds between outer masts, Power close platform, Two hydraulic cylinders perform the lifting, Battery Box (Batteries not included), Recessed LED lights (four lights), Hardened steel rollers with anti-friction bearings, Power Line Kit included.

Optional Features: 102" wide vehicle kit (platform 86" wide)

Standard Specifications: Capacity: 6800 lbs. Platform Sizes: 80"W x 84"D + 16" Retention ramp, (Optional) 86"W x 84"D + 16" Retention ramp Floor Heights: 46" - 56"

See more about this great lift and all the liftgate products at www.leymanlift.com

Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle Package Now Available, Fulfilling Fleet Customer Requests for Adaptability, Efficiency

Ford introduces a Special Service Vehicle (SSV) Package for fleet customers – making the F-150 pickup even more adaptable to unique tasks

• No-charge option package includes a high-capacity 220-amp alternator and a special service-tailored interior layout

• Recognizing diverse requirements among government and fleet customers, Ford offers the SSV Package across varied powertrains and cab configurations

DEARBORN, Mich., June 11, 2012 – Ford Motor Company, the top-selling commercial truck brand for 27 years, is now offering a new F-150 Special Service Vehicle (SSV) Package aimed at government, municipal and commercial fleets.

“Our fleet customers have been asking us to create this option for F-Series trucks,” said Ford Government Sales Manager Tony Gratson. “We’re confident the current and updated 2013 F-150 equipped with the SSV Package will be of particular interest to our government customers with rugged jobs such as law enforcement, firefighting, and national and state park patrols.”

Ford anticipates commercial buyers across a variety of businesses, like their government fleet counterparts, will appreciate the value in this no-charge package.

F-150 SSV content includes a high-capacity 220-amp alternator to support fleet-class electrical needs.

To meet wide-ranging SSV applications, the package will be available for both SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, 4x2 and 4x4 models, and with a choice of 5.0-liter V8 or 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engines.

When SSV-equipped, the F-150 interior is optimized for driver comfort, maximum adaptability for aftermarket upfit of task-specific accessories, and second-row seat durability.

The SSV seating package is 40/20/40, with the center 20 percent omitted completely to maximize space for in-cab aftermarket equipment such as law enforcement communications and firearms installations. The central console is omitted also, creating even more space.

Individual driver and first-row passenger seating surfaces are upholstered in easily cleaned cloth for comfort over the long haul.

The three-across, full-width second-row seat is covered completely in rugged, durable vinyl, ideal for law enforcement use or work-crew transport.

Ford places no restrictions on F-150 optional content so that fleets – both government and commercial – have maximum flexibility in ordering exact vehicle specifications. This enables F-150 SSV buyers to specify such options as heavy-duty tires, 4x4 skid plates and interior convenience content.

Along with the choice of 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines, SSV Package vehicles – like all Ford F-150 pickups – are equipped with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
• 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)
• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost

• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Smith Electric Vehicles Launches Production of All-Electric Newton™ Step Van

FedEx Express helps launch zero-emission

step vans built on Smith’s Newton platform

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 6, 2012 -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Smith Electric Vehicles Corp. (Smith), a global leader in all-electric commercial vehicles, today unveiled the Newton Step Van, an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle built on the versatile Newton platform that features a walk-in body produced by Indiana-based Utilimaster.

Smith announced the launch of the Newton Step Van in Indianapolis at the NTEA Work Truck Show, North America’s largest vocational truck and equipment event. FedEx Express will be the first company to deploy the Newton Step Vans in the United States.

The Newton Step Van, an ideal solution for thousands of delivery routes in urban environments, offers a gross vehicle weight of 14,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds and a range of approximately 100 miles on a single charge. The vehicle incorporates Smith’s proprietary Smith Drive™, Smith Power™, and Smith Link™ technologies to provide superior power train performance, battery management efficiency and remote system monitoring.

"The leadership shown by FedEx in adopting all-electric vehicles has been instrumental to growing the industry," said Bryan Hansel, CEO and chairman of Smith. "We welcome FedEx and look forward to successful vehicle deployments that demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of fleet electrification."

The first Newton Step Vans are expected to be deployed in select U.S. markets throughout the remainder of 2012.

"This opportunity helps support our goal to optimize and operate our vehicle fleet in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner," said Dennis Beal, vice president of Global Vehicles at FedEx Express. "Smith’s global footprint and track record of successful EV deployments make it an ideal collaborator as FedEx continues to improve its fleet efficiency, reducing emissions while providing the best possible service to our customers around the world."

About Smith Electric VehiclesSmith Electric Vehicles Corp. (www.smithelectric.com) develops, produces and sells zero-emission commercial electric vehicles that are designed to be an alternative to traditional diesel trucks, providing higher efficiency and lower total cost of ownership. Smith’s vehicle designs leverage more than 80 years of market knowledge from selling and servicing electric vehicles in the United Kingdom. Smith Electric Vehicles produces the Newton™ and the Edison™. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Kansas City, Mo., and outside of Newcastle, U.K.

About FedEx Express FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.

About FedEx FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $41 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

SOURCE Smith Electric Vehicles Corp.

Power Packer's Hydraulic Release Latch System

Harold shows us Power Packer's 10,000 lb pull force hydraulic release latch system with zero clearance connection so it stays in place without movement. This short video was shot by Ryan Stone of Commercial Truck Success at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.

See more about Power Packer products at http://wwww.powerpackerus.com

SpitzLift Supports Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is a US Army, USSOCOM, and U.S. Marine Corps program is replacing the current Humvee with a family of more survivable vehicles and greater payload. In particular, the Humvee was not designed to be an armored combat and scout vehicle, but has been employed as one. Whereas, the JLTV will be designed from the ground up for this role. 

JLTV's are being designed for survivability. To increase their survivability, they need to be able to replace Gunner Protection Kits (GPK), blast kits, door and tires in the field. They also need to be payload efficient. Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems knew exactly which technology would best help them achieve these design goals. They turned to SpitzLift because of our reputation of top of the line cranes with low impact to payload.

SpitzLift: JLTV tire

SpitzLift: JLTV door

SpitzLift is proud to be a part of keeping our troops safe and efficient. SpitzLift is military grade at consumer prices. www.SpitzLift.com

It Floats - Chevrolet Full Floating Rear Axle (1936)

Prelinger Archives: Chevrolet Truck Department

This is without a doubt the best video I've ever seen to explain the full floating rear axle. It would have been only better by comparing it to a semi-floating rear axle. Even though it is 1936 and a long time ago, the design is essentially the same. Thank you the the Prelinger Archives for putting this on YouTube and for Chevrolet for having it made.

Scaffolding specialists provide VIP access to remote areas

 With a fleet of more than 40 Isuzu trucks, Pilbara Access dares to go where no other scaffolding company has gone before.

Operating since 2007 and meeting the niche demand for scaffolding and access solutions for the mining, oil and gas industries in the north-west of Australia, Pilbara Access boasts clients including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Leighton Contractors, Transocean and Modec.

The majority of the company's services revolve around accessing remote, hard to reach sites to provide scaffolding services; scaffolding involves constructing temporary support structures made from modular systems, tubes and fittings that are used to support and hold material in the construction or repair of buildings.

Other services include encapsulating, temporary fencing, and rope access. Pilbara Access General Manager, Jim Robinson, said Isuzu trucks are well suited to service the multi-billion dollar industry.

"We understand the intricacies of each project we do, and we need the right equipment and vehicles to deliver a tailored solution that overcomes environment constraints, resource limitations and time demands," Jim said.

"It is this approach, coupled with the experience of the Pilbara Access team, which underpins our company's reputation for innovation, safety and service excellence."

The majority of Isuzu's in the fleet are NPR 250/300s - these have been a favourite of the company since it was founded. The trucks are used for transporting scaffolding material such as tubes, fittings, cages, harness kits and tools as well as workers to various remote mining sites.

With the help of the Major Motors Dealership in Perth, all trucks are fitted with metal tray bodies incorporating roll over protection systems for added safety.

"Our first truck was an Isuzu and it made a great impression on us. Ever since then, we have stuck with Isuzu as nothing beats the brand's quality and reliability," Jim said.

In order to complete projects based in desert and coastal locations, the trucks are expected to handle all types of conditions - especially hot and dusty environments with 40 plus degree temperatures.

According to Pilbara Access, they see no task as being too difficult and are keen to take on the challenging projects that others might baulk at.

The company was recently awarded a contract from Leighton Contractors to supply scaffolding services, equipment and material for the Gorgon LNG Jetty and Marine Structures.

A consortium between Saipem and Leighton Contractors will design, fabricate, construct and commission the LNG jetty at Barrow Island, about 70km off WA's Pilbara coast for the Chevron-operated Gorgon Project. The Gorgon LNG Jetty will be 2.1 kilometres long, making it the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Pilbara Access is committed to using the best technical resources available especially when it comes to the research, development and implementation of computer aided drawing (CAD) technology for scaffolding, allowing it to create professional drawings for engineering and construction purposes.

With a growing list of clients, Pilbara Access continues to expand, setting-up offices in Perth, Karratha, Newman, Onslow and Darwin, to better service clients in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

According to Jim, when it comes to his fleet, he looks for something more than just a truck.

"Isuzu not only offers an excellent product, but the service we receive from the Major Motors Dealership is impeccable and prompt," he said.

"As our business expands further, we will definitely continue to add Isuzu trucks to our fleet."

See more about Isuzu Truck Australia at www.isuzu.com.au

Sure Fit Truck Rack Installation Video For Toyota Tacoma 2005 or Later

Robert Matzig, Production Manager for Rack-it and SureFit Truck Racks, gives us a demonstration of how to install the Rack-it and SureFit Truck Rack on the composite bed Toyota Tacoma pickup. Since this is a unique product and the installation is somewhat different than a steel bed pickup, this video should be informative and also show that this procedure is pretty easy as well. See more at http://surefittruckracks.com

Sto-Away Power Crane Accessories For Power-Hoisting Personnel

Mark Scegiel of Sto-Away Power Cranes talks to Ryan of Commercial Truck Success about their Confined Space OSHA compliant crane accessories for power-hoisting personnel at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For many years, the window washing industry, ship building yards, and in the mining industry have been power-hoisting personnel. There is no way that a person could be raised from a 1,000-ft shaft using a hand-operated hoist.

We contacted J.Nigel Ellis, Ph.D., P.E., CSP, CPE Founder of RTC Corp. and a co-author of Federal Standard 1910.146 (Confined Space), and asked what were the standards? What were the hazards of power hoisting and his thoughts on addressing these hazards?

First: We developed our Load Limiter© which pins to the end of the bumper's Davit arm and senses the weight on the lifting cable and can shut off the hoist's lifting signal at 350 lbs. of payload.

Second: We also have a special hoist drum, a B.L.G.L.© that is capable of meeting the 3,200 lb. minimum anchoring point that IS required for Man rating.

Third: We have a "back --up" manual winch system that is also required should the power hoist become unresponsive. We have this Back --up system mounted back away from the edge of the manhole in order to reduce the risk of the rescuer falling in to the manhole.

Fourth: The Sto-Away® also has built-in fall protection that will catch him/her in 2 feet or less should the entrant slip & fall while
he/she has decided to climb out of the manhole and finds a broken or missing step.

Fifth: A "keyed authorized -- two handed" over ride switch should the hoist be needed to raise two people at once.

Sixth: A custom steering wheel Lock- Out and Tag - Out system so that the entrant can lock out the truck when the Sto-Away® is being used as a man lift.

See about all Sto-Away's Power Cranes and accessories at http://www.stoaway.com