Trailer Body Builders - April 2024

SHOW TIME!

WTW coverage

EV OEMs team up with body builders

TMC coverage

Trailer electrification takes center stage

VP/Market Leader

Commercial Vehicle Group – Michael Uliss muliss@endeavorb2b.com

Editorial Director – Kevin Jones kjones@endeavorb2b.com

Associate Editor – Alex Keenan akeenan@endeavorb2b.com

Marketing/Advertising – Dan Elm delm@endeavorb2b.com

Art Director – Patricia Bernard pbernard@endeavorb2b.com

Directories/Listings – Maria Singletary msingletary@endeavorb2b.com

Audience Development Manager – Jaime DeArman jdearman@endeavorb2b.com

Visit TrailerBodyBuilders.com for more information from stories in this issue, plus online exclusives on pertinent topics in the trailer manufacturing industry.

Fontaine Modification continues effort to develop young engineers

Fontaine Modification, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and engineering students at UNCC’s W.S. Lee College of Engineering are reaping the benefits of an innovative cooperative design-team program. A “win-win endeavor,” the program is designed to help prepare future engineers for employment while helping Fontaine identify and recruit talented employees.

The expansive program is a degree requirement for UNCC engineering students and extends over the students’ final two semesters. Each group of students tackles a manufacturing design challenge set forth by an industry partner. Students typically choose a project in line with the industry they aim to enter.

Each design group works to develop a solution and manufacture a prototype device aimed at factory deployment. This way, students “develop critical skills while working in multi-disciplinary teams tackling problems in electrical, computer, mechanical, industrial and systems, and civil engineering,” according to UNCC.

Fontaine, based in Charlotte, has participated as a local industry partner for several years, finding ways to introduce college students to opportunities in the commercial vehicle space.

This year, Fontaine engineers have worked with a team of four mechanical engineering seniors and one electrical engineering senior. Typically, they meet with their student team weekly and provide three gate presentations (reviews that determine if a project can proceed to its next stage) per semester as they work to complete the design and prototype phases.

Leading this Fontaine team are Tyler Thomas, mechatronics engineer, Paul McSwain, senior engineer of customer applications, and Tyler Zaroff, process engineer.

“We give tips and pointers and ensure the team stays within the project’s scope,” Thomas said.

Fontaine has hired two employees from previous UNCC design teams. Garrett Brown’s 2018-2019 team developed a modular scaffolding solution. He joined Fontaine after graduating in 2019. Joshua Greene’s 2021-2022 team created a new tool kit for measuring drivelines on heavy-duty trucks. Fontaine hired him as a production engineer in 2023.

Greene said he appreciated being able to put the theories he had learned into practical use through the project.

“I selected the Fontaine design project so I would have access to an actual work environment around the trucks,” says Greene. “It was very hands-on working on the project, and we were able to come into the factory with the Fontaine faculty as we developed the tool kit.”

Since joining Fontaine Modification, he’s helped further develop the team’s design.

“As a full-timer, I better understand its importance and how to improve it,” he says.

The UNCC Senior Design Program not only gave Greene real-world experience, it also introduced him to the overall truck modification industry.

“I had no idea that Fontaine even existed—so I may not have sought out the position that I was hired for,” he says. “It’s a twoway street. Fontaine learns of strong candidates, and we bring in new, fresh ideas that build collaboration between experienced and new engineers.”

The current Fontaine-UNCC design team is developing equipment to quickly and easily remove seats from Freightliner MD114SD and M2 trucks as they are converted for use as car carriers. The project runs through May.

At the end of the project, Fontaine plans to take the final prototype and design documentation in-house, optimize it, and then produce the equipment for use across all its modification centers that perform car carrier modification.

A team of engineering students at UNCC’s W.S. Lee College of Engineering are working with engineers at Fontaine Modification to develop this device that will improve efficiency when removing seats from Freightliner MD 114SD and M2 trucks as they are converted into car carriers.

Photo: Fontaine Modification

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Senior Design Expo showcases the innovative and creative design solutions developed by senior engineering students throughout the year, including this team that is working with Fontaine Modification to develop a device that will more efficiently remove seats from trucks being modified into car carriers. Shown from left to right are UNCC seniors Benjamin Rizza, Dorian Pallas, Grayson Ledford, Hank Doan and Alex Phan.

Photo: Fontaine Modification

EU trailer forecast calls for second-half recovery

Economic forecasts for Western Europe are pessimistic for 2024, and with a general lack of GDP and investment growth in the first half of the year, the forecasts for trailer demand in 2024 and subsequent years have been downgraded—but only slightly, ahead of an anticipated rebound, according to CLEAR International’s March 2024 forecast for the West European Heavy Trailer Market.

“Trailer market sales for 2024 will improve in the second half of the year,” Gary Beecroft, managing director of CLEAR International, said. “There will be some sales growth in both 2024 and 2025.”

Even with interest rates starting to fall, the outlook during 2023 was difficult. CLEAR correctly forecast the trailer market would slip by 10%, but in the heavy truck market demand was up 21% in the first nine months of the year. This was caused by the EU Smart Tachograph 2.0 regulation which came into effect in August 2023.

This also led to a large drop in truck demand from September, and weak demand will continue into the first quarter of 2024. So 2023 was one of those years where truck and trailer demand headed in opposite directions, the report noted.

Likewise, some continuing problems with sourcing vehicle parts are making profitable manufacturing difficult. A European and a Middle Eastern war plus a difficult economic situation cannot help but dent business confidence and reduce companies’ willingness to invest in new transport equipment.

Still, the CLEAR report suggested that most published economic forecasts for 2024 are excessively pessimistic, with a stronger bounce back from 2023 likely.

Following a 9.9% fall in trailer demand in 2023, growth in the forecast period will bring the sales level close to that of 2022 by 2025, CLEAR forecast. The 202425 period is expected to be more

positive in terms of both the West European economy and trailer registration growth.

Production of trailers was at the third highest level on record in 2018 (though well short of the 2007 record). The total fall in registrations from 2018 to 2020 was 23% and the fall in production was 32%, partly due to a large fall in German trailer exports. Growth in output in 2024 and 2025 will bring the production level close to that seen in 2019, before Covid-19.

The trailer fleet grew by only 0.7% in 2023. It will grow by 1.2% on average in the forecast period which represents “steady if unspectacular growth,” CLEAR reported.

The compete CLEAR West European Trailer Market Report outlines when, where, and how quickly the trailer market will develop through to 2028. It can be obtained from CLEAR by contacting Gary Beecroft by email at gary. beecroft@gmail.com. A Global Trailer Market Database is also available from the consulting group.

Photo: Schmitz Cargobull

NATDA selects Wounded Warrior project as 2024 charity

The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) selected the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) as its designated charity for the 2024 NATDA Trailer Show fundraiser. NATDA is now accepting donations for WWP through 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, with a dedicated link on its website.

“We are proud to be supporting Wounded Warrior Project as part of the NATDA Trailer Show 2024 fundraiser,” said Andria Gibbon, CEM, NATDA’s executive director. “NATDA teamed up with the organization for the 2022 NATDA Trailer show, and the outpouring of support was overwhelming. Military veterans are strongly represented in the trailer industry, and we are thrilled to be able to support Wounded Warrior Project once again to give back to a community that our community holds dear to their hearts.”

Fundraising efforts by the 2024 NATDA Trailer Show community will directly support WWP programs and services for warriors, including improving warriors’ access to mental and physical health care, providing them with tools to improve their financial well-being, and

helping them find meaningful jobs through a range of employment-related services.

NATDA will also reprise the Ultimate Prize Package Raffle in conjunction with its fundraising efforts. This year’s prize will include a 2024 E-Z-GO Valor 48V golf cart courtesy of NATDA and its 2024 Association Sponsors, along with an Aluma Trailer, a FIRMAN Power Equipment Inverter Generator, and other exhibitor-donated items.

New this year, NATDA will enter any dealer who registers for the 2024 NADTA Trailer Show into the drawing to win the Ultimate Prize Package. Dealers can increase their chances of winning by donating to WWP via NATDA’s dedicated donation link for an additional raffle entry.

The Ultimate Prize Package will be raffled on Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. at the 2024 NATDA Trailer Show at Music City Center in Nashville. Dealers must be present to win. Dealer registration for the NATDA Trailer Show is slated to open in late April/early May of this year. For more information about this fundraiser and to donate, please visit natda.org/trailer-show

Thermo King debuts Electrification Readiness Program for dealers

Thermo King is rolling out its new Electrification Readiness Program, equipping the company’s dealer network with the technical expertise, resources, and support for advancing decarbonization in the transport refrigeration sector. Currently, 35 of Thermo King’s dealerships are certified for the program, with the company planning to offer qualification preparation to its entire dealer network by the end of 2025.

“The Electrification Readiness Program is an important way we leverage our rich history of leadership and innovation to equip our network with the tools and resources necessary to service the next generation of equipment,” said Adam Wittwer, president, Thermo King Americas, Trane Technologies. “As our customers navigate their sustainability journeys, they can take comfort in knowing our highly skilled dealer network is prepared to keep their fleet moving.”

The program, which will evolve along with future product launches, regulatory requirements, and compliance mandates, sees electrification experts partner with an Electrification Champion at each participating dealership. This champion ensures that dealerships can offer the following for electrified refrigerated trailers:

• Technical skill: Highly skilled technicians with knowledge of electrification and additional training in decarbonization solutions

• Infrastructure preparedness: Ensuring electric charger accessibility and power availability

• Commercial readiness: Regulatory and compliance expertise, risk management, and consultative selling

• Safety and tooling: Expansive safety and equipment operation capabilities

“As a Thermo King dealer, it’s important for us to understand the journey all of our customers are on, regardless of their chosen powertrain,” said Ken Nelson, general manager, Thermo King Central California. “We are committed to giving our customers solutions they can rely on, tailored to their unique needs. For those going electric, the Electrification Readiness Program will help to further service them by providing our team with the tools they need.”

Hyundai Translead adds Truck Center Companies to dealer network

Hyundai Translead appointed Truck Center Companies as its dealer for the state of Nebraska. Truck Center Companies’ Nebraska locations will become full service and aftermarket parts providers for Hyundai Translead as the company continues its focus on customer care in the field.

“We are thrilled to welcome Truck Center Companies to the Hyundai Translead family,” said Allison Seol, sr. channel development partner at Hyundai Translead. “Their reputation for integrity, quality, and outstanding service perfectly complements our own, and we are confident that this partnership will bring immense value to both our customers and our organizations.”

The addition of Truck Center Companies to Hyundai Translead’s dealer network brings yet another strong presence in the commercial transportation landscape that will continue to serve Hyundai Translead customers across the company’s product portfolio.

SmithCo adds dealers in three states

SmithCo Mfg. reached agreements with Utility Trailer Sales Company of Arizona and Bluff Country Ag & Equipment to sell SmithCo’s premium line of side dump trailers. The agreement with Utility Arizona will apply to two store locations in Tolleson and Tuscon, while Bluff Country’s will sell the trailers in southeast Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. Bluff Country is headquartered in Rushford, Minnesota.

“As interest in SmithCo side sumps continues to grow in Arizona, we are excited to add Utility Trailer Sales of Arizona to our SmithCo Dealer network,” said Todd Karolczak, SmithCo’s director of Sales & Marketing.

Utility Trailer of Arizona was established in 1943. Their stateof-the-art facility is over 60,000 sq. ft. and houses a frame straightening rack, a laser alignment rack, a temperature-controlled foam-in-place insulation booth, a wash bay, and two cranes each capable of lifting five tons.

Meanwhile, Bluff Country Ag & Equipment offers a wide variety of premier livestock and equipment trailers. They currently inventory trailers from CornPro and Eby. Bluff Country also offers full-service bays to provide equipment repair or upfits.

Photo: Thermo King

Photo: SmithCo Mfg.

Fontaine Modification grows Texas truck center

Fontaine Modification has more than doubled the size of its Laredo, Texas, truck modification center with the completion of a 40,000-sq.-ft. expansion, enlarging the busy facility to 67,000 sq. ft. The additional space will enable this location to offer new services, including more time-intensive equipment installations, chassis modifications, and paint operations, the company stated.

Fontaine’s Laredo team modifies trucks that are assembled at Freightliner and Navistar plants in Mexico. As these trucks cross the border, they are processed through a marshalling yard for delivery within the United States and Canada. Fontaine’s Laredo operation is connected to this yard, enabling its personnel to work on the trucks while they remain in the OEM’s delivery system to provide a seamless process for end-user customers.

“I’m very proud of our team in Laredo,” said Jamil Young, president of Fontaine Modification. “Everything about the expansion was meticulously planned and very well-organized to the point that construction had virtually no impact on productivity.”

The expansion delivers more space to perform the high-volume fleet

services—including installing electronics, vehicle tracking systems, safety equipment, and graphics packages—while also facilitating new service offerings. The team is ramping up to offer heavier vocational truck modifications such as hydraulic all-wheel-drive conversions, wheelbase changes, and sit-down dual drive modifications, as well as high-content installations including auxiliary power units and brake retarders. A new paint booth enables the company to

The Shyft Group joins Ford Pro Upfitter program

The Shyft Group joined the Ford Pro Upfitter program, created to provide a seamless end-to-end experience for mutual customers.

“We are thrilled to be named a Ford Pro Upfitter, which is a natural outcome of our long collaboration with Ford,” said Shyft CEO John Dunn. “Commercial vehicle upfitting is a significant part of our business and we take pride in our proprietary Work-Driven Design process to fuel customization and driver satisfaction.”

Ford Pro debuted their upfitter program at NTEA Work Truck Week and encompasses a wider variety of upfit vocations, including shuttle buses, motorhomes, police vehicles, and more. Upfitters undergo an auditing process to

demonstrate excellence in compliance, quality, manufacturing, and customer service, and must meet specified business and volume requirements set by Ford to qualify. In return, Preferred Upfitters are permitted to purchase an unlimited number of chassis from Ford—eliminating the manufacturer’s previous cap—and leverage Ford’s marketing and Pro Dealer network.

paint large components, truck cabs, hoods, and entire Class 8 tractors.

The expanded facility recently celebrated producing its 100,000th truck. The production honor goes to a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia Class 8 tractor prepped for customer J.B. Hunt Transport Services.

Fontaine currently employs 165 in Laredo and is targeting to increase employment to 280 to keep pace with the projected growth rate for the facility.

The qualification process for the Ford Pro Upfitter program involves written assessments of all locations where the upfitting will take place, together with an in-person audit at one of the locations. Shyft and Ford conducted the in-person

audit at Shyft’s new facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, which serves as a sales and upfitting branch for several Shyft brands. The brands that will participate in the Ford Pro Upfitter program are Utilimaster, Royal Truck Body, DuraMag and Magnum.

Photo: Fontaine Modification

Photo: The Shy Group

Hoffmann acquires Doonan

Hoffman Family of Companies (HFOC) acquired Doonan Specialized Trailer, a semi-trailer manufacturer based in Great Bend, Kansas. Doonan has been operating for 50 years and offers 57 dealer locations across North America.

“As we continue to grow our network, our venture with Doonan is an affirmation of our belief in the future of American Manufacturing,” said Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO at Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Doonan is a great fit for the Hoffmann Family of Companies, and we have tremendous confidence in the proven management team and the positive culture fostered throughout the company.”

Mike Ruddle, VP of operations at Doonan, and Kelly Zecha, national dealer manager, will continue to play key roles in the company post-close.

The Doonan acquisition expands HFOC’s presence in the transportation sector, building on the 2021 purchase of Texas Bragg Trailers.

Morgan Truck Body acquires Transit Truck Bodies

Morgan Truck Body acquired Transit Truck Bodies (Les Fourgons Transit), a manufacturer of truck bodies in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The acquisition of Transit increases the total number of Morgan Truck Body locations to 14 manufacturing facilities in North America.

“We are excited to welcome Transit team members and customers to Morgan Truck Body,” said Corby Stover, president of Morgan Truck Body. “Transit’s expertise and leadership in truck body manufacturing and customer service in Canada strengthen our commitment to customers in North America to provide truck body innovations both now and in the future.”

Transit Truck Bodies is headquartered in Laval, Quebec, and includes a product line of cutaway, dry freight, refrigerated, and tailor-made solutions. The acquisition provides greater North American coverage for Morgan Truck Bodies.

“With Transit’s workforce, known for

quality and efficiency, and an expandable 120,000+ sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in the heart of Quebec, Morgan Truck Body looks forward to meeting growing customer needs with quality products for North American markets,” said Tom Diez, chief commercial officer of Morgan Truck Body.

Deloitte Corporate Finance served as financial advisors and BCF Business Law served as legal counsel for Transit Truck Bodies.

Custom Truck One Source adds SOS Fleet Services

Custom Truck One Source, Inc. acquired SOS Fleet Services, a full-service repair facility located in Alexandria, Louisiana. This acquisition brings over 30,000 sq. ft. of space and a highly experienced team to enhance Custom Truck’s service footprint in the region. The new Alexandria branch is poised to offer the full breadth of Custom Truck’s rental

product offering, as well as repair service, to customers in the area.

“The acquisition of the business of SOS Fleet Services marks an important step in our continued efforts to expand our footprint to better serve our rental fleet and our customers,” said Ryan McMonagle, CEO of Custom Truck One Source. “We are thrilled for the

Tramec acquires Johnson Welded Products

Tramec acquired Johnson Welded Products (JWP), located in Urbana, Ohio.

“We are proud of the reputation that Johnson Welded Products has earned as a leading manufacturer and service provider since we built our first reservoir in 1970,” said Lilli Johnson, president, Johnson Welded Products. “JWP’s name will remain in the market, and Johnson family members will continue in leadership roles and ownership in the combined companies.”

Chelly Gomez, COO of Tramec’s commercial vehicle platform, noted that part of what drew Tramec to JWP was its consistent expertise in several manufacturing and service-related areas. With the acquisition, Tramec is also growing its existing U.S.-based manufacturing portfolio.

“Tramec is honored to welcome the JWP organization to the Tramec family and we are eager to continue the tradition of JWP’s mission to supply high-quality products and services to customers in the tractor-trailer, military, public transportation, and public safety vehicle markets worldwide,” said Mark Holm, chief commercial officer of Tramec.

opportunity to expand into Alexandria, a vibrant community that has deep roots in the powerline industry.”

This acquisition, along with the recently announced 2024 planned branch openings in Casa Grande, Arizona, Sacramento, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah, will increase Custom Truck’s national footprint to 39 locations from 35.

Southside acquires PBS Brake & Supply

HDA Truck Pride member Southside Trailer Service recently acquired PBS Brake & Supply.

“We are pleased that PBS Brake & Supply will remain an integral part of HDA Truck Pride, under the Southside Trailer banner,” said HDA Truck Pride CEO Tina Hubbard. “The dedication and cooperation exhibited by both Southside Trailer and PBS further emphasizes the strength of the independent aftermarket, focusing their efforts on synergy and shared values of keeping the customer front of mind and the culture of treating employees like family.”

This acquisition increases Southside’s presence along the I-90 corridor and adds to the company’s three full-service locations and two parts-only locations.

Photo: Custom Truck One Source

Photo: PBS Brake & Supply

Work Truck Week 2024 shatters records

NTEA’s signature event lures 15,790 industry stakeholders to Indianapolis for fours days of guest speakers, educational sessions, and exhibitors, including Sherwin-Williams, Legend, and Monroe

By Jason McDaniel

INDIANAPOLIS—NTEA’s Work Truck Week 2024 drew a record-shattering 15,790 industry stakeholders from 29 countries to the Indianapolis Convention Center for the marathon four-day event filled with 536 work truck equipment and technology exhibitors, educational sessions, and special guests, including former NFL running backs Emmitt Smith and Jerome Bettis, who spoke at the NTEA Annual Meeting.

The week kicked off with the event’s Green Truck Summit and included a Ride & Drive.

“Work Truck Week 2024 was more than a trade show—it was a complete commercial vehicle experience,” said Steve Carey, NTEA president and CEO. “You could feel the energy throughout the exhibit hall, educational sessions, Ride & Drive, and even just walking from place to place. The commercial

vehicle industry has taken ownership of the week and has made it the epicenter for showing off the best the industry has to offer every year.

“The dedication and passion of our exhibitors and attendees has driven the continued expansion of Work Truck Week.”

The 2024 edition of Work Truck Week broke last year’s record of 14,885 attendees, with 883 participants attending

“Work Truck Week 2024 was more than a trade show—it was a complete commercial vehicle experience,” says Steve Carey, NTEA president and CEO.

Photo: NTEA

Green Truck Summit sessions focused on the CV industry’s drive toward sustainability, productivity, and efficiency. “Dozens” of companies launched new products, partnerships, and business units, NTEA added. Ram revealed a new Ram Professional CV division, Ford Pro celebrated Transit’s 10th anniversary by extending the electric version’s range capability, and Mack Trucks provided updates on production of the MD Electric battery-electric truck. Additionally, Greenpower Motor Company launched GP Truck Body, Morgan Olson and EAVX introduced a Proxima van on a Freightliner Custom Chassis, and REE Automotive and Knapheide combined to upfit a P7-C electric chassis cab with a KUV body that made Knapheide’s annual distributor meeting.

Equipment and technology debuts included APSCO’s dump truck display and control system, Ranger Design’s pickup truck utility system, Palfinger’s PAL Pro 58 mechanics truck and PSC 8600 TEC service crane, Vanair’s PTO shaft-driven underdeck system, and Lincoln Electric’s Ranger Air 260MPX engine drive.

Work Truck Week returns to the Indiana Convention Center March 4–7, 2025.

Along with the show coverage on the following pages, several short items from this reporter’s WTW notebook stand out:

Sherwin-Williams touts coatings

The Duraspar Industrial Performance (IP) coating system is growing in popularity among commercial vehicle, heavy equipment, and trailer manufacturers,

who appreciate its rugged durability and automotive-quality finish, according to Isabel Mevissen, the SherwinWilliams market segment manager for transportation.

“Once they get it in their painters’ hands, it takes off. As soon as they apply it, they’ll say, ‘Wow, you have to see this.’” she said.

“So this coating is generating a lot of momentum in the market.”

The two-component (2K) polyurethane system includes 27 colored monobases for virtually “unlimited” solid and metallic combinations that match most OEM paints, Mevissen said. “The benefit for work truck manufacturers is that it allows them to streamline their paint processes,” she explained. “It offers first-pass hide, which means you don’t have to go around the unit multiple times for full-coat coverage, so they can reduce their overall paint process times, labor, and rework.”

Duraspar IP features total applied cost efficiency, robust application properties, work vehicle versatility, and proven durability, Sherwin-Williams said. It’s suitable for cold and hot rolled steel, hot dip galvanized steel, and aluminum; applicable with conventional, HVLP, and electrostatic methods; and backed by a network of 77 facilities with sales representatives and techs across the country.

“We don’t see ourselves as a paint supplier,” Mevissen said. “We’re really a true partner to this industry, and we

have 150 tech reps who can go into these manufacturer’s facilities and audit their paint lines. And we’ll give them recommendations, not just on what coating they should be using, but equipment recommendations, and how they can change their processes to increase throughput and quality.”

Legend presents upfitter awards

Legend Fleet Solutions, a cargo van interior accessories specialist, presented its 2023 upfitter awards at the event’s exhibit hall floor.

“The Legends of the Road are everything to us as a brand,” Brendan Church, Legend’s chief marketing officer, said before presenting five awards. “Whether it’s all of you as upfitters, building, transforming, and creating these vehicles for those Legends, or us manufacturing world-class interior products for their vans, it’s for the ones out there doing the hard yards every single day using vans. It’s for the ones fixing our plumbing, or the internet down the street, and bringing your wife her 53rd Amazon package.

“We’re in it to make lives better for the Legends of the Road.”

Alt Fuel Innovations in Kansas City, Missouri, secured the Highest Annual Sales Growth award; Upfit Supply in Grand Ledge, Michigan, won Best Online Retailer; Casper’s Truck Equipment in Appleton, Wisconsin earned Best New Distributor; Adrian Steel in Sparrows Point, Maryland, collected

the Best Brand Ambassador honor; and American Bobtail in Fate, Texas, claimed the Legend’s Choice award.

Monroe unveils vintage upfit

Monroe Custom Utility Bodies, from Greenfield, Indiana, turned attendees’ heads with its awe-inspiring upfit of a 1948 KB-5 International Harvester, which Eric Odmark, CEO of sister company IMH Products, found on Facebook Marketplace, and excited Monroe owner Joe Gillien quickly snapped up.

The truck featured chrome wings on the grille, a wrap-around chrome piece on the hood, and chrome KB-5 lettering on the side.

“It was a fun project for the shop,” Odmark said. “We have a couple of guys who fix up hot rods in their spare time, and really love that work, so they took the lead on refinishing the truck, rebuilding the engine, and getting it all cleaned up. Then we did our body support, painted it in house—with the same blue the City of Detroit chose for the municipal trucks we built for them— and designed the back.”

The utility body is for shows, so it features accessories for every application, including EZ Stak drawers and a Liftmoore crane.

“It’s an unfunctional truck body, but it showcases the different things we can do,” Odmark explained. “So we’ve got the big platform on the back, and doors that overlap in different ways, with various handles and hinges.” TBB

Monroe Custom Service Bodies showed a 1948 KB-5 International Harvester with a custom utility body.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

American Bobtail in Fate, Texas, claimed the Legend’s Choice award.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

Ritchey named 60th NTEA board chair

Jason Ritchey, president/owner of Curry Supply Co. was installed as 60th board chair of NTEA The Work Truck Association during the organization’s annual meeting. He accepted the position from immediate past board chair David Scheitlin, director of operations at Holman Manufacturing & Distribution.

“The work truck industry plays such an important role in our economy and

the work that gets done where we all live and do business,” said Ritchey. “It’s such an honor to be a part of—and serve the people and the businesses that make up this special community.”

Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.

Since being elected to NTEA’s board in 2018, he has served on a number

of committees. He became involved to offer his insights, business expertise, and to give something back to the industry. He envisioned NTEA creating a new approach to engage the younger generation and make them aware of opportunities available in the industry, as well as emphasizing a focus on advanced education with an innovative curriculum designed to encourage continuous learning.

2024–2025 NTEA Board

Also serving on the Board’s Executive Committee are:

• First Vice Chair Ben Winter, vice president/Business Development, Transfer Flow Inc.

• Second Vice Chair Rick Albertini, president and CEO, Phenix Truck & Van

• Third Vice Chair and Treasurer TJ Blandford, CEO, Woodbine Manufacturing Co.

• Secretary Steve Carey, president and CEO, NTEA

Serving on the Board as Directors are:

• Tim Davison, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Stellar Industries Inc.

• Marc Ellison, director and vice president of Sales, InterMotive Vehicle Controls

• Emily Riggs Korns, president, J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers

• Joe Lewis, vice president of CM Truck Beds

• Todd Mouw, executive vice president, ROUSH CleanTech

• Andy Peter, vice president, Meyer Truck Equipment

• Brian Tabel, assistant vice president, Marketing, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc.

• Shane Woodman, global sales director of Onspot of North America Inc.

• Dave Zelis, vice president of Strategy and Development, Buyers Products Company TBB

New NTEA Chair Jason Ritchey, president/ owner of Curry Supply Co., has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry.

Photo: NTEA

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Unconstrained collaboration: Knapheide upfits REE’s innovative electric chassis

By Jason McDaniel

REE Automotive’s electric commercial vehicle platform, with unique “x-by-wire” drive, steer, and brake technology, makes it fleet ready, dealer ready—and upfit ready, according to REE co-founder and CEO Daniel Beral. And the EV-like speed at which its recent project with Knapheide coalesced—just in time for NTEA’s Work Truck Week 2024— verifies the vehicle’s ability to accelerate customization.

The result, a P7-C chassis with a KUVcc utility body, was on full, independent display during Knapheide’s annual distributor meeting, held March 5 at the Crane Bay Event Center in conjunction with the industry’s largest trade show. “It’s a really clean execution of the product—and the chassis made it easy to build,” Mandar Dighe, Knapheide vice president of sales and marketing, told Trailer/Body Builders.

The Class 4 zero-emission truck was well-received by the representatives of Knapheide’s 280 distributors who traveled here, Chris Weiss, Knapheide VP of engineering, said at a media gathering inside the Indiana Convention Center exhibit hall. And REE’s 17 authorized North American dealers—one of which commissioned the demonstration unit—are equally enthusiastic, helping the manufacturer secure 300 binding orders worth $40 million, reported Jake Obert, REE senior director of sales.

REE expects the P7-C to enter U.S. production later this year, Obert said.

“They pushed hard to get this vehicle ready, and we worked closely with them the past several weeks to make sure the integration went smoothly,” Obert told Trailer/Body Builders. “But, really, it’s super upfit-friendly for any body manufacturer.”

‘Unique’ upfit opportunity

Knapheide, a 176-year-old, family-owned body builder, always is working with multiple manufacturers to develop body programs for new chassis, Dighe said, and many of those chassis OEMs now are electric-vehicle makers, added Haily Meyer, Knapheide manager of solutions engineering, who led the project.

“We partnered with REE, starting last year, because we saw a unique opportunity,” Weiss explained. “One of the key things we talk about, is how do you take great technology … and make it a turn-key work truck solution for the customers? They still have to do the same work—and be green at the same time. So what we’ve done with our engineering group is share the data, and we’ve used their upfitting technology to make it very easy to adapt our work truck solutions down into the REE vehicle.”

REE produced the chassis cab in December, and Knapheide added the body and certified the completed 16,000-lb. vehicle to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in February at its Quincy location. The vehicle weighed 10,000 lbs. before the upfit, Meyer said, and Knapheide used a steel body to expedite production.

“Aluminum would have required more testing for a body that big,” Meyer said, adding that his team already is working on an aluminum version of the P7-C upfit that will shave another 1,000 lbs.

The chassis design also simplified execution. It features a low, flat floor, minimizing the need for additional mounting hardware, and integrated weld nuts that allow upfitters to attach a body directly to the frame without drilling. The “skateboard” concept also eliminates mechanical connections between the “REEcorner” wheel modules, and the batteries are placed inside the frame, further facilitating upfits. Finally, the P7-C’s “plug-and-play” system interface streamlines accessory integration, Meyer affirmed.

“With EVs, the construction of the body isn’t the biggest issue,” he said. “It’s more about, how do we deal with the electrical systems? What kinds of accessories are going on there? If we put a liftgate on, how are we going to drive that liftgate from the 12-volt chassis, all those kinds of considerations.”

Adapting Knapheide’s bodies for electric vehicles remains “a learning experience,” Meyer cautioned, and the manufacturer isn’t focused exclusively on developing EV bodies, though the segment’s growth is “undeniable,” Dighe shared. “We’re going to meet the needs of whatever OEMs decide is the right powertrain choice,” he said. TBB

REE also displayed a P7-C chassis cab inside the Indiana Convention Center exhibit hall during NTEA’s Work Truck Week 2024.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

Bollinger on cusp of becoming ‘true OEM’

By Josh Fisher

About five years after switching focus from consumers to fleet electrification, Robert Bollinger’s company is months away from producing its first medium-duty EVs and becoming the newest entrant into the growingly competitive zero-emission fleet landscape.

Bollinger Motors is concentrating on building a solid nationwide sales and service network for its first commercial vehicle, the Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab, which the company expects to make hundreds of by year’s end.

“We’re becoming a true OEM—that’s our goal,” Bollinger, the company founder and CEO, said during an interview at NTEA Work Truck Week. “Once we have a true production vehicle out for sale, we’re an OEM. The amount of work to become an OEM is monumental. The team got us there.”

And Bollinger’s team is growing. When he founded his namesake company in 2015, he wanted to build electric all-wheel drive trucks and SUVs. But in 2022, the company shifted its focus to medium-duty EVs. With more than 250 EV startups and emerging companies in the U.S. as of 2023, competition is fierce. A Wall Street Journal review of 43 publicly traded EV startups found that 18 were running out of cash.

Mullen provides room

But Bollinger Motors recently surpassed 100 employees and has at least 25 job openings at its newly renovated Oak Park, Michigan, facility. The room for growth and production came after Mullen Automotive bought a controlling interest in Bollinger in 2022, which has helped the now-independent subsidiary scale up and focus on fleet vehicles.

Bollinger’s all-electric Class 4 chassis cabs are being assembled at the facility of Roush Industries in Livonia, Michigan. However, the company founder said he envisions eventually moving some production to Mullen’s Mishakawa Assembly Plant in St. Joseph County, Indiana. The company plans to begin producing its Class 5 chassis cabs in 2025.

He said the OEM hopeful has learned much working with Roush but hopes to grow large enough to move production to Mishakawa later this decade.

To grow that big, Bollinger continues to expand its dealer network, recently adding 11 more locations in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Virginia. Ten are Nacarato Truck Centers dealerships, and the Minneapolis dealer is run by Nuss Truck & Equipment. Michigan’s LaFontaine Automotive Group was the first commercial dealer to add Bollinger to its offerings.

The EV maker qualified for $40,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act for the B4 chassis cab.

Energy for MD fleets

Bollinger partnered with Our Next Energy to supply batteries and related components. The battery packs in the B4 can provide a 200-mile range under optimal conditions, which is more than their ideal fleet customers need in a day.

“What’s great about these trucks is that they’re in the perfect class for electrification,” Bollinger said. “Class 8—we know there are a lot of players in that game that finally might get there, but that’s a long haul. What’s great about these [medium-duty chassis] is that all of the fleets we’ve talked to—and even studies we’ve done with other third-party firms—have firmed up our suspicions on the range, which is they need anywhere from 30 miles a day to maybe 100.”

The medium-duty truck market is ripe for electrification, according to a North American Council for Freight Efficiency study on early truck electrification. The 2022 report found that 65% of medium-duty trucks on the road in California and New York could be replaced with EVs.

One year after that study, EVs made up just 0.33% of the nearly four million medium-duty trucks and step vans deployed across the U.S., according to a 2024 Calstart study on commercial zero-emission deployments.

Ready for upfits

Bollinger said his company has worked with commercial vehicle upfitters for years to ensure that his electrified chassis is ready for the medium-duty fleet market.

“Almost every upfitter you see can put their upfit on here,” he said, pointing to the B4 chassis cab. “We’re agnostic on that front.”

He added that Bollinger wants to work with smaller and medium fleets through their dealers and upfitters to provide equipment for how the fleet is used to operating. It also talks directly with mega fleets.

“We’ll do it the way they’re used to—we aren’t asking anyone to do it our way,” he said. “We’re doing everything the traditional way, which is what fleets want. They don’t want a chassis that is difficult to upfit.” TBB

Robert Bollinger, CEO and founder of Bollinger Motors, stands with his B4 chassis cab model, a battery-electric Class 4 work truck at NTEA’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis.

Photo: Josh Fisher | EBM CV

Morgan unveils two new truck designs

The company’s two new designs include Project Agora and project Blackjack. Both can suit traditional fuel engines or electric vehicles and come with range and efficiency enhancements, among others.

By TBB Staff

Morgan Truck Body introduced two new concept bodies at NTEA Work Truck Week 2024, specifically Projects “Agora” and “Blackjack.”

“Reflecting years of design evolution, the Morgan concept bodies are built with a focus on aerodynamics, lightweighting, improved ergonomics, and enhanced situational awareness for increased driver convenience and productivity,” said Corby Stover, Morgan Truck Body president. “These designs represent the continuing evolution of the Morgan Truck Body to meet future market and customer needs.”

Customers utilizing either traditional fuel engines or electric battery vehicles will be able to access each universal design to meet their final-mile delivery needs. The Project Agora concept body is featured on an Isuzu FTR chassis, while the Project Blackjack concept body is featured on an International eMV Series battery electric chassis. Innovations on both bodies include:

• Extended range and efficiency with military-grade advanced composites to shape airflow around the body to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics for both traditional fuel engines and electric vehicles

• A mid-panel translucent roof that allows natural sunlight to pass through while reducing the amount of heat transferred into the truck body associated with typical translucent roof panels

• Lightweight body components including an aluminum subframe that is anti-corrosive and significantly improves customer payload capacity

• Ergonomic enhancements and ease-of-use features to reduce operator stress include motion sensor-activated LED strip lighting provides efficient and consistent light throughout the length of the body and an encapsulated hardwood floor with anti-slip surface

Project Agora’s specific features include:

• Rivetless smooth wall aluminum construction

• A reduction of 18% in aerodynamic drag to improve fuel economy and extend range for both traditional fuel engines and battery electric vehicles

• A powered rear overhead door and powered side canister door to reduce physical strain with effortless operation. Operators can easily operate the powered doors with a touchscreen in the cab, remote key fobs, or intelligent keyless entry

• Situational Awareness with EAVX VX-Controls includes external 360-degree and internal cargo area cameras, which can be viewed in both the cab and cargo area and provide enhanced awareness of potential hazards in or around the vehicle. Rear and side blind spot monitoring supplements the camera systems to alert drivers of potential moving hazards near the truck

Project Blackjack’s specific features include:

• A body constructed with structural composite foam core wall panels

• A reduction of 20% in drag to improve fuel economy and extend range for both traditional fuel engines and battery electric vehicles

• Situational Awareness with the Morgan SA 5.0 Package featuring digital rear-view mirror, back up proximity sensors, 360-degree and internal cargo area cameras and supplemental hazard detection TBB

Morgan Truck Body Project Agora concept body featured on an Isuzu FTR chassis

Photo: Morgan Truck Body

Brian Bellile, Miller Electric product manager, introduces the company’s next-generation Trailblazer 330 Air Pak, at left, and new Bobcat 265 Air Pak during a news conference. See Page 36 for more product news from Work Truck Week.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

Rivian targets CVs, teams with JBPCO

By Jade Brasher

Rivian is making its way further into the commercial vehicle space, stripping the van body from its Rivian CV product and marrying its chassis to the Morgan Olson C250. The partnership will lead to the development of an electric version of the C250 step-van announced in March 2023, designed specifically for Canada Post.

While the C250e is the partnership’s current focus, Joe Thompson, Morgan Olson’s COO, said in an interview here that the Rivian platform could be used with other bodies “down the road.”

This is because leaders in the JBPCO group see Rivian as the electrified answer to a need in the light-duty CV space.

“We’ve come to the conclusion that Rivian produces the best, most reliable, most tested EV chassis available,” John Poindexter, JPCO CEO, said.

The decision to electrify the C250 was made before deciding what chassis to put under it, explained Mark Hope, president of EAVX, the innovation hub of JBPCO.

However, “the challenge with that scale and that size of vehicle” is finding the right chassis partner.

“Rivian is that for a chassis partner,” Hope added. “It’s the most complete chassis in the market in that class.”

Building the CV foundation

The JBPCO partnership with Rivian stemmed from a visit to Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, from John Poindexter and other leaders from JBPCO.

Poindexter said the group thought the facility to be “impressive,” and he and other JBPCO leaders established relationships with Rivian, which led to the partnership.

“This announcement is really the culmination and potentially the first step of a very strong partnership,” Tom Solomon, Rivian’s senior director of B2B business development, said. “This represents the foundation.”

This partnership could potentially bring a Rivian-powered vehicle to any fleet across the U.S., but this wasn’t always the case, as e-commerce giant Amazon had exclusive rights to Rivian’s commercial van platform until the parties announced its release last November. Amazon has 10,000 Rivian vans on the road.

Now that the exclusivity period is over, Rivian wants to make its presence in the fleet space known, “and partnerships like this are foundational to it,” Solomon said.

Morgan Olson C250e features

The Morgan Olson C250e will feature the same platform as the Rivian CV but in the form of a stripped chassis, or a

“skateboard,” as Solomon called it— and it’s also a company milestone.

Rivian enters the commercial vehicle market through a collaboration with body builder Morgan Olson.

“The first non-Rivian Van application for that skateboard is this partnership with Morgan Olson and the JB Poindexter family of companies,” Solomon told Trailer/ Body Builders.

Because the C250e is designed for the Canadian postal service, Rivian will have to make a few design changes to the chassis to accommodate a right-hand drive configuration. But Solomon said essentially the chassis for the C250e is “primarily the off-the-shelf platform,” with few alterations to the manufacturing facility or additional internal investment.

While it has a Morgan Olson body, the C250e is packed with Rivian technology, such as Rivian’s user interface, user experience, and software stack, Solomon said.

It could also feature Rivian’s safety features, including automatic emergency braking, driver assistance features, and 360-degree camera system.

The C250e features a 100kWh lithium ion phosphate (LFP) battery pack.

More to come

There is a demand for smaller EVs in the commercial vehicle space, Hope said, and Rivian was a “fit” for the C250e. But JBPCO leaders said this is just the first innovation of many with the EV manufacturer.

“We expect to put [the Rivian chassis] under a number of bodies or develop prototypes with individual customers who will be interested in the combination of body technology,” Poindexter said.

Thompson added that with the Morgan Olson brand, additional applications that would suit a Rivian-powered Morgan Olson body would be smaller grocery delivery and other Class 2B applications with a GVWR of 8,510-10,000 lb.

JBPCO is already looking to the future and how to best use this partnership to continue innovation in the commercial vehicle space.

Jacob Larimore, senior director of business development at EAVX, said there have already been preliminary conversations with Rivian about how far their partnership can go and what it can become.

“What you’re seeing is a starting point,” Larimore said. “We’re hopeful that it will continue to evolve.” TBB

Photo: Morgan Olson

Buyers Products displays breadth of innovation

By Jason McDaniel

Work truck equipment manufacturer Buyers Products delivers “hundreds of custom projects every year,” many of which result in new lines of American-made truck and trailer products and accessories.

That breadth of innovation was on full display here at Work Truck Week 2024. Buyers Products’ massive booth inside the annual NTEA event’s exhibit hall featured dozens of new products, from cutting-edge snowplows and mounting kits to inventive toolboxes and racks, and advanced, multi-purpose lighting and connectors—all designed to improve work truck functionality and safety.

“Buyers Products really thrives on product launches,” Jennifer Pusateri, Buyers Products product manager told Trailer/Body Builders. “Our goal is to continually innovate, listen to customers—and help them solve problems.”

The Mentor, Ohio-based manufacturer’s product portfolio includes truck boxes; hydraulics; tarp systems; truck and trailer hardware, lighting, and light boxes; pneumatics; PTO driveline components, cargo control and towing equipment; poly storage tanks, and myriad cables and connectors.

“Lighting is a fast-growing segment,” said Dan Doerr, Buyers Products director of new product development. “We have a diverse line of warning lights and work lights, both interior and DOT, so we offer full coverage.”

Trends include a growing variety of multi-function lighting, like dual- and tri-color lights and combination LED strobe/ DOT lights, and thin-mount surface lighting, Doerr said. Buyers showed the new ultra-bright rotating spotlight with a wireless remote, wide-angle tri-color LED strobe light, 5-in. flexible strobe light, and trailer strobe kit that easily plugs into an OEM harness or 7-pin connector at Work Truck Week.

“We are working to serve the unique demands of the construction, municipal, and utility vehicle industries,” Doerr said in a news release. “By expanding color combinations, focusing on durability, and enhancing the high-visibility functions of our LED lights, we’re able to address the various needs of our customers’ fleets.”

Truck storage, rack versatility

Buyers Products also introduced a new multi-purpose storage basket kit and Kabgard headache rack system.

The basket kit developed out of Buyers’ line of landscape trailer equipment, explained Jennifer Pusateri, Buyers Products product manager. “Think beyond where you put a

traditional toolbox,” she said. “This is for trailers, wreckers, and any number of service-body applications.”

The baskets are made of rugged, 14-gauge steel, and ship in flat packs like ready-to-assemble furniture, Pusateri added.

The complete Kabgard system includes an extended ladder rack and universal Class 5 hitch receiver for Ford and GM-mounted service bodies. Offered in black or white powder-coat finish, the system is bundled with all the requisite mounting brackets and fasteners, giving users everything they need to install and mount it, and the system comes in two sizes to accommodate single- and dual-rear wheel trucks.

The rack, which is designed to protect the cab’s rear window from damage, features built-in tie-down points for cargo, and grab handles for added stability climbing in and out of the truck bed.

Snowplow, hopper modernization

Bruce Schulte, Buyers Products East region municipal sales manager—who recently starred in Domino’s Pizza’s “Plowing for Pizza” commercial—raved about the manufacturer’s new DIN plate hitch mount and poly hopper spreader.

“It’s becoming more popular because, with a traditional hitch, the arm sticks out, so when the plow is off the truck, it’s a liability,” Schulte explained. “With this, when you pull off the plow, the truck is completely flat.”

Buyers displayed the hitch mount with a new parallel lift plow that’s compatible with existing SnowDogg municipal Standard, Expressway, and Super-J moldboards. “We designed the parallel lift plow due to increasing demand for a system that has less impact on the truck,” said Frank Dickinson, Buyers Products director of municipal sales.

The new SaltDogg PRO salt spreader, with a composite body produced by Buyers Products company Rotational Molding Technologies, or RomoTech, is a 10-ft. hopper with an industry-leading 8-cubic-yard capacity for dump trucks and flatbeds. The unit is available with electric and hydraulic, auger, and chain drivelines. TBB

As always, the breadth of innovation from Buyers Products was on full display in the company’s display area at Work Truck Week.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

Ram Professional plans to replace work truck rivals

By Josh Fisher

With its sights on a larger market share, Stellantis launched Ram Professional this week. This new North American commercial vehicle division combines Stellantis’ light-duty commercial vehicle offerings into one business operation. The global company wants a bigger slice of the U.S. work truck market.

Along with increasing production capacity, the executive team leading the business venture teased new products in the pipeline. The team also told Trailer/Body Builders’ sister publication, FleetOwner, that Ram Professional is committed to helping fleets become more efficient—not only through truck and van electrification, but also with better telematics and preventive maintenance solutions.

Ram ranked fifth in medium-duty (Classes 4-7) sales last year, according to the American Truck Dealers, garnering 6.9% of the market. Rival Ford led the MD market with nearly 30% share. CV-focused OEMs Freightliner, International, and Isuzu were also in the Top 5. The other Big Three automaker, General Motors, ranked sixth in MD sales.

But Ram trailed Ford and GM’s Chevrolet and GMC brands in the light-duty truck and van space, which is more difficult to track from a commercial vehicle perspective because consumers also buy a lot of light-duty pickup trucks, vans, and chassis for recreational vehicles.

“Our goal globally is to be the No. 1 LCV (light-duty commercial vehicle) provider,” Ram Professional VP Ken Kayser told FleetOwner of Stellantis’ plans. “We’re already No. 1 in Europe. We’re No. 1 in South America. We’re No. 3 in North America, and we look to close the gap and become No. 1.”

Jeff Kommer, the new Ram Professional commercial sales SVP, put it more directly during the company’s public press event: “On March 1, they said, ‘Jeff, you have a new opportunity: Go and crush Ford Motor Company, and let’s become the No. 1 LCV machine on the planet.’ So that’s my goal. That’s my mission.”

With a background in retail and fleet sales—most recently as head of U.S. sales—Kommer will lead Ram Professionals’ fleet, government, and growing B2B sales efforts. A company press release said Kommer’s experience will unlock an untapped side of the commercial and fleet business.

During Work Truck Week, Ford Pro announced range and charging upgrades to its electric E-Transit van. The Transit van brand, the top-selling commercial van in the U.S., is celebrating 10 years in the market. Also, during the week here in Indianapolis, General Motors rebranded and expanded its fleet offering as GM Envolve.

Ram clears production capacity

Kommer told FleetOwner that Ram Professional will be able to sell more vehicles because of its increased production capacity at its Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico.

“Over the last 18 months, we’ve implemented new logistics out of Mexico,” he said. “We’ve been shipping more out by sea. We have more trains available. We’ve basically taken our inventory in Saltillo to just about nothing to get them to our dealers quicker.”

For customers waiting on their shiny new equipment, Ram Professional now allows them to track their orders in real-time—like any other e-commerce purchase—from the assembly line to the upfitter to the dealer to the yard.

The work truck division is also part of the company’s Dare Forward 2030 global plan, which targets to reduce the manufacturer’s carbon footprint. That includes Ram’s expanding zero-emission offerings, including the new Ram ProMaster EV, Ram 1500 REV, Ram 1500 Ramcharger, Ram Heavy Duty, and Chassis Cab. Those complement its internal combustion engine work trucks, vans, and chassis.

“We will address any and all needs of our commercial business customers to ensure that we retain their business but to acquire new business and ultimately achieve the No. 1 LCV provider position,” Kayser said.

Ram Professional plans to roll out its new services in phases. These include products designed for small businesses and work truck fleets where vehicle equipment and technology are central to operations, the executives said. TBB

A Ram truck on display during NTEA’s 2024 Work Truck Week, where Stellantis launched its new Ram Professional brand.

Photo: Josh Fisher | EBM CV

Ram Professional puts all of Stellantis’ North American fleet offerings under one business operation.

Photo: Ram Professional

Ford marks Transit’s 10th year with EV upgrades to range

By Jason McDaniel

Ford Pro is upgrading the “iconic” E-Transit van with longer range capability and faster charging in celebration of the Transit’s 10th year in the market—where it’s the top-selling commercial van in the U.S. The manufacturer introduced the enhancements in a live-streamed event Tuesday evening at NTEA’s Work Truck Week.

“We’ve been in the EV [electric vehicle] game long enough to have valuable insights, and we’re acting on them,” Tim Baughman, Ford Pro general manager, told the large crowd gathered inside the exhibit hall.

Baughman pointed out Ford has assembled 1.2 million Transit vans over the last 10 years—and 99% of them are still on the road. “It’s a mighty testament of Transit’s quality and durability,” he maintained.

“It’s America’s best-selling commercial van because it’s ‘Built Ford Tough,’ and businesses on every street corner rely on Transit to keep the country moving—from plumbing to carpentry and, yes, delivery, too,” he added in a news release.

Growing demand

The Transit van, produced at Ford’s Kansas City assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri, was introduced in 2014 and quickly became the best-selling commercial van in the U.S., according to industry-reported data. Ford added the E-Transit electric version and optional all-wheel drive in 2020, and the vehicle continues to grow in popularity, leading Ford to add a third shift in Kansas City to support demand.

“Our sales are up 18% year-over-year,” Baughman said.

The 2024 E-Transit enhancements, which also include new software and integrations, will ease the transition to electric and maximize benefits for commercial customers, Ford said. The range extension boosts the van’s long-distance capabilities for new fleet applications to 159 miles with 89 kWh of usable energy, unlocking new fleet uses, like refrigerated delivery. The additional range over the previous model is an increase of 26% on low-roof models, and up to 32% for high-roof models. And the E-Transit with enhanced range maintains the same 266 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque as the prior model.

Additionally, new dual onboard motors enable the E-Transit battery to charge faster, with 15 minutes on a DC fast charger (180-plus kW) estimated to add 67 miles of range on a 2024 E-Transit cargo van low-roof configuration—a 49% increase over the prior model, Ford said. And the new model-year

E-Transit also will charge from zero to 100% in six hours and 11 minutes with the now-available Ford Pro Series 2 80A charging station—22% faster than the prior battery—boosting ease of use and sustainability.

The vehicle already saved customers 3 million gallons of gas, the CO2 equivalent of planning 400,000 trees, in just two years, Baughman added.

Further innovation

“Keep watching us,” he said. “We plan to make a lot of news this year.”

Other updates for 2024 include a new patented vapor injection heat pump for the Ford F-150 Lightning electric work truck that optimizes range for the standard and extended-range models; new telematics, dashcams, and home charging software for the Lightning; and Ford Pro vehicle insurance in five states (Indiana, Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee, and Wisconsin), with more coming this year, Baughman said.

Ford also plans to increase production of its hybrid F-150 this year.

“We’re not standing still,” Baughman concluded. TBB

Ford’s E-Transit van recently reached 10 years in the market, but the company is not content to rest on its laurels.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

Brian Heffron, Palfinger vice president of sales and service, highlights the manufacturer’s PAL Pro 58 mechanics truck and PSC 8600 TEC service crane.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

NTEA economist sees slowdown, not a recession

Latin-Kasper anticipates that while supply chain issues persist and interest rates remain elevated, the work truck industry will see no recession, and quote and backlog activity are positive.

By Alex Keenan

For Steve Latin-Kasper, senior director of market data and research for the NTEA, the work truck industry’s economic overview and market forecast could be summed up in a single word: Deceleration.

Latin-Kasper outlined his equipment outlook during Work Truck Week 2024, where the senior director explained that the economic slowdown is not necessarily a herald of negative things to come for the industry.

Overall expectations

While Latin-Kasper’s theme was deceleration, this does not mean he anticipated a recession for the industry, especially as the U.S. GDP improved marginally in 2023. Latin-Kasper emphasized that he expects U.S. GDP to pick up again in 2025 since the labor market has remained stronger than forecasts previously expected.

While the labor market is still tight, current unemployment in 2024 is about 4% instead of 5%, and the NTEA

does not expect any large changes from that value heading into 2025.

“The tight labor market is going to remain with us simply because of demographic imbalances,” Latin-Kasper explained. “All 3.5-4 million boomers retiring a year is not even close to being matched by Gen Z entering the workforce.”

Additionally, inflation remains a large part of the problem. While the NTEA at first thought interest rates were going to decrease in March 2024, now Latin-Kasper stated that there aren’t likely to be any interest reductions by June.

Chassis and upfitting

However, despite the labor market, interest rates, and inflation, the NTEA found that commercial truck chassis, tractor, and van sales have largely continued to climb back toward 2019 levels.

This is despite how 2019 was an outlier year, LatinKasper stated, particularly for commercial van sales due to large shipping companies, such as Amazon, placing gigantic orders.

But this doesn’t change the fact that the NTEA anticipates that there will be slow, but steady growth throughout 2024, and accelerated sales in 2025.

“As you can see, the previous peak was in 2019, which we just aren’t that far off from,” Latin-Kasper commented. “So that’s your expectation for planning going forward if you have anything to do with upfitting.”

However, the senior director did caution that upfitting tractors wasn’t as promising going into 2024, even though they aren’t “falling that far off pace.”

Latin-Kasper helped explain this lag by delving into the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) freight shipment index. His comparison of NTEA Total Straight Truck Class 2-8 truck chassis sales and ATA freight shipments showed that all freight shipments are currently below zero, but have finally reached their trough.

NTEA’s data predicts that the U.S. GDP will continue to increase in 2024. Graph: NTEA

NTEA’s Steve Latin-Kasper provides his economic outlook and market impacts at Work Truck Week.

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

Latin-Kasper anticipates that these shipments will then increase throughout 2024, with the ATA’s numbers and the NTEA’s intersecting in the first half of 2024.

Shipments and sales

While chassis sales showed signs of recovery, Latin-Kasper did note that supply chain disruptions still led to significant negative impacts for Class 2-8 truck chassis sales and shipments in 2023.

“When the chassis started coming out of quarantine, the OEM chassis builders were also ramping up production,” he said. “Shipments got way ahead of sales, and the primary reason for that was the labor shortage.”

Class 2-8 sales and shipments wrapped up in 2023 only .2% ahead of 2022, largely due to the decline in sales and shipments for Classes 2-6 chassis and supply chain disruptions.

“When the OEM chassis builders figured that out, the shipment growth decelerated rapidly, and we now have shipments and sales growth roughly balanced, which is what we would generally like them to be,” Latin-Kasper explained.

And, on the positive side, overall factory shipment growth rate from when chassis manufacturers came out of quarantine “led to a fairly substantial growth rate acceleration, and also led to some really good inventory numbers through most of the industry’s weight class segments,” he observed.

Lead delivery and backlog

With this overall increase in inventory, Latin-Kasper said that the market has seen some improvement in chassis delivery lead times.

“We’re averaging a little less than 12 weeks in chassis delivery lead time,” he explained. “And that was true for the complete vehicles to the pickups, vans, and tractors.”

Frame rails, too, have become an issue, which could lead to small extensions in chassis delivery time in the first half of 2024.

But despite this, Latin-Kasper reported that backlog and quoting activity was relatively strong heading into 2024. According to the NTEA, 50% of manufacturer respondents and 30% of distributors had 90 days or more of backlogs. Meanwhile, 40% of overall respondents reported that quoting activity increased since June 2023.

Materials and components

Finally, Latin-Kasper stated that he was not worried about aluminum and steel prices overall. While China’s economy, as the largest provider and consumer of aluminum and steel products, has suffered an unknown amount of deceleration itself, this means that buyers in the U.S. aren’t likely to see any “upward pressure” on aluminum prices any time soon.

Cold-rolled sheet and strip steel prices, while volatile over the past couple of years, are also likely to begin to decrease as well, as last year’s strikes have been resolved and plants closed for maintenance have reopened.

Latin-Kasper concluded that the work truck industry will continue to slow down throughout the coming year before picking up again in 2025, despite ongoing pressure from supply chain issues and political shifts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. TBB

GreenPower launches truck body business

GreenPower Motor Company recently launched a new truck body entity, GP Truck Body, that offers a complete line of truck bodies, including refrigerated boxes.

The California-based manufacturer revealed the new business during NTEA’s Work Truck Week.

“The launch of GP Truck Body signifies our commitment to customer satisfaction, consolidating our services into a seamless onestop shop experience for buying and manufacturing,” Brendan Riley, GreenPower president, said in a news release. “By combining our business units under the GreenPower brand, we continue to provide unmatched expertise as an EV manufacturing company that possesses the level of know-how required for building truck bodies tailored specifically for electric vehicles.

now part of the GreenPower business unit, we can achieve this goal while strengthening our market influence.”

The new business also offers dry freight bodies, aluminum stakebeds, steel and aluminum flatbeds, and service bodies. GreenPower specializes in producing and distributing purpose-built, all-electric, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles for the cargo and delivery markets, the company said. With the launch of GP Truck Body, GreenPower now covers “every stage of the fleet experience.”

“Our goal is to be the trusted partner our customers rely on to meet all their business requirements. With GP Truck Body

“Dealing with a single manufacturing entity will increase the ease of doing business and ultimately the overall ownership experience,” said Claus Tritt, GreenPower vice president of medium-duty and commercial vehicle sales. “The customer has one place to go for its ordering, delivery and service and warranty needs.” TBB

TMC 2024 gathering highlights

spec’ing

NEW ORLEANS—American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition was themed “Quality Spec’ing for Optimal Performance,” and the sold-out convention hall proved the value of concept.

The event featured TMC’s customary slate of educational sessions, task force meetings, technical sessions, and management sessions. This year’s exhibit featured approximately 350 vendors spanning 500,000 sq. ft.

“For nearly 70 years, TMC has worked to raise professional and technical standards for the trucking industry,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “This annual meeting is an important

part of that—not just to see what is available in the field on the exhibit hall floor—but to have the opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest advances in truck technology in our myriad task forces and educational sessions. TMC leadership is committed to providing this experience for our members in a safe and responsible way.”

Technical Sessions ranged from “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

About Your Electric Power Provider But Were Afraid to Ask,” and “Latest Findings from the U.S. Department of Energy’s SuperTruck 2 & 3 Programs” to “Spec’ for a Wreck.”

The event also features a special pavilion on next generation tractor-trailer electrical/data connector designs, a ride-and-drive demonstration by Grote, and a static demonstration display by ConMet. TBB

Utility offers hybrid refrigeration units

Cargobull North America transport refrigeration units are now available exclusively on Utility’s signature 3000R reefer trailers throughout North America, Utility Trailer Manufacturing announced at the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition here.

“After 110 years, and now under the fourth and fifth generations of continuous Bennett family leadership, it’s incredibly exciting for Utility Trailer to continue pushing the envelope of technological innovation, sustainability, and efficiency,” said Mark Glasgow, chief of sales at Utility. “The positive response since unveiling CBNA TRUs last September has been overwhelming. Our dealers and their customers have eagerly awaited the opportunity to get their hands on these latest and greatest TRU offerings.”

The CBNA 625 Hybrid Mono-Temp and 655MT Hybrid Multi-Temp models already meet California’s stringent emissions standards for 2030 and comply with the California Air Resources Board’s ultra-low-emission TRU regulations. With up to 20% fuel savings and a reduction or elimination of emissions in some circumstances, CBNA TRUs represent a leap forward in TRU technology. With the Utility TrailerConnect portal and app, telematics data is streamlined to industry-standard front ends, fleet operators, and transport management or enterprise resource planning systems.

“The industry awards and attention our new TRUs have already received tell us the market is ready for and excitedly anticipates this ground-breaking technology,” said Andrew Bennett, VP and member of the family business’ fourth-generation leadership. “We’ve been working tirelessly to get to

This year’s TMC exhibit in New Orleans featured approximately 350 vendors spanning 500,000 sq. ft.

Photo: Lucas Roberto | Trailer/Body Builders

this moment, and our expansive dealer network is now ready to serve customers across the continent.”

Sales and service for 3000R trailers with the 625 and 655MT Hybrid TRUs are now available at over 125 Utility Trailer dealers across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, CBNA aftermarket parts are available through Aurora Parts, its exclusive parts distributor, with more than 700 dealers served by six North American distribution centers.

“Aurora Parts dealers and customers can now enjoy quick access to the full line of Cargobull service parts whenever needed,” said Brad Fulkerson, Aurora Parts president and CEO. “I’m proud to work with Utility, and I look forward to seeing their new 625 and 655MT Hybrid TRUs revolutionize temperature-controlled transportation.” TBB

Range shows powered trailer, ROI tool

At TMC, Range Energy displayed its powered trailer solution and launched an operational expenditure (OpEx) savings calculator for commercial fleet owners and operators.

The first-of-its-kind online calculator captures and analyzes unique data points from fleets, including the price they pay for diesel fuel, baseline fuel efficiency, current electricity costs, and miles driven per year to determine overall maintenance, fuel, and electricity savings from the implementation of electric powered trailers within their existing fleets.

Preliminary third-party testing data and early customer pilots have shown Range’s electric trailers generate fuel efficiency gains of nearly 40%, 300 miles of full assist range, and can cut NOx emissions by up to 70%, according to the company.

Range’s electric powered trailers allow fleets to immediately progress towards their electrification goals as the equipment is compatible with all diesel-powered tractors today as well as future electric semis. The OpEx calculator underscores the critical addition of Range’s technology to today’s fleets as it can uniquely measure and compare the way each fleet operates today and how implementing electric trailers can enable fuel, electricity, and maintenance savings.

“Range’s trailers are a futureproof investment, as they’re cost effective and deliver emissions improvements today that will only enhance over time,” said Ali Javidan, CEO and founder, Range Energy. “The OpEx calculator is a valuable resource that puts critical data into the hands of fleet owners and operators to better comprehend the cost and efficiency benefits they can achieve today. Our trailers are built to serve as an accelerant for the electric transition, meeting fleets’ immediate needs and long-term ambitions.”

Javidan, who was an early employee at Tesla, told Trailer/ Body Builders that the Range team is made up of EV veterans.

“We’ve developed a lot of the vehicles that you see on the road today,” Javidan said. “There is no other team that can develop a full, soup-to-nuts powertrain with the battery pack with the e-axle, along with the safety system.”

He emphasized the critical importance of safety, and hinted that Range will have a demonstration of the unit’s superior trailer control at the upcoming ACT Expo.

Javidan also noted that he’d grown up on a farm in California’s Central Valley and was driving trucks and pulling trailers before he even had a driver’s license. And so, after a long career in Silicon Valley, he’s returning to his roots in a way.

“In early 2021, after six years at Zoox helping develop the Level 5 robo-taxi, I started to think about my next career move,” he said. “And so as I looked around, I had this kind of inherent desire to enter the commercial decarbonization space. For the commercial trucking industry, I started to look at the work that Volvo, Freightliner, and my old friends at Tesla are doing.

“One of the immediate things that came to my mind was the trailers were the same for every one of these solutions. It’s just a box, and there’s really nothing being improved on the trailer itself.”

With a round of seed funding in the bank, the new team built its first prototype, and saw a 40% improvement in fuel economy

Ali Javidan, CEO and founder of Range Energy, demonstrates the drive unit at TMC.

Photo: Kevin Jones | Trailer/Body Builders

Utility Trailer VP Andrew Bennett showcases the new Cargobull hybrid units at TMC.

Photo: Kevin Jones | Trailer/Body Builders

on a Ford F-250, and double the towing range for a Rivian EV.

“We immediately realized the opportunity,” Javidan said. “So, basically, since August of 2022, we’ve been focused on Class 8 trailers. This is not this is not a college project for us.”

Range currently has two trailers on the road, in use by fleets in “a dozen or so lanes” and every sort of load scenario.

“[The Range system] adds around 4,000-5,000 lbs. to the weight of the trailer, so we do have to be mindful of how we load the trailer; the slider still works, and we can move the slider to balance the load,” he said. “But only 20-30% of loads are maxed out, so there is a need for this solution.”

Additionally, Range is working with several top trailer manufacturers on their lightweighting technology, and Javidan suggested Range-equipped trailers “within a few years” will have a net-zero load sacrifice.

He anticipates ramping up production to provide early

fleet customers 20 or so Range-equipped trailers at a time “to build confidence” in the system.

“It’s a walk-before-you-run mentality. We want to build trust at every step, and building trust in this industry is ‘give me a few; let me try it out,’” Javidan said.

The OpEx calculator is the most recent example of Range’s progression and maturation as a company, and comes on the heels of $23.5 million in new financing from Trousdale Ventures, UP.Partners, R7, and Yamaha Motor Ventures. In the last year Range has also debuted its first powered 53’ dry van, completed third-party testing with MVTS showing 36.9% fuel efficiency, launched its Dealer Advisory Council with top commercial OEM dealers, and became the first trailer electrification platform eligible for California’s Clear Off-Road Equipment (CORE) voucher incentive project. TBB

Vanair expands jump pack capability

Whether that dead battery is in a Class 8 truck, off-highway yellow iron, transit bus, or military rolling stock, Vanair now has versatile adapter kits for its dual voltage Start•All Jump•Pack12/24V lithium-ion jump-starter by Goodall. The kits are designed to expand the capabilities of the jump pack, introduced last fall, as Jeff Steer, director of sales at Vanair, explained during a press conference at TMC.

“It’s probably the most powerful, safest, most reliable jump pack on the marketplace in its class and its price range,” Steer said. “The kits’ components are easy to install on our Start•All Jump•Packs existing cables and significantly broaden the scope, scale, and utility of these lightweight and portable jump pack solutions.”

connector and requisite components and cabling. The kits include simple instructions on how to install new male and female Lenco connectors on both the Start•All Jump•Pack’s existing cables and its existing alligator connectors. Once complete, users can easily transition from specialized NATO, Whitaker or Anderson charging capabilities back to traditional alligator clamps in seconds, by simply unplugging one set and plugging in the other.

Each kit comes complete with all the necessary components and easy instructions to quickly and flawlessly modify any Start•All Jump•Pack, enabling it to serve military, construction, mining and agricultural equipment, transit bus and everything from 6-liter gas and 4-liter diesel engines to 16-liter diesels and vocational vehicles of all kinds.

The Start•All Jump•Pack 12/24V offers up to 10,000/5000 Amps, 12/24-Volts and 166,500 joules5s of starting power, according to Vanair. Rugged and compact, these handheld devices are built to fit in tight spaces, allowing them to get between parked vehicles and go virtually anywhere a jump start is needed. Vanair’s three new adapter kits now make its Start•AllJump•Pack an all-purpose jump-starting tool, particularly for fleets with a mix of both specialized and traditional vehicles.

The NATO, Whitaker and Anderson adapter kits will be sold separately, and each comes with a corresponding

“Vanair’s Start•All Jump•Pack 12/24V helps fleets of all kinds do away with cumbersome AGM and lead acid battery jump starters that weigh hundreds of pounds and only have connectors for one type of vehicle,” said Steer. “Our Start•AllJump•Pack is a compact, lightweight unit, weighing only 18.5 lbs. and now offers a 12V and 24V starting solution for a vast array of vehicles—all in a single unit that can be hand carried anywhere.”

The Start•All Jump•Pack 12/24V also features Goodall Protect•All Safety Technology, making it easy to use on any vehicle and “practically impossible” for even novice technicians to reverse the polarity or apply the wrong voltage the company added. Protect•All Safety Technology includes built-in protection for reverse polarity; low voltage; short circuit; overheat; over-discharge, over-voltage; and open clamps.

The jump pack can be fully charged in about eight hours and has the charging power to jump up to 10 Class 8 trucks, depending on condition, Steer added.

“With the Start•All Jump•Pack 12/24V, jump-starting has never been more convenient,” said Steer, “and with our three new multi-vehicle adapter kits, it’s never been more accessible to fleets of all types.”

The kits are available through Vanair distributors. TBB

Photo: Vanair

HDNABI highlights regen technology

The centerpiece of the HDNABI display at TMC was the MA618 slider box equipped with the EMA24 Regen.

The system, which can be configured for low voltage to support liftgate batteries, or high voltage to support electric TRUs, is designed to be lighter than competing systems, coming in at 32 lbs. per tandem axle, as well more affordable, HDNABI CEO Yon Yu told Trailer/Body Builders. The units are aimed at customers who need to meet stricter emissions standards as in California, he noted.

And the company has more to come.

“This technology will not only be for the liftgate and reefer unit,” Yu said. “In bigger terms, we’re trying to trailer-generate additional electric to supply to the EV tractors. If you want EV tractors and comparable range to diesel, you have to install 30 tons of batteries—so it’s not really going to happen. So in Phase 2, we’re going to be generating electricity to increase the range of EV tractors 20-30%.”

Specifications

HDNABI MA816

• 48”X100”X9” Slider Box, Standard Hot Dip Galvanized

• Pin To Pin : 40” (1-5/8”)

• Optional Air Pin Puller Available

Strength requires unity and TTMA is all about promoting a shared understanding of the problems confronting all manufacturers.

NOTHING MOVES UNTIL YOU'RE ENGAGED. HELP GET THINGS ROLLING.

• Medium Arc. 355 Leaf Spring, 1-1/4” Spring Seat, 7/8” Bottom Plate (5”OD)

• 19” Adjuster & Fixed Torque Arm

• 20L Aluminium Tank

HDNABI Axle Assembly

• 77.5” Seamless 5”O.D., 25K, Parallel Spindle

• XS7 22XLT Equipped Ema24 Regen System

• Synchronized Dual-Piston 5 Gear Mechanism Caliper

• Continuous Wear Sensor Ready (CWS)

• Visual Wear Indicators On Calipers And Rotors

• Copper-Free High-Performance Brake Pads, 2025

Compliant

• Turbo-Flo, 430mm, Iron Rotor

• High-Performance Piston Brake Actuator / .20K Brake

Rating TBB

HDNABI featured the regen-equipped MA618 slider box at TMC.

Photo: Kevin Jones | Trailer/ Body Builders

Stellar unveils TMAX Mechanic Trucks and Accessories enhancements Truck Equipment

Stellar Industries showcased its latest innovations at 2024’s NTEA Work Truck Week, including significant enhancements to its TMAX Mechanic and Service Truck line. The company highlighted new bale-style pull-handles along with a range of other equipment designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Additionally, Stellar displayed a range of other products, including the NXT18 Hooklift, single-stage and two-stage reciprocating air compressors, a Hybrid Power Source (HPS) and a 880 Multi-tank Fuel Trailer. Stellar also allowed attendees to interact with 3-D configurators at the Stellar booth to better visualize how Stellar equipment can meet their specific needs.

“Our continuous dedication to listening to our customers and refining our product lines is evident in the enhancements we’ve made to the TMAX series and the other equipment we’re showcasing at Work Truck Week,” said Tim Worman, director of Project Management at Stellar. “At Stellar, we are always listening, always adapting and continuously striving to improve even the finest details to make our customers’ jobs better.”

handle design that allows users to activate the latches by grabbing the handle from either above or below. This easy-to-use design offers a more ergonomic and user-friendly experience.

Aimed at enhancing functionality and the user experience, other updates to the Stellar TMAX lineup included new boomtip lights on cranes, which offer a smaller profile to fit into tighter spaces and feature six LED lights for optimal brightness. Additionally, the TMAX’s new tailgate offers a cleaner aesthetic, while cabinet door enhancements that feature stronger hinges and thicker plates, enabling the doors to perform better in windy conditions, maintain rigidity as needed, and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Designed with user convenience and versatility in mind, the bale-style pull-handle toolbox system features a dual-action

Stellar also featured the addition of drawer sets in the rear workbench of the TMAX, providing additional storage space while still allowing for storage below, making it an ideal option for items such as chains, shovels, and sledgehammers that are not sensitive to getting bounced around. The relocation of the backup camera also lets operators have a clearer view of the hitch, facilitating smoother operations and allowing for a cleaner wiring path.

Ranger Design unveils new pick-up truck utility system

Ranger Design recently showcased prototypes of its latest pick-up truck utility system at NTEA Work Truck Week 2024. Launching through Ranger Design’s distributor network and manufactured in-house by the Ranger Design team, an initial product offering of rack and toolboxes is slated to be available fall 2024. The system’s cap, which can integrate with a heavy-duty utility rack, is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2025, with additional products to follow later in the year.

“Recently, we have observed that mobile tradespeople are increasingly opting for pick-up trucks as their vehicle of choice,” said Ron Cowie, Ranger Design

chief executive officer. “In this market, there is currently no fully compatible truck utility system. With this product line launch, we aim to streamline the lives of tradespeople, distributors, and installers by providing a true one-stop shop for pick-up truck professionals.”

The rack, toolboxes, and cap all serve as utility solutions that are easy to install and offer security for work truck users, Cowie noted.

For this new product line, clients and partners can expect rapid lead times, reliability, and customer service, the company affirmed.

Ranger Design also continues to innovate on the van equipment side,

Photo: Stellar Industries

Photo: Ranger Design

introducing a new floor and mounting platform for Brightdrop to prepare for the expanding electric vehicle market.

Vanair expands fleet power, efficiency offerings

Vanair unveiled a new power system that increases payload capacity and highlighted a recent acquisition that delivers fleet fuel and maintenance cost savings during NTEA’s Work Truck Week 2024.

The Indiana-headquartered mobile power solutions provider’s “groundbreaking” PTO-driven underdeck all-in-one power system includes an air compressor, generator, welder, battery charger, battery jump starter, and hydraulic power unit—all in one 550-lb. assembly mounted under the truck body. “It provides thousands of pounds of weight savings over the up to four machines it would replace, that typically would be mounted in either the load area or on top of the compartment space,” John Dunn, Vanair strategic manager for underdeck and utility, said during a March 7 news conference here at the Indiana Convention Center.

John Dunn, Vanair strategic manager for underdeck and utility, highlights the features, benefits, and applications of its new PTO-driven underdeck power system during Work Truck Week 2024 in Indianapolis.

Vanair’s new jobsite solution bundles big power inside a small package, while its January acquisition of Grip Idle Management, and its auto star-stop, idle-reducing technology, boosts work truck efficiency and sustainability.

“This particular acquisition allowed Vanair to acquire patented technology that further enhances our [ability] to extend vehicle life, reduce fuel costs, reduce maintenance costs, and reduce CO2 emissions in the work truck market,” said Dean Stratham, Vanair vice president of sales.

Space-saving utility

The company’s new PTO shaft-driven, multi-function system also features a new Sansgear hydraulic drive with two heavy-duty pullies, a heavy-duty cog belt, and precision bearings shrouded in a durable mud shield mounted to the rotary screw air compressor. The drive weighs half as much as its predecessor gearbox, is quieter, and provides 45% more power, unlocking 112 ft.-lbs. of torque and up to 30 gpm at 2,000 psi of working power, Dunn said. “That’s a tremendous amount of hydraulic power,” he attested.

The oil-flooded compressor creates 125-185 cfm of air power, the generator delivers 10 kW of AC electric power at 120- or 240-volt outputs, the welder provides 330 amps of weld capability for stick welders—with optional remote foot pedal control—and the system’s 12- and 24-volt battery charging and engine jump-starting capability is upgradable to optional 36- and 48-volt power, Dunn explained.

“This is all one component,” he emphasized.

The system also includes a control panel that mounts in the vehicle’s rear or side, “making it easy for the operator to access the welder controls, generator controls, welder plug-in leads, and outlets,” Dunn added.

Unmatched benefits

Benefits include the ability to free up extra bed space for tools and materials, enhance maneuverability, reduce maintenance requirements, free vehicle hitches, and save more than 2,000 lbs., Vanair reported. The all-in-one underdeck power system is designed for multiple markets, including utility, mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure work; and will be of particular interest to van upfitters, Dunn said. “You can get power solutions, but you don’t have to deal with exhaust or heat you typically have to deal with when trying to mount these machines in an enclosed-body application,” he said.

The system, priced at just under $30,000 installed, is available for delivery in July, Dunn said.

Driven underdeck power systems include the FailSafe dual sensory redundancy system as a standard feature. It guarantees an uninterrupted power supply by “seamlessly” switching to the backup unit in the event of a thermistor or transducer sensor failure. Furthermore, professionals can opt for the optional ThermalGuard weather protection kit, a patented design that preheats the compressor oil and regulators using the vehicle’s warm engine coolant.

The feature prevents oil starvation and freeze-ups during frigid conditions, further enhancing the overall system’s performance and reliability, Vanair said.

“We take great pride in offering unmatched cost savings and performance with our UltraLife air/oil separator element,” Dunn added in a news release. “This innovative element sets new industry standards with its extended lifespan of 6,000 hours, delivering up to six times more separator life compared to other units.”

Efficiency expansion

Grip Idle Management’s “cutting-edge” technology in idle management systems is designed to minimize fuel consumption, reduce engine hours, decrease emissions, and optimize overall fleet performance, Vanair said.

The technology integrates with Vanair’s EPEQ idle management in a “dynamic fusion” that unites the best of both systems, creating a seamless offering that sets a new technology standard.

Key advancements resulting from the acquisition, according to Vanair, include:

• Enhanced product portfolio

• Expanded technological capabilities

• Telematics integration

For more information, visit vanair.com

Photo: Jason McDaniel | Trailer/Body Builders

Kenworth introduces Paccar TX-12 PRO automated transmission

Kenworth introduced the new Paccar TX-12 PRO automated transmission for Class 6-7 and light Class 8 vocational applications at the NTEA Work Truck Week 2024. The Paccar TX-12 PRO builds upon the existing Paccar TX-12 transmission, which was designed to be one of the most efficient on-highway automated transmissions.

The new transmission is available with select Kenworth Class 8 models, including the T680 and T880 equipped with the Paccar MX-11 or Paccar PX-9 engines. The transmission will be available for Kenworth Classes 6-8 medium-duty models, including the T280, T380, and T480 equipped with the Paccar PX-9 engine, later this year. The TX-12 PRO is optimally engineered to operate with all MX-11 and PX-9 engine ratings—up to 445 hp, 1,700 ft.-lb. of torque, and 70,000 lbs. of gross combination vehicle weight.

The Paccar TX-12 PRO features many of the TX-18 PRO’s capabilities for vocational and select off-highway applications, including Paccar’s extreme-duty clutch for improved low-speed maneuvering, rock-free mode to help trucks get unstuck in mud or sand, an off-highway calibration tuned for changing soil conditions, and more. The 12-speed gear set provides wide ratio coverage, allowing for enhanced maneuverability around job sites.

“The new TX-12 PRO transmission is a welcomed addition to the Paccar transmission family and will be an excellent powertrain

Lincoln Electric launches latest multifunction engine drive

Lincoln Electric introduced the all-new Ranger Air 260MPX multifunction engine drive at Work Truck Week. Available later this year, the machine is many things: an air compressor, generator, battery charger, battery-jump assist, and multi-process welder all in one, according to the manufacturer. The compact machine eliminates the need to carry numerous pieces of power equipment on a service truck. Compared to other machines in its class, the Ranger Air 260MPX engine drive delivers performance across the board, in air compressor capabilities, clean auxiliary power and welding arc performance:

• The Vanair compressor delivers 40 cfm at 150 psi. With up to 30% more air than other machines in its class, operators are able to inflate tires faster and power anything up to a 1-in. impact wrench.

• The 26.5-hp Kohler Electronic Throttle Body Engine delivers 10 kW of continuous AC generator power to accommodate a variety of tools and equipment.

• Lincoln Electric’s field-proven welding arc control technology is built directly into the Ranger Air 260MPX to help

component for our vocational medium-duty customers and customers operating Class 8 trucks that are in light vocational applications which don’t require the power of the TX-18 PRO,” said Jim Walenczak, Kenworth general manager and Paccar VP.

“The TX-12 PRO builds off the proven technology of the TX-12 and TX-18 PRO to be an efficient and durable product for on- and off-highway applications.”

The TX-12 PRO offers dual PTO openings—a bottom mount 8-bolt and 4-bolt rear mount for a combined 95 hp capacity.

The transmission is equipped with an internal oil temperature sensor. The sensor shows transmission temperatures on the in-cab 15-in. digital display and provides driver notifications in situations causing excessive temperatures.

As with all Paccar TX-12 and TX-18 transmission models, the TX-12 PRO is standard with Kenworth’s driver-friendly column-mounted, right-hand shifter. The shifter places gear selection and engine brake controls at the driver’s fingertips for enhanced ergonomics, comfort, and overall performance.

Oil maintenance intervals for the TX-12 PRO are 250,000 miles, and the clutch is maintenance-free.

The TX-12 PRO joins Kenworth’s Paccar transmissions lineup, which includes the Paccar TX-12 automated transmission for fuel-efficient, on-highway applications; TX-18 and TX-18 PRO automated transmissions for high performance on-highway and off-highway applications; and the Paccar TX-8 automatic transmission standard on Kenworth’s medium-duty models. The Paccar TX-12 and TX-12 PRO will be available for Kenworth Class 6-8 medium-duty models equipped with the Paccar PX-9 engine later this year.

deliver a stable reliable arc. These include Ready.Set.Weld technology and ArcFX technology. Auto-stop/start technology with tap-to-start functionality enables the operator to save up to $1,200 in fuel and maintenance costs per year. For more information, visit www.lincolnelectric.com

Photo: NTEA

Photo: Paccar

EVENTS Calendar

April 21-23, 2024

IMHA Annual Convention 2024

Hilton Charlotte (NC) University Place www.milkhauler.org

April 24, 2024

TTMA 82nd Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX www.trucktrailer.org

April 28-May 1, 2024

AWPA Snow Conference, Kansas City (MO) Convention Center www.awpa.org

May 5-7, 2024

NTTC Annual Conference

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, NV www.tanktruck.org

May 6-9, 2024

Waste Expo

Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center www.wasteexpo.com

May 20-23, 2024

ACT Expo

Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center www.actexpo.com

June 2-5, 2024

Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference, Williamsburg Lodge & Conference Center Williamsburg, VA www.eufmc.com

August 21-22, 2024

ACT Research’s 71st Outlook Seminar, The Commons, Columbus, IN www.actresearch.net

August 27-29, 2024

North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) Trailer Show

Music City Center, Nashville, TN www.natda.org

September 9-11, 2024

Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) Intermodal EXPO

Long Beach Convention Center

Long Beach, CA www.intermodalexpo.com

September 9-12, 2024

FTR Transportation Conference, Union Station, Indianapolis, IN www.ftrconference.com

September 24, 2024

NTEA Executive Leadership Conference, Saint John’s Resort, Plymouth, MI www.ntea.com

October 9-11, 2024

NTDA 34th Annual Conference, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa Indian Wells, CA www.ntda.org

October 12-15, 2024

ATA Management Conference & Exhibition Music City Center, Nashville, TN mce.trucking.org

October 15-16, 2024

2024 Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky, OH www.ntea.com

October 15-17, 2024

November

PEOPLE

Truck, trailer, and body OEMs

M.H. Eby hired Peter Miller as the company’s newest senior director of business development for the Southeast Region. Miller’s new responsibilities will include working with the Eby executive team to develop new market strategies, increase product sales, and pursue business and growth opportunities. Before joining M.H. Eby, Miller served on the leadership team at ProTech Industries for over 34 years.

Annette Clayton has been nominated for the Oshkosh Corp. board. The chairwoman and former president and CEO of Schneider Electric North America, Clayton previously served in various leadership positions with Dell and senior management roles with General Motors Corporation, and currently serves as the director of NXP Semiconductors N.V., Duke Energy Corporation, and Nordson Corporation.

Phillips Corporate has promoted Sara Wissmueller to chief information officer. Wissmueller will continue to handle responsibilities within Phillips Connect, including cloud infrastructure, data warehouse development and support, and customer support, while also managing tasks in Phillips Industries. Prior to her appointment she worked as vice president of Information Technology at Phillips Connect.

Suppliers and distributors

Polar King Mobile appointed Danny Gaviria as national sales manager. In his role, Gaviria will work to expand PKM’s market presence and continue to grow the company’s network. Additionally, he will continue to work as a business professor at the University of La Verne. Gaviria joins Polar King Mobile after serving as Air-Tow Trailers’ marketing manager.

Fleet brands

Tony Wheel has joined J.J. Keller & Associates as its newest executive vice president of Manufacturing & Supply Chain. Succeeding Tim Little, who will retire on July 1, 2024, Wheel will oversee a team across all Global Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Distribution operations. Prior to joining J.J. Keller, Wheel was a leader at Oshkosh Corporation and his background covers operations, engineering, and product design. Wheel also served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve as a Logistics Corps Officer.

Associations

Gregg Boucher is now the Precision Metalforming Association’s Chairman of the Board. Besides his new role, Boucher is also the group chief operating officer of Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals. He succeeds the outgoing Board Chair Jeff Aznavorian, president of Clips & Clamps Industries. As Chair of the board, Boucher will work with a strategy consultant and PMA president David Klotz on long-term strategy for the organization.

Services

Thunder Creek appointed Shawna Hayes as its latest national accounts manager. In her new role, Hayes will serve strategic and national accounts and support the organization’s sales team in serving dealers and clients. Prior to joining Thunder Creek, she worked as the senior technical account representative and OEM business development manager for an American producer of lubricants, additives, and related components.

Merchants Fleet hired Adam Rowell as regional sales manager for the Northeast region of the company’s Truck Rental Division. Rowell brings his experience holding several sales and business development management positions for Ryder Systems to his new role, and will be working from Charleston, South Carolina. Additionally, he holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Bockport.

Obituaries

Don Henthorn, owner and founder of BendPak Inc., recently passed away at the age of 85. Current management and operations for the company are unchanged, as Henthorn transitioned day-to-day management to the company’s current leadership in 2022. He continued to serve as chairman emeritus even after the transition, continuing his legacy of hard work and innovation. Henthorn is survived by his wife, Ginger; daughter, Susan; and his grandchildren.

Shawna Hayes

Danny Gaviria

Peter Miller

Tony Wheel

Gregg Boucher

Don Henthorn

Sara Wissmueller

Adam Rowell

T h e B o t t o m D u m p i s e n g i n e e r e d t o b e l i g h t w e i g h t , y e t r u g g e d a n d s t r o n g .

I t ’s l i g h t w e i g h t c r o s s - b r a c i n g a n d g u s s e t d e s i g n m i n i m i z e s t h e t w i s t i n g a n d f l e x i n g

i n c r i t i c a l s t r e s s a r e a s w h i l e d e l i v e r i n g m a x i m u m w e i g h t s a v i n g s .

T h i s t r a i l e r c a n h a u l m o r e p a y l o a d s t h a n e v e r b e f o r e .