CK Power Knapheide Customer Story

CK Power began in 1976, with roots dating back nearly 90 years – always focused on diesel and gas engines, and power generation. Watch how the business utilizes Knapheide truck bodies to increase their success.

Kargo Master- Cargo Van Equipment

Kargo Master provide the best in truck and commercial van ladder racks, equipment, and accessories. We offer streamlined styling without compromising strength or security.

Learn more at:

http://www.kargomaster.com/

3 Misconceptions about Advanced Composite Truck Body Construction

 

For years, metal construction has dominated the truck body industry conversation. Steel and aluminum have proven to be safe choices as fleets look to deliver in the toughest environments. But where does fiberglass-based composite construction rank in this mix? Frankly, pretty high on the list. These modern day wonders often exceed the performance of steel and aluminum truck bodies in head-to-head comparisons. But the myths surrounding these composites persist. Below we address a few of these.

1) Advanced Composites Can’t Handle the Most Demanding Work

Lack of toughness. Often this comes to the minds of fleet managers when considering composites as an option for purchase. However, this thinking has proven to be unfounded. Why? Because advanced fiberglass-based composites have a unique combination of lightweight construction and high-strength performance. In fact, some of the largest service companies in the U.S. opt for advanced composite service and line bodies. So, ultimately, we are talking about some seriously demanding conditions. Additionally, fiberglass composite trucks are compatible with most crane and aerial applications – again another key test in strength and durability. And advanced fiberglass composite material won’t dent, bend, crack or corrode, even in the worst climate conditions. When you add in the fuel savings received as a result of composites’ light weight construction, these advanced bodies should be considered on the modern fleet manager’s short list.

2) They’re Difficult to Repair

Repairing damaged fiberglass composites may seem to be a difficult task. In reality, this is not the case as composites are far easier to repair than steel or aluminum bodies. With some common tools, most damage can be isolated and repaired with a few key steps. Basic tools required include a buffing wheel, an orbital sander, a putty knife, some industrial tape, a straight edge for smoothing, and a utensil for mixing. In general, when compared to a steel or aluminum bodies, the repair effort is significantly more simple. And with composites, the smaller damaged area can be isolated, cutout and repaired…unlike metal bodies where bent steel or aluminum often requires full section repairs. With some basic body shop work your composite body will show no evidence of repair.

3) Composites are Pricey

Another misconception relates to affordability. Sure, composite bodies are more expensive than steel and aluminum on the front-end. And some might assume that because steel and aluminum bodies require a lower initial investment, that they are more cost effective. This simply isn’t true. A few key factors support the opinion that composites are the smarter investment:

•     The long life of the composite body (averaging 20+ years), and the ability to transfer composite bodies from one chassis to another.
•     Fuel savings from the lightweight design, which can equal up to $1,600 per year for a single truck driven only 25,000 miles.
•     Reduced routine maintenance costs because of the reduced stress forced on brakes, shocks, and suspension components.

A final thought – myths and misconceptions can lead to purchase decisions that might not be the right fit or the smartest financial move for your company or fleet. Know the facts and make the move to advanced fiberglass composites. Because modernizing your fleet can be this simple.

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Ben Rookey
Marketing Manager at BrandFX Body Company

Happy Holidays from Hansel Ford Commercial Fleet

Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday 
and a Very Happy New Year

West Coast Fleets Deploy XL Hybrid Electric Technology to Save Fuel, Reduce Emissions

Los Angeles County, Cities of Long Beach and Seattle electrify fleets to improve MPG and promote sustainability

BOSTON -  XL, the leader in connected vehicle electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, is upfitting a combined 38 hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric trucks and vans for the City of Seattle, Los Angeles County and the City of Long Beach to improve fleet efficiency, increase MPG and reduce CO2 emissions. The municipalities expect to see a 25 percent increase in MPG on hybrid electric models and a 50 percent MPG increase in plug-in hybrid electric models compared to their standard gasoline fleet vehicles. The orders represent the first hybrid electric cargo and passenger van purchases for Los Angeles County and the City of Long Beach.

The West Coast of the United States has some of the most stringent emissions regulations and aggressive sustainability targets in the nation, and these three municipalities are among those making a long-term commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their fleet vehicles with XL hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) electrification systems. With XL’s Fleet-Ready™ electrification technology, customers can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions without needing to invest in additional charging or fueling infrastructure, and with no impact on vehicle performance or driver requirements.

For example, California’s goalis to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent to reach 1990 levels by the year 2030, advancing the state’s leadership in alternative fuels and clean energy usage. Additionally, the City of Seattleis working to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by the year 2025.

XL hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric technologies both leverage regenerative braking to capture and store energy during the braking process, and provide electric torque for acceleration. The company’s plug-in hybrid system, which leverages a 15 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, can be charged using standard wall outlets, or level 1 and 2 chargers. Following is what the municipalities are saying about their work with XL:

John Seevers, the City of Long Beach’s acquisitions superintendent (8 PHEV Ford F-150’s, 11 HEV Ford cargo vans): “We are always striving to be a leader in leveraging alternative fuel options for all applicable vehicle purchases. XL provides our fleet with cost-effective fleet electrification technology for our fire department, public service, parks department and other applications to help us save fuel and achieve our sustainability goals.”

Mike Quan, C.P.M for the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department - Fleet Services (6 HEV Ford cargo vans): “The XLH system is helping us to be in line with the California greenhouse gas reduction standards for the vehicles we use in the County. And the XL Link telematics program will allow us to measure and analyze speed, idling, vehicle drive cycle, CO2 emissions reductions and MPG.”

Andrea Pratt, Green Fleet Program Manager of City of Seattle (13 HEV Ford ambulances and cargo vans): “We are constantly looking for ways to reduce fuel and emissions, but most options come with a heavy price tag. XL, however, does not have high incremental costs, and it’s an easy technology to incorporate, so our partnership with the company allows us to stay competitive with our green technology and work towards our sustainability goals.”

“The aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are driving the priorities for many state fleets and utilities,” said Clay Siegert, co-founder and chief operating officer of XL. “The XL technology is one of the few ways that local city and county fleets can immediately move closer toward these goals in a cost-effective and scalable way, without having to wait for charging or alternative fueling infrastructure to catch up to vehicle demand.”

The XL team will showcase its XLH hybrid-electric Ford F-250 and XLP plug-in hybrid electric Ford F-150 at the Government Fleet Expo in San Diego, California, June 4-7. Attendees can see the new Super Duty hybrid pickup truck in booth 920 and register to drive the plug-in hybrid F-150 during the Ride & Drive on June 4. For more information about XL fleet electrification technology, fleet managers can also contact sales@xlfleet.com.

About

XL is the leader in connected fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, relied on by customers such as The Coca-Cola Company, Verizon, Yale University and the City of Boston. XL’s fleet customers can increase fuel economy by up to 25 percent and 50 percent respectively for Class 2 to 6 commercial fleets, as well as decrease operating costs, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and meet sustainability goals with zero impact on fleet operations or service. For more information, visit www.xlfleet.com or on Twitter @XLFleet.

Source:  http://www.xlfleet.com/content/news-and-events/news-releases/west-coast-fleets-deploy-xl-hybrid-electric-technology-to-save-fuel-reduce-emissions/

Experience DiamondBack: Theft Protection

Check out how DiamondBack Truck Covers provide your bed with theft protection that's second to none. Peace of mind knowing your gear is safe is a great feeling.

Harbor Does Custom BIG TIME!!! - Harbor Truck Body

Warren Mason with Harbor Truck Body shows off a custom Workmaster with all types of LED lighting and space galore. This was made custom per the customers request and specifications. See more at http://www.harbortruck.com