3/30/21

Event Partners and Sponsors to Feature Multiple Education Sessions on Electrification, Last Mile Shipping and More


ATLANTA – Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA) and Newcom Business Media, organizers of the North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV Show), announced today that America’s premier commercial fleet event will be held on September 28-30, 2021, showcasing again the innovative spirit of the industry while further improving the value and ROI for attending fleets and exhibiting companies alike. The NACV Show 2021 will allow attendees to engage with global exhibitors to experience emerging technologies from battery operated trucks to electric trailers, cutting-edge maintenance solutions and components.

Education: Electric Trucks, Last Mile and More

NACV Show 2021 builds on the 2019 event’s success with the addition of multiple education sessions. One such highlight of this year’s event will be the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and RMI presentation of the results of Run on Less – Electric, a three-week roadshow that will showcase electric trucks in everyday operation. This culmination of the Run on Less – Electric program will feature feedback and analysis from the 10 dedicated study drivers and educational sessions from the OEMs, technology providers, fleet management and shipping companies participating in this year’s study.

“NACFE is excited to again partner with the NACV Show for the finale of our upcoming Run on Less – Electric demonstration. As we did in 2017 and 2019, this third Run will now allow us to share benefits and challenges that pioneering companies are experiencing with early deployment of battery electric trucks. Those pioneers will be with us in Atlanta to help share their knowledge and experience with attendees so they can learn directly from them,” said Mike Roeth, Executive Director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency.

Also, in the electric truck space, attendees will hear from today’s thought leaders and technology innovators who will address electrification opportunities and challenges, including how to plan for and transition to electric fleets. Speakers will discuss the latest data about how the industry is paving the way to zero emissions and highlight real world case studies about what electric vehicles will look like in a variety of scenarios.

Freightwaves’ “Last Mile” education program will also be part of this year’s lineup. This complimentary education for all NACV Show 2021 fleet attendees will include content from OEMs and fleets addressing today’s challenges and opportunities in Last Mile shipping, particularly the unique challenges and opportunities created over the last 18 months.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our team in the development of this year’s NACV Show event,” said Ed Nichols, Vice President of the NACV Show. “Through months of research and interviews the team has really developed a ‘fleet first’ event, addressing the educational needs of our attending fleets, not only topically, but in the format and from the perspectives they want and need.”

Nichols also shared that the list of partners and content will continue to grow. “We encourage attendees to stay tuned for updates on this year’s education program, which is specifically geared towards helping them immediately improve and build their business,” added Nichols.

Safely Gathering in September

HFUSA continues to work closely with NACV Show partners and stakeholders, local and state authorities and the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) on implementing safety protocols for September’s event.

The GWCC is a GBAC STAR™ accredited facility, which has established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like COVID-19. As an accredited facility, GWCC has put in place the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices to combat biohazards and infectious disease; and employs highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response. View the GWCC’s extensive plan of enhanced safety measures and operational changes at www.gwcca.org/returnplan.

“Hannover Fairs USA and Newcom Business Media are dedicated to ensuring a safe and successful event for all involved. We are developing and will continually communicate the details of our safety plan to the NACV Show community,” said Nichols.

Registration to attend NACV Show 2021 will open on March 22. For more information, please go to

www.nacvshow.com

About The North American Commercial Vehicle Show

The North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV Show) www.nacvshow.com is a B2B exhibition focused on fleet decision makers and key influencers in the commercial vehicle industry. The NACV Show has been designated a Gold 100 Awards honoree by Trade Show Executive, a top (trade show) industry publication honoring the largest and most accomplished trade shows of the year. Leading truck & trailer manufacturers and commercial vehicle parts, technology and components suppliers will demonstrate their latest product offerings and fleet technology innovations during the NACV Show 2021 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from September 28-30.

3/24/21

The importance of fuel economy


Getting good fuel economy is important regardless of the price of fuel, but some fleets take their eyes off the prize when fuel prices dip. Here are 10 ways to improve a fleet’s fuel economy.

According to the American Transportation Research Institute’s An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking: 2020 Update, fuel represents 24% of a fleets average marginal operating cost. To put it another way, that $0.50 per gallon increase equates to an additional $7,000 per truck per year. You can do the math from here to figure out what that number is fleet wide. It’s going to be a big number.

Learn more at: https://www.fleetowner.com/industry-perspectives/ideaxchange/article/21158063/the-importance-of-fuel-economy


3/22/21

2022 Ford Super Duty gets bigger touchscreen and more package options


Whether it comes to your home or truck, it’s hard to beat a big screen.

The 2022 F-250 has become Ford’s latest pickup to get the automaker’s 12-inch touch screen with SYNC 4 which will come standard on Lariat and above models.

Physical controls will accompany the screen to allow for quick access to commonly used functions. And that’s a smart idea since flipping through screens can be a pain not to mention the haze of fingerprints that often builds up on the screen from constant touching.  

Learn more at:   https://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/pickup-trucks/article/15064243/2022-ford-super-duty-gets-bigger-touchscreen-and-more-package-options

3/20/21

GETTING INTO YOUR TRUCK SHOULDN’T FEEL LIKE CLIMBING MOUNT EVEREST


 That’s why AMP Research invented the Powerstep™, the automatic, electric-powered running board that instantly extends when you open your door, and retracts out of sight when the doors close for improved ground clearance, aerodynamics and appearance. Its sleek design, all-weather performance and legendary reliability set the industry standard.

3/18/21

Commercial Van Equipment & Upfits by Ranger Design


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

3/15/21

3/14/21

NEW TECH, NEW STYLES: UPGRADED FORD SUPER DUTY GETS SYNC 4, 12-INCH SCREEN, LARIAT SPORT AND BLACK APPEARANCE PACKAGES


  • The 2022 Ford Super Duty increases customer convenience, connectivity and personalization with an available 12-inch touch screen plus cloud-connected SYNC® 4 featuring wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as well as connected navigation
  • Available new Lariat Sport Appearance Package adds style with body-color grille, bumpers and mirrors for customers who prefer less chrome. The popular Black Appearance Package expands availability to XLT trims
  • New colors are available inside and out, including a Baja interior for Lariat and Navy Pier and Light Slate interior for Limited, plus a new Atlas Blue exterior color

DEARBORN, Mich., March 8, 2021 – Ford, America’s truck leader for 44 consecutive years, is rolling out smart and stylish upgrades for the 2022 F-Series Super Duty as it continues to offer the highest available payload, and max conventional and fifth-wheel towing.

“Super Duty customers aren’t just working harder these days, they are also working smarter,” said Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group Marketing manager. “We’re further helping our customers raise their game and get the job done with purposeful technology through the introduction of SYNC 4 with a larger 12-inch screen and 24x7 cloud connectivity for both their truck and mobile devices.”

The all-new, landscape-oriented 12-inch center touch screen with SYNC® 4 is standard on Lariat and above models, with physical controls below for quick access to commonly used functions. Occupants can easily multitask functions by splitting the screen to see navigation, music, truck features and the new digital owner’s manual.

With twice the computing power of the previous-generation system, all-new SYNC 4 can wirelessly connect smartphones without the USB cord for seamless integration of Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ compatibility, as well as SYNC AppLink® apps. Customers can interact with the truck using more conversational natural voice control to ask for points of interest or delays along a route. SYNC voice control and a 4.2-inch center screen remains standard on the XL series trucks with SYNC 3 available while an 8-inch center touch screen and SYNC 3 are standard on XLT.

“These additions build on the major updates we made for 2020 and we keep working hard to bring the best in capability and productivity to assist our hardworking Super Duty customers everyday,” said Eckert.

Tough never looked so good

For 2022, Super Duty offers a new stylish Lariat Sport Appearance Package that includes body-color bumpers, exterior mirrors and grille, as well as a chrome exhaust tip and black platform running boards.

The wildly popular Black Appearance Package is now being made available for XLT models for 2022. This includes 20-inch Ebony Black painted premium wheels, body-color front and rear bumpers, grille bars, and six-inch Ebony Black running boards – even the front and rear Blue Ovals have been painted black. The Black Appearance Package will be available fall 2021.

New colors available inside and out include a Baja interior for Lariat, a Navy Pier and Light Slate interior for Limited, and an Atlas Blue exterior color.

The current-generation Super Duty is the toughest, most powerful, most capable Super Duty, with an available 7.3-liter V8 with the most gas horsepower and torque in its class* – 430 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. The available third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8 delivers 1,050 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class* 475 horsepower. Super Duty’s capabilities speak for themselves, with maximum gooseneck towing of up to 37,000 pounds, best-in-class* maximum fifth-wheel towing of 32,500 pounds, best-in-class* maximum conventional towing of 24,200 pounds and best-in-class* maximum payload capacity of 7,850 pounds.

Super Duty is available with a variety of standard and optional Co-Pilot360™ features to help assist in keeping work as safe as possible. Hill start assist is standard on all Super Duty trim levels. To help you stay in your lane, Lane-Keeping Alert is available on XL and XLT and standard on above models. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking comes standard on XLT and above trims and alerts you of potential collisions with vehicles in your path. Available Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage monitors for vehicles in blind spots – even with one next to your trailer. Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Steering and 360-Degree camera are all available features to help on every job.

2022 Ford Super Duty is proudly built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio and will be available this summer.

# # #

*Class is full-size pickups over 8,500 pounds GVWR

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford trucks, utility vehicles, and cars – increasingly including electrified versions – and Lincoln luxury vehicles; provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company; and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected vehicle services.  Ford employs approximately 186,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

3/12/21

2021 Ford F-600 offers medium-duty benefits in smaller frame


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

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

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

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

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

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


3/10/21

Knapheide Customer Story: Gorilla Truck Box

 “It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it.



For James Longley, dirty jobs have kept him in business for the past two decades.

Longley owns and operates Professional Cleaning Supply, Inc. (PCS) and its subsidiary, Gorilla Truck Box, in Oklahoma. PCS, founded in 2000, specializes in providing supplies for professional carpet cleaning companies, auto detailers, and those who work in restorative services focusing on fire and water restoration and mold remediation.

Though the lineup of cleaning products and accessories offered to PCS customers was meeting their needs, a practical transportation solution for these professionals was an entirely different story altogether.

“We had the supplies, tools, and equipment for these businesses, but there were no good service vehicles that were customized for our industry,” recalls Longley.

Options did exist, but none were specifically tailored to meet the needs of these particular industries. Dissatisfied with that fact, Gorilla Truck Box was born.

“We saw utility vehicles for plumbers, electricians, HVAC, etc., but nothing designed for the professional carpet cleaners and restoration companies,” says Longley. “Our industry was always trying to take a standard box truck or van and make it conform to our industry needs, which created a very disorganized vehicle at best.”

Not only was lack of organization a catalyst for creating an industry-specific body, practicality and efficiency also played significant key roles.

“In the carpet cleaning and restoration industry, doors on vans and trucks must stay open when a gas engine is needed to power equipment and tools, which gives easy access for thieves to steal tools not bolted down,” says Longley. “With Gorilla Truck Box, we built compartments that are lockable with the push of a button, securing all the tools.”

Utilizing his extensive experience and knowledge of the industry, Longley began drawing up concepts for a custom truck body that would provide ample storage for supplies and adequate space for common equipment used by these professionals. The overarching theme for the design was “to have a place for everything and everything in its place.”

As is with most inventive endeavors, the process of bringing this creation to life was trial and error.

“We began building Gorilla Truck Box in 2013 with another builder,” says Longley. “After a couple years, we became dissatisfied with a number of quality issues that continued to happen with that builder. So, we started researching other manufacturers.”

Requiring a manufacturing company that understood his vision and mission for the highest standard of quality, Longley says he was thrilled to finally discover Knapheide, the company that would work with him to bring his idea to life.

Like all customers seeking custom creations, Knapheide collaborated with Longley to build a unique body according to his specifications that would better serve those in the industries he serves.

“We were very impressed from the start with Knapheide,” he recalls. “They flew us to their headquarters in Quincy and gave us a tour of the manufacturing plant. We were truly impressed with their ability to laser cut steel, and were especially pleased with the anti-corrosion E-Coat process. Even Bo Knapheide came by and spoke with us.”

That visit to Knapheide easily solidified Longley’s decision to collaborate with Knapheide for the creation of Gorilla Truck Box, and the partnership began soon thereafter in 2015.

Knapheide was confident in the ability to bring Longley’s vision to fruition and provide the quality product he had previously lacked. To do so, Longley had extensive meetings with Knapheide personnel, particularly the engineering staff.

“I must say, I was very impressed with our first meeting with the engineers,” says Longley. “They were incredibly knowledgeable and informative. I have been especially impressed with Rick Terford, Supervisor Application Engineering. He has been there to help us with any changes and small issues along the way.”

The first Gorilla Truck Boxes, an order of four units, were rolled off the assembly line in 2016. Since then, customers across the country have come to rely on Gorilla upfits to get the job done. Longley has even seen his upfits expand beyond the typical vocations he serves.

“Our trucks are mainly sold to the professional carpet cleaning and restoration companies,” Longley explains. “We have also sold our trucks to plumbers who install motorized “jetters” (an apparatus used to remove and clean out buildup in drain lines) and pressure washing companies.”

Knapheide manufactures three different Gorilla Truck boxes to serve this particular market, each offering configurations, features, and options that provide users the most efficient and effective upfit for operations of any size.

“The highest cost of any service company is labor. The faster the employee can complete a task, the higher the profit,” says Longley. “We believe good organization is the key to productivity. Knowing where your tools are and being able to access them quickly speeds up the job process. And time is money.”

With that in mind, the company’s partnership with Knapheide continues to be one of great success.

“We named it Gorilla Truck Box because we wanted to let customers know that our products are tough, durable, well-built truck boxes, built to last for many years,” Longley says. “With partners like Knapheide, we believe we have achieved that goal.”

Relationships like those with Gorilla Truck Box show that a custom solution for any need exists through working with Knapheide to bring visions to life. No matter your needs, Knapheide is here to help customers across the country by creating an ideal solution to serve practically any vocation.

If you’re interested in creating a custom body with us, get started today by visiting knapheide.com.

For more information on Gorilla Truck Box, visit gorillatruckbox.com.

SOURCE: https://www.knapheide.com/main-blog/customer-story-gorilla-truck-box/



3/08/21

Finish Strong: Extended Version | Super Bowl LV Commercial | Ford


#FinishStrong is the latest effort by Ford to support those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford has been a leader in COVID mitigation efforts since April 2020 and one of the first manufacturers to pivot toward making personal protective equipment (PPE). Ford has committed to donating 120 million masks to communities and organizations with limited access to personal protective equipment. As of February 1, 2021, Ford, in partnership with the UAW, has produced and distributed over 60 million masks to nonprofit organizations, state and local officials, first responders, schools, community groups and Ford dealerships in all 50 states. Learn more here: http://ford.to/39DmamF

3/06/21

Knapheide Aluminum Body Manufacturing Plant


The Knapheide Manufacturing Company in Quincy has been going strong for 170 years & is still looking towards the future. They have recently completed construction of a new aluminum truck bed manufacturing & assembly plant with an eye toward further global development. Come see the new plant & hear from the Knapheide family themselves about their history & their future in this episode

SOURCE: Illinois Stories Knapheide New Plant WQEC TV PBS Quincy

3/04/21

Curt ShockDrop™ Technology | Comfortable, Controlled, Confident Towing


ShockDrop™ technology is a cushion hitch system designed to enhance your comfort, control and confidence when towing a trailer. It is comprised of an innovative, flexible polyurethane isolator that dynamically adapts to bumps, potholes and uneven surfaces on the road. It suppresses rattling, vibrations, jerking and jarring at the coupling point to provide you with a superior towing experience.

ShockDrop™ technology is engineered to be the next generation of towing products, offering valuable benefits for professionals and enthusiasts alike. ShockDrop™ is integrated into a growing line of CURT products, enabling a variety of lifestyles for a more enjoyable towing experience.

ShockDrop™ provides enhanced control in your driving by counteracting the effects of uneven roads. It also helps increase the driver’s control over the vehicle in events of sudden braking and combats the tendency for undesirable trailer sway. ShockDrop™ technology is also a benefit to the life of your vehicle and towing equipment. The cushion isolator reduces the strain of towing on your vehicle’s brakes and suspension system to promote longevity. Compared to other cushion hitch solutions, ShockDrop™ is lighter-weight, putting less stress on your receiver hitch.

For maximum confidence, ShockDrop™ technology is engineered for simplicity. Each product is designed to be virtually maintenance-free. The cushion isolator is thoroughly tested for thousands of cycles, and it won’t wear out like competitive solutions that use an airbag or bearings.

3/02/21

Highway Products, Inc. Truckslides™ Are Engineered to Take a Beating


Highway Products Truck Slides™ are specifically designed for rugged work conditions. Over-engineered and over-built, every Truck Slide™ is made from premium metal and components. The Fully Formed Aluminum Tray has no weak points to crack and can be left in the elements without concern for deterioration. 10 Gauge Galvanized Steel tracks with oversized 2” Sealed Chrome Steel Bearings provide a smooth and durable extension of the tray. The ¼” Hot-rolled solid steel pull handle actuates a rocker that disengages ¼” spring-loaded steel plungers from multiple locking points in the tracks.