“Fleet managers should think long-term when specifying doors for truck bodies and trailers,” says Lynne Bosh, marketing manager at Todco. “Longer lasting technologies are now available in a variety of door models to produce higher than ever levels of durability, enhance appearance and reduce costs.”
In particular, according to Bosh, Todco offers its EverWare line of interior and exterior door hardware. The three-layer coating process includes a zinc base, a proprietary mineral coat and a finish topcoat that provides for improved corrosion and abrasion resistance and results in a paintable, more durable uniform appearance.
Todco products include the WeatherTite composite overhead door designed with a polycomposite material that prevents water penetration. Impervious to moisture, according to the manufacturer, the WeatherTite door eliminates swelling, warping, finish delamination and rotting. In addition, the doors do not have through rivets on center hinges, giving them a smooth surface for paint and decals.
WeatherTite doors also feature panel joints designed to form a better water barrier with a unique joint configuration that forces water flow downward. Standard side, bottom and rubber head seals on the doors all provide weather protection.
Todco ToughShell wooden doors feature a coating designed to address the problem of moisture intrusion and to enhance paint adhesion, the company notes. The Structural Polymer Overlay (SPO) coating is formulated to expand and contract along with wooden overhead doors.
Whiting Door Manufacturing Corp. also is addressing fleet needs for long-term value, notes Chuck Oakes, corporate director of sales. “To prevent rust and corrosion,” he says, “we E-Coat all door hardware. The automotive quality corrosion protection process has been proven superior to galvanized or cadmium plating in independent salt spray tests and over-the-road evaluations.”
Whiting’s full line of doors includes plywood, stainless steel and composite models. The manufacturer’s Hinged Truss Dry Freight Door features double wall aluminum extruded panels that readily accept automotive quality paint and decals. The doors are designed with sealed tongue-and-groove joints and standard top, bottom and side seals.
Whiting’s Hingeless Truss Dry Freight Door, the company notes, is designed specifically for fleets interested in projecting a high quality image. Constructed of double wall aluminum extruded panels, the door features no protruding hardware on either side and an outside face that will accept a high quality, automotive-type finish ideal for decals and lettering.
When specifying truck body and trailer doors, fleet managers should work closely with manufacturers to determine the best choice for efficiency and productivity, longevity, image enhancement and ultimately, resale value.
Liftgates
Specifying the correct liftgate can increase efficiency and productivity in loading and unloading operations, and create a safer operating environment. Effective specifications are based on the type, weight and size of the cargo that is being handled, and include platform size, type and capacity, and the number of times per day the driver will use the liftgate.
Liftgate manufacturers offer an extensive selection of models and designs in a wide range of capacities.
The Thieman Toplifter series liftgate (TT-15) has recently been improved, the company said, with a new lift capacity, a new bumper and reduced maintenance requirements. The TT-15 liftgate with the 42-in. or 44-in. platform is rated with a 1,500-lb. capacity.
| Trailer Inspections The trailer suspension experts at Hendrickson International suggest a regular inspection as follows: Daily inspections A quick look to verify: • A level trailer • Correct ride height This inspection will help detect obvious problems, but a closer inspection can detect broken or loose parts before any serious problems appear. 30-day inspections 90-day inspections |
The unit has Nitrotec Pins and Polylube Bushings standard at all pivot points, Thieman said, adding this means there is no need to do the frequent grease jobs that other liftgates require. Reduced maintenance features practically eliminate maintenance time and costs usually associated with liftgate ownership.
The TT-15 now comes standard with a two-piece bumper for use with frame attached receivers. A 5,000-lb. tow rated bumper also can be ordered from Thieman to meet your towing needs.
Standard features include dual cylinders for maximum lifting capacity and stability. Torsion Assist is included on all 42-in. deep steel platforms for easier opening and closing. Th maker added available options on the TT-15 include a variety of platform materials (expanded metal, aluminum extrusions and two-piece folding), light kit, in-cab shut off switch and remote pendant controls.According to SAF-Holland, its product line provides solutions to a wide range of fleet delivery applications, offering everything from direct hydraulic twin column liftgates to foldaway liftgates, with capacities ranging from 6,600 to 2,500 lbs. They come standard with SAF-Holland’s Black Armour metal treatment, which prevents corrosion and “rust creep” by chemically bonding with the surface of the metal.
Units also feature a unique level-ride system that ensures a level loading platform, even with heavy offset loads; column and curbside controls on the DH Series, which provide convenient and time saving operations; and simple and reliable electrical and hydraulic systems, which keep maintenance and repair costs to a minimum, SAF-Holland added.
| For more information: Anthony Liftgates — www.anthonyliftgates.com Eaglelift (Palfinger) — www.eagleliftgates.com Holland (SAF-Holland Group) — www.safholland.us Interlift (Palfinger) — www.interlift.net Leyman Manufacturing Corp. — www.leymanlift.com Maxon Lift Corp. — www.maxonlift.com Thieman Tailgates — www.thieman.com Tommy Gate Co. — www.tommygate.com Ultron — www.ultronlift.com Waltco — www.waltcoliftgates.com |
The company noted its new Gravity Down-on-Demand feature was introduced the first of this year and is now standard on all Holland DH Series liftgates. The new feature, allows operators to select between power down and gravity down depending on the delivery conditions. In warmer climates, or during warmer seasons, the Gravity Down-on-Demand feature makes economical sense, as it uses only minimal power, which also minimizes the drain on the vehicle batteries and will ultimately save fuel.
Paints, finishes and decals get attention
By D. Michael Pennington
Fleet management’s selection of a coating comes down to determining the right balance between performance and value. “Ten years ago, single-stage topcoats were the primary technology used by OEMs,” says Alan McConachie, DuPont Performance Coatings. “Today, approximately 70% of the trucks that roll off production lines are finished with a basecoat/clearcoat application, and this trend will continue to increase. Basecoat/clearcoat finishes allow manufacturers to offer brighter colors that feature more luxurious effects.”
Commercial coatings also continue to push the boundaries of performance. Today’s coatings are much more durable and feature improved chip, scratch and chemical resistance. However, selecting the right coating can be difficult considering the technology advancements in the past decade.
“A fleet manager seeks long-term durability of the coating system,” says Joseph Whitesell, industry manager of truck and bus, Automotive OEM and Refinish Solutions for BASF Corp. “A basecoat/clearcoat system will generally hold its gloss and color better than an enamel system, but it also is more expensive due to the labor involved and the process, as well as the materials.”
“Fleet managers should balance cost and quality when choosing paint finishing and refinishing systems,” says Sherwin-Williams’ Dan Szczepanik, product manager of fleet and manufacturing. “Smart fleet management remains focused on cost savings, but making a decision based purely on price can lead to sacrificing quality. Ultimately, a company may not realize its projected cost savings because refinish work and maintenance will need to be done more frequently if they use low quality coatings. Subsequently, they’ll have the vehicle back in the shop sooner for refinishing, and that means all the labor, plus materials, as well as the vehicle being out of service for several days.”
There is no “one size fits all” solution, according to DuPont’s McConachie. “There are several factors that determine how satisfied a fleet manager will be with the results, including how easy a coating is to use, how long it will last, and lifecycle cost,” he says. “Each step in the painting process is critical to achieving more durable, long-lasting finishes.”
DuPont and Sherwin-Williams offer three key recommendations for choosing a paint system:
• Don’t make a make decisions based on sticker price; it’s not a true reflection of value. Applied cost is the best way to gauge price, including factors such as the number of coats required, the square foot coverage and productivity (eliminating asset downtime).
• Consider repairing-in-kind. For best results and color match, go with the brand of paint used by the OEM.
• Work with certified professionals. If your fleet facility doesn’t have the proper equipment, align with a commercial refinisher who has the right equipment and painters who are certified by the manufacturer to properly apply commercial coatings.
When finish repairs must be made, to help cut costs without sacrificing quality, PPG Commercial Coatings recently launched its new Delfleet Essential Basecoat product. The basecoat, according to J.J. Wirth, PPG brand manager of fleet segments, is designed to be as easy to use as a single-stage topcoat, is highly durable and is reasonably priced. In addition, the new basecoat features faster dry speeds than single-stage topcoats to help limit downtime.
The trucking industry has definitely seen a rise in color styling. "We have seen an increase in colors using effects like pearls, micas and metallics," says Danijela Vlach, assistant product manager, Fleet and Manufacturing, Sherwin-Williams. "This has been prevalent in the automotive world for some time, but we are also seeing this trend in the truck fleet market."
Given that fleets often desire to market their brand identity on vehicles, managers work hard to ensure vehicles represent their companies effectively. "Everything from logos to imagery to color are controlled very closely and with good reason,” says Vlach. “There is no doubt that larger companies spend more time and resources on branding, but it is important for every company.”
The same approach is applied to decal selection by a large number of fleets. “Our goal is building brand recognition over the long haul‚” says Steve Luitjens‚ senior vice president of sales and marketing at Farley’s & Sathers Candy Co. “That longevity was important in justifying an investment in fleet graphics as an extremely cost-effective way to build brand awareness.”
The candy maker‚ with a history dating back to the early 1800s‚ chose 3M Scotchlite Removable Reflective Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive Series 680CR with 3M Screen Print Low Gloss Clear 9730UV to colorfully feature 10 major brands on 93 of its 53-ft. trailers. The company not only turned the trailers into media assets to expand the reach and impact of its brands, its drivers also report feeling safer when driving at night because of the film’s high reflectivity.
Goya Foods Inc.‚ a producer of grocery products for more than 70 years, also has spiced up its fleet by upgrading from decals to full-coverage vehicle wraps with reflective rears doors. Goya also adopted changeable promotional panels for the sides of its trucks and trailers. The panels‚ which are made from 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film IJ36 and cover as much as two-thirds of the truck surfaces, offer Goya the freedom to cater to regional tastes.
“Our graphics strategy lets us communicate in a quick‚ visual way and display the breadth of our sub-brands,” says Joseph Perez‚ senior vice president at Goya Foods. “The bold colors and images are generating greater awareness and helping keep Goya at top of mind.”
It is equally important to work with a trained and specialized provider of fleet and vehicle graphics design and installation services. One company is TKO Graphix, a 3M Scotchprint Graphics authorized manufacturer that has served trucking industry companies, including well-known fleets like Celadon Trucking, Knight Transportation and Interstate Distributors, as well as suppliers like Great Dane Trailers and Carrier Corp.
Whether your fleet is driving across town or across the country, featuring your company’s identity on vehicles is a cost-effective way to build brand awareness.
