Exceptional medium-duty truck resources
Today’s medium-duty OEMs point out that, manufacturers, truck dealers and body builders have exceptional resources available to help fleets customize specs, and have programs for sharing ideas and information to make sure chassis and bodies are right for a particular application. Included are body builder manuals and other reference materials that contain important details about
The latest options for medium-duty truck bodies
When spec’ing medium-duty truck bodies, it helps to know all of your options. Here is a handy guide to the latest offerings from several major truck body manufacturers. Hercules Manufacturing Co. offers 8- to 30-ft. dry freight bodies in aluminum and FRP designs. Options include walk ramps, lift gates, platforms, steps, insulation packages, hardwood, steel,
Spec’ing for medium-duty applications
“Operators of medium-duty trucks have heavy-duty expectations,” says Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing manager. “Truck manufacturers are working to make it simpler for customers who want heavy-duty characteristics in traditional medium-duty applications. The challenge in spec’ing a medium-duty truck is to find the right balance between over- and under-spec’ing in order to achieve the performance and
Proper power: Medium-duty engines designed for medium-duty trucks
The medium-duty engine market continues to evolve and expand. By the end of this year, new Detroit DD5 and DD8 engines will be offered as part of the Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) product lineup. The Detroit DD5 medium-duty engine will be offered first, initially on 2016 Freightliner M2 models. Those engines will be built at first in
Light-duty vans roll large
In June 2014, Ford Motor Co. took a risk by replacing its established U.S. light-duty van offering, the E-Series, with its longtime European van brand, the Transit. It quickly paid off as the new American-made Transit became the best-selling van in North America. Ford is not alone in finding success in the van market by
The right fit: Spec’ing medium-duty truck bodies
“Understanding fleet needs is key to getting the truck you require,” says Eric McNally, vice president of sales for Reading Truck Body. “The right approach goes beyond just the right truck body. It takes into consideration work environments, operator safety and productivity, and ancillary equipment needs.” “Developing a specification to meet our customers’ needs is
Hino Trucks aims to turn truck data into dollars
Chances are, right now, you have at least one notification on one of your many devices vying for your attention. It’s a fact of today’s business life—you’re connected with the people that make your fleet successful. Shouldn’t the same go for your trucks? Hino Trucks certainly thinks so: The OEM has mapped a course to
