Workhorse Custom Chassis is relaunching its FasTrack program that provides integrated walk-in trucks under the Workhorse badge.
Since 2000, Workhorse has sold standard models of walk-in trucks with one Workhorse invoice and one Workhorse warranty for both body and chassis. The Workhorse FasTrack truck is the only truck that does this in the walk-in industry, according to the company.
By eliminating separate chassis-and-body orders and warranties, while providing a simple list of popular options, the FasTrack program creates a walk-in truck that’s easy for dealers to stock, and easy for customers to buy — often right off the lot like a cargo van or box truck, the company said.
“Quick and easy truck selection and delivery is especially helpful for the small fleet owner unfamiliar with the different specs these trucks can have,” said Jay Sandler, Workhorse vice president – commercial products. “They just want a truck that works for them, and they want it now. This program gives them that.”
According to the company, the new FasTrack truck for 2007 is a completely different truck, now with standard bodies by Utilimaster, and the new W42 chassis from Workhorse. It’s more maneuverable, with a 50-degree wheel cut, and gives the driver better control with high-performance Brembo brakes and a four-wheel Meritor WABCO ABS system. It also offers a better ride with its new front-and-rear parabolic taper leaf suspension springs with custom tuned 35mm shock absorbers, the company said.
“The turning radius and braking are the most noticeable benefits to the driver,” of the new W42 chassis, said Bob Kruse, senior transportation and facilities manager for online grocer Peapod. “They’re handling, minimized maintenance costs, improved fuel economy and driver comfort make them most valuable to us.”
The FasTrack models come in five cargo body lengths of 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 feet, with wheelbases of 125, 133, 157, and 178 inches and gross vehicle weight ratings of 10,000 and 14,500 lbs. Either a 4.8L or 6.0L GM Vortec gas engine powers the trucks.
“We think many types of businesses can take better advantage of the tremendous utility of the walk-in truck if it is simply easier to get," Sandler said. "Now that it’s better to drive — that’s another plus.”
With aluminum bodies that don’t rust, walk-ins hold their appearance and value more than twice as long as other medium-duty trucks, the company said. The ergonomically friendly and efficient stand-up access to the cargo area, and the easy entrance and exit from the side steps and low rear platform pay long-term dividends to anyone transporting product, materials, tools or equipment. The roomy, stand-up cargo hold also serves as an excellent mobile shop.
“And you can put a really nice sign on the side of it,” said Sandler. “People are going to notice your business. It’s a distinctive truck.”
Manufacturing of the new FasTrack models will begin in July. “We have a great understanding with Utilimaster that will expedite the building process. But we manage it all. It’s our truck. It’s our warranty. We have service centers across the continent ready to take care of it. We’ll keep popular models on lot, ready to ship,” said Sandler.
For additional information, visit www.workhorse.com.
