Eric Wanberg, Author at Work Truck Direct

Peak Season Financing Special 2018

August 1, 2018 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

Peak Season Special!

Peak Season is almost upon us and we at Work Truck Direct want you to be ready! The promotion is available to all current parcel delivery contractors such as FedEx Ground Contractors, FedEx Home Delivery Contractors, Amazon Contractors and others. This will get you into a new or used parcel delivery vehicle for $100 (on approved credit). Our finance partners at AP Equipment Financing will even make the second payment and even the third payment on your vehicle $100. All it takes to get the process started is a completed credit application.

AP Financing’s Peak Season Special Details:

1^st payment $100
2^nd payment $100
3^rd payment $100
No Upfront Fees
All new and used vehicles are eligible
All makes eligible: Freightliner, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram…and many more
Step Vans, Cutaways, Box Trucks, Vans and Semi’s are eligible
Applications must be received by November 15th, 2018
Apply Here and enter promo code “Peak 2018”

Peak season is hectic enough, why make it more complicated? If you are interested in our Peak Season Special, call your account manager, or call 888-998-6909 if you’ve never spoken with us.

What does the Ford Raptor and this Step Van Have in Common?

February 13, 2018 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

Churnin’ and Burnin’

Ford created a high performance off-road truck designed to handle both the desert and roadways back in 2008. The all-new Ford SVT Raptor proudly sported an aggressive grill, heavy duty off-road suspension, and some meaty BF Goodrich tires. The power plant was either the 5.4L V8 or the optional 6.2L V8. The 6.2L V8 churned out 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque, respectively. Although the power plants share some similarities they were built on two different assembly lines.

Change to Commercial Lineup – Ford E-450 Step Van

Ford made a change to the E-450 chassis in 2017, which is used heavily in the parcel delivery industry. The Ford E-450 step van chassis received an update from the 5.4L V8 (255hp and 350 lb-ft of torque) to the revised 6.2L V8 which produces 331 hp and 356 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with the Ford TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission, which is built to handle the power from Ford’s 6.8L V10, and the 6.2L V8.

Baja 1000?

These first-generation Ford SVT Raptors can be found all over with odometer readings well over 100,000 miles. Since this truck was built for off-road use you know these aren’t “easy” miles either. When Ford first revealed this truck, they announced they had entered it in the Baja 1000 event. The Baja 1000 race is a 1000-mile event through the desert running full blast with elevated temperatures. This race is a test of the durability and longevity for all that dare to enter!

Built “Ford” Tough

So, you’re probably asking yourself, what does the Baja 1000 and a work truck have anything to do with each other? On paper it seems like the two are on complete opposite sides of the spectrum. In actuality, they are closer than you might think. The step vans are subject to every type of environment across the country. From the boiling heat, exceeding well over 100°F, to the harsh temperatures in the winters, well below 0°F. Constantly moving, pulling heavy loads around and being put to the test daily.

All-New 2018 Ford E-450 Step Van

The new 2018 Ford E-450 spec’d for parcel delivery comes equipped with high strength shelving, back-up camera with in-cab display, safety features throughout, and either a roll-up back door or 50/50 split swing out door setup. This step van is perfect for those smaller rural routes, so parking and turning around is manageable. If you are fan of the Ford step vans and you are looking to update your fleet, the Ford E-450 makes for a great option, now considering it has more power than before with its new engine and transmission.

Lerma Transport Inc. named FedEx Entrepreneur of the Year for the second time

April 5, 2017 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

FedEx announced for the second time in 3 years Saul Lerma, President and Owner of Lerma Transport Inc., was honored as the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year! With a strong focus on the community, safety and his employees there is a reason why Saul was chosen again for this award. Previously Saul received the FedEx Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2014, and before that the Western Regional Award in 2011.

Continuous improvement and training is a key factor in the success at Lerma Tranport Inc.. Saul and his team have a strong focus on safety and customer service with an implementation of weekly meetings to stress the importance of safe driving habits and ways to improve customer service.

I appreciate my drivers, and I appreciate my supervisor for following the set vision we have for this company. My drivers to me are like my family. My drivers are the ones that make a lot of things happen, no matter what projects we have for them or company changes we do. They adapt quickly to them because they believe in what we are doing is the right thing.

Over the years Saul has been one of our loyal customers, coming to us when he needs to update or replace trucks in his fleet. We would like to congratulate Saul and his family of drivers and employees on the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Vehicle Highlight: Chevy 3500 Silverado 4×4 12’ Supreme Spartan

December 14, 2016 by Eric Wanberg 1 Comment

Never get stuck in a rut with this Chevy Silverado 3500 4×4 Supreme Spartan. This Chevy 3500 was built for the harsh roads and long drives while being able to deliver an ample supply of ruggedness with the capable 13,200 GVWR. The quiet cabin features a rear back-up camera with an AM/FM/CD player. If you are in need of a 4×4 truck for your FedEx routes look no further than the Chevy Silverado 3500 4×4. This truck was made for those routes with roads that are unpaved or have a high likelihood of snowfall. Take a look at the standard options below.

Body: The Supreme Spartan body is manufactured to fit this truck setup. The body is a low-profile design with dimensions of 12’ length x 6’ height x 8’ wide, which offers a staggering 576 cubic feet of space. The body comes equipped with fold-up aluminum shelving on both the driver and passenger sides and a translucent roof.

Engine: The 6.0 Liter small block is a bullet proof GM engine known for long lasting durability. This V8 configuration also provides better fuel economy when compared to similar vehicles. Maintenance is much cheaper for a gas engine than a diesel.

4×4 System: In most instances the delivery trucks for your FedEx routes do not come with a 4×4 system, while this truck comes standard with 4wd. The Chevy 3500 4×4 has been created to satisfy the needs for a delivery vehicle with 4wd. When the 4×4 is not in use, you have the ability to switch it to 2wd for a more desirable fuel economy. The Chevy also has dual rear wheels for additional traction on those rough roads.

Unique Qualities: This truck is capable of driving for a very long time. It comes equipped with the standard 23.5 gallon fuel tank in front of the rear axle. However, this unique Chevy 3500 also comes with another fuel tank that is located behind the rear axle for an additional 40 gallons. With a combined fuel capacity of 63.5 gallons, you will surely make less trips to the gas pumps.

The Chevy Silverado 3500 4×4 is a great vehicle for FedEx contractors in areas with rough roads and weather conditions. Because the cab’s construction separate from the body it is much quieter and more comfortable for longer hauls between deliveries.

Note* When ordering a Chevy Silverado 3500 4×4, the custom order takes approximately 14 weeks to complete the build. There will be 15 in stock around the beginning to middle of February.

For more info on the Chevy Silverado 3500 4×4 vehicle, Click Here or call your national account manager.

Tis the Peak Season

November 21, 2016 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

With all the upcoming fun of peak season approaching, this is a checklist that will help you survive the busiest time of the year. This list consists of some of the major things to consider and take into account before the season approaches. Add these to your Christmas wish list and you won’t be sorry.

Vehicle Maintenance

Getting your vehicle serviced on its recommended intervals can determine the longevity and health of your fleet of vehicles. During Christmas, Santa Claus relies solely on his reindeer to deliver millions of packages. Well with the courier service, your modes of transportation are your box trucks, step side vans, and cutaways. If you take care of your fleet, then you will be able to deliver millions of packages on time without any hassles.

Another strategy would be to update your fleet before peak season with new vehicles where the chances of something bad happening is drastically reduced. New vehicles come with warranties and that new car smell we all love. If you are in need of a new fleet now may be the time to upgrade before the peak season is upon us.

Hiring Temporary Drivers

With the high influx of deliveries during peak season, staffing is paramount to fulfilling the deliveries each day. Santa doesn’t do all of the work, that’s why he hires his little helpers to assist him in his peak season. When considering hiring temporary drivers, look for driver with experience in delivery. When you hire someone with no experience more training is required so they are prepared for the peak season.

Setting Expectations with Existing Employees

Setting the expectations may seem redundant although each year it’s still important to let your employees know where you stand and how this year will be different from the previous year. If Santa never told his elves they had to build a million toys by Christmas, they may have lower expectations and not be putting in the proper amount of work. You can build off previous years’ hiccups to make sure that they are corrected by letting your workforce know what to expect this year so it goes as smoothly as it can.

Renting Additional Trucks

Renting vs buying is a volume management strategy that has been used during peak season to keep up with demand. It’s important to note where the surrounding rental places are and to have the numbers on hand so if you are shorthanded they are just a call away. Renting is an alternative to purchasing another vehicle for your fleet especially when the vehicle will only be used during the peak season.

Perform Additional Maintenance to Mitigate Down-Time

Conducting a walk around of your vehicles at the beginning and end of the day to make sure everything sounds good, looks good and tires are properly inflated also plays a role in being organized and efficient. Making sure your fleet is clean and dazzling will show a respectful appearance to your customers.

Tis the season to make a list and check it twice or maybe three time to make sure everything is ready for this year’s peak season

Drones in the Cleaning & Restoration Industry

October 25, 2016 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

We are Living the Future

That’s what I think to myself every time I see a new tech make its way into the Restoration industry.

All along the way, Moore’s Law has ensured that we never have to wait long for technology to become amazingly more useful and incredibly more affordable. It took about twenty years for digital cameras to become mainstream commodities. It’s been about ten years since restoration folks started using infrared. Now we’re witnessing the next evolution in Restoration documentation technology: Drones.

I remember seeing some of the first drones about five years ago. I was immediately enamored. Remote controlled camera platforms that have the versatility and acrobatic abilities of helicopters! What’s not to love?

These things were self-stabilized, rechargeable dream launchers. I wanted one. Until I found out the price of the drone mounted with a specialized IR camera…$10,000, ouch!!!. No drones were going to make their way into my Christmas stocking any time soon.

Today, owning my own drone is more than a possibility, it’s likely going to happen soon. The drones available on the market today are safer and more responsive than ever before. Just do a search on Amazon and you’ll find a complete drone camera kit for less than the cost of a high-end DSLR camera in 2010.

The things they can do is mind blowing. And now that the FAA has finally clarified their use, people from every industry are finding new uses for them.

Drones have officially crossed over from hobby toys to industrial tools, and here are a few of the reasons you should own one.

Unbeatable documentation speed and precision

When an insurance carrier starts acting like an early-adopter, we should all wake up and pay attention. In March 2015, State Farm became the first insurance company to gain approval from the FAA to test commercial applications of drones. The following month, three other insurers (USAA, AIG & Erie) joined the ranks of drone flyers.

Why? Because the speed and precision of gaining current aerial photography of a loss is incredible. The right photo can save an insurance company thousands of dollars. It can also make you thousands.

It takes a couple hours to properly inspect and photograph an average sized roof using a ladder and digital camera. Even longer with second stories and multiple pitches. Drones take this inspection time from hours to minutes.

Safety

I don’t know about any of you, but I’m deathly afraid of heights. Yes, I’m a 41-year-old 6′ 7″ man and I get nervous climbing a six-foot ladder to put up the Christmas lights (or Halloween lights because that’s how we roll). Over 80% of fall injuries are caused by ladders, and Restoration folks are on them all the time.

What if you didn’t have to climb an extension ladder ever again? That thought alone has me shopping for drones right now. And what about walking roofs in icy and wet conditions? Forget about it, literally.

Access Everywhere

You all know that sometimes there are spots that you just plain can’t reach with a human. Steep slopes prevent use of ladders; mean neighbors don’t allow access to adjacent yards or decks. There are many times that the only way to access an area to inspect is through the air.

Have you ever been unable to inspect a property because the structure had been deemed unsound? Now we can send in the drone.

Bird’s Eye View

Sometimes it helps to get a complete overview of a property to paint a thorough picture of a loss. Before drones, we relied on things like Google Earth maps and other satellite based inspection tools. The biggest problem with them is the pictures are months or even years old. I remember looking at my address once and seeing an empty lot, because I lived in a townhome that was less than two years old.

This data lag is problematic when trying to adjust for remodels/additions or landscaping changes. Did that tree come from the neighbor’s side? Some things are tough to tell unless you achieve the right perspective.

I believe we’re just beginning to see the useful applications of drones and autonomous technologies. I can easily envision a time in the near future when we pull up to a loss, pull our drone out of its case then set it loose to complete a full property survey on its own with a simple command click on our phone.

Written by Andy Mcabe at Claims Delegates LLC

FedEx Peak Season Promotion 2016

August 2, 2016 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

The FedEx Peak Season is almost upon us and we at AP Equipment Financing want you to be ready! The Promotion is available to all current FedEx Contractors and will get you into a new or used FedEx vehicle for $100 (on approved credit). In fact, we will even make the second payment on your vehicle $100. All it takes to get the process started is a completed credit application.

1st payment $100
2nd payment $100
All new and used vehicles are eligible
All makes eligible: Freightliner, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram…and many more
Step Vans, Cutaways, Box Trucks, vans and Semi’s are eligible
Application must be received by November 15th, 2016.
Apply Here! and enter promo code “Peak 2016”

Peak season is hectic enough, why make it more complicated? If you are interested in our Peak Season Special, call your account manager, or call 888-998-6909 if you’ve never spoken to us.