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FedEx: Facing a National Shortage in Trucks

June 23, 2020 by Cori Miller Leave a Comment

Fedex Truck

FedEx trucks are facing a national shortage due to manufacturers being shut down, and their production delayed due to social distancing and COVID-19 testing requirements. As the country reopens slowly, you might have questions on what is happening within our industry, and you can trust Work Truck Direct to give you the most up-to-date answers.

What is happening at the manufacturer level?

Manufacturers are being hit differently, but ultimately, production has slowed due to COVID-19 and the spring lock-downs. For example, at Ford, production will pause when an employee gets COVID-19, and after thorough investigation and testing of all employees, they will reopen, until the next case hits. This lapse of production causes delays that we will feel the impact from now, and in the months to come. “Overall Ford is operating at about 30% production. There was effectively no production at all in March, April, and most of May.” Says Ryan Makris, President of Work Truck Direct. “That means that chassis that were supposed to deliver to body companies in April, May, and June have been delayed by 3 months or more.”

On the flip-side, manufacturers such as FCCC (Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation) are operating much more steadily than Ford, which will result in us seeing more Freightliner chassis come in stock earlier than Ford.

Will there be a shortage of trucks?

There already is a shortage. Phones are ringing at AP Equipment Financing (our distributor for FedEx trucks); customers want to buy and there just isn’t much out there.

Three major factors are contributing to this national truck shortage, which include:

  1. Chassis production delays caused by COVID-19 and the stop-and-go production at manufacturing plants
  2. Since everyone is now working at home and not shopping in person, home delivery is now operating at peak season levels. There’s an exponential demand for home deliveries and supply is struggling to catch up.
  3. The lock-downs across the nation that started in early March caused plant closures, production backlogs, and supply chain issues, which foreshadowed one thing: a massive shortage of trucks in 2020.

In early April, Ryan Makris stated that even if manufacturers are open, “chances are pretty good there’s going to be one company out of the thousands that they buy parts from, that will not be open or will not be operational.” This means that even if the chassis are ready, the truck can’t be shipped to you unless it’s 100% operational with all the parts intact. Find out more information in this video as Ryan discusses what’s going on in the truck world.

Where are these updates coming from?

Work Truck Direct and their partners at AP Equipment Financing have a pulse on current manufacturer and industry news, with connections to manufacturers such as Utilimaster, Morgan Olson, Ford, Chevy, and Freightliner.

Can I order a truck if one isn’t stocked due to the virus?

You can order trucks but with production delays, you might not see that truck in stock until early 2021. Instead, we suggest that you find a truck that will be built this year. If you have further questions or want to keep in touch when Fedex inventory does become available, get in contact with AP Financing today.

Filed Under: Articles

5 Reasons People are Buying the Detroit DD8 Diesel

August 30, 2018 by Nick Fong 2 Comments

Detroit DD8

Built with the Future in Mind

Bigger is better right? When it comes to this powerplant we’d like to think so! This 7.7L inline 6 Detroit turbo diesel is built with the future in mind, ready to meet emissions standards. This engine has been tested in the European market since 2013, with over 150,000 units on the road currently. This engine became available in the US in January of 2018 in the Medium truck duty market. It’s available in the Freightliner M2 106, 108SD, and the 114SD models. Here’s 5 reasons people are buying Detroit!

  1.  Power and Torque

The 7.7L Powerplant inline 6 comes equipped with a simple, fixed-geometry, turbocharger for better performance, efficiency and reliability. The DD8 HP ranges from 260-350 HP with peak torque ranging from 660-1050 LB FT all dependent on the configuration. These numbers in addition the features this engine provides you, make this engine a huge player in the medium truck duty market.

  1.  Emissions After Treatment

Remember the good old days before diesel particulate filters or aftertreatment systems?  If you’re like most truck owners you have probably experienced the frustration which can come with owning a modernized diesel engine vehicle.  The emissions components on modern-day trucks, while good for the environment, are often bad for your blood pressure (and your wallet). With most engines in the market you have to drive at highways speeds for at least 20 minutes straight for your engine to activate its burn cycle. If you happen to work in an industry that doesn’t drive on the highway very much (tree removal, for example) then you are supposed to activate the burn manually while idling. Forgetting to can clog or break the filter, and need to be replaced – at a cost upwards of $5,000! Luckily for us, Detroit has figured it out. The new Detroit DD8 uses a VCP or Variable Cam Phasing. The way this system works is that it utilizes the heat in the engine to efficiently keep the after treatment DPF always at peak operating temperature. This system is always active while the truck is running. It allows your DD8 engine to activate its burn at only 25 miles per hour, seamlessly in the background.

  1.  Maintenance Intervals

The industry leading maintenance intervals for the Detroit DD8 engine far surpass the competition. The next closest competitor’s engines oil change interval is 15,000 miles/12 months or 500 hours. Whereas the new Detroit DD8 oil change interval is 55,000 miles/18 months or 1800 hours. You will save money on having to change the oil often.  Still, you can go for 18 months vs 12 months before your next oil change.

  1.  Warranty Issues & Virtual Technician

This engine comes standard with a 3 year/250,000-mile warranty under the Freightliner name. Detroit Diesel is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, the same company that owns Freightliner. This means faster answers, better turnaround times, and a smoother experience overall at your local Freightliner service center should you need to get repairs or warranty work completed.

If a major issue pops up while you are driving, you will receive a notification from your virtual technician. This notification will tell you to stop driving the truck if it can cause major damage to your engine. Your virtual technician comes standard for 3 years, with the purchase of a new truck. If you have one work truck or a fleet of these work trucks, Detroit makes it easy to manage the information from the computer via your own customer portal. You can sign into your portal and view the statuses of the engine, oil change intervals, etc.

  1.  Engine Brake

While most trucks in the medium duty truck market come with a driver-controlled exhaust brake the DD8 has an additional option to purchase an engine brake, . The DD8’s integrated engine brake provides more stopping power. Rather than putting power out, the engine absorbs it, like many long-haul trucks today.

Detroit DD8 Available Now!

Work Truck Direct has 2019 Freightliner M2 Chip dump trucks on the ground and ready to go. These trucks are spec’d with a 14’ Arbortech body, 26,000 GVWR, the Detroit DD8 engine paired to the Allison 2500 series transmission, and L-box tool storage compartments. To learn more information on these trucks such as pricing please give us a call at 888.998.6909, or email us at info@worktruckdirect.com.

Filed Under: Articles

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:

  • 1st payment $100
  • 2nd payment $100
  • 3rd 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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

4×4 Work Truck!!

April 30, 2018 by Nick Fong Leave a Comment

Work Truck dubbed “The Brute”

We dubbed this 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD “The Brute” since it has aggressive engineering and power. The Chevy 3500 Silverado HD is a work truck that demands your attention. First, this truck comes equipped with the new 6.6-liter Duramax L5P turbo diesel engine. The power output is 445 hp and 910 lb. ft. of torque…. stock! There are no tunes available yet, which don’t void the manufacturer’s 5 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This wouldn’t be a work truck without the renowned 6-speed 1000 series Allison Transmission. And if all of that isn’t enough to make you start drooling, this truck also comes with the optional 4×4 drivetrain. This Chevy Silverado 3500 HD will carry all your tools and equipment and still give those Mustangs a run for their money.

Workport Utility Body

The Workport utility body is a true workshop on wheels, making your job more functional and organized. This unique body makes for an easy on the job experience, which can be tailored to your specific needs. Safety features include rear backup camera with in-cab display to prevent backing into anything with the pooched style 3-step rear steel bumper. Just be careful not to back into anything, as you can do some serious damage. That’s what is so great about this truck: it’s built to handle anything you throw at it! That’s why we dubbed this truck, “The Brute.”

Apart from the available LED lighting inside the translucent roof allows for added light during the daytime. Or if you would rather work outside on a sunny day, the exterior doors fold down to create an impromptu work bench for ease of access to your tools. The interior workbenches come with storage underneath to access your tools and equipment from inside or from the exterior doors. When it’s dark, on the rear of the body, there is a flood light to make sure that entry and exit into the vehicle is safe and well lit. The interior floor is Tuff-Ply rubberized non-slip coin matte overlay, which adds to the life of the floor as well as adding traction for safe pass-through. All of this comes with Rockport’s standard 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

Contact Us

We can also build this body on Ford or Ram products. If this truck is a good fit for your business, let us know! Call your account manager, or call 888-998-6909 if you’ve never spoken with us.

Filed Under: Articles

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.

Filed Under: Articles, Trucks

When is Chevrolet Unveiling Class 4/5 Trucks?

January 9, 2018 by Nick Fong Leave a Comment

Chevrolet Class 4/5 Trucks

Chevrolet has just announced they will be revealing two new trucks this year at The Work Truck Show, the Chevy Silverado 4500HD and the Chevy Silverado 5500HD. These trucks are going to be Chevrolet’s entry back into the Class 4 & 5 truck market. GM and Chevrolet enthusiasts and business owners that use(d) the previous versions (Topkick & Kodiak) of these trucks have been waiting for the large automakers to re-enter this market since they stopped production in 2009.

The Automaker has been short on the details with the two new Class 4 and 5 trucks, but we can venture a guess that these trucks will come equipped with the new 6.6-liter L5P V8 Duramax diesel engine and hope for an optional gas engine, both paired with the Allison Transmissions. Chevrolet and Navistar’s expertise will be combined once again to bring the people what they want.

Based on the teaser image that was leaked, these trucks will have an aggressive rigid front end with large tires, comparable in size to the Ford F-650 and F-750. They will be offered in a cab chassis, which opens up these trucks for endless uses in the commercial space.

Chevrolet will be revealing these trucks on March 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana at The Work Truck Show. The show is going to be well attended like always so start planning now if you are looking to add these trucks to your fleet.

Filed Under: Articles, Trucks Tagged With: 4500, 5500, Allison Transmission, Chevrolet, Duramax, Silverado

Peak Season Financing Special 2017

August 1, 2017 by Nick Fong 1 Comment

The FedEx Peak Season is almost upon us and we at Work Truck Direct 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). 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:

  • 1st payment $100
  • 2nd payment $100
  • 3rd 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
  • Application must be received by November 15th, 2017.
  • Apply Here and enter promo code “Peak 2017”

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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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

April 5, 2017 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

https://worktruckdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Saullerma..mp4

 

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.

 

Filed Under: Articles

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

December 14, 2016 by Eric Wanberg 1 Comment

Exif_JPEG_PICTURE

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.

Filed Under: Articles, Trucks

Tis the Peak Season

November 21, 2016 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

peak-season-is-coming-with-santa-claus

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

Filed Under: Articles, Trucks

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