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Vehicle Highlight Summer Series: Chevy City Express

July 10, 2015 by Eric Wanberg 1 Comment

We’re writing a series of articles highlighting some of the best work trucks available. Today we’re going to shed some light on the Chevy City Express

Work Truck Direct offers a Pest Control Upfit for the Chevy City Express featuring the Delivery Concept Inc’s Sealed Bulk-head. This makes the vehicle usable for Pest Control Operators who can’t drive a vehicle without an airtight cab. In addition to the sealed bulk-head, there is a slide-out backpack sprayer holder, a hand held sprayer holder, shelving, and a number of other options.

Sealed Bulk-Head with slide-out backpack sprayer holder

Engine Options: 2.0 Liter DOHC I-4 Engine

Transmission: Xtronic CVT Transmission

The Chevy is a great vehicle for Pest Control Operators. The air tight bulk-head solves the problem that prevented Pest Control operators from using vans in the past. On top of that, van’s are far more accessible than crawling around in the bed of a pick up truck so the Delivery Concepts package is a great upfit for PCO’s everywhere.

For more info on all the Chevy Cutaway options, call your national account manager.

Vehicle Highlight Summer Series: Chevy Cutaway Chassis

June 30, 2015 by Eric Wanberg 1 Comment

We’re writing a series of articles highlighting some of the best package delivery trucks available. Today we’re going to shed some light on the Chevy Cutaway Chassis.

The Chevy Cutaway Chassis is a workhorse of the parcel delivery sector. Low initial cost and high durability make it an easy buy for many FedEx contractors. It’s easy to see why it is a popular choice. With 4.8L and 6.0 V8 options, the Chevy Small block is well known for its durability and ease of maintenance. The 4500 Chassis also has the added option of the 6.6L Duramax diesel. The box upfits on the Chevy Cutaway Chassis can range from 12′ to 18′ long and the GVWR ranges from 9,900 lbs on the 3500 chassis to 14,200 lbs on the 4500 chassis.

Engine Options:
4.8L V8 Gas with 285 Horsepower and 295 lbs.-ft of Torque
6.0L V8 Gas with 342 Horsepower and 373 lbs.-ft of Torque
6.6L V8 Diesel with 262 Horsepower and 525 lbs.-ft of Torque (with Allison Transmission)

Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Overdrive

The Chevy Cutaway is a great vehicle for FedEx contractors in rural areas or residential routes. Because the cab’s construction is based off of the cargo van and not a step van, it is much quieter and more comfortable for longer hauls between deliveries.

For more info on all the Chevy Cutaway options, Click Here or call your national account manager.

Vehicle Highlight Summer Series: Ford Transit

June 25, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

We’re writing a series of articles highlighting some of the best package delivery trucks available. Today we’re going to shed some light on the 2015 Ford Transit.

The Ford Transit is one of the top competitors in the new euro-style cargo van segment that have taken over the industry. With the introduction of the new Transit, Ford has discontinued the Ford E-series van. This versatile platform boasts best in class fuel economy and maintains the roominess of the old E-series panel cargo vans (500 cu. ft. storage in the largest model). The versatile chassis is even being used for a number of different cutaway models including the upcoming Utilimaster Velocity Step Van.

The Ford Transit is a great van for getting into tight places. With a turning circle of approximately 56 ft. and it’s sleek profile, this van can go places your typical step van or straight truck can’t go.

Engine: 3.7L V6 Gas Engine with 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque

Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Overdrive with SelectShift

The 3.7L Gas engine is a real performer with 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Not to mention; the maintenance is cheaper than a diesel and the fuel economy is significantly better than the previous Ford E-series cargo van. Jerry from FedEx Ground Fredericksberg, VA reported being “impressed with the 15 MPG’s and the smoothness of the transmission up the rural hills” in his service area.

For more info on the Ford Transit Gas vehicle, Click Here or call your national account manager.

Vehicle Highlight Summer Series: Freightliner MT-55 gas

June 12, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

We’re starting a series of articles highlighting some of the best package delivery trucks available. Today we’re going to shed some light on the MT-55 Freightliner Gas chassis.

While there are many options out there for P-1000 and P-1200 sized step vans, there are many qualities that make the Gas Freightliner MT-55 chassis superior to the rest. Below are some of the noteworthy qualities of the MT-55 gas chassis.

MT-55 Chassis: The strongest chassis in the P-1000 and P-1200 step van class. The 23,000 lb GVWR is the largest in it’s class and will hold up better than it’s competitors under a full load. The straight front axle reduces body roll and tire wear, saving you money on tires.

Transmission: The Allison Series 2200 transmission is used in many medium duty chassis’ trucks in the industry and is the standard for durability.

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 10 cylinder engines used in similar vehicles. Maintenance is much cheaper for a gas engine than a diesel.

I’m real happy with my gas Freightliners! They are durable, cheaper to maintain then the diesels and the mileage is only a little less than the diesels that I own. I wouldn’t mind getting another one soon. – Mitch from FXG – Carol Springs

For more info on the Freightliner MT-55 Gas vehicle, Click Here or call your national account manager.

CLFP

May 22, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

Work Truck Direct is proud to announce that Ryan Makris, Austin Kingsley, and Jakeb Klein are the latest National Account Managers to become Certified Lease and Finance Professionals! According to the CLFP Foundation, “The Certified Lease and Finance Professional designation is the preeminent credential for equipment leasing and financing professionals throughout the world who have demonstrated competency through testing of knowledge, continuing education and a commitment to their business practices and dedication to the industry.”

As fleet specialists, we know that handling your next truck purchase with care is of the utmost importance. Our large staff of certified CLFP’s will ensure that your next equipment transaction goes smoothly and quickly.

Allegiant Partners, Inc. employs the 3^rd most Certified Lease and Finance Professionals out of any company in the entire nation. Allegiant Partners takes pride in being a part of the equipment finance industry and is a member and sponsor of the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) and the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA).

Allegiant Partners Inc. Certified Lease and Finance Professionals:

Chris Enbom; CEO, ELFA Board of Directors – Certified 2005
Mike Arness; President, Clearview Financial – 1999
Sylvia Greninger; Senior Account Coordinator – 1999
Brad Harmon; CIO – Certified 2007
Raquel O’Leary; VP of Operations – Certified 2007
Mike Helder; VP of Sales & Business Development – Certified 2010
Kim Shea; Funding Manager – Certified 2013
Chris Lerma; VP of Credit & Syndications – Certified 2013
Nick Fong; VP of Marketing – Certified 2014
Jennifer Pryor; Credit & Risk Manager – Certified 2014
Ryan Makris; Sales Manager – Certified 2015
Austin Kingsley; National Account Manager – Certified 2015
Jakeb Klein; National Account Manager – Certified 2015

Freightliner Unveils the Inspiration, the World’s First Autonomous Big Rig

May 15, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

Freightliner recently debuted their very first self driving Semi-truck, the Inspiration. The national highway traffic safety administration has a rating system for a vehicle’s level of autonomy from 0-4 (0 given to a standard human operated vehicle, and 4 given to a fully autonomous vehicle). The Inspiration has a 3 rating, meaning that an operator is still required for certain functions and a driver must always be in the seat ready to take over. The Inspiration can maintain legal speeds, keep safe driving distance, and brake when necessary. It cannot, however, merge and exit highways, drive on local roads, or dock the trailer.

For now, commercial drivers are still required and who knows if semi’s will ever become legally fully autonomous. But what does this mean for the commercial trucking industry? What are your thoughts on autonomous cars and trucks? Leave your comments below.

For More information on the Freightliner Inspiration, Click Here.

For the video of the unveiling at the Hoover Dam, Click Here.

Fraud Prevention Tips

May 1, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

Internet Fraud and Identity Theft are major problems that we face in our lives. According to the Internet Crime division of the FBI, there were 262,813 Internet crimes reported totaling $781,841,611 in total reported losses during 2013. The average loss for people who reported a monetary loss was just over $6,000.

Here at Allegiant Partners, we’re always looking out for our customers’ security. We put together a list of top tips to help keep your personal information and identity secure:

Do not disclose personal or transactional information about your Allegiant Partners lease/loan with someone who is not an Allegiant Partners employee
When providing information online, make sure the web page is secure – the URL begins with “https” or the page has a padlock icon
Be careful about the programs you install or run
Use secure passwords with a mixture of symbols, numbers, and capitalized characters
Be cautious of email attachments from unknown senders

Following simple steps like these will help ensure your identity and personal information stays secure.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call us.

To CNG or not to CNG? That is the question.

April 29, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

You have to admit, most of you have wondered about what it would be like to switch to a CNG (compressed natural gas) powered truck. You’ve wondered what it will cost, how much money you’ll save, and if there is even a CNG fueling station near you. Many companies already use CNG vehicles, so is it right for you? This article is here to answer all of your unanswered questions.

Is CNG better for the environment?
Yes. CNG puts out less greenhouse gases and lower emissions than traditional gasoline or diesel engines.

What is the maintenance like on a CNG vehicle?
Because CNG burns so much cleaner than gasoline, the maintenance rate per mile is almost half that of a gasoline powered vehicle. That means up to half of your normal lifetime maintenance cost!

Is CNG as fuel efficient as gasoline?
CNG powered engines are just gasoline engines with a few modifications, so your CNG vehicle would have near the same fuel effienciency as your gas vehicle.

Where do I fill up?
Click Here to find your nearest fueling stations.

What’s the total cost of ownership?
Upfitting your truck to run on CNG is costly initially, but with gas prices over a dollar more expensive per gallon than CNG you would recoup the initial cost in as little as 2 years! In addition, there are many state-run tax incentives and grants that provide reimbursement of the upfit.

Work Truck Direct can finance CNG upfits on new vehicles and new CNG commercial vehicles. To find out more about the programs in your state and take advantage of the savings and finance options from Work Truck Direct Click Here or contact one of our industry experts at 1 (888) 998-6909.

Freightliner SuperTruck

April 17, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

Freightliner recently released information on the Freightliner SuperTruck, their newest road-worthy concept. The goal during the creative process was to maximize efficiency of the big rig truck. Everything about the traditional tractor was rethought out. Aerodynamics, engine, transmission, parasitic losses, heat energy loss, and weight reduction were examined.

The SuperTruck more than doubles the average fuel economy of current tractors, averaging 12 mpg during fully loaded tests on Texas roads. The hybrid propulsion system uses regenerative braking as well has engine heat recovery to keep the battery charged. Aerodynamics are also greatly improved to provide less wind resistance.

Altough the supertruck is not a production model, many of it’s features will soon make their way into current and future models.

For more information, check out https://www.freightlinersupertruck.com/#main

Burger and Fries

April 10, 2015 by Eric Wanberg Leave a Comment

Fuel economy and the commercial vehicle sector are like Burgers and Fries. What do we mean? When you want a burger, do you go for the meal at the closest fast food chain or do you head over the the local burger joint? On one hand the fast food chain has a plain burger and fries for around $5 and on the other hand there is Joe’s Local Burger where you can get a fresh made burger with homemade sauce and fresh condiments with garlic fries for $8. Sure the $5 meal is cheap, but you’re getting a lot more out of the $8 dollar meal. It’s tastier, healthier, more gratifying, and it lasts longer than the supposed “value meal”.

As with our truck purchases, what are we looking at? At the end of the day, are we choosing the $5 meal or are we making a decision that goes beyond thinking about the instant sticker price and extends into the final value and cost over time.

What we are talking about is the total cost of ownership aka TCO. What at the end of the day is your vehicle costing you per gallon of gas? Is the sticker shock of an alternative fuel conversion (CNG/Natural Gas) or aftermarket hybrid system (Kinetic Hybrid) turning you off? With the volatility of gas prices, we can’t bank on the price to get any cheaper and we all know that it will come back again higher than ever. So, why not seek out an alternative fuel solution?

Rebates and grants are available for companies that are interested in pursuing them and natural gas prices are lower than ever. With savings that can pay off your equipment within a matter of months, put more money into your pocket, and benefit the environment, what is holding you back?

Are you settling for the “good deal” at the moment, or are you buying someone else’s headache; the truck without the warranty, the one that looks like it’ll get the job done, the $5 meal?

If you have questions about the TCO of your next purchase, warranties, or alternative fuel conversions, Contact Us or give your Account Manager at Allegiant Partners a call.