Commercial Van Solutions

We are going to discuss how non-CDL trucks, GCWR, and GVWR are all related. But, before we can do that, we’ve got to set the stage. Some Definitions and Explanations Okay, first things first. What do GVW, GCWR, and GVWR standard for? GVW – gross vehicle weight GVWR – gross vehicle weight rating GCWR – gross combination weight rating  In the world of CDL and non-CDL trucks, those are terms that are frequently used. GCWR may also be referred to as MAM (maximum authorized mass), GTW (gross train weight), GCM (gross combination mass), or gross combination weight rating (which still uses the initials GCWR). It refers to the combined mass of vehicle cargo, passengers, and a road vehicle that is legally allowable combined with the mass of the trailer cargo and the trailer itself. When it comes to vehicle ratings, they are set by the vehicle manufacturers. What is GVW? GVW and GVWR refer to the same thing – gross vehicle weight. The “R” just adds “rating” t...

Why is it that you see so many vehicles on the road today that are wrapped in advertisements? It could be because these truck wraps make money for the individual with the wrapped vehicle and generate business for the company being advertised. But is that all? Why Businesses Wrap Vehicles When it comes truck wraps, there are many reasons why they are so beneficial. Here’s a handful: Wraps are easily applied and maintained They last for years if properly maintained There are numerous options available for designs and colors There are few better ways to advertise a business Compared to paint, they are cheaper So those are the benefits of a truck wrap. But it’s important to make sure that the whole process is executed correctly. Making Your Design Memorable Two of the most important steps in creating a design for your truck wrap is to be sure you conceptualize and research. Research not only the business that the wrap represents but any competitors as well. Th...

It’s more than your work van. It’s your commuting workhorse. Your office and workshop on wheels. And probably one of your biggest investments. You’ve probably taken all the usual steps to make sure it’s protected – proper maintenance, insurance, safe driving habits. But did you know that adding van equipment upfits can actually help protect you and your work vehicle? You may think of van upfit equipment as just a way to organize your tools and supplies. But that’s just one part of its job. Upfits help protect your van from the wear and tear your equipment can inflict on it. Plus, van equipment upfits made specifically for your work van and properly installed helps protect  you as well as your work van. Let’s explore a few examples. How Partitions Help Protect Your Work Van & You Van partitions provide a barrier between you and your cargo, to help keep you both safe and comfortable on your commute. How it helps protect your work van – You never know whe...

Productivity – how effective you are at producing something. Productivity is on the minds of service techs and contractors everywhere, and for good reason. Productivity usually equals profits. Well-known entrepreneurs link productivity to profitability constantly: The late American author, salesman, and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, once said, “Profitability comes from loyalty, productivity, and having a character base from which to work.” Carlos Slim, Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist (and richest person in the world from 2010 to 2013) agrees: “Profitability is coming from productivity, efficiency, management, austerity, and the way to manage the business.” If productivity can boost profits, then it’s worth looking at ways techs and contractors can be more productive, day-to-day. One thing that greatly impacts productivity is your working environment, and for techs and contractors, that means your work van. Your Work Van & Your P...

Do you have a moving company fleet? How many vehicles do you own? How many different types of vehicles do you offer? Movers can best serve the needs of their customers with a fully functioning moving company fleet comprised of a variety of vehicles. Each vehicle has its own specialties and can offer cost savings to your customers, as well as fuel and labor savings for you. What Type of Moving Vehicle Is Needed? Some people need nothing more than a pickup truck or a van with which to move. Others won’t be able to relocate an entire household with anything less than a tractor-trailer! To get the job done efficiently and effectively, the right vehicle should be used. If you’re planning on moving more than one household, a big business, or a massive household, the tractor-trailer is fine. But what if the move that you are assisting with deals with a smaller home? Should you simply ignore the undersized load customers? You should not. By having smaller vehicles with which to a...

You find yourself asking the age-old question: should I recondition an older trailer (rebuild it), or by a new one? The important thing to remember when answering this question is the volatility of the transportation industry and ever-increasing equipment operating costs. For some owner operators, the choice to recondition a trailer is a good one. That is, provided they are looking to reduce startup costs and, can not only do the rebuilding/repairs themselves, but are prepared to research everything that is involved with maintaining an aged trailer. Older Trailers – Some People’s Preference These days, becoming more and more common are sizable restoration projects involving older trailers. Particularly if they are in good condition and not equipped with newer, high-tech accessories/characteristics, numerous individuals are leaning toward repairing and rebuilding used trailers, rather than buying new. Why would someone steer away from new, fancy, high-tech capabilities and ...

International Truck announced that the new Eaton Cummins Endurant™ 12-speed automated transmission, a light and efficient 1,850 lb.-ft. capable heavy-duty transmission, is now available on International® LT® Series and LoneStar® trucks. "Offering the Endurant transmission with the Cummins X15™ engine on our LT Series and LoneStar trucks reflects our DriverFirst™ philosophy, which is at the core of our product design process,” said Jeff Sass, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Integrated advanced transmission solutions benefit our long haul and regional haul customers through reliable vehicle performance, greater fuel efficiency and improved driver comfort.” Endurant enhances the driving experience with smooth and intuitive shift strategies and predictive shifting that uses look-ahead technology to execute shift decisions that improve fuel efficiency and provide additional driver comfort. Along with 750,000-mile lube change intervals for...