CONSUMERS AROUND THE WORLD ARE READY FOR GREEN DELIVERY AS FORD PREPARES TO UNVEIL E-TRANSIT ON NOV. 12

On November 12, Ford officially unveils the zero-emission, all-electric E-Transit – a new version of the world’s best-selling cargo van1. And it’s arriving at a time when Americans – and others around the globe – are ready to embrace the potential of green delivery.

According to a new survey conducted in the U.S., U.K. and Germany, people are increasingly expressing openness to delivery services operated by electric vehicles. More than 60 percent of Americans and 68 percent of Brits care about the environmental impact of vehicles used by delivery services. That’s a 12 percent increase in the U.S. alone since earlier in the year, when we conducted our initial survey.

In all three countries, more than half of respondents say they’d choose an electric-powered delivery service over a gas-powered one if price and arrival times were the same, with 54 percent in the U.S. and nearly 58 percent in the U.K. saying so. And even if they have to wait longer for a delivery via zero-emissions vans, 43 percent of Americans and almost 50 percent Brits say they would do so.

The world – and the way we power our vehicles – is changing. It’s why the time is right for a new type of Transit, something that remains the backbone of commercial business while serving both our community and the environment. Never has there been a better time to realize that doing the right thing is good for business – ours and yours.

Tune in on Nov. 12 to see how Ford is leading the charge with the reveal of the zero-emission, all-electric E-Transit.

1Based on IHS Markit New Registrations data CY2014-CYE 2019, which is compiled from government and other sources and captures 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries as reported in February 2020.  Transit family-based volumes of vans, wagons, chassis cabs and cutaways include Ford Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Classic and Transit Kombi. Excludes Transit Connect and Transit Courier.

2Survey undertaken in partnership with Google across three key markets – U.S., U.K. and Germany, with 1,000 respondents in the U.S. and 1,000 respondents in the U.K. and Germany taking part in this independent study.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

CTECH at The Work Truck Show 2020 | SuperCut

The CTech booth and beyond with this supercut! We had our brand new Shelving Drawers and MotionLatch™ 'Full-Bank' lock on full display as well as a variety of Tool Drawers showcased in other areas of the show.

What to Know About Towing | Consumer Reports

There are so many vessels and vehicles to satisfy your inner adventurer. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you need to know about getting these beauties from point A to point B.

DECKED | Organized. Durable. Secure. Storage.

DECKED is ready to help you get more use, organization, storage and utility out of your truck or vanr. With a 2000lb load rating and 200lb capacity per drawer, you'll get more out of your truck and more out of your day with DECKED in the bed.

Highway Products, Inc. Truckslides™ | Engineered to Make Your Workday Easier

Highway Products Truck Slides™ are specifically designed for rugged work conditions. Over-engineered and over-built, every Truck Slide™ is made from premium metal and components. The Fully Formed Aluminum Tray has no weak points to crack and can be left in the elements without concern for deterioration. 10 Gauge Galvanized Steel tracks with oversized 2” Sealed Chrome Steel Bearings provide a smooth and durable extension of the tray. The ¼” Hot-rolled solid steel pull handle actuates a rocker that disengages ¼” spring-loaded steel plungers from multiple locking points in the tracks.

Bolt Lock Family

If you drive a truck, haul gear or pull a trailer, then the BOLT Series of locks is for you. The BOLT Series of locks lets you set all your truck, trailer and equipment locks to work with one key – your ignition key!

Simply insert the truck’s ignition key into the BOLT lock, turn it once and the lock mechanically and permanently learns the key code.

Whether you are a truck pro or a weekend warrior, you can’t beat the convenience of BOLT locks. Why carry all those extra keys?

Survey Results: THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE TRUCKS

Survey respondents were asked to pick the two most important pieces of equipment on their service vehicles, out of air compressors, cranes, generators, welders, or other.

A significant portion of respondents chose “air compressor” as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Generators, cranes, and welders were split closely, with 32%, 31%, and 27% of respondents selecting these pieces of equipment as their top two most important. The other category includes responses such as hand tools, bucket lifts, liftgates, vacuums, and pumps.

OPERATORS/MECHANICS FAVOR AIR COMPRESSORS

Air compressors ranked even higher in popularity when segmenting the 47 Operators and Mechanics who answered the survey. 94% of these respondents chose air compressor as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Interestingly, Operators and Mechanics were the only segment that considered welders to be the second most important piece of equipment on their service truck.

Learn more at: https://www.vmacair.com/blog/the-most-important-equipment-for-service-trucks/?utm_campaign=State%20of%20the%20Industry&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Pfyg-w27objafi4fbFt9kG7xMDNEipG2cGohxOSZJI13V4icxiPuIRBcM77MIeYzXpcm-PvFE4p1dPcIFIn-3qdke4Q&_hsmi=97579604&utm_content=97579604&utm_source=hs_email&hsCtaTracking=33ccbe3d-8c9e-463f-b918-ced155b16e53%7C5259cfdb-f086-4aca-8821-fef96a7e4e71

FROM ADVENTURE TO PACKAGE DELIVERY, FORD ADDS NEW RECREATIONAL AND BUSINESS OPTIONS FOR 2021 TRANSIT CUSTOMERS

This year has been big for the van market; recreational vehicle (RV) demand has spiked to record highs while burgeoning delivery businesses serve customers working from home

Ford is making it simpler for outdoor enthusiasts to order 2021 Transit their way by creating all-new Adventure Prep and RV Prep packages

Fleets and entrepreneurs get new business-oriented Parcel Delivery and Livery packages, while all Transit vans up to 9,500 pounds GVWR now have a clear aisle between the front seats, making access to the cargo area easier than ever for hardworking drivers

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 13, 2020 – New for 2021 model year, America’s best-selling van – Ford Transit – is updated with recreational vehicle and parcel delivery option packages for those who work hard and play hard.

“With many Americans working from home and practicing social distancing during the pandemic, the popularity of recreational vehicles has soared at the same time package delivery has seen incredible growth,” says Tiffany Chang, Ford fleet brand strategy manager. “Our new 2021 Transit options help people design the recreational vehicles of their dreams and help enable our commercial customers to more efficiently deliver goods and services across the country.”

Transit vans for play – motorhomes, RVs and adventure vans

July RV shipments were the highest in 40 years at 43,035 units, and 46 million Americans say they plan to take an RV trip in the next 12 months, according to the RV Industry Association.  

More than half of all motorhomes sold in the United States are built on Ford chassis. Ford is using its expertise and responding to growing demand with appearance updates for the 2021 Transit, including new wheel choices and three new exterior colors that keep their good looks even when covered in campsite dirt. Three new and improved option packages include the updated Transit Motorhome Prep Package for cutaway, the new RV Prep Package for cargo van and a new Adventure Prep Package for cargo or crew van.

The Motorhome Prep Package now includes Adaptive Cruise Control for added confidence on long trips. Customers can also choose an available new economy-rated version of the popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine designed to support high frontal area conversions like larger motorhomes.

The RV Prep Package includes driver-assist features including a side-sensing system and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as a heavy-duty trailer tow offering so RV-ers can bring along bikes or other toys. Exterior enhancements include front fog lamps to help light up dark country roads. Inside, four-way manual swivel driver and passenger seats are standard, as is an eight-speaker sound system.

The Adventure Prep Package bundles together popular camper van options including all-wheel drive, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, 3.73:1 limited-slip differential rear axle, heavy-duty front axle and privacy glass. Driver-assist features include Adaptive Cruise Control, reverse and side-sensing systems, and Blind Spot Information System for peace of mind. And when standard technology includes an 8-inch color touch screen with SYNC® 3 and dual USB ports, power point and dual absorbent glass mat batteries, adventure doesn’t have to mean roughing it.

Transit vans for work – parcel delivery and livery

A new Parcel Delivery Package focuses on the needs of an industry seeing incredible growth. It starts with a number of design refinements standard for 2021 Transit that provide improved access to the cargo compartment. The manual parking brake on the floor by the driver’s seat has been replaced in all Transit vans up to 9,500 pounds GVWR by an electronic parking brake, creating a 50 percent wider clear aisle between the front seats.

An optional center console with right-side shifter further improves walkthrough and offers more than 7 inches of additional driver legroom. The overhead shelf is now optional, providing more clearance when standing. The Parcel Delivery Package adds 50/50 hinged rear doors featuring a wide 253-degree opening and full interior lighting to facilitate early morning and late evening deliveries. The armrests have been eliminated from both the driver and passenger seats to further improve cargo access.

The new Livery Package serves the premium transportation market with a ready-made configuration focused on comfort and style. Available for Transit passenger van XLT, the Livery Package includes 10-way power seats finished in ebony leather seating surfaces for all passengers, power sliding side door, HID headlamps, full privacy glass and 16-inch silver wheels.

A honeycomb mesh grille is standard on all 2021 Transit models. Production begins this fall at Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

 About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ranger Design Cargo + Van Ladder Rack for Commercial Vehicles

Optimize the space on your van roof with this new aerodynamic and quiet cargo roof rack. If you're looking for a van ladder rack you can rely on no matter what the job, this cargo roof rack is the answer! This cargo roof rack is light-weight with a carrying capacity of up to 300lbs. It features a full width rear roller for easy transport of racks, building materials, pipe transportation and scaffolding. The T-Track technology for easy crossbar positioning gives you the ultimate flexibility. It is quick to install - No drilling required as it fits on factory mounting holes.

Masterack SmartSpace Video

Masterack SmartSpace van rack features

Health and Safety Tips for Commercial Van Drivers

Health and safety. It is a number one priority while at work. And for tradesmen and commercial van drivers especially, now is the time to be extra careful while on the job. Follow our health and safety guidelines to ensure your commercial van stays clean and sanitary.

Keep the Air Fresh

Ensure that the air in your cab and cargo space is constantly moving, and not staying stagnant in your vehicle for long periods of time. One product that helps with this, is a Flettner vent. Installed on the roof of the commercial van, it sucks in fresh air as you drive while forcing the stale air out. This lowers the chance of germs settling on surfaces, reducing the risk of sickness.

Put Up a Barrier for Yourself

For commercial vans designed to carry passengers or materials that may be contagious, it is a good idea to put up a barrier to protect you. Composite safety partitions for cargo vans are a great option. Their tight fit to the van walls prevent germs from seeping into the cab while you drive. For smaller passenger vans, a clear plexiglass shield offers just as much protection and also allows the driver and passengers to see and hear each other clearly.

Clean Your Work Space Regularly

Giving your commercial van a quick clean, as often as required by company guidelines or government regulations, is a good way to rid yourself of germs and bacteria. However sometimes it can be difficult to wash the things you touch the most; your seat for example. That’s why we suggest Seat Covers. Sturdy and fitted, they are also removable which means you can throw them in the washing machine as needed.

Keep Protective Equipment Close

Hand sanitizers, gloves, masks… these are essential items to be carrying around in this current time. However, these are relatively small items which means they can be easily lost in the equipment of a commercial van. The solution to this is the 3-in-1 Sanitizer Caddy. This aluminum holder mounts anywhere in your van and stores all the essential items you need when coming into contact with other people.

Here at Ranger Design, your health and safety is top priority. We have designed these products to provide you with a way to keep your commercial van sanitary while on the job. Learn more on how to better protect yourself with partitions.

Learn more at: https://rangerdesign.com/blog/blog/health-and-safety-tips-for-commercial-van-drivers/

Learn about all Ranger Design products at: https://rangerdesign.com/

CTech Work Truck Cabinets and Drawers

A big day for CTech as we participate in our first-ever virtual conference with the 15th Annual North American Caterpillar Dealers Procurement/Fleet Group. We've been hard at work gathering and editing footage for a feature-length commercial to show during the conference.

How to Set Up Weight Distribution | BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale

This video describes how to use the Weight Distribution feature of the CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale. With this feature, you can easily set up your weight distribution hitch without the need for a measuring tape, pen and paper. The CURT BetterWeigh™ #51701 is a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 device that wirelessly syncs with your smartphone to provide a variety of vehicle and trailer weights. This includes vehicle weight, GCW, payload, tongue weight and pin weight, as well as weight distribution setup and trailer brake gain. To begin setting up your weight distribution hitch with the CURT BetterWeigh™, choose the weight range that best suits your vehicle-trailer setup. To set the range, tap the gear icon and select Weight Distribution. Then, select a weight range. Next, select the Weight Distribution feature on the BetterWeigh™ app homescreen. Before pressing Ready, make sure your vehicle and trailer are aligned and ready to be coupled. Turn off the engine. Then, step back from the vehicle and tap Ready. BetterWeigh™ will take an initial reading of your vehicle’s pitch. Once the vehicle pitch is analyzed, lower the trailer tongue until the coupler is resting on the ball. BetterWeigh™ will then display the trailer tongue weight. Tap Ready again to see the weight distribution relative scale. Weights will be shown across the front, rear and trailer axle. The goal is to redistribute the weight toward the front vehicle axle. Next, attach the weight distribution spring bars to the trailer. Then, raise the trailer jack off the ground to see the initial weight distribution reading. Adjust the weight distribution hitch until the front end axle is in the green zone on the app. Finish connecting your trailer, and you’re ready to tow! BetterWeigh™ is compatible with Apple and Android phones. Download the BetterWeigh™ app from Google Play or the App Store. Learn more at www.curtmfg.com/betterweigh

The UnderCover Ultra Flex with Katie Osborne | presented by Truck Hero

Katie Osborne takes a look at one of UnderCover's most popular truck bed covers, the Ultra Flex.

Top 5 Best Truck Bed Covers Review in 2020

Best Truck Bed Covers featured in this video: MaxMate Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover - https://amzn.to/394QeEy Tyger Auto T3 Tri-Fold Truck Tonneau Cover TG-BC3D1015 - https://amzn.to/2H0HBzf BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover - https://amzn.to/2Oj1YLS Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover - //amzn.to/36VoG38 Rough Country Hard Tri-Fold Compatible - https://amzn.to/2GN0UeW

TOUGHEST, MOST PRODUCTIVE FORD F-150 DELIVERS WITH BEST-IN-CLASS TOWING AND PAYLOAD, MOST F-150 TORQUE EVER

All-new 2021 Ford F-150 delivers where it counts with available maximum tow rating** of 14,000 pounds and available maximum payload* of 3,325 pounds, F-150 out-tows and out-hauls any other light-duty, full-size pickup

• Available 3.5-liter PowerBoost™ full hybrid powertrain for 2021 Ford F-150 produces power with purpose – 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. of torque, the most torque ever in an F-150 with available Pro Power Onboard™ providing up to 18 times more exportable power than the nearest competitor. Optional 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 see increases to both power and torque
• Customer-focused design results in a more productive, more connected F-150, with standard over-the-air updates, touch screens, and Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology and available Interior Work Surface, Tailgate Work Surface and class-exclusive Max Recline Seats

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 29, 2020 – With 43 years of F-Series reigning as best-selling truck in America, the all-new Ford F-150 continues to set standards – No other full-size light-duty pickup can match its maximum conventional towing* or payload**, and no other truck provides the electrified power and capability of the available 3.5-liter PowerBoost™ full hybrid offering the most horsepower and torque in the F-150 lineup.

“F-150 is the flagship of Ford’s dedication to building the best trucks and represents our commitment to not just meeting customer needs but exceeding them,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “With capability and functionality foundational to F-Series, the all-new F-150 not only tows more and hauls more than any other light-duty full-size pickup, it is built to surpass customer expectations with smart innovations that will make them even more productive every day.”

The all-new F-150 brings features like available Pro Power Onboard, Interior Work Surface, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a Tailgate Work Surface, plus advanced driver-assist and connectivity technology. Standard over-the-air updates keep F-150 at the forefront of technology, while its all-new interior is designed to be comfortable, useful and connected.

Tow more, haul more, get more done

The 2021 F-150 is built on a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body and box. When equipped with the proven available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 and Max Trailer Tow Package, F-150 is rated for more conventional towing than any light-duty full-size pickup – a maximum 14,000 pounds, a gain of 800 pounds over the 2020 model.

PowerBoost full hybrid trucks are rated at a maximum of 12,700 pounds of conventional towing – the most towing ever offered by any full hybrid pickup. Maximum payload increases to 3,325 pounds – more than 1,000 pounds over F-150’s closest full-size light-duty competitor – with gains across most trim levels and configurations. PowerBoost-equipped trucks debut with a maximum payload of 2,120 pounds for the Crew Cab 4x2 model with 6.5-foot box.

New kind of power

The all-new class-exclusive 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid is the most powerful option in the F-150 lineup, making 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. of torque. Not only does this powertrain deliver the most torque ever in an F-150, its standard Pro Power Onboard brings unmatched exportable power, 2.4 kilowatts of standard power and an available 7.2 kilowatts – enough to power 28 average refrigerators.

F-150’s 5.0-liter V8 gets a bump of 5 horsepower and 10 lb.-ft. of torque, to 400 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft., while the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is now rated at 400 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. – a jump of 25 horsepower and 30 lb.-ft. of torque. With six engine options all paired with the Ford-designed and assembled 10-speed automatic transmission, there’s an F-150 for every job, every budget and every hardworking customer. 

Technology and innovation that count

The all-new F-150 adds technology that works to improve towing convenience and driver confidence. It is the only light-duty full size pickup with available Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance. New Trailer Reverse Guidance uses the truck’s high-resolution cameras to provide multiple views along with helpful graphics that tell drivers which way to turn the steering wheel when backing up. Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a dial.

F-150 provides customer-focused features including standard 4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi hotspot, new standard tailgate clamp pockets, available Interior Work Surface, available Tailgate Work Surface, available Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0 and available class-exclusive Max Recline Seats.

The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. It is proudly built and assembled in America at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

 * F-150 Regular Cab, 8-foot box, 4x2 with available 5.0L V8 engine and Max Trailer Tow and Heavy-Duty Payload Packages

** F-150 SuperCab 8’ box and SuperCrew 4x2 with available 3.5L EcoBoost and Max Trailer Tow Package

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.