On September 28, 2022, Messer Work Van Solutions invited customers and contacts to our Columbus headquarters to discuss the state of the work van industry, specifically new vehicle shortages.
We want to learn about our customer’s struggles keeping their fleets operational and efficient.
Where Things Stand Currently
Jeff Messer, owner of Messer Work Van Solutions, kicked off the roundtable with a quick video detailing information he’s learned from the National Truck Equipment Association, which is the association for the work truck industry.
The outlook for work vans isn’t great. Initially, we’d hoped, and leadership at Ford and other OEMs predicted, that things would be back to normal by Q3 or Q4 of 2022. That hasn’t panned out.
Based on the best information Jeff has, it looks like 2023 will be a slow build, and then by 2024, we may see normalcy in truck and van production.
The vehicle manufacturers are currently prioritizing ordered units, and then how the remaining vehicles are distributed is anyone’s guess.
A representative from Krieger Ford in Columbus recommended that if you do get a chance to order vans or trucks, order more than you need. By the time you get the order fulfilled, you may need the extra vans. If not, the dealership will be happy to take them off your hands.
The representative from a Columbus Nissan Dodge dealership said that retail dealerships are the best sources to get your hands on new vehicles. But, he cautioned that you need to find one you can trust. Some are taking advantage of the situation to jack up profits at the customer’s expense.
Also, if you are a fleet and have a Fleet Identification Number (FIN), take that to a dealership to try and take advantage of market adjustments. Some will honor it, but unfortunately, most won’t.
Dealerships, including Nissan and Dodge, are still taking orders, but they are unsure when the vehicles will be produced.
Work Van Alternatives
As part of the conversation, Messer also presented alternatives to work vans that trades can take advantage of sooner.
SpaceKap
The solution that got attendees most excited was SpaceKap. SpaceKap is a self-contained service body that can be slid into any pickup truck.
With SpaceKap, you can convert any truck into a service van. Depending on the type of SpaceKap service body you order, you can access the compartment from the rear or by opening the side panels. In addition, the cargo management solutions within SpaceKap can be customized to your needs.
One of the strongest benefits of SpaceKap is that it can be installed and removed from any truck and re-installed in a different vehicle. So, the lifespan of one SpaceKap can last several trucks.
DECKED
We also talked through the DECKED storage systems, including:
- CargoGlide: A slidable truck bed system that enables crews to easily pull the contents of a truck bed out past the tailgate for easy access.
- Drawer System: The DECKED drawer system can be installed in most truck beds and creates a weather-tight storage solution. The drawers can be organized using dividers. In addition, each drawer includes a locking mechanism for security, and closing and locking the tailgate further protects your equipment from theft.
- Toolboxes: We had several DECKED truck bed toolboxes on display. These toolboxes span the width of the truck bed and come with foldable ladders. The ladder gives your crew easy access to the toolbox contents without climbing into the truck bed.
You can read more about DECKED work van alternative solutions here.
Trailers
Another solution that was on display was a trailer. Enclosed trailers offer a lot of the space and functionality of a work van, without the cost of a new vehicle (if you can find one).
We can create a custom cargo management solution within a trailer using Adrian steel components, including shelves, drawers, cabinets, bins, and partitions.
TommyGate
Finally, we discussed TommyGate’s hydraulic liftgates and how trades can utilize these products to simplify getting equipment and material in and out of both trucks and vans.
Use Vehicle Options
Finally, we presented suggestions on where to find quality used vans and trucks. You can find these recommendations in our blog post, “Used Cargo Vans and Trucks for Trade Fleets.”
If you’re interested in discussing any of the work van alternative solutions above, please give us a call at (614) 219-1814 or schedule a call here. We’d be happy to talk through your options and even create a free cargo management solution design for your vehicles.
