For many fleets, work vans are the preferred vehicle. They have large cargo areas and storage options and can be closed and locked to protect equipment, tools, and parts from the weather and theft.
Unfortunately, the microchip shortage is hitting the auto industry very hard. Some of the top manufacturers and models are on backorder, with new vehicle lead times extending months and sometimes years.
For trades, the shortage is even more severe. Within the auto industry, there is a hierarchy. Manufacturers are allocating the chips they do receive to their top-selling models, which are almost always consumer cars, trucks, and vans.
Far down that pecking order are the cargo and work vans that trade organizations desperately need to maintain fleets, expand services, ensure worker safety, and take on new jobs. In other words, maintain and grow profitability.
One of our larger clients placed an order with one manufacturer for 150 new vehicles this year. They were approved to purchase 10% of that—15 out of 150 vehicles!
Not to pile on, but the size of your fleet matters too. Smaller fleets struggle to get smaller orders fulfilled when larger fleets can place more significant orders.
So, Then What’s The Work Van Alternative?
Trucks.
But, what about protection? Security? Storage?
Hear me out.
The reason trucks are a viable alternative to work vans is because of a system we install called DECKED. DECKED’s truck bed drawer system installs in most sized truck beds.
The system includes two pull-out drawers and a flat-top panel that can support a load of up to 2,000 pounds.
The drawers can be locked, and the system becomes almost impossible to open when the truck bed is closed and locked.
The entire drawer system is protected from the elements making it possible to safeguard your tools and equipment in any weather. You can even park the truck outside overnight without worry.
The drawers can also be sectioned off to organize your tools and parts.
Why Trucks Work for Trades
With the DECKED system and Messer’s quality installation, fleets can take advantage of the following:
Availability
Trucks are available now. From small to medium to heavy-duty, trucks are a big seller for many manufacturers and, as a result, get priority when it comes to microchip allocation.
In addition, the used truck market is vast. You can purchase any used truck, and we can rip out an existing storage solution and retrofit it to your fleet’s needs without much hassle.
The same cannot be said for work vans. Most upfitters won’t rip out an existing cargo management solution and install a new one. There are too many complications to overcome to make it cost-effective.
Storage
The DECKED pull-out drawers provide excellent storage for tools, parts, equipment, and the other essential items your teams need to complete jobs.
The drawers allow for organization, security, and protection from the elements. They are also easy-glide, so aging employees can more safely access everything versus jumping in and out of the truck bed.
Security
The drawer locking systems are enough to protect your assets from theft and damage. But when locked behind a closed truck bed door, it becomes nearly impossible to open the drawers without the key.
Weather Resistant
A heavy-duty panel sits on top of the drawer system protecting your tools and equipment from the weather. Snow, rain, and ice are no match for it.
And the drawers themselves are also made from durable thermoplastic, so any standing water in your truck bed won’t reach your tools.
Other Upfit Items
Obviously, with vans, the large cargo area allows for versatile storage and organization. Much of the same can be added to a truck bed, including:
- Ladder racks
- Toolboxes
- Safety equipment
- Electrical systems
If the microchip shortage is limiting your access to the vans you need to maintain and improve profitability, schedule time to talk to one of our experts. We can asset your fleet’s cargo management needs and then advise you on the viability of truck alternatives.
