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Long gone are the days of relying on salt and ice to keep your inventory cold. More effective and efficient methods are introduced every year in the form of refrigerated vans and their upgraded features. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which work truck is best for you and your business? With temperature-sensitive materials and products on the line, it’s important to invest in the vehicle that’s perfect for the present business and future growth. Avoid brain freeze by considering the following key points.

1. Types of Refrigeration: Single vs. Multi-Temp and Temp Control

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when searching for a reefer is its ability to reach and maintain a constant temperature. But don’t let the specifics get away from you. Depending on your industry, needs may vary drastically from a neighboring business.

Pharmaceuticals such as insulin need to stay between 35°F and 46°F while antiques tend to travel closer to 70°F, for example. A 2015 Ford F450 chassis hooked up to a refrigerated trailer fitted with a Thermo King V300 offers temperature control down to -4°F, but won’t be suited for industries that need a deep freeze. So whether you’re transporting ice cream, flowers, cosmetics, or engineered chemicals, no one knows your products better than you–write down the temperature variables that you need so you can compare it to the specs of trucks you’re looking to buy.

Additionally, depending on the types of goods you’re moving, you might need to consider whether or not you need a truck that can create multiple temperatures in the same trailer. A single-temp trailer will keep the entire space at a steady temperature. These trailers are common and often lighter and less expensive than their multi-temp counterparts.

However, if you need to move mid-temperature goods at the same time as deep-frozen (or any combination of goods that require temps harmful to others in the same trailer) a multi-temperature truck would be a better investment. As the name suggests, it allows you to divide the trailer space into more than one compartment. Doing so effectively lets you make fewer trips while still guaranteeing the integrity of the products on arrival. Many manufacturers such as Supreme release models of both that can be attached to the chassis of your choice from popular OEMs like RAM, GM, Peterbilt, and Ford.

2. Refrigeration Capacity and Distance Travelled

How far you do (or don’t) plan on driving and where you plan to pick up and deliver should have an impact on your decision. An Isuzu chassis pulling a 28’ long Morgan Cold Star might work great for long stretches of straight highway during cross-country travel, but it’s not going to be well suited for the small roads and tight turns of crowded urban cities.

But don’t just err on the side of caution and buy a smaller refrigerated truck either. You want to ensure that it has the capacity to carry the payload you’re expecting to carry as well as having the space to load it. Consider where your business is now and where you plan to be a few years out as well. Refrigerated trucks can be costly, but investing in one that caters to your needs now and down the road can save you time and money in the long run.

As an additional warning, make sure that your preferred chassis matches the spec requirements associated with the body if you’re customizing your new refrigerated truck. If the two don’t match the dealership may not be able to assemble them for you, and even if they can you might run into issues with things like the liftgate not being able to reach the ground. One way to avoid this is by purchasing a chassis/body combo that is already together or recommended by a dealership. But if you prefer to have full customization you should communicate with workers from both parties, or ask your dealership for guidance.

3. Delivery Truck Upfits and a Business Budget

When asked what advice they would give to someone in the market for a new refrigerated truck, one thing that drivers and owners across a variety of industries agreed on was upfits. Specifically, how they affect the truck’s specs.

Say you’ve just bought what you think is the perfect truck. It’s a Supreme Kold King on a 2019 Hino chassis and it’s just the right size to stack three crates of produce side-by-side. But when you go to load your first run you realize that you forgot to take the thickness of the insulation into consideration. Suddenly you can’t carry the same amount of inventory as you expected and it can cut into your bottom line.

And the same can be said of bulkheads and other upfits. While these upgrades can increase efficiency and profits in some ways, you should be mindful of what you’re trading for space. Upfits that affect the quality of thermal regulation or interior space can be especially tricky if you’re unaware of the trade-offs.

When it comes to refrigerated trucks, the key is knowing exactly what you need from the vehicle and going into it with a thorough amount of research. Coming prepared means that you won’t be upsold on features you don’t need, but it also ensures that you won’t undersell yourself or your business by cutting corners on things you do. With the abundance of customizations and constant innovations being introduced, you can absolutely find the perfect fit without breaking the bank.

Refrigerated vehicles are a necessity within the cold chain, ensuring the protection of products during long journeys. However, when choosing refrigerated vans for your business, it is important to choose the best-suited vehicle for your specific industry requirements. 

Transport for fragile pharmaceuticals 

The survival of the pharmaceutical industry relies on the safe delivery of fragile medicine and vaccines, in order to ensure the safety of the end-user. However, pharmaceutical products, especially those containing blood and plasma, are extremely vulnerable to excessively hot and cold temperatures. Chemical alterations can take place in these products if they exceed their recommended temperature range.

These alterations can either leave a pharmaceutical product ineffective, or in the event of over-freezing, products can cause adverse reactions in patients. Some pharmaceuticals can also be potentially hazardous, and so greater care needs to be taken during handling and transportation.

When looking at refrigerated van hire for healthcare, the most important feature should be efficient temperature control. Pharmaceuticals need to be maintained within a specified temperature range – usually between +2°C and +8°C. All our pharmaceutical vehicles come equipped with Transcan Temperature Recorders, which enable fleets themselves to set, analyse and maintain their cargo’s optimum temperature, placing full control in their hands.

AM General and Jeep unearthed long-buried ties to turn the Gladiator into a light tactical vehicle for the United States Army. The two companies unveiled a concept named Gladiator Extreme Military-Grade Truck (XMT) during the Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army.

The Wrangler-derived Gladiator pickup is an excellent starting point from which to build a lightweight truck for the military, according to AM General. The off-road capacity required to trek through some of the most inhospitable topographies on the planet is already there. AM General explained it upgraded the truck with an array of existing and custom-made accessories, including special seats, bigger tires and a winch. These parts fit a Wrangler, too, but the Gladiator’s cargo box sealed the deal.

The bed allows the Gladiator XMT to perform a variety of duties; it’s even more versatile than the original Willys MB designed for World War II. It can transport soldiers, move up to 1,600 pounds of gear, or be outfitted as a mobile command and control center, among other configurations. The 1967-1969 M715 truck born from the original Jeep Gladiator was equally flexible.

AM General hasn’t released technical specifications. It merely pointed out the concept unveiled during the trade show runs on gasoline, but the military-spec model will also be available with a turbodiesel engine if it sees the light that awaits at the end of a production line. Jeep already announced it will add a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 to the palette of available engines in 2020.

What’s next for the Gladiator XMT, and whether Jeep returns to the front lines, depends on if the U.S. Army places an order for the truck — which would be the first American military use of what we would regard as a Jeep in decades. The CJ-5-based M38A1 was in production until 1971. And if the project receives the green light, it would mark the first time the two companies have worked together in decades as well. Production could begin in the second half of 2020. 

While AM General is best known for making the Humvee, which famously spawned the civilian Hummer H1 released in 1992, it owes its existence to former Jeep parent company American Motors Corporation (AMC). AMC purchased Jeep from Kaiser in 1970 and split it in two the following year. The namesake brand continued making off-roaders like the Wagoneer and the CJ for the general public, while its military-oriented General Products Division morphed into AM General Corp. The rear-wheel-drive DJ van widely used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) was closely related to the CJ, but it was manufactured by AM General between 1971 and 1983.

Federal regulations preventing foreign nations from purchasing a stake in a defense contractor forced AMC to sell AM General to LTV Corporation in 1983 in order to accept a lifesaving investment from Renault, which was — and still is — partially controlled by the French government. This obscure link explains why Hummer and Jeep contentiously shared a similar-looking seven-slot grille.

When you shop for a new ladder rack for vans, always buy the best ladder rack you can afford.If you don’t install the van ladder rack properly, then it cannot do its job.

Cleaning vehicles can be challenging without the right equipment and products. Here are 10 of the best car cleaning supplies for achieving a sparkling look without a trip to the car wash. Pick these items up online at a retailer that offers free delivery on auto parts or look for a convenient store location. Each of the following cleaning supplies should make it easier to maintain the appearance and condition of your ride.

1. Wheel Cleaner and Shine Spray

Wheels almost always end up coated in dirt and other road debris. Using a specialized cleaner or shine spray formulated for the right type of metal will make a difference that is immediately visible.

2. Pre-Treatment

Pre-treating stubborn spots on the glass or paint of a car or truck may make it possible to remove debris without the need for excessive scrubbing. The right treatment should prevent scratches and uneven wear.

3. Foam Wash

It is important to use the best car wash soap for your vehicle. A gentle foam wash that is safe to use on your paint type shouldn’t leave unsightly residue or result in cosmetic body damage.

4. Degreaser

Whether you have recently taken your ride to the shop or you work on it yourself on a regular basis, grease builds up in a number of locations. A degreaser makes it possible to work cleaner and maintain the condition of your vehicle between servicings.

5. Duster

An automotive duster is helpful for removing light coatings of dirt, dust or pollen between washes. Make sure to work carefully with materials that do not abrade paint or clear coat.

6. Detailing Treatments

A number of detailing treatments are available for removing residues from tricky spots. If you are not sure how to clean car windows, particularly door fixtures or weatherstripping, seek specialized expert advice.

7. Headlight Restoration Kit

Cleaning headlight covers can change the way a vehicle appears during the daytime and increase visibility in low-light conditions. Follow the instructions in a kit to boost brightness and clarity.

8. Microfiber Towels

Use a clean, fresh microfiber cloth to clean and dry your vehicle. You can also find automotive towels that prevent water spots, scratches or stray fibers.

9. Cordless Car Vacuum

A cordless vacuum can be helpful for removing dirt and debris from vehicle interiors or fixtures that are difficult to clean by hand. Some automotive vacuums come with useful attachments.

10. Finishing Treatments

You may prefer to use polish or wax to protect and maintain the appearance of your car or truck. Check to make sure that a treatment is formulated for the type of paint on a vehicle and read product labeling and instructions to obtain the intended results.

Stocking up on cleaning supplies will probably add up to more than the cost of a car wash, but you should have everything you need to wash a car or truck multiple times. When you shop at a major refrigerated vans retailer with low prices and free delivery on parts, it may be possible to pick up cleaning supplies in-store on the same day or arrange for fast delivery.

Battery powered tools are for hobbyists and pneumatic tools are for real work… At least, that’s the perception that many people have had over the past couple of decades.

Traditionally, mobile service operators favored pneumatic tools, partially because they were more powerful than the electric alternatives. The largest battery powered electric impact wrenches were ½” and anyone who needed tools with serious torque, such as a 1” impact wrench, would automatically default to pneumatic options. But it looks like change may be on the horizon…

Milwaukee recently released a battery powered 1” high torque impact wrench that rivals other impact wrenches on the market. The M18 impact wrench produces 1500 ft-lb of fastening torque and 1800 ft-lb of nut breaking torque at a cost that’s comparable to its competitors. It also weighs half as much as the pneumatic alternatives, which makes the M18 easier to lift.

Take a look at the weight of the M18 compared to some of its rival impact wrenches:

1” High Torque Impact Wrench Comparison

Why Pneumatic Tools Still Beat Battery Power Alternatives

Now, the Milwaukee is currently the most powerful 1” battery powered impact wrench and it’s probably making some pneumatic tool execs sweat, but it still has nothing on some of the pneumatic tools out there. If you need more than 1,800 ft-lb of nut breaking torque, you’re back into de facto pneumatic territory. For example, Chicago Pneumatic (CP) and Ingersoll Rand (IR) both have 1” impact options that easily exceed those capabilities:

More Choice With Pneumatic

Pneumatic tools also make the most sense when you want options. While the M18 may be a market disrupter, it’s essentially the first of its kind. You get what you get: By contrast, pneumatic tool brands have been cranking out high torque options for decades, which means there’s a huge range in size, weight, cost, features, ergonomics, and styles to choose between. If you want options, pneumatic makes the most sense.

Pneumatic Tools Are Tried & True

We’ll also have to see how durable battery powered tools can be. The M18 was released in May, which means nobody has had the opportunity to test its longevity yet. Can it withstand everyday work for a whole year? How many times can you drop it before it breaks? How much work will a battery charge accomplish? How many spare batteries will I need to buy and carry? How long will the battery live and what is its replacement cost?

Electric battery powered tools have a reputation for being less hardy than pneumatic tools because they contain more moving parts, including an integrated motor. This makes them more susceptible to wear, tear, and operator abuse. Being able to withstand the hardships of everyday work is a bare minimum requirement for any tool, so only time will tell if electric models can truly replace pneumatic options.

Batteries & Other Power Sources

And finally… let’s talk more about batteries. Nothing stops work faster than dead batteries. Batteries on electric tools need to be recharged quite regularly and outlets aren’t always available on the road, which means mobile service operators need an inverter and bank of spare batteries on the truck.

As a result, operators must have and maintain two separate power sources on board: diesel or gas to fuel the vehicle, plus electricity. By contrast, the air compressors that power pneumatic tools typically tie into the engine or PTO, or use the existing fuel source. Air compressor systems only require the existing power sources, which makes pneumatic tools a more practical and straightforward mobile solution.

Battery Powered Tools Other Than Impact Wrenches

This article focuses on 1” impact wrenches because it’s one of the most popular tools out there. When we see brands like Milwaukee release bigger, better tools, we get a glimpse of where their R&D is focused and it’s a great indicator of where battery powered tool manufacturers are headed in the future.

But what about other tools, right now? While we’re seeing small gains for medium sized electric tools, there’s not as much new innovation on the larger tool front. Powerful tools need powerful power sources.

When it comes to pavement breakers and jackhammers, impact wrenches over 1 ½”, and compression tools, it’s hard to beat the pneumatic options on the market. Battery tools may not ever be able to properly handle big jobs like track bolts, heavy equipment repair and OTR work.

Should You Work With Battery or Pneumatic Tools?

We’re an air compressor manufacturer so our bias is always towards air. It’s powerful, effective, and downright cool. But at the end of the day, the right answer to this question is going to vary by the individual and the work they do. Open the toolboxes on most service trucks, and you’ll see a mix of pneumatic, electric, and manual tools.

We’re definitely in the midst of an innovation leap for battery powered tools so it is possible that more pneumatic tools will be replaced in the future. But for now, air tools are still the winners when it comes to durability, power, and diverse options. That makes them the clear choice for mobile operators who want a single, straight-forward power source for all their tools.

Our friendly team has decades of van rental experience. Tell us what you need, and we can guide you to choose the best refrigerated van rental size that fits your requirements and your budget.

Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and it can become difficult to stay healthy while you are in the driver’s seat. It is essential to your wellbeing to stay healthy while you are on the go. Follow these seven truck driver health tips to stay in top shape on the road.

Drink Water

We know truck drivers can’t be stopping constantly for bathroom breaks but you need to find a happy medium and stay hydrated. Health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, which equals half a gallon of water. Water also keeps you full and regulates your body temperature. Drinking the recommended amount helps keep you healthy and hydrated.

Avoid Unnecessary Stimulants

It is easy for a truck driver to stop by a gas station for some coffee or a caffeinated beverage to stay energized, just don’t count on those drinks throughout the day to keep you moving. Although they do offer a boost of energy, in the long run they can damage your health. Implement more fruits and vegetables into your diet, which provides your body with much needed nutrients and gives you the natural energy you need for long drives.

Protect Yourself From the Sun

Be aware of how much sun you are being exposed to on the road at all times. Too much exposure from the sun can lead to sunburns and skin cancer. Wear sunglasses, apply sunscreen and avoid too much direct sunlight exposure.

Get Your Rest

Getting sleep from the road takes planning but it’s most likely mandated by your employer. Although it is more difficult to sleep on the road for some truck drivers, it is essential to get at least six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep in order to function and arrive to your destinations safely.

Avoid Meat & Fatty Foods

Meat and food rich in fat content are hard to pass up when you are looking for something to eat quickly. Too much meat and fatty foods on the go, though, are unhealthy. Implement plant-based foods such as avocados, potatoes, spinach, legumes, nuts and seeds into your diet. These foods will help with digestion and keep you fuller for longer periods of time. Having too much candy, meat, and chips can clog your arteries.

Manage Your Stress

Managing truck driver stress while on the road is essential to your health. Plan to allot yourself enough time to get to your destinations to avoid the stress of rushing, which can also lead to accidents. Listening to your favorite music or reading audio books to keep you centered will also do wonders for your health.

Take Advantage of Exercise Opportunities

Follow the rules of the road to fitness. It is important during long drives to stop when time allows for stretching and exercise to move those muscles and reduce stress levels. Implement a push-up and sit-up regime when you pull over and consider some yoga stretching exercises to keep you limber.

Implementing these Commercial van and truck driver health tips into your everyday life will help you stay healthy and fit on long drives where you have to sit for long periods of time.