The NXT18 Hooklift, Work Truck Week 2024

The NXT18 Hooklift, featuring innovative design and boasting a remarkable 7.5″ lost load height, offers the ultimate in efficiency. With a robust 18,000-lb capacity, it effortlessly accommodates bodies ranging from 8′ to 14′ on 84″ to 120″ CA chassis. Enhancing versatility, its bolt-on body lock system allows for universal adjustment, catering to both inside and outside locks.

Stellar Industries

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

Imagine Arriving at Your Workplace to Find the Catalytic Converters Missing from Your Trucks!

A concerning trend has emerged that has left many work truck owners scratching their heads in disbelief - the surge in catalytic converter theft from these vehicles. It seems that no work truck is safe from these brazen criminal acts, leaving professionals perplexed and frustrated. 

Why are catalytic converters becoming the prime target of thieves, specifically from work trucks?

               Read: The Rise of Catalytic Converter Thefts from Work Trucks = HERE

 ISUZU CAT GUARDS AVAILABLE  FROM 

PREMIER TRUCK CENTER

The Cat Guards from Premier Truck Center can be easily installed on your Isuzu Truck Chassis protecting it from Catalytic Converter Theft.

These guards come packaged as a kit and can be easily installed in about one hour. They will be assembled around the Converter and provide a barrier that will make it virtually impossible to remove your Isuzu Catalytic Converters!

Call 

941-729-8196

(For Isuzu Truck Chassis' Only!!)

Top 3 Reasons to Apply for #WorkTruck Exchange

At Work Truck Exchange, held September 25-27, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona, fleet managers don't just walk away with abstract theories — you leave armed with practical strategies and actionable insights ready to be implemented today. Collaboration is critical in the fast-paced world of fleet management. Work Truck Exchange provides a unique platform for fleet managers to interact, share experiences, and exchange ideas with like-minded professionals facing similar challenges. Work Truck Exchange provides a comprehensive learning experience tailored to the needs of fleet managers, offering access to industry experts and cutting-edge solutions for light- and medium-duty truck and van fleets. Don't miss out on the opportunity to accelerate your fleet's performance. Apply today and experience the WTX Effect for yourself. Ready to learn more? Apply today at https://www.worktruckex.com/ 🚚 Visit Work Truck for all the latest industry news and information ➡ https://www.worktruckonline.com

Work Truck

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

Driving Toyota's $12,000 Turbo Diesel Truck in Thailand!

Excitement abounds as Isuzu unveils its Electric Vehicle - the 19500 GVW Isuzu NRR with 230 prject operating miles and a target market bundle of 70, 140, and 210 mile pack system. 153 kw motor with 253 foot pounds of torque. For more above the Electric Vehicle contact Michael Olden at 423-618-3323 or email molden@lee-smith.com #isuzutrucks #leesmithtrucks #electricvehicle #electricNPR #michaelolden

Michael Olden - Consultant -

Flat Deck Upfit - Creating a Safe and Efficient Layout that Respects the Realities of the Jobsite

Expertec's approach to customization is deeply collaborative. Recognizing that the users of the flatbed truck often have the best insight into their needs, Expertec ensures they are integral to the design process. This dialogue is not just about preferences; it's about creating a safe and efficient layout that respects the realities of the job site. https://expertec.ca/shop/truck-deck-f...

Expertec

How Work Truck Fleets Could Benefit from Lean Six Sigma practices:

Often fleets assume that work trucks are outfitted with equipment that meet the standards of the Chassis Manufacturer.  In the case of the truck mounted equipment this may not be totally correct. Although there are some federal standards for lights, brakes, crash worthiness, etc. that the vehicle alterer or final body manufacturer must comply with, often there are little or no standards for equipment that is mounted to the chassis at the final manufacturer. Aftermarket manufacturers and installers vary in sophistication and the depth of their attention to the design, the production, and variation control.

Vehicle specifications should reflect the needs of the user department, fitness for use, conformance to laws, and maintainability. Often vehicles develop breakdowns caused by defects or variations in the manufacturing process effecting reliability of the unit over time. 

If fleets are interested in buying products with high reliability, best quality and are as safe as possible to operate, they should review their purchasing process and the specifications for the mounted equipment. 

Here are two suggestions - using Six Sigma Methodology: 

1) Add DFSS and Lean Six Sigma to the bid specifications:

Choose vendors that use DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) in their product development.  Add DFSS into the equipment specs, the vendor will acknowledge that they either have or have not complied with the process in their design stage.

In other words, give preference to vendors that practice DFSS. It shows that the vendor / equipment manufacturer has approached the design of their product using DFSS methodology.

DFSS enables the manufacturer to prevent defects from occurring. The manufacturer can then produce superior products and offer services that are more stable and should not allow occurrences of “special cause” variation. It’s been described as a “vaccination against variation”.

Design for Six Sigma, DFSS, is a business procedure utilizing Six Sigma methodology. There are several tools and methods to utilize within Six Sigma to assure the process will be running in the correct direction. These DFSS techniques include tools and processes to predict, model and simulate the product delivery system (the processes, the personnel and organization, the training, the facilities, and logistics used to produce the product/service). Many of the tools used by DFSS are often used in the classic DMAIC Six Sigma process to analyze new products and processes.

Remember, all business processes present an opportunity for a variation to occur. These deviations are often associated with human controlled process operations. Each deviation can potentially become a defect; some of these defects may not show up immediately and could potentially cause safety related accidents. It is because of this that the Design for Six Sigma, DFSS is important for every manufacturing business.

2) Use of DMAIC for the manufacturing process:

It would follow that the manufacturing process be designed and controlled by Lean Six Sigma methodology. Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that relies on team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste and reducing defects. The process is a collaborative effort using a team made up of a Champion, process owners and others chosen within and often consultants from outside the  organization as well. The LSS methodology follows steps within DMAIC – Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control and relies heavily on data to assure that a correct path is followed and the goals are met.

If six sigma methodologies are followed, the end result will be a higher quality, more reliable product. Defects will be reduced to 3.4 per one million opportunities or less. Therefore, there should be a maximum of 3.4 defects for each one million products produced or service opportunities. Most manufacturers and service providers do not come close to this. 

But as an example, one industry has a mixed record, one to brag about, and yet another that does not come close to meeting Six Sigma. It’s the airline industry, far fewer than 3.4 passengers per million end up not making their destinations because of crashes. However 6200 pieces of luggage do not make it to their destination for every 1 million pieces carried!

Although the manufacturer is not required to have a Lean Six Sigma Black or Green Belt on staff, they should be able to demonstrate that they routinely practice continuous improvement initiatives. These initiatives may also be facilitated by an outside consultant. Lean Six Sigma consultants should have obtained their certification from a credible organization such as the ASQ or Public or Private Universities.

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

By Steve Taylor: Steve is a certified lean six sigma consultant specializing in process improvement. He may be reached at steve@truckarchitect.com His LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevectaylor  Steve has vast experience in the work truck manufacturing field and is an expert author specializing in writing and blogging about work trucks.

 You may find interesting posts on work truck news and truck safety, including NHTSA Recall Notices at http://truckarchitect.blogspot.com/

Understanding the Total (and Hidden) Costs of Catalytic Converter Theft on Your Work Truck Fleet

In recent times, a concerning trend has emerged that has left many work truck owners scratching their heads in disbelief - the surge in catalytic converter theft from these vehicles. It seems that no work truck is safe from these brazen criminal acts, leaving professionals perplexed and frustrated. But why are catalytic converters becoming the prime target of thieves, specifically from work trucks?

Understanding Catalytic Converters and Why They Are Targeted

Catalytic converters play a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions from vehicles, converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances before they exit the exhaust system. These devices contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making them a valuable commodity in the black market. The soaring prices of these metals have made catalytic converters an attractive target for thieves looking to make a quick profit.

Work trucks, often left unattended for long periods in poorly lit areas, present an ideal opportunity for criminals to swoop in and remove the catalytic converter swiftly. The relatively simple accessibility of these vital components in work trucks has only exacerbated the issue, making them an easy and lucrative target for thieves.

The Impact on Professionals and Businesses

The repercussions of catalytic converter theft from work trucks extend far beyond the immediate financial loss incurred by the owners. Professionals who depend on their work trucks to carry out their daily tasks are left stranded and unable to fulfill their commitments, leading to potential loss of income and tarnished reputation. The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, coupled with the downtime and inconvenience caused, can significantly impact the livelihoods of these hard-working individuals.

Moreover, businesses that rely on a fleet of work trucks face the added challenge of securing multiple vehicles against such thefts. The cumulative financial strain of protecting each truck or replacing stolen converters can take a toll on the operations and profitability of these businesses.

Preventive Measures and Solutions

To safeguard their work trucks from falling victim to catalytic converter theft, professionals can consider various preventive measures. Installing security devices such as catalytic converter locks or shields can act as deterrents to potential thieves. Parking in well-lit areas or secure compounds can also reduce the risk of theft. Additionally, engraving unique identification numbers on catalytic converters can aid in their recovery if stolen.

Business owners can implement fleet-wide security protocols, conduct regular checks on work trucks, and consider investing in comprehensive insurance policies that cover theft of catalytic converters. Collaborating with local law enforcement agencies and sharing information on theft incidents can help create awareness and deter criminals from targeting work trucks in the area.

Conclusion

The epidemic of catalytic converter theft from work trucks is a growing concern. Not only can the theft cause a financial loss by requiring replacement of the catalytic converter and other exhaust components, it will likely cause business disruption because your truck (and crew) will likely be out of service for at least a few days. Stay vigilant, secure your work truck, and together, we can combat the rising trend of catalytic converter theft.

Remember, safeguarding your work truck not only protects your investment but also ensures your ability to carry out your professional duties seamlessly.

By Steve Taylor

Truck Architect

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