published on 09/13/2021
Over the summer, Simon Hegele began integrating new Ford Transit 350 vans into its fleet, replacing existing F150 pick-ups. The goal was creating more usable space to transport additional tools and materials to the job sites for rigging and installations. More space equals fewer trips as well as decreased shipping charges for tools and other needed materials.
The new vans have a list of great features:
- Low roof for parking garage access
- Rear double swing doors
- Automatic opening side door
- Rear backup cameras
- Extended wheelbase for extra cargo storage
- Commercial grade suspension and transmission
Chad Miller, Tools and Transportation Manager for Simon Hegele explains how he evaluates all company fleet vehicles to ensure the greatest efficiency for customers:
The fleet in Texas has been our proving ground of vehicles for the last couple of years.
The primary vehicles currently are Ford F150's, but we also added 6 Ford Transit Connects, 3 Nissan Versa Sedan's and 2 of Ford T-350 vans.
After watching how the vehicles were being used for the different projects and teams, with the pandemic and a couple of shipping changes with one of our customers, the pitch was made to leadership to move towards the larger cargo vans. The smaller cargo van still might have a fit within our organization in the long run, but that will all be hammered out as the larger vans start to roll out to more of the teams.
The Nissan Versa sedans reduce our need for rental cars in certain parts of Texas and serve as a fair means of transportation for additional staff to get to a job site. Cargo carrying has been a concern, but these little work horses keep find their way to jobsites
We haven't ruled out the use of some pick-up trucks for the future, but a larger more commercial model might be needed if we continue to keep some within the fleet. Right now, we use a crew cab design with a short bed 150 style. I could see usefulness in a 250 style, crew cab with extended bed. We also use a bed topper of our current fleet of pickup trucks, it turns the bed of the pickup into a storage compartment. This would be something that I could recommended that we continue to use if we keep some pickup trucks within the fleet.
We are always on the lookout for the next best thing. I keep my eye on trends and industry recommendations. We like to make a strong first impression - from our branded uniforms to our branded vehicles including trucks, vans, and tractor trailers, all bearing our company name and logo.
There is a great deal of pride working for a company with the reach and reputation of Simon Hegele.
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