DEPARTMENTS

Stahl Truck Equipment Co., a Berkshire Hathaway/Marmon Holdings company, recently launched the all-new Challenger Pro, a next-generation evolution of its trusted Challenger work truck body line. It will be debuted in March at NTEA’s Work Truck Week 2026 in Indianapolis. The Challenger Pro marks a bold advancement of Stahl’s legacy that builds on the outstanding performance of the CST truck body s…

DICA is expanding its product portfolio with the introduction of its own line of ground protection and site access mats. The new Ranger HD, Defender and Titan mats provide contractors with high-performance, cost-effective access options for a variety of jobsites. DICA will debut the company’s light-, medium- and heavy-duty mats in March at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas. Ranger HD is a 4-foot-…

Cox Automotive has launched its new fleet brand – Cox Fleet – marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the trucking and fleet industry. More than a name change, Cox Fleet is designed to set a higher standard for uptime, aiming to keep vehicles moving, businesses running and supply chains on track. The launch of the new brand builds on Cox Automotive’s 2025 announce…

ARI-hetra, a leading U.S. manufacturer of heavy-duty vehicle maintenance equipment, will make its first appearance at the 2026 NADA Show in Las Vegas next month, bringing proven heavy-duty shop solutions to automotive dealers and service operations. Headlining the company’s exhibit is the 36,000-pound-capacity Battery-Powered Wireless Mobile Column Lift System, built for demanding shop environmen…

Heliox, A Siemens Business, has announced the Heliox 44-kW V2G charger, a next-generation, all-in-one DC fast-charging system engineered to meet the evolving needs of today’s electric vehicle fleets. Purpose-built for versatility and future-readiness, the charger delivers intelligent vehicle-to-grid functionality, empowering fleet operators to maximize return on investment while supporting energy…

Kenworth recently announced the launch of its first conventional medium-duty battery-electric trucks: the T280E, T380E and T480E. These new Class 6-8 models extend Kenworth’s commitment to providing fleets with versatile, zero-emission solutions designed for a wide variety of applications, including pickup and delivery, utility, regional haul and vocational. The company’s all-new medium-duty BEVs…

RealTruck has introduced the FRC-4000, the industry’s first EZ-OFF full-bed-access retractable tonneau cover. Combating space-eating canister designs, the FRC-4000 delivers a secure, easy-to-use retractable truck bed cover that offers comprehensive bed access at a moment’s notice. The FRC-4000’s patented EZ-OFF lift handles enable quick and effortless removal when you need to make room in the tru…

Thunder Creek Equipment has launched three all-new fuel and lube skids that bring the company’s lineup of no-HAZMAT mobile fleet management solutions to flatbed trucks, utility trailers and more. The three skids are based on the three current platforms available in trailer form and as truck upfits: the Multi Tank Oil Skid, the Service & Lube Skid and the Multi-Tank Diesel Skid. Each skid achi…

BRADEN has introduced the TR25 and TR35 hydraulic planetary winches, expanding the trusted TR Series with two new models engineered for the demanding needs of trailer manufacturers, towing and recovery fleets, utility operations and more. Built around BRADEN’s proven planetary gear technology, the TR Series delivers the fast line speeds, high efficiency and continuous-duty performance required fo…

Efforts to improve aerial work platform safety have fueled multiple recent technological innovations now available for use by utility organizations. Among the critical features found in modern bucket trucks are collision-mitigation systems and reverse sensors and camera systems, according to Chris Shallenberg, national sales manager for PALFINGER North America (www.palfinger.com). “These features…

Electric utility crews face many risks when working near traffic. Due to the numerous variables that they assess and manage, crews must understand how the job, location, equipment and people will interact on the worksite to achieve optimal safety and efficiency. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), produced by the Federal Highway Administration and available at https://mutcd.fhw…

Matt Gilliland didn’t plan on a career in fleet management. Growing up on a Nebraska farm and later working in his father’s repair shop, he developed mechanical skills that would prove invaluable in fleet. But his initial path led elsewhere, from political science studies to social services work. Then came December 2006. Gilliland was at Kearney Tire & Auto Service, a preferred provider for N…

Two years ago at NTEA’s Work Truck Week, electric vehicles dominated the conversation. Every OEM touted its electrification solutions. The message was clear: the future is all-electric, and it’s happening now. Fast-forward to today and the picture looks different. “It’s clear the EV market is not where it was just two years ago,” said Jeremy Dewey, manager of energy and fuel for Holman (www.holma…

In a busy maintenance shop, even a small misstep can lead to injury. Common hazard mitigation tactics include shop safety protocols, signage, and training and personal protective equipment for employees. But once a fleet manager checks those boxes, is there more they can do? To find out, UFP spoke with Jeffrey James Neal, fleet maintenance operations manager for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&…

An ideal utility fleet safety program will account for fleet’s distinct operating environment. Why? “The fleet group is totally different than what a lot of utility workforces do,” explained Matt Gilliland, director of operations support and business continuity for Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). “We work on a variety of different equipment, and it’s very seldom the same issue or problem t…

From February 20-24, thousands are expected to gather at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston for the American Traffic Safety Services Association’s 56th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. Billed as the premier North American event for the roadway safety infrastructure industry, attendees can expect to explore the latest developments in relevant devices, vehicles, equipment and tec…

Strobes and beacons play a critical role in both worker and public safety, increasing vehicle visibility during roadside operations. But they aren’t all created equal, which means fleet managers must weigh several factors when spec’ing these lights. First, define vehicle use and environment. Consider the primary functions and operating conditions of your fleet. Then, strategize for multilevel vis…

Andax Industries has introduced the Tarptainer, a safety containment system for large electric utility transformers and other equipment that allows for minimal ground clearance and enables crews to maintain a safe distance from suspended loads. The Tarptainer can be placed under transformers or equipment with as little as 1 inch of ground clearance. The sides remain flat during positioning, elimi…

PALFINGER, a global leader in lifting solutions, has announced the launch of PALFINGER Financial Services. This new program provides registered businesses in the U.S. with flexible and competitive financing options to acquire PALFINGER equipment, reinforcing the company’s commitment to being a solutions provider. PALFINGER Financial Services gives contractors, fleet owners and business operators…