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Parcel Case Study
Purolator Courier
The Background:
Purolator Courier is Canada's largest courier company, moving more than 1.1 million packages per day with over 120 locations in Canada. As the leading courier, Purolator is forward-thinking in terms of vehicle technology and environmental issues.
The Challenge:
Purolator would like to convert their existing fleet of over 3,000 vehicles to hybrid vehicles, as well as order some future vehicles as hybrids. They are concerned with potential downtime of conversion, as well as having a consistent quality control process in place to assure that all vehicles are converted correctly and uniformly.
The Solution:
Utilimaster teamed up with Ford Motor Company and Azure Dynamics to headquarter a hybrid vehicle technology and upfit center. Utilimaster will upfit the chassis onsite, providing a quick ship-through for future vehicles, and a controlled and consistent process for conversion.
Textile Case Study
Prudential Overall Supply
The Background:
Prudential, headquartered in Irvine, California, offers a wide variety of uniform service programs, facility services, clean room garment processing & industrial products to its clients. Prudential employs over 1,500 employees and has been a family-owned business for over 75 years.
The Challenge:
As Prudential's customer base grew, they found that they needed a larger vehicle that was capable of increasing their driver efficiency. They also found that with an increased load, they were getting less air circulation, resulting in increased interior vehicle temperature and cargo odor.
The Solution:
Prudential and Utilimaster worked together to develop key modifications on their future units. To increase driver efficiency, Utilimaster added two roll-up doors to the side of the units - one to handle pallet loading, and the other to serve as a staging area for the driver with a work shelf and garment rack. Utilimaster also designed a dual ventilation system that allows the driver to bring fresh air into the cab area, cargo area, or both. This ventilation system has provided a reduction in interior vehicle temperature, and less cargo odor. The resulting vehicle has increased driver productivity and satisfaction.
Baking & Snack Case Study
Mike-sells
The Background:
Mike-sells Potato Chip Company is a privately held regional manufacturer and distributor of snack foods, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Mike-sells products are primarily delivered to retailers through direct store delivery routes, and include various types of potato chips, pretzels and corn products.
The Challenge:
Mike-sells' delivery vehicles specifications include one row of shelving for their packages. The existing vehicle, manufactured by a Utilimaster competitor, contains plywood shelving with center supports that are flush with the end of the shelf. The locations of the supports can prohibit movement in the walkway, limit storage underneath the shelving, and present a safety issue with potential snagging.
The Solution:
Utilimaster carefully examined Mike-sells existing delivery vehicles, and found that a better solution for their shelving needs could be found with aluminum shelving and round tube supports underneath the shelves. This provides a longer-life shelf, easier storage and access underneath the shelving, and eliminates the safety hazard of the supports catching clothing or carts.
Utility Case Study
AEP First Responders
The Background:
American Electric Power (AEP) is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP First Responders are a critical part of the AEP Team, and was established to respond to power plant emergencies and disasters. This six-person team is required to carry suits designed to handle hazardous material, as well as first-aid equipment including backboards, generators, and defibrillators.
The Challenge:
The AEP First Responders found that their requirements for personnel and cargo capacity, as well as their need for a functional workspace was difficult to fulfill with one vehicle.
The Solution:
In meeting with AEP First Responders, Utilimaster was able to conceptualize a vehicle that could not only seat six people, but could hold lockers for their suits, shelving for their first aid material, compartments for their generators, and a workbench for functionality. The resulting vehicle has provided a highly organized and efficient workspace for the important AEP First Responders Team, allowing them to completely focus on the worksite and the lives they are saving.
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