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Although budgeting may not be the fleet manager’s favorite task, it is important that it is developed and adhered to in order to determine financial goals, plan for unexpected costs, find ways to save costs, and monitor spending throughout the year.

Step #1: Determine financial goals

The first step to developing a fleet budget is to determine your financial goals for the upcoming year. Ask yourself questions like: how many vehicles will you buy and sell this year? What is the total cost of operations for each of those vehicles? What will be the annual fuel costs? It is also important to leave scope in the budget for vehicle depreciation, insurance costs, taxes and licensing fees. Depending on the laws and regulations in your city, safety programs, training and certification may be needed for each of your employees.  Determining your financial goals is an important first step in order to get started with your budget and become aware of the items that must be accounted for.

Step #2: Plan for unexpected costs

It is key that you plan for unexpected costs in order to avoid issues impacting your budget. One of the main unexpected costs is fuel price increase or decrease. Fuel price is uncontrollable and if there is a sudden increase, it is important that you are prepared, and your budget can handle the impact. Vehicle downtime is another unexpected cost that could come up. If a vehicle breaks down, you must be prepared to pay for parts, and labor to have it fixed. Accidents can greatly impact your budget as well. You must have the insurance to cover any damage done, costs to cover injuries, and the cost of any parts or labor needed to repair the vehicles. Including an emergency fund is a great way to protect your budget and prevent the impact from unexpected expenses.

Step #3: Analyze historical budgets

Once you take into account all the items to include in your annual plan, you need to estimate a dollar value for each item. A great way to complete this step is to analyze historical budgets and use those figures as a base for the upcoming year. It is important that you only use previous numbers as a guide and remember to consider inflation. Looking at previous numbers can also help you find trends and make financial predictions for the upcoming year. For an example, if gas prices have been steadily rising over the past 5 years, it is likely that the price will rise by a similar amount next year. As well, it is a great way to find areas where you overspent and find ways to cut costs in the upcoming year.

Step #4: Assess spending regularly

When your budget is complete, it is important that you review it regularly throughout the year. This will help you stay on track and assess the progress of your financial goals. It will also let you observe trends and allow you to adjust figures as needed. If you notice you are overspending in one category, decide whether you can cut costs from another category. Each time you review the budget, you can compare it to previous periods to see if you are on track. If not, an analysis can be made to find reasons for over or underspending and a plan can be put in place to get back on track. Remember that your budget is not a fixed document, it is flexible and can be adjusted accordingly.

Budgeting is often a unique process for each fleet manager, however if you determine your goals, plan for unexpected costs, analyze previous budgets, and review regularly, the budget will surely be a success.

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK is a manufacturer of aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to ensure your vehicle upfit is specific to your needs.

Call Calvin Lawrenson at 630-944-3300 x214 or send us an email to get started.

If you are looking for a drawer to keep your meters safe and separated from your tools, the EZ STAK Meter Tray is for you. This unique drawer optimizes the dead space in your pickup bed while providing easy access to your supplies while on the jobsite. The meter tray is tough and durable enough to store all your equipment and has many additional features sure to impress.

Keep your meters safe and organized

Service technicians carry around many supplies to get their job done. From tools to parts to fittings, it is difficult to keep everything safe and secure, which is why EZ STAK designed the Meter Tray. The drawer consists of three aluminum drawers to keep supplies organized, and a meter storage tray on top. No need to worry about meters getting damaged during transport, as they will fit perfectly in the pockets provided.

Easy access to tools while on the jobsite

When you are working on the jobsite, having easy access to your tools is key. That’s why the Meter Tray was designed with convenience in mind. As with all EZ STAK drawers, it is equipped with an EZ Latch with one-handed opening operation. Organized into three drawers, it can hold all the tools and equipment needed while out on the road. No need to reach far into your pickup bed to find a tool, the drawers have 100% extension slides for easy access to your supplies.

Tough and durable enough for all your equipment

EZ STAK drawers are built with high-grade aluminum making them tough enough to withstand the abuse of being opened and slammed shut each day. And because our drawers are made from aluminum, they have the strength to hold your supplies without weighing down your vehicle therefore improving payload. The Meter Tray is equipped with 500lb (closed) ball bearing slides for maximum weight capacity.

Additional features and options

There are many additional features and options of the Meter Tray which make it a top-quality drawer system. This drawer features a top rail around the box for storing additional cargo. Adjustable dividers assist you in keeping supplies organized in each drawer. Choose to add on standard key locks ensure your equipment stays safe and secure while out on the jobsite. Optional rubber matting keeps tools from sliding around during transport and minimizes noise. As with all EZ STAK products, the Meter Tray comes with limited lifetime warranty – we never compromise our standards for quality.

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK is a manufacturer of aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to ensure your vehicle upfit is specific to your needs.

Call Calvin Lawrenson at 630-944-3300 x214 or send us an email to get started.

EZ STAK is exhibiting at the largest tradeshow in the utility and construction – International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) in Louisville, KY. With over 18,000 attendees, 1000 exhibitors, and 1.3 million net square feet of exhibit space, ICUEE is the ideal show for utility professionals and construction contractors to discover the latest products and services in the industry. Here are three reasons to visit the EZ STAK team at booth N2208.

Reason #1: Walk through a 24’ work-ready trailer

Take a walk through the largest trailer EZ STAK has ever showcased at ICUEE! At a whopping 24-feet-long, the work-ready trailer is fully upfitted with an enclosed office area at the front of the trailer, and a tool and equipment storage area at the rear of the trailer. Check out our built-in generator cabinet designed to fit up to an Onan QD 7500. This cabinet comes with access holes in the floor and insulation to contain heat and noise. Completed with HVAC, lighting, electrical and flooring, this trailer will show you the perfect example of how EZ STAK can transform your trailer into a turnkey mobile workspace.

Reason #2: Check out our meter storage drawer

We will be also showcasing an innovative product designed to hold meters. Take advantage of the dead space in your pickup bed to safely secure all your tools and equipment. With 360-degree access to your supplies and 500lb ball-bearing slides, this drawer optimizes efficiency and durability. The drawer offers a dual and stacked drawer configuration along with a slide-out meter tray on top. The overall dimensions of this drawer are 22”H x 48”W x 60”D, and it is designed to fit in the bed of most pickup trucks. Visit the EZ STAK booth to learn more of the impressive features of our unique meter tray drawer.

Reason #3: Learn the benefits of our service body drawers

Did you know EZ STAK can manufacture a service body drawer in any size and any configuration? Visit our booth to see the new powder coating option for the drawer face of any service body drawer. Built with heavy duty ball-bearing slides, these drawers ensure durability and functionality. Drawers come with install feet and an adjustable top for easy installation. Choose your desired configuration and number of adjustable dividers to suit your storage needs. Our standard drawers are built to fit Reading, Knapheide and Palfleet bodies, and some standard sizes are available for quick ship in just 48 hours! Ask the EZ STAK team how our drawers will optimize your service body truck.

Still need more reasons to visit our booth?

• Meet our friendly team to learn more about what we do: Paul, Calvin, Ashlie, Shannon
• Book a one-on-one consultation to come up with a layout for your enclosed trailer.
• Receive a 20% discount when you register for ICUEE online using the promo code EXcp3dg7CST

The team at EZ STAK looks forward to meeting you at booth N2208 in Louisville, KY. See you in October!

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK is a manufacturer of aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to ensure your vehicle upfit is specific to your needs.

Call Calvin Lawrenson at 630-944-3300 x214 or send us an email to get started.

Like most fleet managers, you believe it is important that your vehicles are well-organized to optimize safety of your employees, productivity, efficiency. When it comes to upfitting enclosed trailers, the EZ STAK way delivers on all these points. Working one-on-one with our design team allows you to come up with a layout that suits how you use your workspace. And the best part? EZ STAK is a one-stop, all-inclusive company who will not only supply a top-quality trailer but also a turnkey upfit including interior and exterior storage cabinets, insulation, power, HVAC and more!

The Challenge

A large utility company in Colorado approached EZ STAK with three 53-foot-long trailers they wanted to re-purpose. They needed a mobile workspace to accommodate an air-conditioned office space and a storage space to organize tools and parts. However, the challenge was the trailers were used and had to be completely gutted, insulated and paneled before commencing the project. The client also needed the trailers to be complete in a short period in order to have them ready for an upcoming utility project and to meet budget dates.

The Solution

This project involved the client working directly with the EZ STAK design team who provided full 3-dimensional renderings to assist in the final layout fit and finish. This company was looking for an office area for the work crew, shelving to store equipment, closets to store work clothing, and bin units for smaller parts and tools. Once the client was happy with the design, the skilled EZ STAK staff installed shore power, 120V wiring and a full interior shelving package to meet the application requirements. The enclosed office area had individual desks with drawers and overhead chest units for storage, whiteboards, a large closet unit, and even a refrigerator and microwave. The rear of the trailer included aluminum cabinets of all sizes and configurations to ensure tools, parts and equipment stay organized and easy to access while working in the field.

The Result

In short order, the fully upfitted utility trailers were completed and delivered to the client in Colorado who was overjoyed with the result. They now have all tools and equipment handy and have an enclosed office area to work in while on the job site. EZ STAK is committed to delivering custom-fit and turnkey solutions with aluminum interiors that are durable, tough and well-organized. Are you looking to upfit your trailer? Give us a call to get started: 630.994.3300

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK is a manufacturer of aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to ensure your vehicle upfit is specific to your needs.

Call Calvin Lawrenson at 630-944-3300 x214 or send us an email to get started.

With the constant increasing cost of running a fleet, finding ways to cut these costs is a priority for fleet managers. The following three strategies explain how to reduce major expenses and help fleets to become more profitable.

Encourage Fuel-Efficient and Safer Driving

Fuel costs are known to be one of the main expenses for fleets and the best way to reduce these costs is to develop a company policy handbook. The purpose of a company policy is to make employees aware of their expectations when driving a company-owned vehicle and to encourage safer, more fuel-efficient driving. The handbook should include a list of all the rules and responsibilities of drivers, consequences if drivers fail to comply, and an agreement form which all drivers must agree to and sign. To ensure the driver policy is a success, fleet managers are responsible to ensure every driver understands and agrees with the expectations. Having a company policy handbook will reduce liabilities, decrease your insurance rates and encourage more fuel-efficient driving in order to cut fleet costs.

Implement a Preventive Maintenance Program

Unexpected vehicle downtime can be very costly for fleets which is why frequent checkups and maintenance is required. It has been proven that scheduled servicing leads to a more reliable fleet, reduction in unexpected breakdowns, extended lifespan of the vehicles, and increased resale value. To develop the program, start by creating a checklist of maintenance tasks such as checking tire pressure, brakes, steering, and wipers. The next step is to determine how often you should perform checkups. It is recommended to perform a service checkup on your vehicle every three months, or 6000 miles, whichever occurs first. However, it is important that you decide this based on your fleet’s requirements. Implementing a preventative maintenance program in your fleet will help you avoid unscheduled repairs and downtime and is a great strategy for preventing unnecessary costs in your fleet.

Spec’ing Fleet with Cost Reduction in Mind

There are many ways to spec your vehicles to save money both during the process and in the long run. When selecting your chassis frame, choose one that is tough enough to support whatever you carry in your vehicle, but light enough that it doesn’t result in unnecessary fuel costs. Another way to save money when spec’ing is to choose your interior storage cabinets and shelving wisely to accommodate your heavy equipment. Many fleets use wood shelving since it is a cost-effective option however, wood is heavy and does not last as long as other materials. Fleet departments have been moving towards aluminum interiors as it lightweight and and is just as durable. It is important when spec’ing your truck that you do so in the most cost-efficient way to save money both in the present and in the future.

Each of these strategies will contribute to cutting major fleet costs helping to increase productivity and improve your company’s bottom line.

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK is a manufacturer of aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to ensure your vehicle upfit is specific to your needs.

Call Calvin Lawrenson at 630-944-3300 x214 or send us an email to get started.

When upfitting your fleet, it is important that each component fits your vehicle seamlessly to avoid expensive manufacturing changes. That’s why EZ STAK’s Build Your Own application is the ideal tool when designing your interior workspace.

At EZ STAK, we are always looking for ways to make it easy for our to customers find the perfect layout for their van or trailer. We understand every fleet department has different equipment and layout requirements, so instead of selecting a standard package, they now have the option to design their own layout with the Build your Own Application.

Easy 3D Configuration

Using 3D technology, Build Your Own allows you to create a layout with a practical set up that suits your fleet needs. Start the process by choosing from 12’, 14’ or 20’ vehicle sizes. Whether you have a step van, a cargo van, or a trailer, this application can be used to design a layout for a variety of vehicle types. Since the layout is 3-Dimensional, it is extremely easy for you to visualize the final upfit.

Drag & Drop

To start designing your layout, drag and drop your choice of EZ STAK standard products into the driver and passenger sides. Create your ideal workspace using lockers, closets, drawers, shelving, chest units, and countertops. Choose from 4-5 sizes available for each product to ensure correct fitting. If you choose a cabinet size that doesn’t work with your layout, simply drag it into the trash can and instead choose a different size. The Build Your Own tool was designed to be easy enough for anyone to use. It only takes an average of three minutes to complete your layout.

Quick Quote & Easy Ordering

Once you are happy with your interior design, save it as a picture or PDF and share with your end-user for feedback. From there, you can click ‘Quick Quote’ and fill out the short form with your vehicle make, model and year. The EZ STAK team will send you a quote based on the cabinets selected which makes it exceptionally easy for budget approvals. Our design team will create an updated concept with your actual vehicle size and send it to you for your final approval.

Consider using EZ STAK’s Build Your Own application when planning for your next vehicle upfit. We guarantee it will speed up the design process, help you stay within budget, and let you create a storage system that will suit your needs. To start designing your walk-in interior today, visit www.ezstak.com

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK provides aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to make sure your needs are being addressed down to every inch and dollar.

Call our customer care team at 630.944.3300 or send us an email to get started.

If you are looking for a one-stop-shop for all your upfitting needs, EZ STAK is the right place. We will not only make the process easy for you, but we will also work alongside you through the entire process, from spec’ing to the final upfit. With over a decade of experience in working with fleet managers to find the right layout, we are confident we will be able to design the storage solution to suit your specific needs. Here are three reasons why EZ STAK’s upfitting process is easy.

One-on-One Consultation

Unlike other vehicle upfitters, we work with you throughout the entire fleet planning process. We have knowledge on the latest trends in the industry and therefore will be able to provide helpful recommendations for the design of your upfit. We will personally visit your site to view your fleet and be able to understand your specific needs to ensure accuracy and precision on the final upfit. EZ STAK’s director of business development, Paul Lawrenson says, “We roll up our sleeves and get in there. We take the time to understand what the vehicle is going to be used for, who is going to use it and what it’s going to be carrying.” Gathering this information from each customer allows us to design a layout that will fit the vehicle seamlessly and suit it’s end purpose.

Configurable Solutions

Instead of having our customers choose standard options from a catalogue, we come up with a three-dimensional concept that will accommodate their needs specifically. We can provide anything from a simple upfit including aluminum drawers and cabinets to a full turnkey solution with power, lighting, insulation and flooring. Our exterior cabinets make it easy to access your tools and equipment while working outside. We can even include an enclosed office space so you can get work done while out on the road, with a sliding door to prevent distractions. If you need power while out on the road, choose from our Onan generator or Pure Sine inverter so you can have power wherever you need it, whenever you need it. Once we come up with a design that you are happy with, our design engineers will create a 3D concept so you can visualize your interior.

Customer Care Team

Another way we differ from other vehicle upfitters, is we ensure great customer service through your whole experience. Whether you need a quick quote, or if you have a question about your upfit, we are just a call away. Even if your account rep is out of office, another member of our staff would be more than happy to assist you. We will even follow up with you after your purchase to ensure that your storage solution fits how you work. The quality of our products ensures, on average, a 12-year life expectancy, however if you are unhappy with any of your purchases, we have limited lifetime warranty on all our products.

If you are looking to upfit your vehicle with the ideal layout, give us a call today at 630.994.3300 and we can work with you to design an upfit that will suit your needs.

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK provides aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to make sure your needs are being addressed down to every inch and dollar.

Call our customer care team at 630.944.3300 or send us an email to get started.

Every year, when it comes to upfitting fleet vehicles, you learn ways to improve the process to ensure that the upfit will suit your end user’s needs and fits within budget. At EZ STAK, we work with customers daily to design and develop fleet vehicles and from our experience, here are four ways to a more cost-effective and simpler upfitting process.

Consider Safety and Payload

It is easy to forget the importance of safety standards when spec’ing your work truck. One way to ensure your vehicle complies with road safety requirements is to determine the max payload. Plan to use less than max payload, as this will save you from redesigning the specs and ultimately a longer lifespan of the vehicle. To help stay under the payload, plan on using aluminum for your upfit as it is lightweight and durable, so you can store more equipment and still be under the weight requirements.

Keep it Simple

A common mistake made when upfitting fleet vehicles is over-complicating the process. Purchasing different parts from separate vendors can result in an increase of lead-times, costs, and delays for a finished vehicle. Instead, find a vendor that can either provide everything you need, or narrow it down to a few suppliers. If possible, plan to standardize all fleet vehicles with the same or similar layout. Different upfit solutions for every vehicle can be costly and increase maintenance costs.

Identify equipment needed in advance

Before beginning the spec’ing process, be sure to include the equipment and tools you will be using to store in the vehicle. Ask your team, how will the equipment be used? How much does it weigh? How will it be secured to the vehicle? How easily accessible can it be for the end users? These are all important questions to consider so the upfit can be completed with functionality and practicality in mind.

Carefully review specs and quote

An easy way to avoid unnecessary delays is to remember to thoroughly go through your specs and quote. It is both parties’ responsibility to ensure everything is accurate. Any changes to the specs after the approval stage can be very expensive and potentially unable to do. Communication is key when it comes to writing your specs – if you are not happy with something, be sure to make it clear to the vendor. By eliminating guesswork and approving all specs and design will result in a smooth process.

At EZ STAK, we can help design and spec your fleet vehicles. We work with you to design your ideal interior. Call us today at 630.994.3300 for a one-on-one consultation to start planning your vehicles specs to the final upfit.

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK provides aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to make sure your needs are being addressed down to every inch and dollar.

Call Paul Lawrenson at 630-944-3300 x207 or send us an email to get started.