Vehicle upfitting, in its simplest form, entails modifying a factory vehicle (often a truck or van) to meet the specific needs of its users. Bulkheads, storage spaces, ramps, racks, partitions, towing capacity, suspension, and chassis modifications are just a few improvements you may make during upfitting. 

Having a vehicle or van tailored to your specific demands will increase productivity, simplify the operations of your employees, and boost your bottom line.

The Benefits of Upfitting

Fleet vehicle upfitting has become a necessity in today's business environment. It's partly due to the benefits offered by upfitting. These include:

Makes Drivers More Productive and Efficient

As consumer demand grows, contractors and fleet operators must deliver more adaptable services. Choosing the right vehicle modifications can increase the productivity of your drivers on the road.

Perhaps your drivers want additional storage space or a place to store new equipment. They will also appreciate ergonomic improvements such as extra steps, grab handles, or even more comfortable chairs. The added benefit of increased comfort in the car contributes to their safety and health.

Lowers the Cost of Your Fleet in the Long Run

Vehicle upfitting may drastically reduce the vehicle's weight, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. This is particularly the case for larger vehicles like work trucks and vans.

When planning the upfits, take time to carefully evaluate the demands of your drivers and the business as a whole. It will significantly lower your total costs and minimize upfit lead time.

Upfitting your vehicles is not a one-size-fits-all project. It would be best to consider the long-term implications before making any modifications. The needs of a security company are not the same as those of a home service business.

Consider the possibility that your fleet drivers may change over time and that you'll ultimately wish to sell the vehicle. With this in mind, ensure that your chosen modifications maintain or boost the vehicle's value.

Boosts ROI from Your Vehicles

Increasing the fleet's ROI is a common goal for fleet managers across all sectors. ROI is a key metric tracked by executives. You can significantly improve the ROI of your automobiles by investing in modifications and enhancements that increase the fleet's value.

Upfitting your vehicles can also cut costs associated with buying, running, fueling, and maintaining your vehicles.

Helps Retain Top Drivers

Fleet owners in most sectors struggle to find drivers. Investing in upfitting may go a long way toward retaining great drivers and giving you an edge when recruiting new ones.

Drivers are more likely to want to work for you if they see that you care about them and are ready to invest in the equipment they need to execute their jobs effectively and safely. It reduces the costs associated with employing and training new drivers.

Improves Vehicle Technology

Improved vehicle technology is one of the primary benefits of upfitting your fleet. Keeping your drivers and other people around them safe is easier than ever, thanks to technologies such as GPS tracking, blind-spot detection systems, and dashboard cameras. Just make sure you select solutions that will serve your specific needs.

How to Determine the Ideal Time for Upfitting

Determining the ideal time for an upfitting project is one of the most challenging aspects of this procedure. While the optimal time to upfit a fleet's vehicles can vary depending on the specific needs of each business, it's usually ideal to do so when your company has some free time on its schedule or a sizable cash reserve to cover the costs.

Conclusion

Although upfitting can make fleet cars more productive, the process is often complicated. Choosing the best gear and upfitting company for your work vehicle is essential for quality results.

When Wilmar, Inc manages your fleet, you will get a fleet solution tailored to your specific business needs. Give us a call today to book a consultation. Don't forget to check out our blog section for more informational reads. You can also find us on Twitter at Wilmar Inc.