Multi-stop truck

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A multi-stop truck operated by FedEx Ground Multi stop truck FedEx Ground 410620.jpg
A multi-stop truck operated by FedEx Ground

A multi-stop truck (also known as a step van, walk-in van, delivery van, or bread truck; "truck" and "van" are interchangeable) is a type of commercial vehicle designed to make multiple deliveries or stops, with easy access to the transported cargo held in the rear. They are usually vans or trucks designed to be used as fleet vehicles by businesses within local areas. They typically use commercial truck chassis with a generally larger, taller body and sometimes also a longer or shorter wheelbase. Though they have traditionally been powered by internal combustion engines, into the 21st century many multi-stop trucks have begun shifting to electric truck platforms.

Contents

Multi-stop trucks are primarily used as cargo delivery vehicles, but are also popularly used as general utility vehicles, mail trucks, moving vans, aerial work platforms, food trucks, ice cream vans, milk floats, canteens, or bookmobiles. One common historical use for them was delivering bread, hence its nickname of "bread truck". Outside businesses, they are also sometimes used as mobile command centers, police vans, and SWAT vehicles by emergency services. Multi-stop trucks are used primarily in North America; in other regions such as Europe and Asia, the task is typically undertaken by panel vans, light commercial vehicles, and box trucks.

Former and current manufacturers of multi-stop trucks include Morgan Olson, Utilimaster, Workhorse Group, Freightliner Trucks, Navistar, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, International Harvester, Flxible, Pak-Age-Car, Gerstenslager, and Divco.

Manufacturers

A Frito-Lay truck driver washing his Grumman Olson Kurbmaster in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1974 RESIDENT OF ONE OF THE TWO MOBILE HOME PARKS, WASHES HIS TRUCK. THE TRAILER PARKS WERE CREATED IN RESPONSE TO WORKERS... - NARA - 558297.jpg
A Frito-Lay truck driver washing his Grumman Olson Kurbmaster in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1974

See also

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References

  1. GMC: The First 100 Years, by John Gunnell
  2. Crismon, Frederick W. (2002), International Trucks (2nd ed.), Minneapolis, Minnesota: Victory WW2 Publishing, p. 142, ISBN   0-9700567-2-9
  3. Siegel, Stewart (July 1990). "The New Models for 1991: Light Trucks". Fleet Owner. Vol. 85, no. 7. FM Business Publications. p. 62.
  4. Workhorse - About
  5. Workhorse - Step Vans