Distribution
Following the light
Light-duty trucks remain a key component of delivery fleets
Light-duty vehicles continue to find a comfortable place within beverage distributors’ delivery fleet, especially for short-range routes and urban operations. The fact that their operation usually doesn’t require the driver to have a CDL, the smaller trucks and vans can be pretty much plug-and-play for most of your team and new hires. Here are some of the latest updates in the light-duty realm.
Isuzu
This year, Isuzu began selling its Kuzer light-duty truck in international markets. It is modeled after the company’s N-series light-duty trucks and answers customers’ needs for compact vehicles by reducing chassis weight and enhancing payload capacity.
The Kuzer sports a 4HK1-TCN engine, which the company says runs cleaner, provides optimal environmental performance and fuel economy. Safety features include anti-lock brake systems, electronic brakeforce distribution, anti-slip regulator, supplemental restraint system airbags and LED headlamps.
(Image courtesy of Isuzu)
Daimler/FUSO Trucks
Daimler’s FUSO eCanter all-electric truck has been a popular option for lighter payloads and short-distance deliveries. The zero-emission, 150-horsepower vehicle includes an Active Safeguard Assist 1.0 system, which is designed to reduce the risk of left-turn accidents.
When the driver is turning left, the system uses a form of radar to detect objects that are within the predicted range of the truck’s trajectory. The warning lamp on the passenger door pillar turns yellow to give the operator a heads-up to avoid the obstacle. If the driver continues to steer left or use the left turn signal, the system signals a sound buzzer and the lamp flashes red.
Other safety enhancements include Active Brake Assist 5, which features a forward recognition camera and radar system that detect moving vehicles, stationary vehicles and pedestrians in front of the truck. If it detects a potential collision, it alerts the driver according to the distance between vehicles, as well as driving condition, and then automatically activates the brakes. Additionally, traffic sign recognition (TSR) does exactly what it says. The camera recognizes traffic signs, such as speed limit, no passing, stop and others.
Ford Transit
In August, Ford marked a significant milestone within its light-duty portfolio. Exactly 60 years (on Aug. 9 to be exact), the first Ford Transit van rolled off of the assembly line. Six decades later, the company offers both standard and electrified version — the E-Transit.
The current year’s models of the E-Transit Cutaway and E-Transit Chassis Cab feature fully electric powertrains, maximum payloads of 3,997 pounds (Cutaway) and 3,960 (Chassis Cab) and a gross vehicle weight of 9,500 pounds. The two options are priced similarly, with the Cutaway starting at $45,700 and the Chassis Cab starting at $46,200. The full E-Transit Cargo Van starts at $51,000 and is available in three roof heights. The low roof/long body option is rated for a top payload of 3,249 pounds; medium roof/long body for 3,100 pounds; high roof/long body for 3,004 pounds; and high roof/extended long body for 2,799 pounds.
GM
There’s been some discussion within the truck media whether the 2026 Chevrolet Express van is going to be the last of its kind, 30 years after the model first debuted. There’s been no official confirmation of that at this point.
Regardless, the next model year versions are expected to be in production this month. It’s offered in cargo and cutaway configurations for commercial users. Its power options include a 4.3-liter, V6 and a heavy-duty 6.6-liter V8. The current year’s models ― the 2500 and 3500 — are available with either 135-inch or 155-inch wheelbases. The 3500 model has a payload capacity of nearly 4,300 pounds.