In today’s environment of rising fuel prices and a slowing economy, many fleet managers are undoubtedly searching for ways to curb their operating costs. Switching from large, fuel-guzzling vehicles to more cost-effective fleet choices, like pickup trucks, could be the answer to managing fuel costs while maintaining job performance.

In today’s environment of rising fuel prices and a slowing economy, many fleet managers are undoubtedly searching for ways to curb their operating costs. Switching from large, fuel-guzzling vehicles to more cost-effective fleet choices, like pickup trucks, could be the answer to managing fuel costs while maintaining job performance.


“Pickups are able to provide the same storage and carrying capacity as larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles while being less expensive to own and maintain,” said Jim Blayne, sales manager for A.R.E.’s commercial/fleet division. “Smaller trucks are a good option if you’re looking to keep functionality but reduce fleet costs – and let’s face it, everyone is looking for alternatives in today’s economy. Plus, pickups have a decent remarketing value at the end of their fleet lifecycle. For all of these reasons, pickup trucks are becoming increasingly popular fleet solutions for businesses across the country.”

A.R.E. began designing and manufacturing truck caps and tonneau covers out of its Ohio facility almost four decades ago and currently offers a variety of toppers for most full, mid-size and small trucks in the market today.
The company’s Deluxe Commercial Unit (DCU) was developed in the ‘70s to serve commercial fleet applications. Featuring a fully welded aluminum inner structure, this commercial cap has more than 200 options for fleet truck owners to choose, including a variety of door and window configurations, toolboxes, custom ladder racks, interior fabric liners, side panels and overall cap heights.

“Our DCU is custom-made to turn any pickup into the perfect work truck,” Blayne continued. “A.R.E.’s DCU is available in four height configurations – 23 inches, 26 inches, 29 inches and 36 inches – so professionals can carry all the necessary gear for the job, whether its drywall, tripods or tile saws. All doors come equipped with Strattec® lock cylinders in folding t-handles to protect the equipment inside.” DCU standard colors are white and black, but also can be painted to match any truck.

As the national average for unleaded fuel topped $3.25 a gallon at the end of March (according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report), Blayne expects to see more small pickups enter the fleet population this year.

“There are so many low-cost, cargo management solutions available today, so pickups can easily be equipped as work vehicles,” said Blayne. “A.R.E. has expanded from a traditional cap manufacturer into a total bed solutions provider, offering a variety of organizations solutions, such as a full selection of plastic storage bins to hold small parts, tools, extension cords, nails, screws and much more in the side compartments of our DCU.”

In addition, A.R.E. offers the Bedslide™ sliding cargo tray so professionals can pull equipment out of the bed for easy access. Locking ladder racks are available for both inside and outside the truck, as are toolboxes on the company’s DCU and other commercial fiberglass units (CX Series and MX Series).