Walls & Ceilings logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube youtube Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Walls & Ceilings logo
  • NEWS
  • TOPICS
    • Drywall
    • Stucco/EIFS
    • Ceilings
    • Steel Framing
    • Fireproofing
    • Interior Plaster
    • Building Envelope
    • Insulation
    • Technology
    • Interior
    • Exterior
    • Women In Construction
  • COLUMNS
    • Up Front
    • All Things Gypsum
    • Art & Craft of Plastering
    • Stucco Stop
    • Steel Deal
    • Industry Voices
  • PRODUCTS
    • Buzz Guide
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • BUILD Expo
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Photo Galleries
    • BUILD26 Videos
    • Take our Quiz!
    • Infographics
  • EXCLUSIVE
    • Newsletters
    • Top 50 Contractors
    • Contractor of the Year
    • State of the Industry
    • W&C Store
    • Market Research
    • CEUs
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
  • DIRECTORY
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Advertise
    • Archive Issues
  • SIGN UP!

The First 7 Steps to Creating Trucks That Work

By Al Levi
June 14, 2009
The last thing you need to be doing in this economy is stocking a truck too heavily or paying for excess inventory.

The last thing you need to be doing in this economy is stocking a truck too heavily. Not to mention paying for excess inventory or stuff that gets damaged or goes out of warranty sitting on a shelf. What’s just is bad is having a truck stocked without enough to make it a good chance you can make an immediate sale and do the work. Time wasted chasing parts is a killer and it can be a lost sale!

Goal:
Pull up to 80% of the homes you serve with a truck and truck stock that will give the tech an 80% chance they’ll have what they need to get the job done today.

First 7 Steps to Implementation:
    1. Buy a truck that a tech can stand up in, such as a Sprinter, a Mini Box or a full-size Box Truck.

    2. Create a truck stocking template and customize it to fit what you do by pulling either two months’ in peak season worth of invoices that list what materials that tech used (what the computer tracked as being used by that truck or that tech) or call the primary vendor and get help. Use the task list in the table of contents in the Operations Manual for the Trade(s) you do or use the flat-rate book.

    3. Get help from your model or missionary tech so he doesn’t feel stuck with your design. And then have him test drive it for two weeks, so you can both agree on SLIGHT modifications.

    4. With the customized list, layout the materials behind the vehicle on the floor first. Then prioritize what absolutely needs to be on the truck and what would be a “nice to have”.

    5. Build the shelving on the floor of the warehouse first because it makes it easier to locate where you want to put the stuff first and adjust the shelving and bin location.

    6. Once you like it, TAKE PHOTOS!

    7. Install the shelving in the truck and begin.

Note: If the shelving is already in the truck you can simulate the shelving on the floor of the warehouse and then you end up with a shelving configuration that’s ready to go when you put the next truck on the road.

More to come next week.

Give Me 60 Minutes And I'll Show You The Secrets To Running A Profitable Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Carpentry, Electrical or any other Service Business ... Even During A Recession!

Al Levi is a consultant and a contributing editor to PM magazine and blogs for many other BNP trade magazines. Al is presenting a free online video seminar called the “60 Minute Recession Solution” Online Video Seminar.

For the first time ever, you’ll hear from him and just a few of the many contractors who have engaged the power of the Power Programs. They’re happy to share how this dynamic program worked for them and how it is still working for them especially in these tough economic times.

“This program has helped dozens of business owners I’ve worked with one to one,” Al says. “The Power Plans have also helped. But now thanks to new technology, I’ll be able to help many more contractors with my 12-month Power Plan Coaching Program than ever before. This program will include the building of your own customizable Operating Power! manuals.”

These programs have been working for Al in his family business for years, in his clients’ businesses, and now they are reaping the results. Click on the following link and learn more so you can see and hear for yourself: www.60MinuteRecessionSolution.com.

Share This Story

For over seven years, Al Levi has been helping plumbing, hvac, electrical, carpentry, roofing, remodeling and handyman businesses solve problems, turn greater profits, and help get their lives and free time back for more than 9 years. This is all based on his 25-year career at his family-owned and operated contracting business. To discover more, visit www.60MinuteRecessionSolution.com.
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Blog Topics

Living Sustainable

A Day in the Life

Racing the Tide

On your mark, get set, go!

Tool Talk

Something to Consider

The Trowel Talk

Finish Line

Job Site Tech

Recent Comments

I appreciate the deep dive into the trickle-down...

The emphasis on measurable outcomes really resonates with...

I appreciate the insightful connections you drew between...

Really interesting perspective on how small business optimism...

The part about the 1 percent increase per...

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Walls & Ceilings audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Walls & Ceilings or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • medical professionals moving a patient on a stretcher through the halls of a medical building
    Sponsored byNational Gypsum Company

    What Does High Performance Mean When It Comes To Gypsum Boards?

Popular Stories

Linear Metal Ceiling Beam Baffles

Top 25 Ceiling Contractors of 2026

Wichita Biomedical Campus

Wichita Drywall Worker Dies After Scaffolding Fall

QXO Just Changed the Game-Here's What Contractors Are Asking

QXO Just Changed the Game-Here's What Contractors Are Asking

Less compound

Joint Compound Market to Reach $9.7B by 2033

Events

June 24, 2026

The Bright Side & Benefits of Designing with Integrated Lighting

Credits 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 ICC CEU

This course will explore the pivotal role architects and lighting design play in creating safer, more sustainable spaces. Learn how to avoid common lighting mistakes and make informed decisions that create the best visual environment for occupants. 

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

See our full library of webinars

View All Submit An Event

Products

2026 National Painting Cost Estimator

2026 National Painting Cost Estimator

See More Products
×

Connect with the industry’s leading resource for unparalleled insights and education.

Join thousands of industry professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing