ATLANTA - With Ford ceasing U.S. production of the Ranger at the end of last year, Rollins Inc. (parent company of Orkin) is searching for a new model to replace the 5,000-plus Rangers in its existing fleet.

Rollins, ranked No. 20 on the Top 100 Commercial Trucks listing in 2011, received the automaker's last U.S.-built Ranger back in December, and is now looking into other pickup alternatives.

According to Paul Youngpeter, director of fleet for Rollins, the company prefers to stay with a small- to medium-size pickup. "One of the most important criteria that must be met is the regulatory required separation barrier between the driver and the chemicals that are carried in the vehicle. The pickup truck provides that natural separation without any upfitting," he explained.

Pickups also provide service specialists easy access to the truck bed from both the tailgate and over the rail, allowing them to safely reach equipment without ladders or step-ups. "The small trucks provide better maneuverability and driver visibility than their larger counterparts, which is an advantage in both our commercial and residential service applications," he added.

Youngpeter said Rollins is considering the Toyota Tacoma or the upcoming redesigned Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon as possible options.

Additional strategies for fleets impacted by the Ford Ranger discontinuation will be featured in the upcoming March/April issue of Work Truck magazine.

By Sean Lyden & Grace Suizo