Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Fleet Vehicles: 'Kicked Up' & Unique

Many fleet vehicles are indistinguishable from consumer models; however, several fleets are “kicking it up a notch” with unique looks, designs, and purposes.

September 5, 2010
Fleet Vehicles: 'Kicked Up' & Unique

 

4 min to read


Did we miss your unique fleet vehicle application?

E-mail photos, vehicle details, and use information for possible inclusion in a future Automotive Fleet article to Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com.

Ad Loading...

Cooper Watches Over Gold'N Plump Poultry


The St. Cloud, Minn.-based poultry company Gold'n Plump started in 1926 as a small hatchery. The delivery fleet utilizes a one-of-a-kind fleet vehicle for events, store openings, parades, and more.

Called the "Chik'n Cruiser," it features a replica of the company's mascot, Cooper, positioned as though he's riding a motorcycle. Built on a 1-ton cargo van, the vehicle is equipped with a PA system and rooster horn, and is designed to pull a concession trailer used for product samples.

Ad Loading...

Pest Defense Stays in Sight


Selecting the Nissan Cube due its unique styling, design, and pricing/operating costs, the Dallas-based Pest Defense outfitted the vehicles to gain customer awareness of its HomeTeam and Taexx brands, targeting homeowners in neighborhoods where the company is working to attract new customers.

According to the company, homeowners see uniformed salesmen in company-decaled vehicles as more credible than ones who drive their own personal vehicles. Providing GPS-equipped, decaled vehicles allows the company to control the image it portrays, as well as track territory covered by the sales force.

[PAGEBREAK]

Federated Auto Parts: Stylish and Capable


Federated Auto Parts was formed in 1985 and currently operates more than 4,400 Federated Auto Parts stores nationwide. The parts distribution company selected the Chevrolet HHR due to its unique styling and utility capabilities.

According to the company, the vehicle makes a great billboard for signage and its cargo capacity works great for "Hot Shot" deliveries - parts deliveries to customers repairing vehicles in their shop.

"We rush (Hot Shot) parts to them and they receive the needed parts in 20 minutes or less," said Rusty Bishop, CEO for Federated Auto Parts.

SEMCO Energy Trucks Provide Capability and Crew Support


Used to maintain natural gas pipelines, Semco Energy's trucks not only have the ability to tow a 20,000-lb. trailer with backhoe, but can carry a four-person crew, both uncommon in work trucks, according to the company.

Equipment helps keep materials and crew organized and clean, including a frame-mounted air compressor/generator (allowing more storage space). The trucks also have a compartment mounted under the vehicle's body to store shovels and digging equipment. The compartment features expanded metal pieces connected to the bottom, allowing dirt to drop while the vehicle is in motion instead of accumulating in the truck bed.



Ad Loading...

State of Michigan Vehicles Built for Extreme Temperatures

The State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources utilizes upfitted Chevrolet Tahoe’s to operate effectively in high-temperature environments where strong winds and sand blows at vehicles. A special LED lighting system was installed to enhance visibility in sand dune terrain. In addition, the vehicle is also equipped with necessary law enforcement and public safety equipment.



[PAGEBREAK]

In-N-Out Burger 'Out on the Town'


Based in Baldwin Park, Calif., In-N-Out has seven modified trucks termed "Cookout Trailers."

These vehicles travel to businesses and events serving hot food made famous at their locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
While unable to serve shakes or fries, these roving restaurants serve piping hot burgers with the traditional fixings.

Cookout Trailers are fully self-contained units, equipped with generators and operated and staffed completely by In-N-Out Burger associates.

NURSECARs show 'Care Never Sleeps'


In 2007, Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice developed an industry-unique company car - the NURSECAR. Taking a page from the eye-catching autos of NASCAR, the health-services company purchased a fleet of 50 reliable, fuel-efficient Ford Focuses, painted them in a rich scarlet-red pearl coat, and emblazoned them with the Great Lakes logo, "Care That Never Sleeps Promise" logo, NURSECAR name, and other local business graphics.

Now more than 100 vehicles strong, NURSECARs are provided to nurses, therapists, and other employees who travel the most miles on a daily basis. As fully insured, maintained, and fueled company cars, they were an instant hit - translating into a better work environment for employees and improved quality care for patients, according to the company.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Operations

Shades of Fleet Culture of Care graphic featuring speech bubbles and a Call for Voices invitation against an industrial fleet setting.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 2, 2026

Shades of Fleet Wants to Hear From You About Building a Culture of Care

Fleet leaders, we want to hear from you. Share how empathy, trust, and creating space for people can strengthen your team, improve performance, and support retention.

Read More →
Isaac Johnson in a black-and-white firesuit smiles at the track at sunset with tents, equipment, and another person blurred in the background.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 1, 2026

What Racing Can Teach Work Truck Fleets About the Work Nobody Sees

Race car driver and mechanical engineer Isaac Johnson shares practical lessons on preparation, relationships, setbacks, and building teams that perform when it counts.

Read More →
Lauren Fletcher appears beside the headline “What Your Truck Isn’t Telling You.” Below are the topics Fleet Guides, Hidden Wear, Driver Fit, and IRP Rules. Truck Chat and Work Truck branding and a Chevron sponsorship logo appear on the black-and-blue thumbnail.
Sponsored•by Lauren Fletcher•September 30, 2026

New Fleet Guides, Hidden Truck Wear, and Driver Fit Lead This Month

Our latest Truck Chat recap covers new Fleet Guides, hidden idling costs, driver fit, lighter-truck registration rules, and year-round technician appreciation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Video thumbnail showing Lauren Fletcher and Chris Brown with soapbox race cars at Derby Downs. Text reads “We raced soapbox cars to raise $22,000 for charity.”
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•September 30, 2026

Work Truck Takes Fleet Rivalry Downhill to Support Skilled Trades

Team Fletcher claimed a head-to-head win and second overall as Work Truck and Automotive Fleet helped raise $22,000 for the Hourglass Foundation.

Read More →
Patti Earley, CAFM, appears beside the “Legends of Fleet” title on a black and gold interview thumbnail. LEGEND and Work Truck logos are also shown.
Sponsored•by Lauren Fletcher•September 29, 2026

From Ledger Books to AI Patti Earley Shares 40 Years of Fleet Lessons

Patti Earley, CAFM, shares what four decades in fleet have taught her about using data, building relationships, and listening to the people behind the vehicles.

Read More →
Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award graphic announcing five 2026 finalists: Mohammad Arzola, Monica Brooks-Buck, Daniel Doss, Brandon Ward, and Gary W. Williams, pictured in front of a semi-truck.
Operations•by News/Media Release•September 28, 2026

Finalists Announced for 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award

Kenworth Truck Company, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes program have announced the five finalists for the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aerial view of a Toyota manufacturing facility entrance, featuring the Toyota name above the doorway, three flagpoles, landscaped grounds, and the factory complex in the background.
Operations•by News/Media Release•September 25, 2026

Toyota West Virginia Celebrates Three Decades of Manufacturing in the Mountain State

Toyota West Virginia celebrated 30 years of manufacturing. Toyota assembles both engines and drivetrain components in West Virginia to support its North American operations.

Read More →
Vehicle dashboard showing the speedometer at 0 mph while the tachometer shows the engine running at idle, with a graphic noting that idling adds engine hours without adding mileage.
Remarketing & Lifecycle•September 24, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Idling

A low-mileage truck can still be one of the fleet’s hardest-working and most worn assets. Engine hours, idle time, and duty cycle reveal what the odometer misses.

Read More →
Work Truck leadership update graphic featuring Alan Wiessbrod, Teletrac Navman senior vice president of operations and enterprise transformation, alongside his portrait on a blue background.
Operations•by News/Media Release•September 21, 2026

Teletrac Navman Hires SVP of Operations & Enterprise Transformation

Teletrac Navman has appointed Alan Wiessbrod to its senior leadership team as senior vice president, operations and enterprise transformation. The company said he has a strong track record of delivering profitable growth and operational excellence.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck Weekly Truck Chat Cheat Sheet thumbnail featuring Lauren Fletcher beside bold text reading “2027 GM Trucks, Tech Retention & Fleet Lessons,” with a semi-truck in the background.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•September 21, 2026

2027 GM Trucks, Technician Retention, and Fleet Lessons Lead This Week’s News

New GM pickups, technician retention, fleet leadership lessons, winter equipment, and more headline this week’s Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet.

Read More →