Ford Pro is streamlining the process of getting businesses' work vehicles ready for the road. Through its factory-installed trade packages, business owners can now order upfits directly when they purchase a new Transit van, eliminating the need for extra stops or third-party coordination.
Kevin Bouford, a Ford Commercial Vehicle Center dealer, shared that this move is a "game-changer" for the small business community. "Our reliable Transit vans require a few steps before they are truly work-ready for our customers," Bouford said. "Customers would buy their van from me, which was great, but then they'd have to take it to a separate upfitting company. That meant extra time, getting separate quotes, and dealing with different companies if issues came up later."
A Factory-Fit Solution
Launched earlier this year, the program enables customers to select from Ford Pro's licensed accessory packages, which are tailored to specific trades and occupations. These packages are installed at the factory, meaning what arrives at the dealership isn't just a blank van — it's a complete, work-ready solution.
The trade-focused options currently available include:
General Contractors: Durable shelving and bulkheads for tools and materials — perfect for professionals like landscapers and painters.
Logistics/Last-Mile Delivery: Lightweight shelving systems that maximize cargo space for efficient package handling.
Electricians: Specialized setups with wire spool mounts, parts bins, and secure storage for equipment.
HVAC Technicians: Organization systems for tools, parts, and larger items like refrigerant tanks.
Why It Matters for Fleet Buyers
Bouford said the benefits for business owners come down to three key areas:
Speed: "Instead of waiting weeks or months for a third-party upfitter, the van arrives ready to work," Bouford said. "They can drive off my lot and head straight to their first job. Time is money, right?"
Competitive Price: The upfit cost is included on the vehicle's window sticker and can be rolled into financing, often making it more cost-effective than using a separate upfitter.
Quality and Warranty: All packages are licensed Ford accessories, professionally installed, and fully covered by Ford's warranty. Dealers can manage any warranty issues directly, eliminating the back-and-forth between manufacturers and upfitters.
Real-World Work Truck Fleet Results
Bouford said one customer, Frank Tursi of Be Green Landscaping, praised the convenience of the program.
"They just needed easy, and this was perfect for their irrigation service," he shared. "It holds all the parts on the shelving, plus the cool floor protection is exactly what they needed. Getting all that and not having to make another trip to an upfitter was convenient."
For many local businesses, these new Ford Pro upfit options could mean less downtime, fewer headaches, and more time doing what matters most: getting the job done.
