In a significant move to enhance its capabilities in the vocational fleet industry, Ranger Design inaugurated its latest ship-thru facility in Ladson, South Carolina, on December 5, 2023.

By partnering with Mercedes Benz, Ranger Design is solidifying its commitment to delivering services to fleets across North America.

"This facility is number four in the Ranger family, increasing our footprint in the North American market. We are very excited that our great relationship with Mercedes has provided us with the opportunity to operate this magnificent facility," Joey Trombino, CFO of Ranger Design, said.

A Unique Offering for Fleet Managers

Ranger Design’s new ship-thru facility was designed to expedite the upfitting process for vocational vans with Ranger Design’s Fleet Upfit Solutions service.

The ship-thru facility comes at a crucial time when efficiency and speed are paramount for fleet managers. It aims to streamline the upfitting process for vocational vans, offering fleet managers a unique advantage.

Peter Young, Vice President of Business Development, stated, "When we were presented with the opportunity to become a ship-thru partner for Mercedes Benz, we knew we were ready. And we are thrilled to have the opportunity to live our vision — providing a world-class experience by delivering on our commitments, being a trusted partner, and designing innovative customer solutions."

Ship-Thru Facilities Streamline Upfitting for Fleet

A ship-thru facility is where vehicles, particularly vocational vans, or trucks, are sent directly from the manufacturer for upfitting or modification before being delivered to the end customer.

This process allows the customer to receive a customized vehicle without handling the logistics of shipping it to a separate upfitting facility.

For vocational vans needing upfitting, such as those used for specialized purposes like delivery, utility, or service, the ship-thru process streamlines the production and customization workflow.

The advantages of a ship-thru facility include reduced transportation costs and lead times since the upfitting is done near the manufacturing site.

It also allows for better coordination between the vehicle manufacturing and the upfitting processes, ensuring a smoother and more efficient production timeline.