Utilimaster ‘Shyfts’ to Changing Fleet Needs: Q&A with John Dunn
Utilimaster Deploys Rapid Driver Cooling System
Utilimaster announced the deployment of its Rapid Driver Cooling System in 5,860 walk-in vans.

The new Rapid Driver Cooling system efficiently lowers ambient cabin temperatures from 105 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit within two minutes.
Photo: Utilimaster | Work Truck
Utilimaster announced the deployment of its Rapid Driver Cooling System in 5,860 walk-in vans. This order, placed by a leading international e-commerce and parcel delivery company, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing driver comfort and safety throughout the United States.
Designed for versatility, the Rapid Driver Cooling System can be integrated into both new and existing vehicles, ranging from walk-in vans to vocational delivery trucks. The system efficiently lowers ambient cabin temperatures from 105 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit within two minutes. It can serve as a supplementary solution or a complete replacement for traditional indash air conditioning, focusing on cooling the driver’s area and the cabin space effectively.
Following a successful pilot in 2023 that included more than 50 vehicles in states such as Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Southern California, and positive feedback at the Contractor Expo, the e-commerce and parcel delivery company plans to extend this cooling system across its fleet, targeting between 7,500 and 8,000 delivery vehicles.
Utilimaster has begun conducting installations, strategically scheduling after-hours work to ensure minimal operational disruption.
“At Utilimaster, we are deeply committed to enhancing driver comfort and safety. Our Work-Driven Design process is central to this commitment, incorporating direct customer feedback to bolster safety, efficiency, and productivity,” said Jacob Farmer, President, Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services. “We’re proud to now strengthen and continue our commitment as we begin customer deliveries of the Rapid Driver Cooling System.”
Attendees at the NTEA Work Truck Week exhibit will have the opportunity to directly experience the Rapid Driver Cooling System through a standalone demo unit and view its installation in an Aeromaster walk-in van. This hands-on demonstration highlights the system’s effectiveness and the immediate benefits it brings to drivers.
More Products

Milwaukee Introduces BOLT Personal Voltage Detector for Enhanced Jobsite Safety
Milwaukee Tool’s new BOLT Personal Voltage Detector features a wide detection field and clearer voltage alerts to help users quickly identify the presence of voltage.
Read More →
DICA Introduces Solid-Core, Lifetime-Guaranteed Wheel Chocks
DICA’s new engineered wheel chocks eliminate common failure points found in hollow, brittle, low-quality, or improvised alternatives. Common applications include heavy-duty trucks, construction equipment, utility and service vehicles, trailers, and fleet maintenance operations.
Read More →
Ex-Guard Launches Ex-Guard MAX Front-End Protection System
Ex-Guard has launched Ex-Guard MAX, Its most advanced front-end protection system yet. It sets a new safety benchmark with industry-first Front Underrun Mitigation System and exclusive Steer Tire Defender 3.0 protection.
Read More →
Smart Eye Introduces AI One: A Single Compact DMS
Smart Eye’s AI One is a complete Driver Monitoring System built into a compact, self-contained unit. By combining all core components into a single unit, AI One removes the need for external ECUs and extensive cabling.
Read More →
Ex-Guard Expands Grille Guard Protection to Pickups & Vans
Ex-Guard, the company that has provided grille guards to Class 8 trucks for two decades, has expanded its line with the introduction of FX and HX Series guards for Class 2-8 vehicles. Both new grille guards were showcased during NTEA Work Truck Week 2025.
Read More →
SureCam and Blackout Technologies Launch Video Telematics with Integrated Mobile Device Blocking
SureCam and Blackout Technologies have developed a fleet dashcam featuring mobile device blocking capability.
Read More →
Netradyne’s New DMS Sensor Detects Early Signs of Drowsy Driving
Netradyne's third-generation drowsiness detection technology can now identify early-stage drowsiness signs, such as microsleeps and percentage of eye closure over time.
Read More →
Love’s Selling NFL-Licensed High-Visibility Workwear
Love’s Travel Stops is helping football fans show team spirit while staying safe on the job. Each Love’s location has NFL-licensed safety apparel for the two nearest NFL teams, but apparel from all 32 teams is available for order.
Read More →
Grote Industries Launches WorkShield Warning Lights
Grote Industries’ new WorkShield warning lights are powered by HINVII technology and can increase visibility and safety on the worksite when used to illuminate high-visibility materials such as safety vests.
Read More →
J. J. Keller Expands Dash Cam Platforms
The VideoProtects Fleet Camera System from J. J. Keller is now available across multiple platforms and can recognize hazards like driver fatigue, tailgating, forward collision warnings, and other dangerous behaviors, and assign a score based on risk level.
Read More →
