• Freightliner introduces “Frameworks” program for upfitters

    INDIANAPOLIS. Freightliner Trucks is introducing a new program called “Frameworks” to offer more detailed financial and technical support to the truck equipment manufacturers (TEMs) responsible for putting the final touches on vehicles destined for vocational customers.
    March 7, 2013
    2 min read
    Fleet Owner
    Image

    INDIANAPOLIS. Freightliner Trucks is introducing a new program called “Frameworks” to offer more detailed financial and technical support to the truck equipment manufacturers (TEMs) responsible for putting the final touches on vehicles destined for vocational customers.

    “It’s a culmination of effort to make Freightliner a better vocational player in the market,” said David Hames (pictured), gm of marketing and strategy for Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) – Freightliner’s parent company – during a press event here at the National Truck Equipment Association’s 2013 Work Truck Show.

    [To view photos of the products Freightliner brought to the show, click here.]

    Hames explained that “Frameworks” is an all-encompassing program available for any TEM that aims to improve the ease and speed of body vocational body upfitting.

    “For example, we’re offering two and half days of specific chassis training to TEMs so they better understand frame and exhaust configurations,” he noted. “We’re also offering 3D digital layouts so TEMs can design final upfits more exactly for their customers.”

    Hames pointed out that the program also seeks to provide greater “visibility” of trucks during the production and transportation process, so TEMs know where the chassis they’ve ordered is in the production cycle so they in turn can provide more exact delivery times to the final customer.

    “Again, we’ve not specifically aligned this program with any particular upfitter; it’s intentionally available to all of them,” Hames said. “Our goal at the end of the day with this program is simply to provide a better final product to the industry.”

    About the Author

    Sean Kilcarr

    Editor in Chief

    Sean Kilcarr is a former longtime FleetOwner senior editor who wrote for the publication from 2000 to 2018. He served as editor-in-chief from 2017 to 2018.

     

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from Equipment

    Jeremy Wolfe | FleetOwner
    natural gas combustion engine
    With several alternative powertrains in heavy-duty trucking today, how are major engine manufacturers adjusting? Derek Kiesler, Cummins' director for North America on-highway ...
    Sysco
    primary
    Here are the 10 private fleet operations with the most trailers, according to the 2025 FleetOwner 500: Private list.
    Rivian
    Turn signals that do not function properly, failing to indicate the driver's intention to change direction, increase the risk of a crash.
    NHTSA’s latest safety notices feature inadequate fuse protection and more.