Fleet Vehicle Upfitting & Branding

Truck & Upfit Engineering Services for any Industry

A dedicated upfit and engineering team to get the job done right

When it comes to fleet vehicle upfitting, every project brings unique challenges. Whether it is a biotech firm transporting volatile materials, a security force that needs a full array of law enforcement equipment, a utility fleet that calls for complex crane bodies, or a variety of electric trucks and cargo vans, Merchants Fleet makes sure the process goes smoothly and your fleet vehicles conform exactly to your specifications.

With more than 60 years of combined experience, our in-house upfit engineering team applies keen focus on collaboration and flexibility to help you:

  • Identify the Right Vehicles for Your Application
  • Spec the Best Aftermarket Equipment
  • Choose the Most Qualified Upfit Vendors for the Job
  • Act as a Single Point of Contact Among You, Your Drivers, the OEM, and Vendors
Our goal is to keep you informed and ensure your deadlines are met. Simply stated, whatever you need, we will make it happen.

Truck & Van Upfitting Services for Any Vocational Industry

Our DOT-compliant and ASE-certified Truck & Upfit engineers and branding experts apply the highest attention to detail on every project, prioritizing performance optimization, efficiency, and safety.

We provide vehicle upfitting services for any type of vehicle — Class 1 to Class 8 trucks; light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles; electric, ICE or alternative fueled vehicles; commercial buses, vans, and shuttles; and passenger vehicles. Our team can also provide Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Conversion Solutions.

No matter your industry, our truck and van upfitting services will be tailored to your business, fleet size, and goals.

Benefits of Upfitting

There are many reasons why upfitting your fleet is the right move. Some of the top benefits include the ability to:

Customize vehicles to accommodate your company’s needs/goals.

Every company is different, which is why we offer personalized upfit solutions that are tailored to your industry and fleet size. Whether you’re looking for a few safety or ergonomic enhancements, or you want to customize an entire fleet, we’ll work with you to figure out exactly what you need.

Work more efficiently.

We modify our workspaces, offices, and homes for efficiency — and the same goes for fleets. Upfits are necessary for many types of industries and vocations, including plumbing, HVAC, electricians, construction, and more.

Implement improved safety features.

Rear-view cameras, back-up alarms, grab handles, partitions, and drop-down ladder racks are a few examples of upfits that can enhance driver safety.

Increase return on investment.

Upfits can reduce operating costs, increase routing efficiencies, safely secure goods and inventory, and help prevent on-the-job injuries or accidents.

Increase your bottom line.

Upfitting your fleet can help drive business in terms of brand recognition, having work vehicles ideally suited for specific types of projects, overall efficiency, etc.

Enable your company or organization to handle specific responsibilities or projects.

Don’t miss out because you’re lacking the right upfits for the job.

Elevate brand recognition.

Adding logos, wraps, or decals to your fleet is an easy, cost-effective marketing solution.

Improve driver satisfaction and increase driver retention.

From ergonomic enhancements to the latest safety features, your fleet drivers will feel secure, comfortable, and supported knowing they are prepared for the job.

What to Consider Before Upfitting — Do’s and Don’ts

Before you start the upfitting process, there’s a lot to assess. Keep these important questions in mind.

  • Do Your Research.
    What upfits are available? What do you need/want?
  • Do Look Closely at Your Budget.
    What can you afford?
  • Do Prioritize Which Upfits are Most Important.
    If you can’t have every upfit on your list, which ones do you need to optimize your fleet and move your business forward?
  • Do Consider Your Timeline.
    Will you upfit the vehicles individually, in groups, or all at once?
  • Do Know Everything About the Vehicle You’re Going to Upfit.
    This includes weight, potential maintenance problems, fuel type, etc.
  • Don’t Assume Upfits are a “One-Size-Fits-All” Situation.
    Each industry, business, and organization are different.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions or Seek More Information.
    If you need clarification or have questions about which upfits are best for you, just ask. There’s a lot of information out there, and the options can be overwhelming. We want you to be as informed as possible before making any upfit decisions.
  • Don’t Assume What Works Best for Your Competition Will Work For You.
    You need to find upfits that work for your specific budget and needs.
  • Don’t Try and Install Upfits Yourself.
    You want to work with a professionally trained and certified upfit engineer. Implementing a DIY upfit approach can result in incorrect installation, vehicle damage, and safety hazards — not to mention the cost of paying to fix these potentially expensive mistakes.
  • Don’t Assume You Never Have to Upfit Again After You’ve Done It Once.
    Your goals may change, which means the upfits you got in the past may not be the upfits you need today and down the road. Industries are constantly evolving, and so are your options for new upfits that better serve your needs.

Industries & Trades We Serve

Every fleet is different, which is why we offer innovative fleet solutions tailored to your specific needs. Merchants Fleet is proud to work with partners in the following industries and trades:

Electric Vehicle Fleet Upfit & Branding

We can upfit any electric truck or van model we carry to best suit your needs. We have staff and vendor partners that specialize in electric vehicle (EV) upfitting. Plus, if you need a specific vehicle that isn’t available as an EV model, we have vendor partners that specialize in electric vehicle conversion.

Learn More About Fleet Electrification

Van Upfitting

Common van upfitting requests include installing partitions, lights, ramps, and lift gates. We also focus on safety improvements and performance enhancements, including anti-slip flooring and storage unit installation. Whatever you need done.

From designs and graphics to spec’ing and installation, our team will take care of the entire van upfitting process for you.

=  EV Options

Types of Vans We Upfit

  • BrightDrop EV600
  • Chanje V8100
  • Chevrolet Express Cargo Vans
  • Chevy Suburban
  • Chrysler Voyager
  • Ford Transit
  • Ford Transit Connect
  • Freightliner Sprinter
  • GMC Savana
  • Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  • Nissan NV 200
  • Nissan NV 2500 High Roof
  • Nissan NV Cargo
  • RAM ProMaster City
  • Toyota Sienna
  • XOS Van

Shuttle Vans and Buses We Upfit

Merchants Fleet specializes in designing and spec’ing ADA-equipped transit vehicles.

  • 10, 12, and 15+ Passenger Vans
  • Activity Buses
  • Bluebird
  • Collins
  • Commercial Vans
  • Eldorado Buses
  • Multi-Function School and Activity Buses (MFSAB)
  • Shuttle Buses
  • Starcraft

Van Upfitting Services

  • ADA-Equipped Solutions
  • Air Compressors
  • Anti-Slip Flooring
  • Branding and Decals
  • Bulkheads
  • Cargo Floors
  • Cranes
  • Drawer Units
  • Floor Drawers
  • Fold-Away Shelving
  • Generators
  • Hitches
  • Ladder Racks
  • Lift Gates
  • Mobile Office Solutions
  • Partitions
  • Ramps
  • Roof Vents
  • Running Boards and Steps
  • Shelving Modules
  • Trade Packages

Truck Upfitting

Aftermarket truck upfitting is the best way to optimize your vehicles for commercial use. Whether it’s adding simple touches like branded decals or completely renovating the interior to safely store tools and equipment, our vehicle upfitting engineers will work diligently to get the job done on time and efficiently.

= Electric models available

Types of Trucks We Upfit

We work with all Class 1-8+ OEM’s and aftermarket trailer and equipment suppliers, such as the following:

  • Chevrolet Silverado (1500, 2500, 3500)
  • Ford F-150
  • Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550)
  • Ford Transit and Transit Connect
  • Freightliner M2106
  • Hino M Series
  • Isuzu NPR & NQR
  • Kenworth T370
  • Lordstown Endurance
  • Mitsubishi Fuso
  • Peterbilt 567
  • RAM (1500, 2500, 3500 HD)
  • Rivian R1T
  • Toyota Tundra

Truck Upfitting Services

  • Aerial Device
  • Air Compressors, Generators & Welders
  • Caps
  • Cargo Trailer Equipment
  • Contractor Equipment Cranes
  • Custom Body Design Solutions
  • Graphics & Branding Solutions
  • Ladder Racking Options
  • Lift Gates
  • Power Take-Off (PTO)
  • Tool Boxes, Auxiliary Fuel Tacks and Related Equipment
  • Tonneau Covers and Truck Bed Covers
  • Tow Hitch Fabrication and Accessories

Upfit Excellence Guaranteed

When you partner with Merchants Fleet for your truck and van upfitting projects, you can rely on our:

  • Master and World Class ASE Certified Technicians to Consult With You
  • Nationwide Vendor Network to Select the Best Upfitters for Your Project
  • Order Forecasting and Project Management Systems to Ensure We Meet Order-to-Delivery Timeframes
  • Provide Site Visits and Pilot Reviews to Ensure Your Vehicle Is Built To Your Application, Compliance & Safety Requirements
  • Emphasis on Safety First to Minimize Exposure to Workers’ Comp Claims and Other Liabilities
  • Order Forecasting and Project Management Systems to Ensure We Meet Order-to-Delivery Timeframes
  • Design with an Eye on Reducing Fuel and Maintenance Costs and Protecting Residual Values
  • Vendor Partners That Specialize in EV Upfitting

“Since partnering with Merchants Fleet last year, their professional team members have provided excellent service and offered innovative solutions to address our unique needs.  Merchants has proven to be a top-tier fleet management company, exceeding our expectations on all levels.”

“My experience has been one of overwhelming delight. Merchants facilitates the expansion of Novus Ag business possibilities with their experienced professional staff by engaging in supporting activities. Allowing Novus Ag to lease short term vehicles while factory ordering enables us to save tens of thousands while immediately placing the employee in a high-quality truck. From permitting Novus to lease agricultural, material handling assets, to fuel and maintenance programs, we consider them a valuable partner.”

Michael Gates
Corporate Services - Fleet, Novus Ag, LLC

“Floor Coverings International is proud to partner with Merchants Fleet.  Their responsiveness and consultative approach has been beneficial to us and our franchise partners.”

Neil Daley
Director of Merchandising, Floor Coverings International

Frequently Asked Questions

What upfits do you offer?

Common van upfitting requests include installing partitions, lights, ramps, and lift gates. We also focus on safety improvements and performance enhancements, including anti-slip flooring and storage unit installation. Common truck upfits include floor drawers, pickup truck hitches, hitch accessories, ladder racks, roof racks, boxes, and cargo trailer equipment. No matter what you need, our vehicle upfitting engineers will work diligently to get the job done on time and efficiently.

I need vehicles that are highly customized for specific jobs. Does Merchants have a specific program for that?

Merchants Fleet has an in-house upfit engineering group. We act as a single point of contact among you, your drivers, and the OEM so you can get the upfit you need, when you need it. Whatever your criteria may be, we will make it happen.

Can I put my company logo on the rental vehicle?

Yes. We have a full team of upfitting experts who can add vehicle wraps and logos to your rental vehicles. With our short-term rentals, these upfitting services are performed at the clients’ expense, and the upfits cannot affect the condition of the vehicle. At the end of the rental terms, the vehicle must be returned to its original condition.

How long does the upfitting process take?

It depends on the number of vehicles and which types of upfits you’ve chosen. Contact Merchants to discuss your upfit needs, and our team can provide more detailed information about potential costs and timeframe.

Need the right upfit for the job?

Click below or call 866.653.2737 to learn how our experts maximize your drivers’ efficiency and safety with upfitted fleet vehicles.