Custom Cabinetry for An expediter truck.

NB Trucker

Expert Expediter
Hey gang,
I really enjoy visiting here on EO, and learning about this portion of the trucking industry. I'm at a point where I'm intrigued by this niche, but commitments at home are keeping me off the road for the time being. Despite my not getting on the road right now, I'm very enthusiastic about the EO field and would like to 'get involved' somehow. My recent thread about 'roller floors' got me thinking about how to outfit a truck on a budget. What sort of custom Cabinets would you like to put into your rig, and are they affordable on today's market? I have a woodshop, and I'd be glad to help design and build some cabinets if anyone has a need and/or the interest.
My shop is 'semi-pro', ie, I have all the tools, but it is a hobby that is masquerading as a business because of where my partner and I have our shop located. It is in a commercial incubator, which required that we at least have a DBA, but we're really just a couple of woodworkers who have a really cool place to keep our tools.

Anyone who would like to drop me an email, I'll gladly discuss and help design a built in, or stand-alone cabinet or storage area for your truck. I'm very interested in the process of outfitting the truck ,ie, what features or items do you the driver want or need in your day to day use of the vehicle? Someday I'd like to do the same for my own rig, but I don't live in one now, so I don't know what would 'work' for an expediter's needs.

I've lived out of an FLD, so I know that maximizing your living space is critical. I've also lived full itme in an RV, so I'm familiar as well with that 'style' of space utlization.

Anyone have a project they'd like some help on, let me know. I'm motivated more for the design and learning experience than anything else, but if the idea proves popular, I"d be happy to build more for other drivers as well.

My shop is located in central NY, so those in the northeast would be easiest to help, but hey, get me critical measurements and I can build anything, and probably install it in less than a day if you got a load through my area.
 

Glen Rice

Veteran Expediter
Sounds great, instead of wasting money on truck goodies at the chrome shop, maybe a new cabinet or shelf for your ride. Can you make this type of cool stuff in a day or two or do you need to stop back for an install in a week or so? Just curious?
 

NB Trucker

Expert Expediter
I can do a lot of this with measurements ahead of time, the install would take at most a couple of hours. I work mostly in hardwoods; maple, cherry, oak and walnut are all favorites around my shop. Depending upon the application, a plywood carcass with solid wood edging would be good and solid for durability on larger cabinets. I can also do laminates over plywood. Off the top of my head to save weight, I would think the majority of the cabinets would be at most 1/2" ply, which would go over/around a hardwood frame.
As for 'lead time' it would depend a lot on a) Freight b) my work schedule and c) the level of complexity of the cabinet or bulkhead etc... Probably a couple of visits would be a wise investment of time, one for exact measurements and templates, another for installation. Each one would only have to be a couple of hours at most, so 'mid load' might work, depending on how quickly you had to be somewhere. I would rather take a bit more time and get it 'right' vs. just throw things together.

Have a great day!
 

Tom Robertson

Veteran Expediter
Ned...
I am just starting to spec out a class 8 show truck...
haven't yet decided on the manufacurer of the truck or the sleeper
that being said we are going to use the truck for recruiting purposes and it will be entered in all the truck shows for years to come...
it will have a sleeper at least 110" to possibly 120"
it will have a shower and toilet
we are trying to determine everything it will incorporate at this time...
we want the truck to be a real head turner and equip it with the latest electronics, like a flat screen tv, top of the line stereo system yada yada yada...
Just did a kitchen remodel and used mahogany for the cabinetry, needless to say it is stunning,
my thoughts are to try something like your suggestion of laminating over plywood with a deep rich mahogany appearance
would be very interested in talking with you about this truck...
was just thinking about contacting various suppliers of "goodies" to see if they have an interest in promoting any of their products in this venue...
I would like to think outside the box here and create an interior that would look more like an executive board room than the interior of the typical sleeper
please give me a call if you have an interest

Tom Robertson
502.326.0500
 

NEVERHOME247

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Where in central New York are you located at. I live in Pa. And I have been interested in sometime in having some custom made cabinets made for my truck.
 

NB Trucker

Expert Expediter
My shop is about 20 minutes from Syracuse, little town of Canastota quite close to I90, I will send you contact info via PM and/or email as well. I look forward to working with you.

Ned
 

NB Trucker

Expert Expediter
Dropped you a line, I look forward to getting together. I've got loads of questions, and hopefully solutions as well! Have a great day and drive safe!
 
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