Latest news with #MorganOlson
The Drive
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
We're so Back: New Jeep Gladiator Mail Truck Revives the Iconic Postal Jeep
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Old postal Jeeps aren't worth much. So many of them were built, and so many of them were trashed, that they weren't even a dime a dozen. Shoot, they were more like a nickel a dozen. That's not the case with this new Jeep Gladiator mail carrier built by step van outfitter Morgan Olson, though. Just look at it! It's a Gladiator pickup with the back chopped off, and in place of the rear seats and bed, you'll find a versatile service box. Morgan Olson officially calls it the Kestrel work truck after a breed of falcon, but it'll always be a postal Jeep to me. The service box comes in different configurations, but no matter what, it's made of aluminum. Morgan Olson says that helps it stay close to the weight of a stock Gladiator, so somewhere around 5,000 pounds. That also means it achieves a max payload capacity of 1,700 pounds—just 25 pounds short of what you can load into a normal Sport S trim. The 137-inch wheelbase is also identical to a factory-fresh Jeep, though the overall length is eight inches shorter at 210 inches from nose to tail. And before you ask, yes, Morgan Olson can build it in right-hand drive. Morgan Olson A Jeep Gladiator Forum member who goes by TheDerb claims the target starting price is under $80,000. For context, the Gladiator Sport S starts at $43,295, so the service body comes just shy of doubling the price. I'll leave you to decide whether or not that's a good deal, but keep in mind that this was always going to cost more than tossing on a bed topper and calling it 'dry storage.' There's multi-level shelving, easy access from both sides of the box as well as at the back, and all the service body doors roll up instead of opening out, so you get the full tactile experience of being a mail carrier. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to use a Gladiator for rural package deliveries. It's one of the few midsize pickups left that you can still get without a turbocharged engine, and it's barebones simple inside. The hand-crank windows are out for 2025, however, which is kinda sad. At least you can blast your tunes through the Bluetooth infotainment, and if the weather calls for it, take off the doors for easy in-and-out. I just might have to become a mailman. Morgan Olson Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@ From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.
Business Wire
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Morgan Olson Launches Kestrel Work Truck with Enhanced Flexibility for Delivery and Service Solutions
BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Olson continues their legacy of award-winning innovation with the launch of the all-new 'Kestrel' work truck. Named after the bold and agile kestrel – a small but fierce falcon known for its precision and efficiency – this compact powerhouse is smaller than Morgan Olson's iconic step vans yet built with the same uncompromising commitment to long-lasting performance. This compact powerhouse is smaller than Morgan Olson's iconic step vans yet built with the same uncompromising commitment to long-lasting performance. Share 'Many vocations appear to be seeking smaller applications for their delivery and service needs, and we are excited to present the Kestrel as a work truck solution,' said Joe Rudolph, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Morgan Olson. 'As we continue to grow and expand our work truck product line into new vocations, the Kestrel presents limitless possibilities. The applications are not limited to work trucks; design and functionality included considerations from law enforcement, fire departments, and other first-line responders as they seek a smaller, more fuel-efficient solution for increasing demands. We believe all markets, domestic and international, can be served.' The Kestrel work truck retains all the proven long-life benefits Morgan Olson is known for, with total turn-key work truck features including: Customizable cargo access and management Available in left- and right-hand drive and four-wheel drive 'Automotive' cab comforts Enhanced essential safety features 'Safety and serviceability were among our top priorities in developing the Kestrel,' Rudolph explained. 'These latest technologies are supported by an existing service network.' About Morgan Olson: Founded in 1945 and located in Sturgis, MI, Morgan Olson is North America's leading purpose-built work truck body manufacturer. Morgan Olson accounts for nearly 70% of step vans in North America and has a dedicated parts business committed to keeping Morgan Olson vehicles on the road. Morgan Olson is a business unit of J. B. Poindexter & Co. Visit
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. to continue driving innovation at Work Truck Week 2025
HOUSTON, March 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. (JBPCO) and its industry-leading business units are demonstrating how its proven, unparalleled legacy drives its future growth and innovation at NTEA Work Truck Week, March 4-7, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN (Booth #601). JBPCO encompasses the most well-known, first-class commercial truck bodies in the industry from Morgan Truck Body, LLC (Morgan Truck Body), Morgan Olson, LLC (Morgan Olson) and The Reading Truck Group, LLC (Reading Truck). In addition, Masterack, LLC (Masterack) is the pioneer of the commercial upfitting space; Truck Accessories Group, LLC d/b/a LEER Group (LEER Group) is the largest manufacturer of truck cap covers in North America; and EAVX partners with next-generation chassis and technology providers to deliver advanced vehicle technology, services and solutions through design and engineering talent with deep automotive experience. During a press conference on Wednesday, March 5, 2024, at 1:15 p.m., leaders from JBPCO will emphasize how this year's theme, "Proven Past, Future Driven," celebrates JBPCO's 40 years of expertise on the road – and how that expertise fuels the company's continuous innovation and helps shape the future of the commercial truck industry. "This company was founded on principles of long-term growth, innovation, and operational excellence, and those principles continue to guide us 40 years later," says John Poindexter, CEO and Chairman of JBPCO. "Our proven past helps ensure we remain future driven – and that we always understand our success has largely been built on the trust we've earned from our customers, the dedication of our team members, and the strength of our partnerships." JBPCO's focus serving as a comprehensive, cutting-edge upfit solution for fleets of all sizes is on full display across each of its business units Work Truck Week 2025. Morgan Truck Body, the largest manufacturer of light- and medium-duty freight and refrigerated van and truck bodies in North America: The launch of its new online parts store designed and developed to deliver reliable, high-quality parts for box truck owners, operators, and fleets across the country The website offers a wide selection of box truck components including Morgan OEM parts, cargo doors, rollup doors, corner caps, lighting, and more Morgan team members will provide demonstrations of at JB Poindexter & Co., Inc. booth throughout Work Truck Week Morgan Olson, North America's leading producer of last-mile delivery vehicles: The newest Command & Communications Route Star step van, built by Morgan Olson and upfitted by LDV, includes a complete vehicle surge suppression system that protects all the advanced electronics installed. It features two fully equipped command center offices with four large-screen monitors supporting the latest communication devices. Additionally, this highly customized, purpose-built Morgan Olson step van includes a galley, microwave, refrigerator, fixed conference table, and flip-down bench seating. The unit is also wrapped in a tribute to America's First Responders. A Morgan Olson ROUTE STAR step van created for the Aramark Refreshments fleet following Work Truck Week 2025. This Aramark Refreshment step van is their newest fleet addition boasting a 15-cubic-foot freezer and a spacious 60-cubic-foot refrigerator. Morgan Olson's patented adjustable sidewall stiffeners provide plenty of cargo shelving space and feature both fixed and folding shelves. Additional safety features include rear-view safety backup cameras and a Bluetooth-compatible radio, ensuring comfort and efficiency for drivers during deliveries. Reading Truck, leading utility and service truck body manufacturer & outfitter: An AT&T Mobility unit demonstrating Reading and JBPCO's comprehensive upfit capabilities. The unit features a purpose-built backseat cab organizer from Masterack, a truck cap from LEER with keyless remote entry, and VX Aware technology from EAVX that unifies existing and add-on features into one digital system. The expansion of its crane body lineup with the introduction of two new models, the RM-25 Crane Body, and the RM-35 Crane Body. The RM-25 and RM-35 crane bodies are designed for Class 4 and 5 chassis and available in 9' and 9' or 11' lengths, respectively. For strength, stability, and reliable performance under rigorous conditions, the RM-25 is built with a 6" heavy-duty steel understructure, and the RM-35 is built with a heavy-duty torsion box understructure. Both models can be upfitted with many leading cranes and come equipped with manual (RM-25) or electric outriggers and offer key features such as work-bench bumper, spray lined bed, and integrated headache rack. LEER Group, the leading manufacturer of truck caps, covers and sliding truck bed tray systems in North America: The 500Go, a first-of-its-kind lightweight rolling truck bed tray system from BEDSLIDE that enables drivers / operators to easily load, haul and access cargo. Featuring no-drill installation for easy installation and removal, the 500Go adjusts every 3" to fit full-size truck beds from 62"-74", and its rugged, weather-resistant tray can support up to 500 lbs. On display in the Rivian booth (#929), a custom bedcap prototype custom designed for Rivian's R1T truck. The bedcap prototype puts the R1T's potential as a commercial / fleet product on full display with a range of forward-thinking design features. Masterack specializes in cargo management systems for work vans and trucks, building durable, efficient upfits that improve vehicle functionality for tradespeople and businesses of all sizes: Cargo Guard, a new comprehensive truck-bed solution, designed to enhance security, storage, and convenience. This new system protects cargo from theft with a universal locking mechanism, while providing easy access for on-the-job use with side-access toolboxes and a bedslide. Cargo Guard is the perfect solution for fleets seeking to enhance their truck's efficiency while preserving rear window visibility. EAVX, the innovation hub for JBPCO: Throughout the JBPCO booth, EAVX will once again highlight VX, the only technology that integrates existing and add-on features into a unified digital system—enhancing driver safety, productivity, and fleet efficiency through actionable data insights. VX's modular approach is available in two base packages – VX Aware includes interactive views, position aware, and functional features status and control; and VX Secure, features Cargo Breach Alert, Asset Tracking and User Authentication Alert. About J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. JBPCO is a business enterprise that provides best-in-class commercial automotive and manufacturing goods and services. The company applies innovative operational and financial disciplines to truck and van bodies, pickup truck covers and accessories, industrial vehicle storage and shelving, funeral coaches, limousines, specialty industrial parts and expandable foam packaging. The portfolio of industry-leading business units includes Morgan Truck Body, LLC, Morgan Olson, LLC, The Reading Truck Group, LLC, MIC Group, LLC, EFP, LLC, Federal Eagle, LLC, Masterack, LLC, Truck Accessories Group, LLC d/b/a LEER Group, and J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. d/b/a EAVX. For more information, visit or on LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Matt EulDirector of Marketing, J.B. Poindexter & Co., Sign in to access your portfolio
