Reddy Ice Holdings, the Dallas TX-based manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice, recently purchased 17 Ford Transit Connect vans for use by technicians servicing Ice Factory ice-dispensing machines throughout the country.
The Ice Factory service fleet consists of 250 vehicles, most of them traditional cargo vans. Ice Factory service technicians drive an average of 25,000 to 50,000 miles a year. Looking for a “greener,” more affordable van to replace some of the vehicles in its fleet, including Dodge Sprinters and Chevrolet HHRs, Ready Ice opted for the Ford Transit Connect.
Lee Hatch, Reddy Ice corporate fleet manager, said he spent a great deal of time researching vehicles. His primary criteria were environmental impact, fuel efficiency, cargo-carrying space, and vehicle cost.
He chose the Transit Connect because it provides ample cargo-carrying capacity in a compact vehicle. It also offers better fuel economy and is more environmentally friendly than traditional cargo vans.
Hatch says that in many instances, he can buy two Transit Connects for the same price as one traditional cargo van.
He upfitted his 17 Transit Connects with storage bins for parts and tools. Some of the vehicles have accommodations for refrigeration tanks and equipment.
The Transit Connect is equipped with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine and four-speed automatic overdrive transmission combination, rated at 22 mpg city, 25 highway.
Reddy Ice Holdings employs more than 2,000 people year-round. The company sells its products primarily under the Reddy Ice brand to customers in 32 states and the District of Columbia.
For more information, visit www.reddyice.com.
