Monthly Archives: June 2022

Helping Hands: Old Soldier’s Home Foundation

Community

Pat MacArevey, chair of the Old Soldier’s Home Foundation Board, shared the dedication of their new multi-sport court, which will accommodate pickleball (the fastest growing sport among senior citizens), basketball, and badminton. Their new sports complex is next to their victory garden and outdoor patio for the residents.

“Our mission at the Old Soldier’s Home Foundation is to support residents who live here at the Armed Forces Retirement Home who have retired as NCOs or who were combat wounded and have the privilege of supporting the men and women here. It’s an incredible honor for us, the Foundation,” MacArevey said.

The Old Soldier’s home relies on donations, and every little bit helps. That is why on this Helping Hands with ABC7 News we wanted to surprise them with something special.

“The Old Soldier’s Home Foundation does such an incredible job supporting those who help protect our country in times of need and those who served it so honorably. We want to help continue to help those people by donating $2,000 to the Old Soldier’s Home Foundation so you can continue to make improvements and improve the lives of those who so bravely served,” said Joel Bassam, President of Easterns Automotive Group.

Helpings Hands: Greater DC Diaper Bank

Community

You hear a lot about food needsbut a critical need that is often overlooked is diapers. 1 in 3 families experience diaper need.

Over the last two years the Greater DC Diaper Bank has worked to meet that need. They distributed 2 million diapers in 2019. This year they are on track to distribute 10 million! It doesn’t stop at diapers, they also provide mothers with hygiene and breast feeding products, all of the things you need when you have a baby in your life.  

Rebecca Kolowé, a mom to 4-year-old named Tristan, was just named the interim executive director of the Greater DC Diaper Bank. Since joining in 2019 she has helped them expand to reaching that 10 million mark this year. They work with 76 programs within the community. If families want to access their services they can find various diaper hubs here. 

Rebecca shares, “Every day I get to help other mothers or whoever the caregiver is, whoever is providing the care for that child. You know, we know that families take so many different forms and there’s so many different reasons for that. We just want children to be able to grow up in an environment where they know that they are loved and safe and can be taken care of in a way that is best for them and their families. We want to make that a reality,” she said.

Joel Bassam, president of Easterns Automotive Group, joined with a special surprise for Rebecca and donated $2,000 to their organization so they can keep supporting families who need it.

Helping Hands: SMYAL

Community,

SMYAL is an LGTBQ organization that works to empower and support LGBTQ youth so they can function successfully in their everyday lives. SMYAL consists of various programs such as housing, community outreach, leadership and development, and clinical services programs.

Skipp O’Shea from ABC 7 spoke with SMYAL’s clinical director about their newest program, clinical services, which provides individual, group, and family therapy. They want support to be easily accessible to the LGBTQ community.

Joel Bassam joined with a special surprise, “Touched by what you guys are doing, we want to support organizations just like SMYAL, not just during pride month but year around. We want to donate $2,000 so that you guys can continue to empower LGTBQ youth, our community, and the communities around us.”

SMYAL wanted others to know that for anyone a part of the LGBTQ community looking for support or family, SMYAL is more than happy to help you and help you through your journey.

The Best Work Vehicles for Electricians, Exterminators and Plumbers

FAQs, Uncategorized

Business owners and decision makers searching for cargo vans and work trucks to buy can easily be overwhelmed by all the options available. The good news about the vast selection of trucks and cargo vans is there’s almost certainly the perfect work vehicle for your specific business needs.

A few questions to ask yourself when choosing a work vehicle:

  1. How much cargo space will I need to transport equipment/tools/goods?
  2. Will I need to stand up and move freely while inside the vehicle?
  3. Are the equipment/goods I plan to transport extremely heavy?
  4. Do I need to store my product in a temperature-controlled environment?
  5. Are my routes typically more inner city or long distances?

Examples of Work Trucks and Cargo Vans for Specific Industries

Work Vehicles for Electricians

Electricians need an efficient work van or truck with the proper storage to organize tools and power their operations. There are a few options for this line of work designed to support an electrical contractor’s day-to-day work.

  • Pick-up trucks – One of the most fuel-efficient options and great for long drives and residential jobs. Pick-up trucks with roomy cabs offer the most comfortable option for transporting several crew members between job sites, and you can add a towing trailer for more storage.
    • Example models include Ford’s F-series like the F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado
  • Cargo vans – Perfect for smaller jobs in multiple locations. Cargo vans allow for ample storage and a safe place to lock tools and equipment.
    • Example models include Ford’s Transit Vans (i.e., 2019 Ford Transit) or the Transit 250 Medium Roof
  • Service utility vans – Ideal for commercial jobs and hauling a lot of materials. Service utility vans can be customized for internal and external storage, providing a lot of space for organization and accessories.
    • Example models include the Ford Transit Cutaway Chassis or Reading’s or Knapheide’s service utility vans

Work Vehicles for Pest Control

Aside from storage space, exterminators need a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle. Traveling to many job sites throughout the day makes efficiency and reliability important aspects of any vehicle they drive.

  • Cargo vans – Extremely cost-effective in terms of fuel and space management. Cargo vans offer plenty of room for adding storage bins and built-in shelving.
    • Example models include Ford’s Transit Vans
  • Cutaway vans – Ideal for high-level technicians who need to haul more equipment than the average cargo van can hold. Cutaway vans function as a mobile workshop and maximize storage space to help you cut down on travel costs and vehicle downtime. 
    • Example models include the Chevrolet Express Cutaway
  • Service utility vans – Cuts down on the amount of time spent looking for tools and materials. Service utility vans are efficient and highly functional with options for customization and organization. Some feature an easy one-button lock system to secure all doors and latches.

Work Vehicles for Plumbers

While plumbers could use any type of vehicle to get around from job to job, there are work vehicles specifically designed for plumbing contractors. These vehicles provide features like internet modems, overhead conduit storage and straight walls for easy shelving and organization.

  • Cargo vans – Depending on the make and model, cargo vans can come equipped with high-end features such as 4G modems for on-the-go business management. Reputable cargo van models are also known to be extremely reliable and low maintenance. Some even have room for a ladder rack to secure ladders and pipes without compromising cargo space.
    • Example models include the RAM ProMaster or Ford’s Transit Vans
  • Box trucks – Budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank. Not only are they built for weight and space, but they have the potential to be transformed into a mobile workspace. Cargo is secure with only one access point.
  • Service utility vans – Designed to store a wide variety of tools and equipment and easily organize materials from pumps to ladders. The external compartments make it easy to grab what you need without having to open the whole van. Extra space may be ideal for bulky equipment like sewer line inspection and replacement gear.

You’ll find a lot of feature similarities when comparing different makes and models of work vans and trucks. Scheduling test drives and in-person inspections is the best way to decide which is right for you. While shopping used is a great way to save money on a high-quality truck, you should pay careful attention to the condition of pre-owned commercial vehicles before purchasing.

Local businesses in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas have relied on Easterns Automotive for the last 30 years. Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight dealerships for more information on the work vehicles we have in stock.

Best Work Vehicle for Contractors

Why Business Owners Should Invest in a Heavy-Duty Work Truck

Uncategorized

Business owners who rely on fleet vehicles for their operations understand the importance of reliability, fuel efficiency and performance. Work vehicles are more nuanced than outside observers may realize at first glance. Cost is obviously one factor, but it’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to choosing the right vehicle for your business.

It’s important to find vehicles that:

  • Don’t suffer from chronic maintenance problems
  • Can reliably go hundreds of thousands of miles
  • Boast the right combination of fuel efficiency and performance
  • Have adequate storage space to meet your needs
  • Come equipped with the right features to allow your employees to do their jobs
  • Are relatively affordable to maintain and repair

Service business, contractors and delivery companies may put hundreds of miles on their vehicles every day. Breakdowns can affect your bottom line and jeopardize your schedule, which in turn can have a negative impact on your reputation.

While the performance of drivers is of utmost importance, it’s not the only factor contributing to accident avoidance. Vehicles should have high-quality safety features that prevent accidents and the resulting potential for business liability issues.  

Your business vehicle can have far-reaching consequences for your business, making your purchase choice a potentially make-or-break decision.

Buying a Heavy-Duty Truck Can Help Your Business

There’s no doubt you work hard to make your business a success. Between late nights and long weekend hours, you put in the time to grow your business and see it thrive. As a result, the work vehicle you drive is likely subjected to far more road time than your private commuter vehicle. Businesses that operate multiple shifts per day may have vehicles that run for 16 consecutive hours or more each day.  

This is why performance, fuel efficiency and reliability go hand in hand for work trucks and vans.

You might also be shopping for a work vehicle that better meets your current job demands. For example, having a larger vehicle might improve your company’s processes by allowing you to carry more equipment or tools.

While personally inspecting a car, truck or SUV before you buy it is always important, it’s even more vital for business vehicle shoppers. You likely have very specific size, power or storage capacity needs.

At Easterns, we’d be happy to show you our diverse selection of trucks and cargo vans and allow you to carefully inspect them before making a purchase.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Used Rental Truck or Van

Although you can turn to truck and cargo van rental companies to purchase pre-owned work vehicles, there’s no guarantee they’re in good shape. Purchasing from rental companies is always a risk due to the high number of past users and questionable maintenance and upkeep practices.

Most used rental trucks and vans have more miles than a traditional pre-owned vehicle. While a used rental truck or van might only be a few years old, the high mileage can prematurely age the vehicle — shortening its life and decreasing its valuation. While a lower price may superficially seem like a good thing, it’s not ideal for many businesses looking for reliable commercial trucks or vans.

Plus, the manufacturer’s warranty is more than likely expired on high-mileage vehicles, forcing you to rely on the limited warranty the rental company provides (if that’s even an option).

You’ll never know the full extent of the wear and tear on former rental vehicles. As a rental, it has been driven by a lot of different people — people who likely aren’t familiar with driving cargo vans or large trucks. They may have operated it irresponsibly, leaving it in rougher shape than a normal used cargo van or work truck.

There are also no guarantees regarding the vehicle’s maintenance and service history. Like all businesses, rental companies strive to minimize their expenses while maximizing revenue. That means spending as little as possible on maintenance while keeping their trucks rented out as much as possible.

Chances are the rental company did just enough maintenance to keep the vehicle running but didn’t go out of their way to protect it for the long haul.

Where Can You Buy a Commercial Vehicle or Heavy-Duty Work Truck?

Businesses in Washington D.C. and Baltimore have a lot of options when they’re shopping for cargo vans, work trucks and other light and heavy-duty work vehicles, including Easterns Automotive.

Easterns Automotive has been supporting local businesses in our community for over 30 years. We make it easy for you to find the commercial vehicle that fits your everyday business needs.

Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight dealerships today for more information.

What Should You Look for in a Cargo Van for Your Small Business?

FAQs

Cargo vans are a necessity for many businesses that need to transport goods or haul equipment between job sites. From catering to contracting companies, cargo vans are an excellent way to get from one job to the next with all your product and equipment securely stored and organized.

How do you know which cargo van is right for your business? It comes down to efficiency, features and personal preference. When inspecting various options, ask yourself the question, “Will this van work for me and help me serve my customers well?”

What Businesses Need Cargo Vans?

Easterns Automotive has been selling vehicles to businesses and commuters in Virginia and Maryland for more than 30 years. We’ve helped all types of businesses find great work trucks and cargo vans to meet their needs over the years, including:  

  • Florists
  • Plumbers
  • Contractors
  • Party planners
  • HVAC professionals
  • Caterers
  • Wedding vendors
  • Painters
  • Electricians
  • Pest Control
  • Dog groomers
  • Delivery services
  • Production companies

Key Features of a Cargo Van

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) – The maximum weight of a cargo van. For example, if a cargo van’s GVWR is 8,000 pounds and it weighs 4,000 pounds empty, then you have 4,000 pounds left to use for loading.

Payload capacity – The payload capacity is how much weight you can add to the vehicle. (i.e., the 4,000 pounds you have left to load.)

Fuel type – Will the van require gas or diesel, and does that matter to you?

Roof height – If you plan on being able to stand inside the cargo van, make sure to find a van with a roof height tall enough to walk around in.

Cargo space – Obviously, you’re purchasing a cargo van for the space in the back. Make sure you consider everything that needs to fit back there and how it would need to be organized in order to meet your needs.

Drivetrain – There are four types of drivetrains: all-wheel drive (AWD), four-wheel drive (4WD), front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Think about what type of terrain and climate you’ll be driving in and determine what will be the safest, most efficient drivetrain for your cargo van.

Safety features — Newer cargo vans have many of the same safety features we see in commuter vehicles nowadays. (i.e., blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic headlights, etc.) These features can help prevent accidents, shielding your business from potentially costly liability claims.

Wheelbase – The general rule of thumb is the longer the wheelbase the smoother the van will drive, and the shorter the wheelbase the bumpier the ride. Shorter wheelbases have more maneuverability, allowing for easier and tighter turns, while longer wheelbases provide a more comfortable, stable ride (this is especially important for passenger vans).

Doors – Cargo vans have several potential door variations. Dual-side doors are fairly self-explanatory; there are doors on both sides of the van. Dutch doors are doors on the back of a van that are hinged to swing out to the side. Some vans even have a rear lift gate like a commuter SUV or minivan. From a business perspective, rear lift gates tend to be the least functional option. Most businesses will want either Dutch doors or dual-side doors.

Powertrain – Commercial vehicles like cargo vans offer more powertrain and fuel options than many commuter vehicle models. Newer models of Ford, like the Transit Connect Cargo Van, have many configuration options and emissions-control features, including things like Eco Mode and CNG/propane packages.

Perks of Driving a Cargo Van

  • Fuel efficiency
  • Reliability
  • Interior and exterior customization and business branding
  • Comfort
  • Temperate control (perfect for florists or caterers)
  • Mobility
  • Tax benefits/deductions

For the last 30 years, local businesses in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas have relied on Easterns Automotive for their company vehicle needs.

When you’re ready to purchase a cargo van, we are here to help. Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight dealerships today.