UPS has ordered more than 2,000 gasoline-powered walk-in van chassis for its fleet from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. Following last year’s deployment of a preproduction run of 350 FCCC gas-powered MT-45G and MT-55G chassis, UPS ordered 2,121 additional units in February and March. The walk-in van chassis are expected to be delivered to UPS during the summer months.

FCCC says that because the gasoline-powered MT-45G and MT-55G share the same chassis platform as their diesel-powered counterparts, there is none of the compromise in durability associated with less robust chassis typically used with gasoline engines. The full-section steel straight-rail frame is capable of carrying up to 13,000 pounds of cargo and built to reduce flex and bowing while meeting the heavy payload demands of the pickup-and-delivery business. The common platform – everything from frame design to axles and suspension – also means increased uptime, based on the easy availability of existing parts during maintenance.

FCCC says the chassis are built to withstand 14,000 to 23,000 lbs. GVW and feature the General Motors 6.0-liter V8 engine and either the Allison 1000 or 2000 series transmission, balancing 308 hp with smooth, precise shifting and increased fuel efficiency.