Before more consipiracy theories are spread, here's the skinny on the "strange" box.
My wife and I had this unit built. It's been in the works since last year. The original plan was to build a Demountable (demount.com / Demountable Concepts) Segregated box (removable partition in the middle). The side doors would accomodate (they are 5' wide) unloading the front compartment (was going to be a D unit split into 12'/10' compartments) w/out breaking the seal on the rear compartment. We had specific targets for this freight in mind. The Demountable idea is something anyone that hauls AA&E regularly would understand the use for (I'd rather sleep in my home than a hotel).
In the end, the Defense Ammunition Center wanted over $20k to trash my truck on their course to prove in the concepts/design. Keep in mind this is a 30 yr old technology that is being used by the Navy, etc. It is what it is though. I'm x-military and understand what happened and why.
We decided to leave the doors on the box.... so there is no conspiracy to "screw" anyone out of anything or be treated special... they are just DOORS folks.
I've fielded all sorts of questions as to what "special deal" I have cooking with FECC, or what "special project" I'm involved in. It's sad that we all are so competitive in this field that we assume that someone is "sneaky" or "foolish for such a decision". This is one of the reasons I've done a lot of reading on these forums over time... but never participated. Things just get to personal and ugly sometimes.
It's just two doors that I had specific reasons to keep on the unit. If you don't see the reasoning, you indeed are entitled to your opinion and I respect the fact we all have to do what we feel is best for our individual businesses - the same way we all flow with specific freight that we tend to run. That's one of the cool things about this industry... we have the freedom to choose what we chase.
The sad part of all of this is that I've hurt nobody doing this. Yet we are somewhat villified simply because we did something "different". We're sharing our home... not for monetary gain or anything political... but because we think others might like to do the same thing we have and we basically thought it might help some morale in our segment of the industry.
To address those who may be concerned about our earning ability with a non-reefer unit (I've heard some pretty mean comments already), we're not knew, we have our eyes wide open, we have our own unique plans for the truck (beyond FECC) and *we* are happy with the truck... thrilled actually.
We are excited to be a part of this show... but I'm not much of a socializer so if you don't see me hanging around, you now know why. Do stop by and see the truck though... you may like it.
We hope everyone that gets to come enjoys the show!
Be safe out there.
-S & R
