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Given the investments that contractors make in their tools, it makes sense that manufacturers are also developing new systems for carrying, protecting and organizing them.
The concept of the basic metal toolbox with a removable tray has been set aside to make way for a vast array of possiblities in durability and organization. Manufacturers continue to drive the trend of ensuring contractors have a place for every tool and ensuring every tool is in its place.
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| WEATHER GUARD Pack Rat storage boxes feature 1Key technology and customizable drawers with up to 50% extra capacity over similar industry solutions. |
WEATHER GUARD
Within the realm of commercial trucks and the secure heavy duty storage solutions WEATHER GUARD offers, there is cautious optimism of the market.
“Our optimism is only tampered by the impact of tariffs and evolving regulatory requirements on our customers’ businesses, while our commitment to innovation and reliability keeps us looking ahead,” says Paige Schneider, vice president of marketing and engineering at WEATHER GUARD. “The geopolitical situation remains uncertain and has the potential to hinder our customers’ business confidence, slowing acquisition of new work vehicles.”
Despite these concerns, she says many customers have indicated that they are continuing to invest and build for the future.
“Our strong North American manufacturing footprint positions us to deliver consistent, on-time supply as we partner to bring safe and versatile work vehicle solutions to our contractor fleets,” Schneider says.
Having a truck toolbox or sliding bed isn’t enough to be the preferred work vehicle solution provider for contractor fleets.
“It’s about having comprehensive and flexible work vehicle solutions that work together as a system for safe and efficient access,” she says. “The work truck is a rolling billboard for fleets of any size, and they need to display high quality equipment that looks and performs as professionally as they do.”
Within the industry, contractors building out their fleets continue to look for more adaptable solutions to do more with less.
“A contractor’s day can change in a heartbeat, and they need vehicles and equipment that can adapt just as quickly,” Schneider says. “Going back for a tool that didn’t fit in the box or going to get a different vehicle that can carry a heavier load just isn’t an option.”
Work vehicle storage solutions need to be flexible enough to adapt to any job on any given day. She notes that buying the cheapest toolbox is often the most expensive long-term decision someone could make. Like most products, truck toolboxes and drawer systems are not created equally.
“Truck toolboxes are part of a rolling workspace that relies on organization, simplification, flexibility, easy access, security and protection of the tools that contractors rely on to get the job done right,” Schneider says.
WEATHER GUARD engineers sliding beds featuring 100% pull out for safe and efficient access to tools without the need to climb into the truck bed, reducing injuries. Multiple tie-down points provide additional flexibility and safety.
“We use tough, proven materials that will keep your fleet functioning and, on the road,” she says. “It’s built professional grade tough from the automotive grade lock to the steel case and rollers for contractors who need to keep their expensive equipment safe and functional.”
Schneider notes that the ability to bolt down a sliding bed or large equipment onto the Pack Rat and customizable drawer dividers mean the Pack Rat is a versatile part of the WEATHER GUARD fully loaded system.
In addition, she says WEATHER GUARD Pack Rat storage boxes feature customizable drawers with up to 50% extra capacity over similar industry solutions. Also, the company has upgraded all its truck toolboxes to have 1Key locks, eliminating the need to manage key rings full of keys for fleets or even within an individual vehicle.
“At WEATHER GUARD, we are literally thinking outside the box when it comes to fleet productivity and redefining possibilities for work vehicle solutions,” Schneider says.
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| The L-BOXX Contractor Series has landed in North America. Built for tough jobsites, the series is compatible with the entire L-BOXX ecosystem of products. |
L-BOXX
Following its debut in Europe last November, the new L-BOXX Contractor Series has landed in North America.
Ryan Martin, international sales manager, USA at L-BOXX U.S. says it is built for the toughest jobsites and is fully compatible with the entire L-BOXX ecosystem, including Baseline and ProClick.
Nine products which he says set new standards for toughness, mobility, and convenience, are part of the launch. Highlights include the Large Drawer Toolboxes, compatible with the trusted L-BOXX baseline “L-BOXXes” and the rugged Tradesman Tool Backpack. For more heavy-duty hauling, the Large Rolling Toolbox is designed for smooth, easy-pulling.
The patented one-hand release system allows users to detach and lift boxes from the stack with a single pull, maintaining an efficient workflow. In addition, the smart cubing concept stacks boxes at matching heights, perfect for mobile workstations and compatible with pickup truck beds.
According to Martin, every Contractor box is IP65-rated for dust and water protection and is covered by L-BOXX’s lifetime warranty.
Martin notes that L-BOXX Contractor also pairs with the modular L-BOXX ProClick tool belt system. Tool pouches clip directly from your belt into Contractor’s aluminum side rails without any adapters.
“Like all L-BOXX products, Contractor is fully brandable, from simple logos to custom designs, turning tough storage into a bold brand statement,” he says. “We’re just getting started. New accessories and box designs are already on the way, promising even greater versatility ahead.”
LEARN MORE
This article originally appeared in the October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright 2025, Direct Business Media.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, The Power of Fusion, California Service Tool demonstrates how it has found a way to fuse together its relationships with customers and vendors.
Learn the story of 2026 STAFDA President Matt Kitchens and get the full line up for the 2025 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show Section and also in this issue are Industry Updates.
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