Charlatte is excited to introduce our newest product development, the GC-20 heavy-duty modular chassis.

We’ve developed the GC-20 in conjunction with one of our largest customers to be a GSE-grade replacement for the commercial truck chassis that most are using at this time.   Although the commercial truck chassis has served a useful role, their sheet metal and plastic construction is a bit light for the demands of the airport ramp.

So we have engineered a replacement 20,000 GVWR chassis that can be modified and used in a wide variety of applications including lavatory service truck, passenger stairs, hi-lift cleaning van, hi-lift maintenance platform, or deicing truck.  This vehicle also features a LEV gasoline engine to comply with the toughest emission standards such as those found in California.  For more information on this new chassis, visit the product page here or contact us to learn more.

Charlatte is excited to introduce a new product to our electric lineup.  Due to customer demand, we have recently developed our new heavy duty cargo tractor, the CT5E.

As you can see, the CT5E has been designed for those operations where a rear seating configuration is preferable such as often found in cargo operations.  This seating position allows an unequaled visibility of the rear hitch which can now be easily actuated from the operators seat.  The steering axle location in front of the operator also gives the vehicle a more familiar “automobile” feel when driving.  The weight distribution also gives the unit a smoother ride and increased traction in snow and icy conditions.

The unit features our rugged and reliable Charlatte manufactured drive axle which is used in the T137 baggage tractor with over 6,000 currently being used in the field.  Coupled to our axle is a special High Torque AC motor (30 hp) which gives the unit superior towing ability with 5000 lbs. drawbar pull.

The CT5E has recently completed a very successful 90 day trial at a major cargo handling operation.

For more information, please see our product page here, or feel free to contact us.

We're excited to announce that we will now be keeping a listing of our ex-demo units available for sale on our website.  If you'll look under the Products section of our site, you'll now find that Ex-Demos as an option.  Here you'll find vehicles that are currently on our lot and ready to be shipped.  In these financial times, one of our ex-demo units is a smart choice for obtaining the electric GSE you need without paying full retail price. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with any of the vehicles we have for sale, please feel free to contact us.

Southwest Airlines awards Charlatte Equipment Supplier of the Year

I cannot tell you how pleased the Charlatte Team is to have won this award.  This is only the second year the award has been given to an equipment supplier and we are very honored and grateful to be selected.  I would like to thank Larry Laney and the entire Southwest Airlines Management Staff.  

Larry Laney (right), director of GSE at Southwest Airlines, presenting the award to Rob Lamb

Customer Service is now more important than ever. Nearly every GSE supplier out there has made reductions to their work force over the past 12 months.  Those that continue to answer the phones, ship the parts same-day and provide reasonable lead times are going to excel in the long-run.  Training has also become a big part of the package.  If you are considering buying Charlatte, contact us and ask about our training packages. 

Southwest has been a leader on the electric vehicle front for many years.  Nearly every major carrier along with the other low-cost carriers and regional airlines are planning to go green.  Everywhere you look there is a project happening.   From East to West coast.  Small airports to the largest.  It is going to be a race to see who gets grant money now and who has to wait.  The third-party ground handlers are stepping up to the plate too.  Each city and airline can help do their part by helping us lobby the powers-that-be to move infrastructure to the fore-front of this electrification program. 

I also would like to point out that this is our company’s second award in as many years.  I am happy to remind you that Mr. Joe Hart was awarded Engineer of the year award at the AIE in 2008.  As we move forward towards the close of 2009, please keep Charlatte in mind when considering electric vehicles for your new green ramp. 

Thanks to each of you that stopped by our booth at the AIE in Las Vegas.  We were not only pleased with the turnout and interest in our products, but quite honestly a bit surprised at how busy we were.

Many airlines and ground handling companies were impressed with our new conventional electric pushback.  It is now on demo at LAX and I invite you to view a copy of its brochure right here on this website. An East Coast demo is also in the works and should be available this Summer. 

Many airlines are also enjoying the cost savings of buying our 8 ton electric tractor when the 20 ton is not necessary.  It was the little yellow unit we had on exhibit named the TE208.   Depending on your operation, it can bring up to 1/3 the savings over the larger T137.  Also don’t forget to view our Regional Airline products like the Lav Truck and intermediate belt loaders. 

While the economy continues to struggle I want our customers past and present to know that Charlatte is financially sound and here to provide you parts on-time and unmatched service.  Furthermore, if you have an immediate need for vehicles, give us a call as we may have a unit in-stock for your operation. 

We also urge each of you to investigate grant and alternative fuel opportunities.  There are a couple of new stimulus programs releases by the Department of Energy over the past few weeks that may apply to your operation.  Finally, if your company is considering going electric, please give us a call and we can discuss our customer demo program.  Thanks for considering Charlatte.