Forest River Companies Named Top Accounts for Ford
Starcraft Bus, Elkhart Coach, and Glaval Bus place first, second, and third for the first time ever for the month of July as Ford’s top volume pool accounts.
ELKHART, Ind. — Vehicle manufacturer Forest River Inc.’s three bus divisions have placed first, second, and third for the first time ever for the month of July as Ford’s top volume pool accounts.
Starcraft Bus, Elkhart Coach, and Glaval Bus finished first, second, and third, respectively.
“As Forest River’s bus divisions continue to gain market share each year, it necessitates an increase in capacity in order keep up with demand,” said Pete Liegl, Forest River’s CEO. “Plans to do so are already in the works and will be completed by year end. We recognize that we couldn’t occupy the top three spots without the incredible support of our dealer base and nearly 800 dedicated bus employees.”
This news comes on the heels of Ford announcing that Starcraft Bus was named Ford’s top volume bus account for the 10th consecutive year. Cindy Sokol of Starcraft Bus was presented the award by John Ruppert, general manager of vehicle sales and marketing, and Dennis Bearden, pool account manager, on June 9 at Ford’s annual pool account meeting in Detroit.
“We are proud of our employees, dealers, and suppliers who are committed to building the best buses in the industry,” said David Wright, president of Starcraft Bus.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →

