This week, Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) announced the consolidation of Thomas Built Buses (TBB) and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) into a new division: Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles (DTSV).

This move brings the two organizations together under one structure, according to a company release, to "enhance customer service, improve operational efficiency and accelerate innovation across the specialty vehicle segment."

The new division integrates expertise in school buses, walk-in vans, and recreational vehicles, leveraging FCCC's role as chassis supplier for TBB and other specialty models. By streamlining operations and fostering collaboration, DTSV aims to simplify processes, boost efficiency, and deliver more customer-focused solutions across its markets.

"This new structure is a strategic step forward in how we serve our customers," said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and head of specialty vehicles at DTNA. "We're not only simplifying how we operate — we're strengthening our ability to deliver for our customers. This move reflects our long-term commitment to building a more connected, responsive, and resilient organization — one that empowers our people and delivers on the expectations of those who rely on our vehicles every day."

"By bringing together the strengths of Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis, Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles is now positioned to move faster, serve customers even better, and operate with greater focus," said T.J. Reed, who will lead the organization as president and CEO of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles. "With a strong manufacturing footprint in the Carolinas and a unified team, we are ready to meet the needs of our dealers and customers with renewed agility, confidence, and purpose."

New Leadership to Guide Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles

Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles has appointed a leadership team that reflects the combined expertise of both Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation:

• Caleb Judge, chief financial officer, is responsible for overseeing finance and controlling to ensure financial alignment across DTSV.

• Kendra Eads, head of engineering, is leading the integration of engineering capabilities into a single, streamlined organization with unified design tools and methods.

• Nick Rini, head of quality and customer experience, is unifying quality and customer experience (CX) functions to deliver an even more seamless experience for customers and dealers.

Thomas Built Buses, based in High Point, North Carolina, employs approximately 1,900 people. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, based in Gaffney, South Carolina, employs over 1,000 people and manufactures premium chassis for walk-in vans, motorhomes, and commercial vehicles, with more than 450 service locations.