Roofing contractors love a good service truck story — especially one that helps the bottom line.

The new Ford Transit Connect is one of those good stories for roofing contractors looking to upgrade their current service vehicle.

“This is a dream come true for all small business owners,” said Len Deluca, Director of Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing for Ford Motor Company.

The 2.0-liter Duratec 4-speed Transit Connect is Ford’s first entry into the small commercial segment. It retails for $21,475, which includes a 7,500-mile service warranty.

After taking a ride in the Transit Connect, I discovered it has more payload than many competitive full-size pickups, and gets 22 miles per gallon in the city.

The Transit Connect has cargo space to organize tools and has rack and pinion steering for maneuverability around tight corners. It can carry up to 1,600 pounds of payload.

Deluca called it a business card on wheels. “You have a very professional vehicle when you pull up to a customer,” he said. “It’s a game changer.”

The Ford Transit Connect has 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and can make a 39-foot curb-to-curb turn cycle. The interior from floor to ceiling in the Transit Connect is nearly 60 inches, and the inside width is 6-foot. While Ford’s new vehicle has no windows on the side, it can be ordered with windows.

Is this the kind of service truck story roofing contractors are looking for? Would you give the new Ford Transit Connect a chance to help improve your bottom line?