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June 2009, Government Fleet - 100 Best Fleets

2009 100 Best Winners Announced

By Editor

TORRANCE, CA – The award ceremony took place at the 2009 Government Fleet Expo & Conference, held June 8-10 in Denver, Colo., with Hillsborough County earning the No. 1 spot.

May 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Exclusive Industry Survey: Public Sector Fleet Manager Salaries Average $74,693 in 2008

Are you paid enough? In 2008, public sector fleet manager salaries increased more than $4,200 over 2007 figures. By region, fleet managers in the West continue to pull in the highest salaries.

By Lauren Fletcher

Are you paid enough? In 2008, public sector fleet manager salaries increased more than $4,200 over 2007 figures. By region, fleet managers in the West continue to pull in the highest salaries.

Tags: fleet manager salary, salary, Survey

May 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Can’t Find Good Technicians? Here’s One Solution

When Dave Cole at the City of Glendale, Calif. could not find qualified technicians for his shop, he partnered with a local college to set up an internship program.

Dave Cole (r) with intern Luis Rodriguez, says the program prepares students to work for any city or public sector fleet.

By Paul Dexler

When Dave Cole at the City of Glendale, Calif. could not find qualified technicians for his shop, he partnered with a local college to set up an internship program.

Tags: City of Glendale, Intern, Technicians

May 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Las Vegas Fleet is 90 Percent Green

Operating a 90-percent alternative-fuel fleet brings the City of Las Vegas to the forefront of the “going green” movement. The City utilizes its green fleet to prove alt-fuel viability.

Biodiesel-powered street sweepers are among the 1,350 alt-fuel vehicles in the 1,500-unit Las Vegas fleet.

By Lauren Fletcher

Operating a 90-percent alternative-fuel fleet brings the City of Las Vegas to the forefront of the “going green” movement. The City utilizes its green fleet to prove alt-fuel viability.

Tags: alternative fuel, biodiesel, Las Vegas

May 2009, Government Fleet - Cover Story

Fleet Manager Saves Millions with Business Approach

The winner of the 2009 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year Award, Doug Weichman of Palm Beach County, Fla., has saved millions by expanding fuel contracts and right-sizing the County’s fleet.

By Cheryl Knight

The winner of the 2009 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year Award, Doug Weichman of Palm Beach County, Fla., has saved millions by expanding fuel contracts and right-sizing the County’s fleet.

Tags: Award, fleet management, Fleet Manager of the Year, fuel management

May 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

D.C. Slims Down and Shapes Up

The District of Columbia reduced its fleet size without sacrificing needed vehicles. Determining a reduction target was the first step.

Zipcar provides the online management and reservation system for DCFleetShare, the District’s motor pool, expected to grow to 100 passengers in 2009.

By Stephen Bennet

The District of Columbia reduced its fleet size without sacrificing needed vehicles. Determining a reduction target was the first step.

Tags: Alternative Transportation, DCFleetShare, Vehicle Sharing, Zipcar

May 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Fleet Manager Promotes Outreach to Vets

Fleet professional Frank Morgan invited friends and neighbors to celebrate his MBA achievement. The party sparked a grassroots project to support U.S. military veterans and their families.

Frank Morgan and his neighbors promote the “What a Country” veterans’ support project, initiated at a party to celebrate Morgan’s earning an MBA degree. Front row (l-r) LaDonna Whitaker, Michelle Campos, Karen Henrickson, and Melinda Lamb with “Sugar”; back row (l-r) Ken Whitaker, Rick Campos, Marc Beeson, Rick Nelson, Jim Faith, Dave Simpkins, and Morgan.

By Staff

Fleet professional Frank Morgan invited friends and neighbors to celebrate his MBA achievement. The party sparked a grassroots project to support U.S. military veterans and their families.

Tags: Community Outreach, Fundraising, Veterans

May 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Managing Your Off-Road Fleet from a Desktop

Caterpillar uses telematics to put fleet managers on the jobsite without ever leaving their workstations.

By Shelley Mika

Caterpillar uses telematics to put fleet managers on the jobsite without ever leaving their workstations.

Tags: Caterpillar, Cellular Networks, Off-Road Equipment , telematics

April 2009, Government Fleet - WebXclusive

When Hybrid Batteries Die

The batteries in hybrid vehicles today are based on nickel-metal hydride technology. They last a long time, but not forever. Here is what to do when the battery in a hybrid dies.

Art by Henry Olivas

By Paul Dexler

The batteries in hybrid vehicles today are based on nickel-metal hydride technology. They last a long time, but not forever. Here is what to do when the battery in a hybrid dies.

Tags: Batteries, NiMH, Recycling

March 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

GFX: Presenting Solutions for Today's Fleet Challenges

Scheduled June 8-10 in Denver, the GFX agenda includes keynote addresses on fuel pricing and customer service, subject-matter expert presentations, roundtable discussions, certification testing, and networking opportunities.

Denver Skyline, home to the Government Fleet Expo & Conference 2009 .

By Staff

Scheduled June 8-10 in Denver, the GFX agenda includes keynote addresses on fuel pricing and customer service, subject-matter expert presentations, roundtable discussions, certification testing, and networking opportunities.

Tags: 2009 Conference, Conference Keynoters, Denver City and County Fleet, Events, Facility Tour, GFX, Government Fleet Expo & Conference

March 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Alt-Fuels Work for Several Texas Fleets

Capital Area Rural Transportation and the City of Port Arthur, Texas, have benefited from using propane in their fleets.

Demand for propane dispensers at fueling sites across the country is increasing as fleets choose to operate vehicles on more cost-effective and clean fuel options.

By Wayne Moore

Capital Area Rural Transportation and the City of Port Arthur, Texas, have benefited from using propane in their fleets.

Tags: Capital Area Rural Transportation, CARTS, CleanFUEL, LPG, Port Arthur, Propane

March 2009, Government Fleet - Cover Story

Standardization Offers Servicing & Budgeting Benefits

By Staff

Standardizing fleet vehicle platforms leads to more efficient servicing, simplifies parts operations, and promotes a consistent organizational image. However, the process presents a few challenges and limitations.

Tags: City of Napa, City of Oxnard, Contra Costa County, Piggybacking, San Diego County, Standardization

March 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

First Privatized Fleet Achieves World-Class Certification

The City of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., achieved Fleet Sentinel World-Class certification after 18 months of preparation. Its monthly PM completion rate now averages more than 99 percent, allowing the fleet to double its lifecycle.

a utilization study prompted Ft. Lauderdale’s fleet operation to reassign this underutilized truck to another department in lieu of ordering another similar unit.

By Cheryl Knight

The City of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., achieved Fleet Sentinel World-Class certification after 18 months of preparation. Its monthly PM completion rate now averages more than 99 percent, allowing the fleet to double its lifecycle.

Tags: Certification, Fleet Sentinel, Fleet Sentinel World-Class Certification, Fort Lauderdale, Ft. Lauderdale, privatized fleet, World-Class Certification

March 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Spec'ing the Right Fire Apparatus for the Job

Writing specifications for a new fire apparatus can be daunting. Determining the intended purpose is the first step, but there are many paths to take from there.

By Lauren Fletcher

Writing specifications for a new fire apparatus can be daunting. Determining the intended purpose is the first step, but there are many paths to take from there.

Tags: CALFIRE, Fire Apparatus, Los Angeles Fire Department, Napa County, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, San Diego County, spec, Spokane Valley Fire Department

March 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Long Beach Garners #1 Government Green Fleet Title

An early adopter of responsible green initiatives, the City of Long Beach, Calif., earned the top spot among environmentally friendly government fleets: the 2008 “No. 1 Government Green Fleet.”

By Shelley Mika

An early adopter of responsible green initiatives, the City of Long Beach, Calif., earned the top spot among environmentally friendly government fleets: the 2008 “No. 1 Government Green Fleet.”

Tags: Award, green fleet, Long Beach, No. 1 Government Green Fleet

March 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

31 Compete for 2009 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year

A record field of 31 nominees are competing for the 2009 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award. The award, in its 5th year, is sponsored by ARI and Fleet Counselor Services. The winner will be announced April 26 at the NAFA Institute & Expo in New Orleans.

By Lauren Fletcher

A record field of 31 nominees are competing for the 2009 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award. The award, in its 5th year, is sponsored by ARI and Fleet Counselor Services. The winner will be announced April 26 at the NAFA Institute & Expo in New Orleans.

Tags: 2009 Award, Government Fleet award, nominee, public sector

March 2009, Government Fleet - WebXclusive

Budgeting for Today's Fuel Costs

Volatility in gas prices has made creating fuel budgets a tough job. Fleets share their ideas and best practices.

By Mike Scott

Volatility in gas prices has made creating fuel budgets a tough job. Fleets share their ideas and best practices.

Tags: Charlotte County Sherrif Department, fuel budget, fuel prices, Hedging Expenses, Oakland County, Palm Beach County

February 2009, Government Fleet - WebXclusive

Stimulus Bill to Funnel More than $1 Billion to Public Fleets

What this means for fleet managers and directors today.

President Barack Obama / Photo Source: Pete Souza, The Obama-Biden Transition Project

By Mike Scott

What this means for fleet managers and directors today.

Tags: Clean Cities , Daytona Beach, Hillsborough, Oklahoma, Stimulus

February 2009, Government Fleet - WebXclusive

Best Practices in Disaster Recovery Planning

Lessons learned from the past helped fleet managers in southern Texas cope with the devastating Hurricane Ike, which made landfall at Galveston. Three Texas fleets that felt the hurricane’s impact share best practices.

Hurricane Ike destroyed much of what was in its path.

By Stephen Bennett

Lessons learned from the past helped fleet managers in southern Texas cope with the devastating Hurricane Ike, which made landfall at Galveston. Three Texas fleets that felt the hurricane’s impact share best practices.

Tags: City of Webster, Harris County, Hurricane Ike, League City, Texas

January 2009, Government Fleet - Cover Story

Denver 'Trashes' Emissions With the 'Green Machine'

With a new hybrid-hydraulic trash truck, the City of Denver fleet achieves 25-percent better fuel economy and anticipates an annual reduction of 1,600 gallons of fuel.

By Grace Lauron

With a new hybrid-hydraulic trash truck, the City of Denver fleet achieves 25-percent better fuel economy and anticipates an annual reduction of 1,600 gallons of fuel.

Tags: City of Denver , hybrid-hydraulic trash truck, trash truck

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

John Deere Introduces New Utility Tractor Product Lines

The tractor and utility vehicle manufacturer’s two new product series — the 5 Series and 6D Series — offer work tools to fit government maintenance fleet needs.

By Cindy Brauer

The tractor and utility vehicle manufacturer’s two new product series — the 5 Series and 6D Series — offer work tools to fit government maintenance fleet needs.

Tags: 5 Series, 6 series, John Deere, tractors

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

A New Facility & Outlook For City of Columbus Fleet

The City of Columbus, Ohio, demonstrates how updating facilities results in more than a new appearance.

By Shelley Mika

The City of Columbus, Ohio, demonstrates how updating facilities results in more than a new appearance.

Tags: City of Columbus, fleet maintenance services, new facility

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Fleet Budgets Squeezed by Decreasing Tax Revenues

As the 2008 holiday season began last November, Government Fleet contacted public sector fleet managers to explore the impact of plummeting economic conditions on their professional responsibilities.

By Cindy Brauer

As the 2008 holiday season began last November, Government Fleet contacted public sector fleet managers to explore the impact of plummeting economic conditions on their professional responsibilities.

Tags: deficit, fleet budgets, fleet costs, tax revenue decrease, tax revenues

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

A New Facility & Outlook for City of Columbus Fleet

The City of Columbus, Ohio, demonstrates how updating facilities results in more than a new appearance.

By Shelley Mika

The City of Columbus, Ohio, demonstrates how updating facilities results in more than a new appearance.

Tags: city departments, City of Columbus, cost efficiency, facilities, fleet operations , ohio

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Polk County Incentivizes Employees to Reduce Fuel Costs

Polk County, Fla. is implementing a broad strategy to ensure employees who adhere to fuel-efficient guidelines share in the rewards.

By Mike Scott

Polk County, Fla. is implementing a broad strategy to ensure employees who adhere to fuel-efficient guidelines share in the rewards.

Tags: cost reduction, fuel costs, fuel efficiency, Incentives, Polk County , strategy

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Northwest Agencies Partner to Purchase Hybrid Trucks

A consortium of 14 local and state government agencies uses its combined purchasing power to negotiate favorable pricing for medium-duty hybrid trucks. The group also aims to promote the availability of the new technology.

By Joe Bohn

A consortium of 14 local and state government agencies uses its combined purchasing power to negotiate favorable pricing for medium-duty hybrid trucks. The group also aims to promote the availability of the new technology.

Tags: Consortium, government agencies, hybrids, KCDOT, King County Department of Transportation, Medium-duty hybrid trucks, Medium-Duty trucks

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

2009 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year Award Nominations

In its 5th year, GF’s Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award, sponsored by ARI, recognizes outstanding achievements by government fleet professionals.

By Lauren Fletcher

In its 5th year, GF’s Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award, sponsored by ARI, recognizes outstanding achievements by government fleet professionals.

Tags: Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Wirelessly Keeping New York City Streets Clean

With on-the-street inspectors and a wireless reporting system, New York City is making a big dent in street maintenance.

By Shelley Mika

With on-the-street inspectors and a wireless reporting system, New York City is making a big dent in street maintenance.

Tags: New York City, NYC, on-the-street inspectors, street cleaning, wireless reporting

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

State Fleets Adopt Fuel Cards to Reduce Cost

The States of Indiana and Illinois fleets improve fleet operations and their carbon footprint, all with the swipe of a card.

By Staff

The States of Indiana and Illinois fleets improve fleet operations and their carbon footprint, all with the swipe of a card.

Tags: carbon footprint, cost reduction, fleet management practice, fleet operations , fuel cards, green fleet, solution

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Constable Fleet Saves Through Alternative Fuel

The Clark County Constable owns its fleet of 21 hybrids and plans to invest in other alternative-fuel options. The unit’s success can be duplicated by other public fleets.

By Mike Scott

The Clark County Constable owns its fleet of 21 hybrids and plans to invest in other alternative-fuel options. The unit’s success can be duplicated by other public fleets.

Tags: alternative fuel, Clark County, hybrids, Las Vegas, public fleets

January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature

Cedar Rapids Fleet Tested by Floods of 2008

Despite losing 91 units, four out of five garages, all but one fuel island, and an entire data network, the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, fleet staff came together to overcome these challenges and forge a “new normal.”

By Chad Simon

Despite losing 91 units, four out of five garages, all but one fuel island, and an entire data network, the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, fleet staff came together to overcome these challenges and forge a “new normal.”

Tags: Cedar Rapids, Cedar River, disaster, emergency response, floods, operations, solution, teamwork

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

2010 Diesel Standards on Street Sweepers

By Shelley Mika

New 2010 diesel emission standards will require a 90-percent cut in NOx emissions. Elgin Sweeper discusses how it is meeting and overcoming this challenge.

Tags: 2010 Diesel Standards, Elgin Sweepers, EPA, street sweepers

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Biodiesel Powers More Fleets Than Ever

By Brendan Prebo

Biodiesel use has dramatically increased the last few years, with production at a high of 450 million gallons in 2007. A number of private and public sector fleets have already discovered its benefits.

Tags: B-20, biodiesel, The City of Denver’s Department of Public Works

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

How to Develop a Strategic Business Plan

By Maggie Laird

A business plan is a written description of your organization’s future. It should document vision and strategies.

Tags: Maggie Laird, plan, strategic business plan

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Tapping A Ready Source of Trained Workers

By Paul Dexler

“Hire the handicapped” is not just a slogan. A huge pool of qualified workers is ready to assist fleets through a federal program, AbilityOne. Employing them can make an important contribution to the community.

Tags: AbilityOne, employement, handicapped workers

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Best Practices in Hazardous Waste Disposal

By Mike Scott

San Diego County, City of Portland, Ore., and Lee County, Fla., promote and share best practices in eliminating toxic and unsafe waste.

Tags: hazardous waste, San Diego County

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

How City Fleets Handle Tool Allowances

By Steve Bennett

A survey of various-sized municipal fleets across the country reveals a range of tool allowance figures and methods from flat per month or annual stipends to a per- hour allotment. Some cities furnish the tools directly.

Tags: budget, tool allowance

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

What Do Municipal Fleets Charge For Parts Markup?

By Steve Bennett

In the cities of South Bend, Ind.; Orlando, Fla., and Littleton, Colo., markups range from 15 to 25 percent. Most want to help cover costs with markups, but one fleet manager is investigating building a revenue-generation operation.

Tags: maintenance, parts markups

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Keeping Government Vehicles Clean

By Mike Scott

Keeping public sector fleet vehicles clean can be costly. However, strategies are available to help reduce costs and promote individual responsibility.

Tags: cleaning vehicles, maintenance

November 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

100 Best Fleets Recognition Program

By Staff

Improved operational efficiency, significant savings, and increased fleet availability are just a few reasons these fleets are considered among the best in the country.

Tags: 100 Best Fleets , best practices

November 2008, Government Fleet - WebXclusive

Cedar Rapids Fleet Tested by Flood of 2008

Cedar Rapids City Hall faces rising waters during the Flood of 2008 in June.

By Chad Simon

Despite losing 91 units, four out of five garages, all but one fuel island, and an entire data network, the City of Cedar Rapids fleet staff came together to overcome these challenges and forge a “new normal.”

Tags: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dennis Hogan, Disaster Preparation, Flood

November 2008, Government Fleet - 100 Best Fleets

Hillsborough County Named No. 1 Again in 2009

By Cheryl Knight

The 100 Best Fleets Program voted Hillsborough County, Fla., the best public fleet in North America. For the past two fiscal years, the fleet department has attained an overall customer satisfaction rating of 97 percent.

Tags: 100 Best Fleets , Hillsborough County

September 2008, Government Fleet - Cover Story

City of Las Vegas Wins International Awards

As part of the City’s overall sustainability project, the Las Vegas fleet has
incorporated alternative fuels in 90 percent of the 1,500 city-owned vehicles and equipment.

By Lauren Fletcher

The City of Las Vegas fleet encourages employees to think innovatively. Winning three 2007 World Leadership awards indicates the City’s on the right track.

September 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

City of Santa Monica Adapts Early to Alt-Fuel Use

By Mike Scott

In 1993, the City of Santa Monica was one of the first agencies to set a vehicle reduction policy. Today, 84 percent of the 450 unit fleet represent a diverse mix of fuels and technologies.

Tags: alternative fuel, City of Santa Monica, green fleets

September 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Fleets Share Fuel Management Best Practices

By Chad Simon

Now more than ever, stressed-out fleet managers are turning to fuel management programs to maximize efficiency and keep expenditures down.

Tags: best practices, fleet management, fuel management

September 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Mistakes in Fuel Management RFPs Can Muddy The Process

By Staff

Public sector fleets feel the pain of soaring fuel costs even more than the private sector, and fuel management RFPs are more common than ever. Avoiding these mistakes will help make the process more successful.

Tags: RFPs, tips

September 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

5 Tips To Stage A Successful Pre-Bid Meeting

By Steve Bennett

The responsibility for a productive pre-bid meeting falls to the fleet manager. The process begins with researched and well-written specifications.

Tags: City of Fayetteville, pre-bid meeting

September 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Street Sweepers: 10 Mistakes Fleets Make When Spec’ing – And How to Avoid Them

By Shelley Mika

A wide variety of options can make spec’ing a street sweeper a daunting task. Failing to identify a fleet’s individual needs and neglecting to research sweeper functions are two common errors.

September 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Fuel Quality a Top Priority When Switching to Biodiesel

By Daryl Lubinsky

The City and County of San Francisco converted all of their diesel-powered vehicles to B-20, testing the quality of the fuel at each stage of transport.

Tags: B-20, biodiesel, City of San Francisco, County of San Francisco

September 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

Automated Pool System Saves Soft Costs

By Grace Lauron

Using an automated pool system has proven helpful to several fleets, reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and increasing convenience.

Tags: automated pool system, City of Inglewood , City of Kelowna

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GF Market Trends

Mike Antich
Taking the Pulse of Public Sector Fleet Management

By Mike Antich
The past few months have given me the opportunity to talk "fleet" with a large number of public sector fleet managers at the GFX and NAFA conferences. These conversations have allowed me to take the pulse of public sector fleet management. Based on my conversations, here what's on the minds of government fleet managers.

Spec Equipment to Reduce Workers’ Comp Claims

By Mike Antich

Questionable Opinions

Eric Bearly
Boston Fire Fleet Slammed in Review Report

By Eric Bearly
The bad news keeps getting worse for the Boston Fire Department and its poorly managed fleet. The fatal incident involving Ladder 26, discussed in my last blog, resulted in a full review of the fleet operation by Mercury Associates.

Poor Fleet Management Can Kill

By Eric Bearly

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Government Fleet - September/October 2008

In This Issue:
City of Las Vegas Wins International, Awards, 5 Tips to Stage a Successful Pre-Bid Meeting, Mistakes in Fuel Management RFPs Can Muddy the Process and much more…