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SEARCHMENUSEARCHUnder OSHA regulations, an employer must provide a workplace (which includes work vehicles) free from recognized hazards. Workers' Comp claims resulting from use of inappropriately spec'ed add-on equipment is on the rise. Poor equipment spec'ing can result in expensive litigation. Ergonomics is also an accident avoidance issue. Poor ergonomics reduces driver comfort, increasing fatigue, a key contributor to preventable accidents.
Read More →Fleet maintenance costs are trending upward compared to prior years. The key reason is the higher frequency of repairs on higher-mileage units as a result of the widespread deferment of equipment replacement by many government fleets. In a true case of "pay me now or pay me later," fleet managers face the challenge of how to hold maintenance costs down while operating an aging fleet.
Read More →DEF is an acronym for diesel exhaust fluid required for diesel engines incorporating selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. As of Jan.1, DEF is now required for SCR-diesels to meet 2010 EPA emission standards. A growing number of public sector fleets are dispensing DEF at on-site fueling facilities.
Read More →The budgetary meltdowns in public sector America have caused significant turmoil for fleet operations. Due to these fiscal shortfalls, the level of scrutiny of internal costs is at a level never seen before, even for fleets with reputations for cost-efficiency and high service levels. Fleet managers are constantly second-guessed on the efficacy of their policies and under tremendous pressure to maintain preexisting service levels despite slashed budgets and reduced staffing.
Read More →Multi-tasking while driving has become common and is a major factor in driver distraction. Drivers are multi-tasking because they are required to do more in the same allotted time. Drivers use "windshield time" to talk on the phone, catch-up on e-mails, scan documents while driving to meetings, and eat when running behind schedule.
Read More →The best way to control fleet costs is before the money has ever been spent. Likewise, promising good customer service is not the same as delivering it. When it comes to communicating fleet policy compliance with users and fostering a customer service mindset with your staff, it is important to consistently re-communicate these goals. The secret to success is to communicate and then re-communicate on a regular basis.
Read More →At one time, there was anonymity in being a public sector fleet manager - no more. All this changed with increased fuel costs, emission-reduction mandates, liability issues, new regulations, and escalated productivity demands, along with ongoing personnel, vehicle, and maintenance costs. Computerization of fleet data has created easy accessibility to this data, which facilitates scrutiny of fleet operations.
Read More →A significant category of unnecessary fleet cost is equipment damage caused by user abuse or neglect. Abuse is by far the most expensive form of equipment failure. Fleet managers tell me there is no limit to the ways equipment can be abused. Abuse can range from damage caused from fluid levels being low, missing PM intervals, driving on underinflated tires to extreme situations of jumping curbs or scraping the sides of buildings. These represent significant costs.
Read More →Most in public sector fleet management find it to be a very rewarding career, but the job is increasingly filled with new challenges, many of them unprecedented. I asked fleet managers, on a confidential basis, whether they still find their jobs to be fun in wake of the turmoil the industry has experienced in the past 12 months (and still unfolds into the present day). Here are their responses.
Read More →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.
Read More →Poor spec'ing decisions can result in expensive workers' compensation litigation. The average workers' comp cost for a pushing/pulling injury is $10,175, while the average cost for a lifting/bending incident is $8,989. Under OSHA regs, an employer must provide a workplace (which includes work vehicles and equipment) free from recognized hazards.
Read More →All indications are that new-vehicle orders from government fleets will be down or flat for the 2010 model-year. Many fleet budgets have been decimated by dramatic decreases in tax revenues.
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