CHICAGO – The Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson released a report reviewing the efficiency of Motor Truck Drivers (MTDs) throughout City departments. For the department of Fleet Management, Ferguson found its drivers are efficient and cost effective. Fleet management’s drivers stood out as an example of cost effectiveness in an otherwise negative report, which seeks to eliminate 200 MTD positions throughout the City. Ferguson’s report said doing so would save the City approximately $18 million.

Ferguson’s report stated the following with regard to Fleet Management: “Overall, Fleet’s division of work duties among its trade workers has a reasonable basis and does not appear to have a significant negative impact on costs or efficiency.” The report also said Fleet Management could benefit from less-restrictive rules.

Fleet Management is responsible for repairing, maintaining, and inventorying approximately 12,400 vehicles. Fleet has a total of 35 MTD employees, six employees with the title of MTD-Tire Repair and one employee with the title of Foreman of MTD. The MTDs for fleet are generally assigned to two of 14 fleet facilities in the City, specifically equipment project management or police motor maintenance, according to Ferguson's report.

By Greg Basich