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Andax Spill Tray

Award-Winning Andax Spill Tray

| Kate Wade |
The Andax Spill Tray recently received the 2024 OH&S New Product of the Year Award for Spill Control & Containment. The Andax Spill Tray Reusable Absorbent Drip Pad System is the ultimate solution for oil-selective spill containment, perfect for managing any drip or leak. What sets the Andax Spill Tray apart is its innovative design featuring four sidewalls that act as a mini containmen…
more
Pettibone Extendo

Pettibone Extendo 1044X Telehandler

| Kate Wade |
Pettibone has introduced the Extendo 1044X telehandler, a value-driven machine that provides up to 10,000 pounds of load capacity. The new telehandler was designed to offer ample lifting power and stability without the need for outriggers, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and enhancing operational speed for users working in construction, masonry and rental applications. The Exten…
more
Aurora_Horizon_Autonomous_Trucking_-_Terminal_3

The State of Self-Driving Trucks

| Sean M. Lyden |
A few years ago, most media headlines said that robots would rule the roads. It was not a matter of if but when. And that time was imminent. But the media hype has since cooled, and OEMs have pushed out production timelines. Yet a handful of companies in the autonomous truck sector are quietly moving the industry toward a self-driving reality in the next three years. Understanding these advance…
more
AI-feature-Oct2014

How Will AI Impact Your Fleet Operations?

| Sean M. Lyden |
Artificial intelligence is reshaping fleet management – whether you notice it or not – to improve operations, enhance safety and reduce costs. But if you’re not consistently following all the latest developments in AI, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and left behind. So, what’s the current state of AI in fleet? What capabilities can we expect to see in the future? How will it impact you and your …
more
Wollenhaupt-Oct2024

Keeping Your Best: Effective Strategies for Retaining Top Fleet Technicians

| Gary L. Wollenhaupt |
With the industry’s ongoing shortage of qualified vehicle technicians, fleet managers need effective strategies to keep their top performers. Compensation is meaningful, but communication is the real key to retaining technicians, said Paul Jefferson, senior fleet manager for Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), an investor-owned utility based in Oklahoma City. The results of an OG&E empl…
more

SEMA Predicts Biggest Show in Five Years

| Kate Wade | ,
With 2,400 brands scheduled to exhibit, producers of the 2024 SEMA Show – which takes place November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center – are projecting that this year’s event will be their biggest show in five years. Strong OEM participation is expected, according to a SEMA representative. Kia, Toyota, Lexus, HRC (Honda/Acura), MOPAR/Stellantis, Nissan and Ford Performance will be at the s…
more

8 ChatGPT Prompts to Boost Productivity, Improve Your Effectiveness

| Sean M. Lyden |
Consider this: What if you could generate comprehensive reports, craft persuasive proposal drafts and analyze complex data sets in seconds instead of hours? That’s just scratching the surface of what these tools bring to your fingertips. Fleet professionals who learn to use them will significantly boost productivity, freeing up valuable time for strategic thinking and hands-on leadership. But w…
more

The Future of Telematics: Top Trends to Watch

| Shelley Mika |
Telematics data is among the most powerful fleet management tools. Fleet managers can use it to solve challenges, optimize operations, improve driver safety, reduce emissions and drive meaningful change across their business – all for the benefit of drivers, the public and the bottom line. The telematics industry and the ways fleets use the data continually evolve. Keeping up on industry trends…
more

Maximizing ATUV Uptime: Essential Maintenance Practices for Utility Fleets

| Gerry Carriere |
All-terrain utility vehicles (ATUVs) are critical assets for utility operations, often working in challenging environments where standard vehicles just can’t go. Maintaining these specialized machines is crucial for ensuring their reliability, longevity and optimal performance. With nearly three decades of experience in the ATUV industry, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of proper maintenance…
more
Suizo October 2024 article

Best Practices for Developing an In-House Maintenance Policy for EVs

| Grace Suizo |
Although some utilities outsource electric vehicle maintenance, those fleet managers exploring the idea of handling it in-house can follow best practices and industry standards to create a comprehensive maintenance policy tailored to the unique needs of EVs. The first step in developing such a policy is to conduct a thorough assessment of the fleet’s specific requirements. According to the Elec…
more
Grote WorkShield

Grote WorkShield Warning Lights

| Kate Wade |
As part of its mission to make the road a safer place, Grote Industries has announced its new line of warning lights, Grote WorkShield. Powered by HINVII technology, WorkShield lamps use minimally visible, low-wavelength light to illuminate high-visibility material, significantly raising its conspicuousness without distracting personnel or disturbing traffic. Designed to deliver the visibility …
more
Isuzu Truck

Isuzu NRR-EV Awarded CARB and EPA Certifications

| Kate Wade |
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low cab forward trucks, has been awarded zero-emission certifications by the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency for the Isuzu NRR-EV. CARB and the EPA have been accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles across the United States to combat climate change, reduce air pollutio…
more
Doran SmartLink

Doran 360 SmartLink Tablet

| Kate Wade |
Doran Manufacturing, a leading provider of tire monitoring systems for off-road equipment and over-the-road truck fleets, has introduced the Doran 360 SmartLink TPMS Tablet, which allows users to wirelessly read digital tire pressure and temperature during their walkaround equipment inspections. This simplifies and speeds up the process of gathering tire pressure and temperature information whi…
more
ARI-HETRA Lifts

ARI-HETRA Wireless Mobile Column Lifts

| Kate Wade |
Designed to advance efficiency and safeguard operations, BPW Wireless Mobile Column Lifts from ARI-HETRA – a top provider of heavy-duty vehicle maintenance solutions – maximize performance for service techs across numerous industries. The BPW Wireless Mobile Column Lifts deliver unparalleled versatility and practicality, cementing their role as essential shop equipment. They are powered by a lo…
more
TALOS Lightning Detector

TALOS Lightning Detector

| Kate Wade |
Introducing the TALOS Lightning Detector, engineered specifically for custom OEM solutions where situational awareness is paramount. As an industry-leading innovation, TALOS employs advanced weather station technology to accurately detect cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning up to 25 miles away, providing early warnings and ample time to shelter. Recently, TALOS collaborated with Terex …
more

Modine Cabin Climate System

| Kate Wade |
Modine, a diversified global leader in thermal management technology, recently announced the expansion of its EVantage portfolio with the launch of the Cabin Climate System (CCS), a comprehensive thermal management solution specifically designed for commercial, off-highway and specialty electric vehicles. Engineered for optimal passenger comfort, the CCS delivers precise temperature control for…
more
Mathias-Carlbaum--CEO-of-Navistar-International-Mathias-Carlbaum-CEO-of-Navistar-International-0016

The Long and Winding – Yet ‘Inevitable’ – Road to Electrification

| Sean M. Lyden |
The road to electrification for the heavy-duty truck industry will be long and challenging but ultimately inevitable, Navistar CEO Mathias Carlbaum told a group of 175 utility fleet professionals in June. Speaking at the 71st Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, Carlbaum outlined a vision for the next decade and beyond, highlighting key milestones, hurdles and o…
more
CAT 973 Track Loader

What’s New in Utility Construction Equipment in 2024?

| Sean M. Lyden |
New utility construction equipment hitting the market in 2024 aims to boost productivity, fuel efficiency and operator comfort for crews working on projects ranging from laying pipelines to installing cables. Major manufacturers including Vermeer, Caterpillar, Volvo CE, CASE and John Deere are rolling out upgraded models with enhanced technology, improved hydraulics and redesigned cabs. So, wha…
more
Maintenance article August 2024

Extending the Life of Hydraulic Hoses

| Jim Olson and Craig Ries |
Hydraulic oil, when confined within the hydraulic system and properly maintained, is nonconductive. However, failure of a hose creates numerous hazards that have the potential to harm personnel and damage equipment. Personnel may suffer burns from contact with hot oil. If the hydraulic line failure creates a mist of oil, it can easily be ignited by various outside sources, such as electric arci…
more
Suizo Equipment August 24

The Latest Developments in Trailer Telematics

| Grace Suizo |
The strategic implementation of telematics in utility fleet trailers is not just an upgrade – it’s a transformative step toward smarter, safer, more sustainable utility fleet operations, according to Greg Spiropulos, business development manager for Geotab (www.geotab.com) “All of the benefits extend to the bottom line,” he said. “Telematics can generate considerable cost savings by improving v…
more
Andax Spill Tray
| Kate Wade |

Award-Winning Andax Spill Tray

The Andax Spill Tray recently received the 2024 OH&S New Product of the Year Award for Spill Control & Containment. The Andax Spill Tray Reusable Absorbent Drip Pad System is the ultimate solution for oil-selective spill containment, perfect for managing any drip or leak. What sets the Andax Spill Tray apart is its innovative design featuring four sidewalls that act as a mini containment system, effectively preventing leaks from overflowing or leaking over the edge. The tray is reusable and made of a flexible PVC liner, offering a higher containment capacity than standard drip…
Pettibone Extendo
| Kate Wade |

Pettibone Extendo 1044X Telehandler

Pettibone has introduced the Extendo 1044X telehandler, a value-driven machine that provides up to 10,000 pounds of load capacity. The new telehandler was designed to offer ample lifting power and stability without the need for outriggers, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and enhancing operational speed for users working in construction, masonry and rental applications. The Extendo 1044X is powered by a 74-horsepower Deutz Tier 4 Final diesel engine that features a DOC muffler and requires no diesel exhaust fluid. Mounted on a side pod, the engine offers easy service acces…
| Podbean Account |

Under The UFP Hood – The Future of Fleet Management – AI’s Role in Accident Prevention – Stefan Heck, founder and CEO of Nauto

Join Kurt Moreland, associate publisher of Utility Fleet Professional, as he sits down with Stefan Heck, founder and CEO of Nauto, to explore how AI technology is transforming safety in the commercial fleet industry. Stefan shares insights into how AI can predict and prevent accidents by detecting risks like driver distraction and drowsiness. Learn how fleets can reduce collisions by up to 60% through real-time driver feedback, improving safety and operational efficiency. Discover the benefits of integrating AI with fleet management, including a collaboration with Stellantis’ Ram trucks. N…
Aurora_Horizon_Autonomous_Trucking_-_Terminal_3
| Sean M. Lyden |

The State of Self-Driving Trucks

A few years ago, most media headlines said that robots would rule the roads. It was not a matter of if but when. And that time was imminent. But the media hype has since cooled, and OEMs have pushed out production timelines. Yet a handful of companies in the autonomous truck sector are quietly moving the industry toward a self-driving reality in the next three years. Understanding these advancements is crucial for utility fleets – not just for staying ahead of potential regulatory shifts but also for anticipating how these technologies might eventually trickle down to vocational vehic…
AI-feature-Oct2014
| Sean M. Lyden |

How Will AI Impact Your Fleet Operations?

Artificial intelligence is reshaping fleet management – whether you notice it or not – to improve operations, enhance safety and reduce costs. But if you’re not consistently following all the latest developments in AI, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and left behind. So, what’s the current state of AI in fleet? What capabilities can we expect to see in the future? How will it impact you and your team? Mike Stallone, vice president of software engineering at Holman (www.holman.com), a global fleet management company, shares these seven points to consider. 1. You’re already using AI…
Wollenhaupt-Oct2024
| Gary L. Wollenhaupt |

Keeping Your Best: Effective Strategies for Retaining Top Fleet Technicians

With the industry’s ongoing shortage of qualified vehicle technicians, fleet managers need effective strategies to keep their top performers. Compensation is meaningful, but communication is the real key to retaining technicians, said Paul Jefferson, senior fleet manager for Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), an investor-owned utility based in Oklahoma City. The results of an OG&E employee survey found that technicians didn’t like working second shift and that it was a factor in deciding whether they would continue working there. Management listened to those concerns and alte…
| Kate Wade | ,

SEMA Predicts Biggest Show in Five Years

With 2,400 brands scheduled to exhibit, producers of the 2024 SEMA Show – which takes place November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center – are projecting that this year’s event will be their biggest show in five years. Strong OEM participation is expected, according to a SEMA representative. Kia, Toyota, Lexus, HRC (Honda/Acura), MOPAR/Stellantis, Nissan and Ford Performance will be at the show. SEMA Live is also being introduced for this year’s event. The livestream will open the virtual doors to the SEMA Show, welcoming a worldwide audience. More than 140,000 attendees are exp…
| Sean M. Lyden |

8 ChatGPT Prompts to Boost Productivity, Improve Your Effectiveness

Consider this: What if you could generate comprehensive reports, craft persuasive proposal drafts and analyze complex data sets in seconds instead of hours? That’s just scratching the surface of what these tools bring to your fingertips. Fleet professionals who learn to use them will significantly boost productivity, freeing up valuable time for strategic thinking and hands-on leadership. But where do you start? With the latest version of ChatGPT (currently GPT-4o at $20 per user per month), upload the relevant documents and data. Then, try any of these eight prompts that pertain to t…
| Shelley Mika |

The Future of Telematics: Top Trends to Watch

Telematics data is among the most powerful fleet management tools. Fleet managers can use it to solve challenges, optimize operations, improve driver safety, reduce emissions and drive meaningful change across their business – all for the benefit of drivers, the public and the bottom line. The telematics industry and the ways fleets use the data continually evolve. Keeping up on industry trends, including the following four, helps fleet managers make the most of their technology investment and magnify the benefits. Trend 1: AI and Machine Learning Integration One of the ways telemati…
| Gerry Carriere |

Maximizing ATUV Uptime: Essential Maintenance Practices for Utility Fleets

All-terrain utility vehicles (ATUVs) are critical assets for utility operations, often working in challenging environments where standard vehicles just can’t go. Maintaining these specialized machines is crucial for ensuring their reliability, longevity and optimal performance. With nearly three decades of experience in the ATUV industry, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of proper maintenance practices. The remainder of this article offers some key insights for utility fleet managers looking to maximize ATUV uptime and minimize costly downtime. The Importance of Preventive Maintenance …
Suizo October 2024 article
| Grace Suizo |

Best Practices for Developing an In-House Maintenance Policy for EVs

Although some utilities outsource electric vehicle maintenance, those fleet managers exploring the idea of handling it in-house can follow best practices and industry standards to create a comprehensive maintenance policy tailored to the unique needs of EVs. The first step in developing such a policy is to conduct a thorough assessment of the fleet’s specific requirements. According to the Electric Power Research Institute (www.epri.com), utility fleets should analyze factors including make and model, expected usage, driving conditions and available charging infrastructure. Once their…
| Podbean Account |

Under the UFP Hood – AI & Technology in Fleet Management – Erin Gilchrist, IntelliShift

Join host Kurt Moreland and guest Erin Gilchrist, Fleet Evangelist at IntelliShift, as they delve into the world of AI and technology in fleet management. In this episode, they discuss the challenges faced by utility fleets and explore how AI can help increase driving safety culture, improve maintenance processes, and enhance overall fleet sustainability. Key Topics: The role of AI in fleet management Improving driving safety culture Enhancing maintenance processes Leveraging technology for sustainability Key performance indicators (KPIs) and their importance Over…
Grote WorkShield
| Kate Wade |

Grote WorkShield Warning Lights

As part of its mission to make the road a safer place, Grote Industries has announced its new line of warning lights, Grote WorkShield. Powered by HINVII technology, WorkShield lamps use minimally visible, low-wavelength light to illuminate high-visibility material, significantly raising its conspicuousness without distracting personnel or disturbing traffic. Designed to deliver the visibility critical to worker safety, Grote’s WorkShield lights are versatile enough for any application and can be strategically mounted on a wide variety of equipment like utility trucks, tow trucks and eme…
Isuzu Truck
| Kate Wade |

Isuzu NRR-EV Awarded CARB and EPA Certifications

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low cab forward trucks, has been awarded zero-emission certifications by the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency for the Isuzu NRR-EV. CARB and the EPA have been accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles across the United States to combat climate change, reduce air pollution and promote sustainable transportation solutions nationwide. Their requirements mandate ambitious targets for companies to transition to cleaner, zero-emission technologies. The new Isuzu NRR-EV …
| Podbean Account | ,

Under The UFP Hood – Unlocking SEMA – A Fleet Manager’s Guide to Hidden Gems & Industry Insights

In this episode of the Utility Fleet Professional (UFP) Podcast, Kurt Moreland, Associate Publisher of UFP, dives into an often-overlooked event that should be on every fleet manager’s radar—the SEMA Show. Held annually in Las Vegas, SEMA offers a treasure trove of products and solutions for fleet managers, especially those in the western United States. Kurt shares his insights from attending the show for over a decade, highlighting everything from specialized off-road gear and shop maintenance tools to unexpected celebrity encounters with racing legends like Richard Petty. Whether you’…

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