Accurate, Timely and Valuable

Meeting the Information Needs of the Utility Fleet Professional

More years ago than I care to remember, as a rookie editor at a trucking industry equipment and maintenance magazine, my role was summed up for me by a much more seasoned journalist. “Our job,” he said, “is to know the information needs of our readers intimately, and to be an accurate, timely and valuable resource for them as they work to improve the fleet operations at their companies.”

It is with that in mind that we proudly launch Utility Fleet Professional, a new magazine dedicated to meeting the unique information needs of utility fleet equipment and maintenance managers. Defined by a variety and complexity of equipment unmatched in any other type of vocational fleet, utility vehicle operations require highly dedicated professionals who can blend technical expertise with superior management skills, and in turn bring value to their companies.

Here at UFP we intend to help you achieve those goals by developing editorial content that addresses fleet, corporate and operations management, and fleet maintenance and purchasing issues. The editorial content of UFP will be focused on a number of key areas, including light- and medium-duty trucks, aerial and underground equipment, fuel management, truck bodies and chassis, vehicle accessories, work zone systems, construction equipment, and maintenance management and shop tools, to name just a few. We’ll also bring you the latest on environmental issues, industry news and regulatory developments that will impact your fleets.

In this first issue of UFP you will also find several stories about fleet managers who are describing the programs and practices that make their operations successful. These stories, we believe, are of the greatest value because they allow our readers to share problems and solutions, benefiting the entire industry.

Our team at UFP has a long track record in both the utility industry and in the realm of truck fleet management magazines. Combined we have more than 60 years of experience, and deep connections throughout the industry and with the suppliers you rely on for products and services.

We also hope to rely on you. Reach out to us with ideas, challenge us with questions, and we will do our very best to find the answers and solutions you need to effectively manage your fleets.

This year we will produce two print issues of UFP for two key industry events. The first, in June, will be issued at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC) in Williamsburg, Va. The second, in October, will be in print at the International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) in Louisville, Ky. Additional issues will be planned for 2012 and at all times you can find us at www.utilityfleetprofessional.com

The utility fleet industry has highly specialized information needs. As the only publication dedicated exclusively to utility fleet professionals, UFP will bring you relevant and useful information. We hope that you will quickly learn to count on us as “an accurate, timely and valuable resource.”

Seth Skydel
Editor