About the Author: Gary L. Wollenhaupt is a Phoenix-based freelance writer who covers the transportation, energy and technology sectors for a variety of publications and companies.
Without the right accessories, a utility truck is just a truck. It’s those accessories that turn the vehicle into a job-ready asset, helping lineworkers execute their tasks more safely and efficiently. Multiple trends are currently influencing utility truck accessories, spurred by technological advances, changing work profiles and COVID-related aftereffects. For instance, the shortage of chassis […]
Today, the term “100-year storm” no longer means what it once did, with severe weather events now occurring more frequently. Because restoration efforts are vital to public safety, this uptick means utility fleet professionals are facing increasing resource constraints in their mission to ensure the timely deployment of company vehicles and equipment. Still, providing lineworkers […]
An ideal utility fleet safety program will account for fleet’s distinct operating environment. Why? “The fleet group is totally different than what a lot of utility workforces do,” explained Matt Gilliland, director of operations support and business continuity for Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). “We work on a variety of different equipment, and it’s very […]
Strobes and beacons play a critical role in both worker and public safety, increasing vehicle visibility during roadside operations. But they aren’t all created equal, which means fleet managers must weigh several factors when spec’ing these lights. First, define vehicle use and environment. Consider the primary functions and operating conditions of your fleet. Then, strategize […]
While it’s true that outsourcing tire procurement and maintenance can reduce a shop’s workload, fleets must effectively oversee their tire vendors to maximize the benefits of these partnerships. “Tires are often among the top expenses for most fleets,” said Christopher Foster, director of North American fleet management services at Holman (www.holman.com). “It’s critically important to […]
Utilities with hundreds or thousands of assets must take a strategic approach to shop scheduling to balance competing priorities. Fleet managers are tasked with ensuring each asset is adequately maintained while providing field crews with the vehicles and equipment they need to successfully complete their work. One way to effectively manage scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) […]
Utility fleets pay an average of $0.17 per mile for fuel; other types of fleets pay $0.14 per mile. It’s no wonder fleet managers turn to fuel cards to help manage expenses. Even when organizations operate on-site fuel tanks, there are often instances when drivers must purchase fuel from an outside retailer or truck stop. […]
Many fleets in the utility sector have set ambitious zero-emission targets, but headwinds in the U.S. electric vehicle market – due to production slowdowns and an evolving regulatory environment – are creating new obstacles. Even so, it doesn’t appear that fleet managers are significantly adjusting their electrification roadmaps. American Electric Power, Pacific Gas and Electric, […]
The path of progress is never a straight line, and the road to electric vehicle adoption is no exception. While there may be zigs and zags, the market for fleet vehicles is trucking toward further adoption of EVs for light- and medium-duty applications. The regulatory environment is a big driver of change. In March 2024, […]
Is the dream of vehicle electrification dead or just delayed a bit? Earlier this year, legacy auto manufacturers announced they would slash electric vehicle production and pivot toward hybrid vehicles. These dramatic changes were in response to the drop-off in consumer demand for EVs and the Biden administration’s announcement of a new technology-neutral approach based […]
