Shelley Mika

When wintry weather arrives, utility crews in colder climates often rely on tracked all-terrain utility vehicles (ATUVs) to reach places that conventional trucks and equipment can’t. Proper spec’ing, preventive maintenance and operator preparation all play a role in keeping these machines moving. Ideally, fleet professionals will spec ATUVs for their intended application, which is critical […]

Regular gas cost an average of $2.81 per gallon in January, per the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Diesel was $3.52. Then, in early March, shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz – which connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman – began to experience severe restrictions in response […]

Fleet equipment trailers don’t always get the attention they deserve. These hardworking assets haul heavy equipment, often across rough terrain, in all types of weather conditions. But because they don’t have engines, trailers sometimes find themselves pushed to the bottom of the maintenance priority list – a misstep that could lead to injuries, unexpected and […]

Alternative fuels appeal to utility fleets largely because they release fewer emissions and typically cost less than traditional gasoline and diesel. But with numerous options available, how do fleet professionals determine the best fit for their operations? To answer that question, UFP reached out to several subject matter experts, who shared their take on three […]

Fleet electrification can make a big impact on emissions reductions. Yet the journey can be long and arduous – and it’s just one piece of the larger sustainability puzzle. To gain a deeper understanding of how today’s utilities are truly defining fleet sustainability – and the work they’re doing to achieve and improve upon it […]

With the continued proliferation of global business technology, most utility fleet managers are familiar with common digital security protocols like multifactor authentication, data protection policies and training to avoid phishing attacks. However, it’s not just laptops, tablets and cellphones that fleets need to be concerned with. Since connected vehicles are essentially computers on wheels, cybersecurity […]

In a busy maintenance shop, even a small misstep can lead to injury. Common hazard mitigation tactics include shop safety protocols, signage, and training and personal protective equipment for employees. But once a fleet manager checks those boxes, is there more they can do? To find out, UFP spoke with Jeffrey James Neal, fleet maintenance […]

Whether to rent or own heavy equipment is a question utility fleet managers commonly consider, largely because there isn’t a definitive answer other than, “It depends.” They must assess the various factors unique to their circumstances to determine the best path forward. In a recent conversation with UFP, Paul Jefferson, senior fleet manager at Oklahoma […]

Utility fleet managers have navigated numerous challenges over the past five years – think COVID, supply chain bottlenecks, inflation, the chip shortage and vehicle electrification. Each has had its own economic ripple effects, and now, with the looming prospect of tariffs, the fleet industry could be staring down further economic disruption. But whether the second […]

True fleet leadership requires more than keeping vehicles and equipment running. Successful leaders have vision, are adaptable, deeply understand people – and they continually seek growth opportunities to refine their existing skills and learn new ones. Fortunately, the industry is rife with accessible resources to aid fleet professionals in their leadership journeys. Here are five […]