From employee safety to equipment uptime in the field and managing costs, electric utility operations managers are entrusted with a great number of responsibilities. Recently, when fleet personnel at Branson, Missouri-based White River Valley Electric Cooperative started noticing recurring problems in both the shop and field, John Combs knew something needed to be done. The […]

When lifting heavy materials, clearing land or trenching in tight spaces, how can utility crews get more work done in less time with greater safety outcomes? Those are the key factors heavy-equipment manufacturers consider as they design and develop new utility construction equipment. And this year, numerous equipment developments have emerged to help crews work […]

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 […]

Imagine a world in which you’re predicting and fixing mechanical failures before they happen. You’re coordinating maintenance schedules across hundreds or thousands of vehicles with minimal human intervention. And you’re getting detailed answers to questions about your fleet within seconds – instead of spending days pulling reports. Is this a fleet manager’s dream? Yes. But […]

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 […]

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. […]

Well-spec’d cable reel trailers enable utility crews to work safely and efficiently. But before they take ownership of new equipment, fleet professionals must successfully complete the spec’ing process – which means avoiding the many errors it’s possible to make. Three subject matter experts recently shared advice with UFP on sidestepping these 12 common spec’ing mistakes. […]

Over 5,000 public works professionals from around the world are expected to gather August 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago for the American Public Works Association’s PWX. The program for this year’s annual gathering – the largest of its kind – will provide world-class education sessions on the most critical challenges in public works and […]

Does your organization have the capacity to achieve sustainable excellence in safety performance and culture? For excellence to become a reality in any important area of operations, especially safety, there are five vital capacities that organizations must develop, monitor and synergize to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing world: system, leadership, engagement, cultural […]