Utility vehicles continually evolve to better meet fleet needs. While these advancements may make life easier for the operator or fleet manager, oftentimes they result in greater complexity for technicians. For this reason, OEMs offer training programs that help in-house shop technicians stay up to date on the latest models. Although OEMs host trainings, lining […]

Last year’s NTEA Work Truck Week was a parade of new electric vehicle launches. But if recent news is a sign, the bullishness toward EVs might be more subdued at this year’s show in Indianapolis in March. The Sudden Downshift Until a couple of months ago, the EV market looked unstoppable. EV sales reached their […]

The industry’s truck and van equipment manufacturers are developing new products that equip your crews to get more work done with less strain and greater safety. They’re incorporating more lightweight materials in their product designs so that you can reduce fuel costs, increase battery range or boost payload capacity. And they’re offering more electrified options […]

As more utility fleets add electric vehicles to their mix, fleet managers need to understand the intricacies of managing EV charging costs, much like they would fuel expenses. Fleets are adopting an emerging array of strategies, tools and practices to monitor and control these costs. After all, utility rates are the new fuel prices and […]

From March 5-8, North America’s largest work truck event – Work Truck Week – will take over the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Among this year’s offerings are the Green Truck Summit (March 5), educational sessions (March 5-7) and the Ride & Drive (March 6-7). Exhibits will be open March 6-8. Mary Aufdemberg, general manager […]

Utility fleets are integrating various connected-vehicle technologies that mine data to boost operational efficiency and effectiveness. But leveraging this brave new world of rich data is not without risk. The more connected a utility’s vehicles and facilities – and the more data they generate – the more likely they are to come under cyberattack, which […]

Do you struggle with getting your team to understand, remember and act correctly on your instructions? How can you consistently communicate in a simple, straightforward and memorable way? How can you expand your influence with your boss and direct reports? If any of these questions relate to you, read “Made to Stick” by Chip and […]

It’s no secret that there are myriad items a utility fleet manager must consider when spec’ing vehicles for their fleet. Among those are the vehicles’ ergonomic features, which are intended to provide greater operator comfort and efficiency. According to Pete Gnatowski, director of sales, manufacturing and distribution for global automotive services organization Holman (www.holman.com), “When […]