Developing a strong telematics request for proposal (RFP) is a critical and somewhat complex process that can present a host of potential challenges. To learn more about what it takes for utility fleet professionals to successfully navigate this task, UFP spoke with Beth Daiber, superintendent of field support and analysis for Ameren Illinois, and Steven […]

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 […]

In 2001, ComEd – a Chicago-based utility serving over 4 million customers across northern Illinois – became one of the first utilities in the Midwest to adopt biodiesel. Today, approximately 1,900 company vehicles run on biodiesel blends, ranging from B20 (for most of the year) to B11 (during the winter). What led ComEd to launch […]

Mud, brush, rock, water, steep terrain and harsh weather are all factors that contribute to track vehicle breakdowns. That is, unless your team maintains those vehicles properly. “Overheating, hydraulic component failures and premature wear – these are the most common issues we see when proper maintenance isn’t performed,” said Gerry Carriere, director of customer service […]

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) […]

In my role as a safety consultant, I receive numerous and varied questions about the safe use of bucket trucks in electric utility operations. So, to help clear up confusion, I am going to share information about the OSHA standards as well as some things I have discovered during my observations and audits of field […]

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 […]

Most leadership development programs talk about the vital skill of giving feedback, as they should. I hope you’ve been trained on coaching and feedback and that you practice and enhance those skills frequently. But what about receiving feedback? That is another skill that can be learned, practiced and improved. And it’s a skill I don’t […]

The Utility Expo returns to Louisville, Kentucky, October 7-9, featuring more than 900 exhibitors, hands-on equipment demonstrations and expanded educational programming. Among the 2025 show’s new offerings are the ADVANCE Program for Women in Utilities Workshop; the HDD Rodeo; partnerships with the Common Ground Alliance and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; the National Equipment […]