Ethics: The Biggest Hurdle for Self-Driving Vehicles
In October, thousands of Tesla Model S owners across the globe downloaded the Autopilot upgrade, launching the most advanced commercially available driver assistance technology to date. When engaged, Tesla’s Autopilot operates on the highway like cruise control on steroids, using cameras to keep the vehicle within lane markers, radar to maintain safe speed and distance […]
More Than a Fill-Up
Fuel is simply too expensive to ignore. It has been the No. 1 equipment-related cost item for years in most operations. For some fleets it has surpassed the cost of labor and become a fleet’s leading expense item. Combine this with costs associated with environmental regulations pertaining to fuel storage facilities, and it’s easy to […]
A Better Idea
When Ron Schoon, executive manager, partnership development at National Renewable Energy Laboratory addressed attendees at the recent Green Truck Summit, his focus was on Clean Cities programs and initiatives and the ongoing activity aimed at identifying the value of clean fuels and technologies for commercial trucks. For example, he shared details on a national database […]
Modernizing Your Shop: Productivity, Space and Technician Considerations
In order to keep up with the evolution of your fleet, it may be time to analyze the layout of your current shop to determine if you need to upgrade the facility or design and build a new facility. To give you an idea of what happens when an organization doesn’t keep up with the […]
What’s in a Name? – Part II
On this page in the last issue of Utility Fleet Professional, we asked what exactly constitutes telematics in the realm of fleet management. Our question was based on the widespread use of the term “telematics” to denote automated vehicle systems. We also promised to focus more closely on what fleet managers need to know. It […]
Fleet Management: Addressing Core Issues Minimizes Costs
Many companies are facing their biggest budget challenges in their history, noted Bob Pitts, senior principal at Accenture. Additionally, companies that typically operate large, specialized fleets of vehicles in support of their operations face additional pressures to reduce costs to meet these budget challenges. These fleets inevitably require large commitments of scarce capital and are […]
What’s in a Name?
Originally, the term “telematics” was coined to describe the combination of telecommunication and information management systems. In fleet operations, the idea was that onboard systems could communicate with fleet management solutions to provide valuable data on vehicles and operations that would enhance processes and streamline maintenance and repair activities. This activity could take place across […]
Keeping Pace
Regulatory and legislative concerns can certainly take up a considerable amount of a fleet manager’s time and energy. During the 2012 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference, nearly 100 fleet executives from about 60 investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors across the U.S. and Canada heard firsthand about the latest issues that could impact […]
Trending Now
Among the resources available to fleet managers in our industry are shows and conferences that offer unique opportunities to gather valuable information. These events are also a window into the most pressing concerns and topics of interest to fleets. At The Work Truck Show 2012 in Indianapolis, a record-setting 10,408 attendees and 563 exhibitors provided […]
Keeping Up
The hardest part of putting together the Spring 2012 issue of Utility Fleet Professional was not finding enough material to fill the pages. The real challenge was determining what to include from the very large volume of information we had available. If you’re attending The Work Truck Show, you’ll know exactly what I mean. On […]
ARI Names Telogis a Certified Solution Partner
Telogis Inc. and Automotive Resources International (ARI) have entered into a partnership and distribution agreement for ARI to distribute Telogis Fleet and Telogis Mobile integrated with ARI insights, a Web-based fleet management system. “We’re partnering with Telogis because of its experience working with large enterprise installations and its ability to seamlessly connect vehicles in the […]
Testing Confirms Fuel Savings
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC has announced results of ongoing tests confirming its air management system reduces fuel consumption by more than 4 percent in medium-duty commercial vehicles. The closed-track vehicle testing included the Bendix PBS Air Injection Booster, Bendix Turbo-Clutch Air Compressor and Bendix Electronic Air Control Dryer. “By combining these optimized air management […]
GM FleetTrac
GM FleetTrac offers fleet managers an opportunity to dramatically simplify the vehicle maintenance process. The new solution from General Motors offers the convenience, flexibility and reduced administrative costs of a system that consolidates vehicle maintenance invoices, documents vehicle repair history and minimizes the repair authorization process. Available to fleets of all sizes, GM FleetTrac is […]
City of Sacramento
For the City of Sacramento, Calif., the recent implementation of vehicle telematics has led to significant reductions in fleet fuel consumption and operating costs. Recently, the municipal fleet equipped more than 400 of its vehicles with electronic fleet management products from Zonar Systems. “Utilizing trip-level metrics on operator behavior and vehicle performance directly impacts behavior […]
Accurate, Timely and Valuable
Meeting the Information Needs of the Utility Fleet Professional More years ago than I care to remember, as a rookie editor at a trucking industry equipment and maintenance magazine, my role was summed up for me by a much more seasoned journalist. “Our job,” he said, “is to know the information needs of our readers […]
ICUEE 2011 and AEMP partnership brings new fleet management exhibit pavilion, expanded education to show
ICUEE 2011 show attendees will find more fleet management education, products and services than ever before as the result of a new cooperative agreement between the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) and the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP). AEMP will develop a show education track for fleet management professionals as well as […]
Next Generation Vehicle for FCCC All-Electric Walk-In Van Introduced at 2010 Hybrid Truck Users Forum
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) and Morgan Olson LLC launched the next generation vehicle with new exterior and interior body styling for its successful all-electric walk-in van (WIV). The MT-EV WIV boasts a lightweight, aerodynamic design for improved efficiency. Conceived and developed with a contemporary fresh automotive approach, the vehicle maintains the hardworking heritage customers […]
The 2011 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference: A “top-notch” opportunity
{besps}eufmcslideshow{/besps} “EUFMC lets us learn as much as possible about the needs of our customers who attend the show and meet with many high level fleet management business contacts. The formal meeting structure at this conference is excellent and informative, and the informal environment makes it very easy to have valuable conversations with contacts from all over North America. […]
Altec Industries exhibits cranes at ConExpo 2011
Birmingham, Ala., January 25, 2011 – Altec Industries, will exhibit three cranes at ConExpo 2011. Each crane is a display of Altec’s dedication to provide value to customers with crane safety, productivity and regulation compliance. The newest feature is the tilt cab option, which is available on all riding seat models. A truck-mounted AC38-127S will […]