About the Author: Gary L. Wollenhaupt is a Phoenix-based freelance writer who covers the transportation, energy and technology sectors for a variety of publications and companies.
There’s no escaping the artificial intelligence hype. Utilities are currently using it to assist with a wide range of tasks, from composing emails and communicating with customers to conducting virtual equipment inspections. As a utility fleet professional, you’re likely to encounter different types of AI in your daily work. For example, digital assistants like ChatGPT […]
Although tires represent a significant portion of fleet operating costs, emerging technologies are giving fleet managers more control than ever. Data-driven maintenance strategies – which combine telematics and predictive insights to proactively manage tire health – help extend tire life, reduce downtime and ultimately lower total operating costs. Fleets that consistently control tire costs focus […]
As commercial and residential development expand across the U.S., utilities must keep pace with infrastructure installations, maintenance and repairs. This work can require crews to traverse challenging terrain that traditional vehicles weren’t built to handle. One effective solution? All-terrain utility vehicles. “With the infrastructure growth that we’re going to have over the next few years, […]
Utility fleets are tough on equipment, sometimes in ways that can be difficult to see. A bucket truck running uneven loads on unpaved roads during storm restoration efforts, for example, will not experience wear and tear in the same way as a delivery van on a highway route. Patterns that lead to failures tend to […]
Without the right accessories, a utility truck is just a truck. It’s those accessories that turn the vehicle into a job-ready asset, helping lineworkers execute their tasks more safely and efficiently. Multiple trends are currently influencing utility truck accessories, spurred by technological advances, changing work profiles and COVID-related aftereffects. For instance, the shortage of chassis […]
Today, the term “100-year storm” no longer means what it once did, with severe weather events now occurring more frequently. Because restoration efforts are vital to public safety, this uptick means utility fleet professionals are facing increasing resource constraints in their mission to ensure the timely deployment of company vehicles and equipment. Still, providing lineworkers […]
An ideal utility fleet safety program will account for fleet’s distinct operating environment. Why? “The fleet group is totally different than what a lot of utility workforces do,” explained Matt Gilliland, director of operations support and business continuity for Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). “We work on a variety of different equipment, and it’s very […]
Strobes and beacons play a critical role in both worker and public safety, increasing vehicle visibility during roadside operations. But they aren’t all created equal, which means fleet managers must weigh several factors when spec’ing these lights. First, define vehicle use and environment. Consider the primary functions and operating conditions of your fleet. Then, strategize […]
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 […]
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) […]
