DEPARTMENTS

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 Berube, vice president of sales at Geotab…

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 have a pro…

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 a biodiesel program? What were some of the early challenges the uti…

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 for Panther crawler carr…

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) begins with identi…

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 crews. First, it is important to recognize that there is a substantial difference b…

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 Gas and Electric, offered his experience-ba…

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…

Durabilt by Durbin offers the largest selection of specialty ratchet binders in the United States. Recently, Durabilt brought two new light-duty, folding-handle ratchet load binders to market, adding to its Durafold Series product lines (DFL – Light Duty and DFX – Standard/Heavier Duty). The DFL line offers a 7/8-inch screw diameter compared to the DFX line’s 1-inch screw diameter. The DFL produc…

Lincoln Electric has launched the Velion 50kW DC Fast Charger. This compact mobile unit – engineered for maximum uptime without compromising performance – offers scalable output power and deployment flexibility. Designed, engineered and assembled in the United States with over 70% domestic content, the Velion charger meets all National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Build America, Buy Americ…

LineWise now offers a Horizontal Double Bundle Line Cart, available in a gas-powered or non-powered version. Designed for use on horizontal bundles spaced 18 inches apart, the new line cart offers a safe, specially engineered mobile platform for performing line inspection and maintenance on transmission lines. The Horizontal Double Bundle Line Cart offers a 400-pound capacity with a single person…

Morgan Olson has launched the all-new Kestrel work truck. Named after a small but fierce falcon known for its precision and efficiency, this compact powerhouse is smaller than Morgan Olson’s iconic step vans yet built with the same uncompromising commitment to long-lasting performance. The Kestrel work truck retains all the proven long-life benefits that Morgan Olson is known for, with total turn…

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 cooperative’s chief op…

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 more safely and productively. Here…

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 Trump administration’s tariffs…

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 it’s also becoming a r…

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 to consider. 1…

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. A fleet fuel card is an efficient tool for centrally tracking and managing…

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. Mistake 1: Disregarding…