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FleetManagementWeekly
August 23, 2023

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Editor’s Analysis & Top Industry News

AI is Everywhere

We hear about AI everywhere these days, and fleet management is no exception. In today’s first video, Jim Noble from Greater Than informs us that climate impact and crash probability are two key areas in which AI can make a difference right now. WATCH IT HERE

Customer service is yet another area where AI and machine learning are making a difference in this industry, as our friends at Wheels are learning rapidly. READ MORE

Want EV Cargo Vans Immediately?

It sounds too good to be true, but it’s actually possible. Kingbee’s long-term rental model gives fleets instant access to electric cargo vans, all upfitted with work shelves and ladder racks. READ MORE

Ted Roberts
President


VIDEO: AI Can Improve Multiple Facets of Fleet Management

From load planning to predictive maintenance, from crash probability to climate impact, AI has the ability to improve many facets of fleet management.

VIDEO: The Grid


  Can the Grid Handle EVs? The Answer is Locational.
 

The idea that EVs are going to stretch the grid too much is overblown — in fact, these situations need to be looked at in a far more nuanced and granular way.


Zoom Video Interview with You Here?

  Request for Zoom Video Interviews
 

We now conduct the majority of our interviews via Zoom, and are looking to speak with a variety industry experts (and we know that many of you are reading!).

Please feel free to suggest yourself, or someone you know. Any and all timely industry topics will be considered, and we look forward to speaking with you!

Email Ted Roberts to learn more: [email protected].


Spotlight

Upcoming AFLA 2023 Conference to Highlight Safety and KPIs Upcoming AFLA 2023 Conference to Highlight Safety and KPIs

This year’s AFLA conference sessions cover a number of key topics to empower your fleet’s success.

Safety is a perennial concern, and we’re excited to have a session this year presented by Susan Higgs from the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and Tom Kretschmann from Toyota.

We’ll share ideas on how to implement KPIs that effectively inform both your day-to-day and longer-term decisions for your fleet. Join Tadeh Issakhanian from Deloitte and Sherry Calkins from Geotab for this informative and actionable session.

To learn more and/or register, click here.

READ MORE

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS Sylectus Fleet Case Study: 15% Year-over-Year Growth for Trucking Company ITDS

Learn how ITDS, a small trucking company, scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people.

Sylectus TMS can automate operations and streamline processes throughout your fleet.

Download the case study to learn more about how a cloud-based TMS can help propel your fleet.

READ MORE

Safe Fleet Acquires Leading Rolling Tarp System Provider

Safe Fleet has extended its tarp system capabilities with the acquisition of Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions, an industry-leading provider of rolling tarpaulin systems for flatbed and platform trailers.

Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions is a leading designer, manufacturer, installer and servicer of innovative rolling tarpaulin systems and replacement parts. Merlot’s unique segmented design provides the industry’s highest level of durability and lowest lifetime costs for fleets of all sizes and for truck and trailer owner/operators.

READ MORE

Why ‘Upsourcing’ Fleet Marketing Services Makes Sense Why ‘Upsourcing’ Fleet Marketing Services Makes Sense

By Hannah Lamont-Schonely, Inertia Public Relations

Though it may not be an official term in the dictionary, ‘Upsourcing’ is the best way to define how your business can exceed expectations and take them to the next level.

Consider putting outsourcing on the back burner and turning up the ‘upsourcing’ heat. There are advantages to bringing on an existing marketing team.

FMW Brand Acceleration is the first fleet industry-only marketing team and the only ‘upsourced’ solution for any fleet services provider looking to build a brand and generate more leads.

READ MORE

Technology & Customer Service


From streamlining fleet operations to improving customer service, embracing technological advancements has become a hallmark of success.

The fusion of machine learning and human expertise is transforming the way decisions are made.

At Wheels, we are committed to enhancing the service we provide to our customers by using both tried and tested technologies, as well as newer cutting-edge solutions.

Machine learning, OCR and RPA are just a few of the technologies we are using and investing in to improve the way we serve our customers. We foster a culture of innovation and are committed to leveraging advanced technologies to deliver exceptional service to our clients and their drivers.

READ MORE

 

Pivot & Adjust


As OEMs slow down their production of internal combustion engines to make way for electric alternatives, one thing is for certain: EVs are inevitable.

It’s up to fleet managers to pivot and adjust in order to come out ahead.

Kingbee’s entire purpose is to provide flexibility for fleet managers. Their long-term rental model gives fleets instant access to electric cargo vans, all upfitted with work shelves and ladder racks.

Currently in Kingbee’s stock are the 2022 Ford E-Transits.

EVs are coming—will you be left behind?

READ MORE

 

Proactively Mitigating Risk


Did you know that over 6 million motor vehicle accidents happen in the U.S. every year, with human error accounting for a staggering 94% of all incidents?

Protecting your fleet and drivers is essential, but it’s not just about reacting to accidents; it’s about proactively mitigating risk.

Discover the proven strategies to reduce accidents and enhance safety through driver training.

By implementing the right training program, you can foster a safety-first culture and dramatically cut down on accidents.

SuperVision has put together an insightful eBook that delves into how to achieve just that!

READ MORE


Trending

AAA Foundation: ADAS Can Save Thousands of Lives Annually if Adapted, Used Properly

By Dave Bean, FMW Associate Editor

According to research results in a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – more commonly referred to as ADAS – could prevent upwards of 37 million vehicle accidents over the next 30 years.

While ADAS features are fairly commonplace now on new vehicle models, it still isn’t clear to many motorists exactly what they are and how to use them properly.

According to Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation. “…the full safety benefits of ADAS will not be realized unless they are fully understood by the consumer, used properly, and widely adopted.”

READ MORE

How Long Do Electric Cars Last?

An electric car will last as long as a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE), if not longer, because electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have all the mechanical components of an ICE vehicle. In other words, there are more things that can wear out or go wrong in an ICE car than in an EV.

The nationwide average age of a car is now 12.5 years. It’s a number that has been steadily rising for the past few years. Electric cars are a recent enough development that we don’t have a deep well of data to draw from. However, there is no reason to believe that an EV won’t last as long as an ICE vehicle if taken care of. Read on to learn more about EV battery life.

via Kelley Blue Book

Only a Few Cars in America are Selling for Less Than $20,000

Last week, data suggested that $20,000 is no longer an adequate sum to park a nice late-model used vehicle in your driveway. Some numbers: in 2019, the average cost of a used vehicle in America stood at $23,351. Just four years later, that number rocketed to $34,491 in 2023.

There are only three new vehicles in 2023 with an average transaction price less than $20,000: the Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa and Kia Rio. Last month the average buyer paid $17,099 for a new 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage. That represents a discount of a couple hundred bucks off the price listed on the car’s window sticker.

via Autoblog

Tesla Tops Car Brands for Reviver Digital License Plate Adoption in California

Reviver reports that more than 4,000 Tesla drivers in California have selected the Reviver RPlate for their electric vehicle. This strong response positions Tesla as the leading brand whose owners in this trend-setting state appreciate the unique benefits the RPlate has to offer.

“Tesla is a truly iconic brand at the leading edge of automotive design,” said Reviver Founder & Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston. “We are very proud that such astute car owners and lovers have selected the RPlate for their ride. Their dedication to technological advancements aligns seamlessly with our mission to transform the automotive industry through cutting-edge digital solutions.”

READ MORE

Car IQ


Car IQ works with fleet companies to allow their cars to pay for things like car washes and gas—without a credit card and without the driver doing anything other than driving the car and pumping the gas.

Car IQ enables a vehicle to connect directly with a merchant for a transaction. Car IQ uses a unique combination of several different technologies to create a frictionless payment experience.

There are no limits to what a payment system for cars can do. When the vehicle is allowed to pay for things like repairs, parking, and tolls, it frees up the time of drivers and fleet managers, while also reducing fraud.

READ MORE

 

Upfitting Today


The disappearance of small cargo vans like the Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City, or Mercedes-Benz Metris has led many fleet companies to face yet another challenge: explore alternative options to meet their needs.

“We’re starting to see a trend where more traditional passenger vehicles, not really considered commercial vehicles until now, are having to fit the void left by the small cargo vans.” says Michael Diaz, Director of Fleet Upfit Solutions for Ranger Design.

As EV technology advances, fleets are considering electric cargo vans as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, providing both environmental benefits and operational savings in the long run.

READ MORE

 

Rear Seat Passenger Safety


By Dave Bean, FMW Associate Editor

When the IIHS initiated its revised ‘Moderate Overlap Front Test’ in 2022, it revealed that belted passengers in the rear of newer midsize cars were now in more danger of death in road accidents than those seated up front.

Only the Honda Accord rated ‘good’ among midsize cars in the IIHS updated moderate overlap front crash assessment.

Suburu Outback rated ‘acceptable’, and both Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry earned ‘marginal’ ratings. ‘Poor’ grades were issued to Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5 and Volkswagen Jetta.

READ MORE





Fleet Management Resources

 

AFLA
The Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association. Advancing corporate fleet worldwide.

FLD
The fast, easy way to remarket without risk. Get an offer in hours, paid in a few days. Improve TCO. Save time, money and resources.

PARS
PARS’ mission is to provide you with high-quality service at competitive prices for all of your transportation needs.

Driving Dynamics
Driving Dynamics was established to help corporate fleet drivers develop expert, safe driving skills using proven, advanced driving techniques.

Fleet Street
Fleet Street has 30+ years of experience and knowledge using a spectrum of wholesale and retail channels to simplify your involvement in the remarketing process.

SuperVision
SuperVision is a fleet driver management solution for MVR & license monitoring, fleet management, fleet safety oversight and driver performance and retention.

eDriving
eDriving partners with its clients to engage with drivers and their managers to create a culture that supports lasting behavioral change to reduce collisions, injuries, license violations as well as a fleet’s total cost of ownership.

NAFA Fleet Management Association
NAFA is the association for the diverse vehicle fleet management profession regardless of organizational type, geographic location, or fleet composition.

Wheels
Helping vehicle fleets exceed their business goals since 1939, Wheels is committed to truly understanding your unique needs and providing solutions to help you succeed.




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