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FleetManagementWeekly
March 13, 2024

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Editor’s Analysis & Top Industry News

New Frontiers! Big Possibilities! San Antonio!

I have been a proud and involved member of our fleet community for decades and I do know a thing or two about our industry. Here’s #1: If at all possible, you must attend NAFA Fleet Management Association’s Annual Institute & Expo — April 22-24 in beautiful San Antonio, Texas!

Whether you are new to Fleet or a seasoned fleet professional, your association with NAFA will be invaluable to your career.  You will come away from San Antonio with new friends and resources; as well as introduction to a host of new products offering solid solutions to your most pressing problems. And so much more!

Take a look at the conference schedule and I guarantee that you will see some sessions that speak to you. The housing deadline is this Friday, March 15th, so act quickly. You can register here and save $100 with code SAVE100FMW.

NAFA CEO Bill Schankel gives us even more information about this year’s I&E!

Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief


VIDEO: Revolutionizing Repairs with ServiceUp

ServiceUp streamlines your vehicle repair operation, enhancing efficiency and boosting vehicle uptime. Their repair platform is designed to handle any repairs your fleet requires, be it collision, mechanical, glass, or tires.

VIDEO: Fleet Safety


  The Mission of Together for Safer Roads
 

Together for Safer Roads was formed to pool the knowledge, expertise and reach of its member organizations – large fleets and software and hardware companies from around the globe – with the goal of creating safer driving conditions for everyone.


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

Fleet Services by Cox Automotive, U.S. Army's PaYS Program to Secure Career Opportunities for Servicemembers Fleet Services by Cox Automotive, U.S. Army’s PaYS Program to Secure Career Opportunities for Servicemembers

Fleet Services by Cox Automotive announced its commitment to the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program, helping soldiers prepare for a career after the Army.

The two organizations will sign an official partnership agreement during a ceremony in Indianapolis. The signing event is expected to draw approximately 75 attendees from Fleet Services and the Army.

“We are extremely proud to partner with the U.S. Army’s PaYS Program and honored to be part of efforts to build bridges between soldiers and businesses, reinforcing the idea that the Army is a rich source of skilled and reliable recruits,” said Patrick Brennan, SVP of Fleet Services by Cox Automotive.

READ MORE

Webinar: Strategies to Catapult your Fleet Safety Program to Another Level Webinar: Strategies to Catapult your Fleet Safety Program to Another Level

NETS and Lytx Webinar: Proven Strategies to Catapult your Fleet Safety Program to Another Level, March 28, 2024, 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET

In the fast-paced world of fleet management, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the key to success. However, on any given route, risks are lurking around every corner.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind webinar where fleet industry experts get real about safety program best practices. You’ll learn industry-insider secrets and proven strategies for identifying risks.

To register, click here

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Flexco Fleet Services - A 1992 Fleet Services Original is Celebrating 32 Years! Flexco Fleet Services – A 1992 Fleet Services Original is Celebrating 32 Years!

By Kim Davidson, Marketing & Communications Manager, Flexco

Flexco Fleet Services rings in 2024 celebrating a 32-year milestone as an industry leader in Fleet Remarketing Services.

A lot has changed over the course of 32 years in fleet, but one thing hasn’t: Flexco’s commitment to keeping things simple and operating an integrity-based business where customers’ needs remain their North Star.

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Don’t Miss the Premier Fleet Event of the Year – NAFA’s 2024 Institute & Expo

Embark on a journey towards “New Frontiers” and explore “Big Possibilities” at the premier fleet event — NAFA 2024 Institute & Expo — taking place April 22-24 in San Antonio, TX.

Thousands of fleet professionals in every segment including corporate, government, public safety, utility, education, and more will be there. Join fleet professionals from 41 states and 6 provinces at the premier fleet event by registering today!

I&E has something to offer everyone, from those just starting their careers to professionals who have decades of experience.

To register for NAFA I&E, click here.

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An EV-First FMC


By Ed Pierce, Fleet Management Weekly’s Brand Acceleration

Inspiration Mobility is a one-stop shop that helps fleets manage their EV transition — no matter where they are in their electrification journey.

As a systems integrator, Inspiration brings all the varied pieces of electrification together to deliver a solid solution for fleets.

“Putting all the pieces together is a complex exercise for any one company or fleet manager to tackle by themselves,” says Josh Green, founder and CEO of Inspiration Mobility. “Our bundled solutions can help companies with as much or as little as they need to successfully electrify.”

Inspiration is optimistic about the path ahead and how technology – both in the EVs and in customer dashboards – continually improves drivers’ satisfaction and safety.

READ MORE

 

Tools to Find Actionable Insights


By Jim Perkins, Director of Shell Fleet Solutions, USA

Fleet operators are drinking data from a firehose. From location and route metrics to data around refueling and recharging, the typical operator has thousands of inputs pouring in each day from their collective vehicles. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The prospect of analyzing all this data, or even just part of it, threatens to overload an already high administrative burden. Nearly a quarter of fleet managers say they spend half their day working on spreadsheets.

Operators need to spend less time staring down mountains of data and more time drilling into actionable insights to aid decision-making. Fortunately, the tools to help are hidden in plain sight.

In many cases, operators already have these capabilities at their fingertips. They just need to leverage the full extent of the tools they’ve already signed up for.

READ MORE

 

Public Charging Woes


By Dave Bean, Content Editor, FMW

Despite the fact that electric vehicle owners are largely satisfied with the more established facets of vehicle ownership, such as cost of ownership and quality, charging their EV away from home still remains a sticking point.

That’s a key finding revealed in the newly released J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study. And it’s not just dissatisfaction with the availability of public charging stations, but also the fact that the experience of utilizing them has actually taken a downward turn.

“…the decline in satisfaction with public charging availability should serve as a warning because concern about access to public charging is a key reason many buyers currently reject BEVs…,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power.

READ MORE


Trending

New Car Prices Dropping Slowly, Steadily

The average new car buyer in the U.S. paid $47,244 last month, about one-tenth of 1% lower than January. Prices remain historically high – 14% higher than in February of 2021. But they are now in a slow, steady slide, and down 5.4% from the peak in December of 2022.

“While everyone may applaud that prices are coming down, even marginally for the moment, affordability is still challenging the market,” said Erin Keating, executive analyst for Cox Automotive. “Most shoppers have not seen their incomes increase as quickly as vehicle prices, so the new-vehicle market remains a challenge.”

via Kelley Blue Book

This New Mack MD Electric is a Mobile EV Charging Station

The benefits of fleet electrification are well-known, but the question of feasibility is still very real in the minds of many heavy fleet managers. To help fleets understand how electric trucks can fit into their operations, Mack Trucks is offering a mobile off-grid charging system.

While somewhat clunky as a concept, it should do a reasonable enough job of pretending to be permanent infrastructure to give a fleet manager a sense of whether or not an electric solution will work for them.

via Electrek

Your Car May Be Ratting You Out to Your Insurance Company

Manufacturers of connected cars are sharing way more data than customers may realize, the New York Times reported Monday, and that’s only half the problem.

According to the report, automakers may be sharing statistics about customer driving habits with their insurance companies directly.

Some automakers acknowledged arrangements with third-party data collection firms, but in limited and situational contexts. Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi all offer an optional driver score feature that includes data collection and transmission to insurance databases, NYT reports, but all require the customer to opt in.

via Autoblog

New Guidelines Say This Ubiquitous Piece of Annoying In-Car Tech is a Safety Issue

Throughout the automotive spectrum from BMW to Subaru, functions that were once controlled by a physical knob or buttons have been replaced with touchscreen functions in newer iterations of bestselling models — which can be a hazard if adjustments need to be made while on the move.

“The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle-maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes,” Euro NCAP strategic development director Matthew Avery said.

“New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving.”

via TheStreet

Fleet Marketing


By Ed Pierce, Fleet Management Weekly’s Brand Acceleration

In the realm of B2B marketing, which includes fleet products and services marketing, the ability to quantify the return on investment (ROI) has long been a challenge.

Proving ROI in B2B omni-channel marketing is a complex endeavor, but it’s essential for optimizing marketing efforts and justifying investments. Data analytics and attribution modeling are powerful tools that enable B2B marketers to demonstrate their campaigns’ impact accurately.

To measure the impact of marketing efforts accurately, B2B marketers must establish a robust set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with their specific business objectives.

READ MORE

 

Fleet Repairs


By Kam Thandi

The vehicle repair industry, crucial for keeping fleets on the move, is currently grappling with a myriad of challenges. Delays, communication gaps, and intricate repair processes have become the norm, posing significant hurdles for fleet managers.

Fleet managers face increased downtime, higher costs, and a decline in overall operational efficiency. However, innovative solutions like ServiceUp are completely revolutionizing the vehicle repair industry.

ServiceUp offers two configurations that can be tailored to fit seamlessly into your existing process.

Check out the ServiceUp website to learn more! Click to Visit ServiceUp.

READ MORE

 

Crash-Free Culture


By Sarah Bechtold, eDriving

As the winter frost melts away and nature awakens, spring brings a refreshing change to the driving landscape. Yet, with this transition comes a unique set of challenges that fleet managers and drivers must navigate with caution.

From bustling traffic to unpredictable weather shifts and ongoing or new/seasonal road construction, the spring season demands heightened awareness and proactive safety measures behind the wheel.

At eDriving, we understand the unique challenges that come with each season’s transition. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of resources and tools designed to support your fleet’s safety initiatives year-round.

READ MORE





Fleet Management Resources

 

AFLA
The Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association works with member companies to address key issues facing the entire industry and deliver leading-edge programs that advance their skills and enhance the environment in which they sell products and services.

Kingbee
Reimagining commercial van and fleet rentals. We upfit in-house, add your signage and ship your fleet vans to 48 states.

Ranger Design
Work van equipment tailored for your every need. Committed to developing products and solutions that help customers save time and money, do more with less, and meet – and exceed – their biggest goals.

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.

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

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.

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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