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FleetManagementWeekly
December 11, 2024

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Editor’s Analysis & Top Industry News

Supporting The Hourglass Foundation

This past year we have had the pleasure of watching The Hourglass Foundation (THF) become a tiny spark in our automotive and fleet communities, including at NAFA I&E, and AFLA’s 2024 Charity of the Year.

Their mission is to empower underserved and diversely underrepresented students through scholarship opportunities that support educational pursuits in automotive tech and other skilled trades like construction, electrical, HVAC and similar. READ MORE / DONATE

Smart Fleet Marketing for 2025

Are you marketing to fleets? If so, Fleet Management Weekly has a number of powerful, affordable options to help you meet your goals. Contact me HERE to learn more.

Ted Roberts
President


VIDEO: A Marketplace for Fleet Funding with a Focus on Clean Transportation

ZETI focuses on digitally transforming fleet finance while accelerating the adoption of clean transportation. 

VIDEO: A One-Stop Shop


  Patriot Fleet Solutions: Your One-Stop Shop
 

With a network of 300+ dealers, the most competitive pricing in the market and fast delivery, Patriot Fleet Solutions is your one-stop shop tailored to meet upfitting needs for vehicle classes 1-6.


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

Explore What’s Next in Sustainability – Download Wheels’ Sustainability Benchmark

Are you curious how your peers are shaping their environmental strategies? The “Wheels Environmental Sustainability Benchmark” is your guide to unlocking insights and actionable trends.

From electrification solutions to advanced emissions tracking, discover how fleet leaders are driving change and achieving results.

Click Here to Download Today

READ MORE

Treehouse to Accelerate EV Adoption with Fleet Electrification Solution Treehouse to Accelerate EV Adoption with Fleet Electrification Solution

Treehouse, a software-enabled installation platform for electrification projects, has enhanced its services with a turnkey, tech-enabled solution designed to streamline the deployment of residential electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for fleet owners and management companies.

“Fleet operators who are deploying electric vehicles at scale face a complex task of ensuring consistency, quality and compliance across large, distributed fleets,” said Eric Owski, CEO of Treehouse. “By offering a turnkey, streamlined solution, we empower fleet owners and managers to help their drivers get reliable, cost-efficient home charging…”

READ MORE

Branding Tools to Overcome Fleet Manager Confusion FMW Brand Acceleration: Branding Tools to Overcome Fleet Manager Confusion

A recent study on the marketing challenges faced by fleet industry vendors highlights a significant obstacle: a lack of brand awareness due to vendor solution confusion.

Over 46% of fleet managers use more than ten different vendor tools. Fortunately, FMW’s Brand Acceleration can accelerate brand recognition and increase qualified lead generation.

Our fleet marketing experts work closely with your team to develop a tailored marketing strategy that enhances your brand, sets you apart from both direct and indirect competitors, and highlights your unique value.

To discuss the possibilities, contact Ed Pierce at 484-957-1246 or [email protected]

READ MORE

Motive Launches Roadside Assistance with 75K Providers Motive Launches Roadside Assistance with 75K Providers

Motive, the AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform, announced the launch of Motive Roadside Assistance, a comprehensive 24/7/365 roadside support service designed to improve driver safety and operational efficiency.

Motive Roadside Assistance connects commercial drivers to more than 75,000 roadside assistance providers across the U.S. and Canada. Motive customers will receive up to 20% discounts on the service, and an additional 5% discount when service is purchased using their Motive Card.

“While our north star is to prevent accidents through instant and precise AI-powered risk detection, it is just as important we protect drivers and reduce risk when accidents do happen,”  said Jai Ranganathan, Chief Product Officer, Motive.

READ MORE

Strategy, Savings, Simplicity


By Shell Fleet Solutions

Fleet management is no small task – but adopting an ecosystem of integrated solutions and services that interact with each other can help simplify core tasks. Integrated services can drive cost savings and help operators think more holistically.

One such ecosystem is Shell Fleet Solutions, which provides a suite of products and services that can help operators save money, simplify tasks and free up time to focus on their business.

The Shell Fleet Solutions portfolio can give fleets more convenience, control, savings and security – and the Shell Fleet Navigator® Card can be their gateway in to unlock these benefits.

The Shell Fleet Navigator® Card can give operators accurate, real-time data, as well as access to thorough reports and data analytics not offered by other payment options.

READ MORE

 

Delivery Logistics


By Eva Mitic, Marketing Manager, Dometic Mobile Power Solutions

By integrating solar panels into liftgate systems to charge the batteries, fleet managers can simultaneously address multiple operational pain points.

Various mid-sized and large companies have seen the drastic change in efficiency using solar solutions from companies like Go Power!.

Solar technology offers a resilient, adaptable solution as fuel prices fluctuate and environmental regulations become more stringent. It’s not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in operational efficiency.

Solar liftgate technology isn’t just an option for fleet managers feeling the pressure of rising costs and sustainability mandates. It’s becoming a necessity.

READ MORE

 

The Hourglass Foundation


This past year we have had the pleasure of watching The Hourglass Foundation (THF) become a tiny spark in our automotive and fleet communities, including at NAFA I&E, and AFLA’s 2024 Charity of the Year.

Their mission is to empower underserved and diversely underrepresented students through scholarship opportunities that support educational pursuits in automotive tech and other skilled trades like construction, electrical, HVAC and similar.

Over the course of the last 11 months, THF has raised more than $30,000 because of hard work, fundraising efforts, and the incredible generosity of so many of you.

“I am so thankful for The Hourglass Foundation and their generous donors. The support of the foundation has been both put to good use and this investment in my future is not only generous but encouraging.” – Claire Uhler, York, Nebraska, recipient of a 2024 “Women in Auto Tech” Scholarship

READ MORE


Trending

Motus Expands Industry-leading Decision Support with Insights Pro: Supercharging Vehicle Reimbursements with Unmatched Analytics

Motus announced the launch of Insights Pro, a groundbreaking add-on to its Reimburse solution. This new offering empowers data-driven organizations with advanced analytics and customizable dashboards, allowing them to demonstrate the value of their programs and to continually optimize spend, reduce risk, and increase field team productivity.

“So many companies are now running reimbursement programs that require a deeper level of analytics to provide the visibility and controls that enterprises need to optimize spend, reduce risk, and enhance field employee productivity,” said Phong Nguyen, CEO of Motus. “We’ve listened to our most progressive customers to develop Insights Pro to deliver critical decision support and actionable insights to their sales, operations, and financial leaders even faster and more comprehensively.”

Read more

What’s the Best Full-Size Pickup Truck of 2024?

Full-size pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles in the U.S., and it’s not hard to see why. Featuring a compelling mix of versatility and capability, a full-size truck can easily handle your tough tasks — whether that’s hauling equipment to the jobsite or getting the kids to school on time.

To find our favorite full-size truck, Cars.com tested the 2024 Ford F-150, 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2025 Ram 1500 in a variety of evaluations, including towing, hauling payload, real-world fuel economy, acceleration, braking and more.

Here’s how they finished when the scores were tallied: 1. 2024 Ram 1500 Tungsten, 2. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
3. 2024 Ford F-150 Platinum

via Cars.com

EV Battery Prices are Plummeting and That’s Great News for Buyers

EV battery prices are plummeting and that’s great news for buyers are plummeting, falling faster than most expected. This year will mark the steepest decline since 2017. With new tech and cheaper alternatives hitting the market, electric vehicles will soon be even more affordable than their gas-powered counterparts.

Electric vehicle prices are quickly closing in on gas-powered cars after the cost of battery packs dropped by 20% in 2024.the cost of EV battery packs fell to $115 per kWh in 2024, its largest drop in seven years. The price drop is due to rising cell production, lower material prices, and cheaper LFP batteries hitting the market.

via Electrek

Trump May Cancel US Postal Service Electric Mail Truck Contract, Sources Say

Donald Trump’s transition team is considering canceling the U.S. Postal Service’s contracts to electrify its delivery fleet, as part of a broader suite of executive orders targeting electric vehicles, according to three sources familiar with the plans.

The move, which could be unveiled in the early days of Trump’s administration that begins on Jan. 20, is in line with Trump’s campaign promises to roll back President Joe Biden’s efforts to decarbonize U.S. transportation to fight climate change – an agenda Trump has said is unnecessary and potentially damaging to the economy.

via Reuters

Crash-Free Culture


By Sarah Bechtold, eDriving

While the holidays bring joy and excitement, they also come with unique risks for fleet operations. Traffic volumes soar as shoppers, travelers, and delivery vehicles converge on the roads.

Add in seasonal hazards like snow, ice, and limited daylight, and the risk of collisions increases significantly. These risks can have an outsized impact. A single crash can lead to costly repairs and downtime, not to mention the potential for injuries or loss of life.

Technology has become an indispensable tool for fleet managers seeking to build a crash-free culture. Driver risk management programs, such as Mentor by eDrivingTM, provide a comprehensive platform to monitor, coach, and support drivers.

READ MORE

 

Expert Fleet Consulting


(Photo: John Martin, Mercury Associates)

By Fleet Management Weekly Staff 

As technology advances and the fleet industry continues to recover post-pandemic, the field of fleet management is rapidly evolving. Electrification mandates and supply chain issues lead fleets to rely on expert consultants to navigate this ever-changing landscape.

We sat down with John Martin, a manager at Mercury Associates, to learn more about how his company is helping fleets navigate a rapidly evolving industry.

“We are…completely independent and vendor-neutral, meaning we don’t resell products or services. This allows us to provide objective, unbiased advice that prioritizes the best interests of our clients. Our expertise spans virtually all aspects of fleet management.”

READ MORE

 

Fuel and Mileage Trends


By Ken Robinson, Director of Product Marketing, Motus

Thanksgiving Holiday Slowdown: Data from Motus shows that national fuel prices continued to remain consistent at $3.36 in November, compared to $3.37 in October, but prices are higher than November 2023 when the pricing was at $3.18.

Looking regionally, fuel prices in November remain highest in the Western US at $3.76 and lowest in the Southern US at $2.79.

Looking at November business mileage trends by region in the US, business mileage was lower across the country with the West 21.64% lower than October, the South 18.74% lower, Northeast 21.64% lower, and the Midwest 20.98% lower.

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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