Greetings from San Antonio
I’m writing from NAFA I&E in San Antonio, where I’m getting caught up with what it’s like to be a fleet manager in these fast-moving times - as well as a glimpse of what this dynamic industry will look like in the near future.
In addition to the familiar faces I’ve seen at educational sessions and on the expo floor, I’m excited to say I’m seeing a lot of new faces as new technologies and new players emerge. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I am happy to be a member of NAFA.
Flexibility and Data: Reshaping Fleet Operations in 2024
“Fleets have talked about using data for many years now, but having data and implementing data for organizational decisions are two entirely different conversations,” as FleetAdvantage’s Brian Holland points out. Industry analysts are expecting U.S. freight fundamentals to improve this year. Entering 2024, freight demand was below typical trends, but industry observers expect it to recover. Read more here.
Ted Roberts
President
Amazon Installed Over 17,000 Chargers For Its Rivian Electric Van Fleet
No other company seems as determined to decarbonize its commercial delivery fleet as Amazon. The Seattle-based retail giant now operates a fleet of more than 13,500 Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs) across the U.S. and it has now established a robust charging network to ensure that the van delivering your precious Amazon Prime parcel doesn't run out of juice on its way to your home.
These vans are made by California EV upstart Rivian, which also makes the R1T electric truck and the R1S SUV. Rivian initially manufactured the EDVs exclusively for Amazon. It opened them for other businesses after ending its exclusivity agreement with the e-commerce giant last year. Amazon’s adoption of these Rivian EDVs was marred with troubles and delays, but its approach has now become a blueprint for other companies.
Fleetio Wins Third Consecutive Sales & Customer Service Stevie® Award
Fleetio today announced it has won a 2024 Silver Stevie® Sales & Customer Service Award for Customer Service Department of the Year. A testament to its commitment to customer-centric service and product reliability, this marks the third consecutive year that Fleetio has earned a Stevie Award.
The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world’s top honors for customer service, contact center, business development and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organizes nine of the world’s leading business awards programs, also including the prestigious American Business Awards® and International Business Awards®.
These New EV Charging Features Are Coming to Google Maps
Navigating to charging stations and finding exactly where the chargers are — like in a multilevel parking lot — can sometimes be more of an effort than it should be.
Google says that in “the coming months,” it will start to show AI-powered summaries in Google Maps that describe a charger’s specific location based on millions of user reviews posted daily. Directions will get even more specific since reviews about EV chargers now prompt for additional details like what type of plug you used and how long you had to wait.
The most ideal EV charging stops will soon be suggested based on your charge level when you enter a multi-stop road trip on Google Maps.
NAFA Announces Nominees for 2024 Fleet Professional & Fleet Technician of the Year Awards
NAFA Fleet Management Association is pleased to announce the nominees for this year’s prestigious Fleet Professional of the Year and Fleet Technician of the Year Awards.
The top five finalists for these individual awards will be unveiled at NAFA’s 2024 Institute & Expo during the General Session on Tuesday, April 23. The winners will be announced during the General Session on Wednesday, April 24.
"NAFA is proud to honor these outstanding professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in fleet management," said Bill Schankel, CAE, NAFA CEO.
