By Judie Nuskey, Director of Operations, ADTS
February 14, 2024
Multiple branches of the Federal Government attended the 2024 FedFleet Conference & Expo. Attendees were also able to visit the 2024 Washington, D.C. Auto Show, all within one venue – The Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Registration for the Federal Fleet Professionals confab included access to over 35 training sessions, a computer lab, and the hugely popular pre-conference Federal Fleet Boot Camp. New for 2024 was the indoor EV Ride N’ Drive and test track. Katy Kale, the Deputy Administrator of the GSA, was one of the 235 drivers that took rides on the unique indoor test track.
Registration for FedFleet also allowed attendees to access the expo floor, where vehicle manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, safety specialists and more, could display products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of the government professionals. The expo vendors hold GSA Schedule contracts, which are part of the General Service Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program.
Conference sessions included fleet electrification, data reporting, EVSE planning, supply chain, best practices in fleet management, as well as vehicle safety and recalls. Fleet managers reviewed policies, procedures, and mandates, and took to the exhibit floor to continue the conversation on challenges within the fleet industry.
GSA Fleet and Geotab introduced the Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA), a tool that enhances your fleet telematics data to pinpoint vehicles that are suitable for EV replacement based on range and charge requirements using data intelligence. The EVSA tool provides a total cost of ownership (TCO) estimate included in GSA Fleet’s leasing rates and EV incremental costs to help inform your fleet electrification roadmap.
Exhibiting for his tenth year, Scott Smith, Owner/Founder of Fedharmony, discussed issues of hard to find and unique vehicles, and the need for newer, cutting-edge inclusion of various technologies. Scott’s strategy is “build bigger, go all in, find out the needs of the customer, and have a network of suppliers for product offerings.”
Telematic vendors provided an in-depth look at some of the data collected and useful applications of that data, enabling fleet managers to gain insight into an agency’s fleet, as well as how to manage it most efficiently. Backup cameras, Bluetooth compatible hands-free phone system, power antilock brakes, restraint systems and tire pressure monitoring systems should be standard safety technology – the goal of which is to keep your most valuable asset, your drivers, safe and productive.
A comprehensive driver safety training program and up-to-date safety/vehicle manual provides vehicle drivers with the tools, strategies and awareness to reduce crashes, incidents, injuries and fatalities, as well as costs. First time exhibitor, Karl New from Advanced Driver Training Services (ADTS) addressed concerns regarding high-risk drivers and new hires: “Most of our customers contact us to schedule some type of ‘live’ training session that specifically targets the driving concern or infraction. And targeting the training at the groups of drivers who potentially create the most liability concerns and out of pocket costs. These are the medium and high-risk drivers, existing employees and especially the new hires. Training each of these groups is typically very different and should be customized, and will improve the odds that the driver, passenger(s), and others on the road will arrive home safely.”
Fleet maintenance and service was another concern for attendees, including sales and service, mechanical maintenance and repair work, retreading, fleet maintenance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Tom Shoolbraid, VP National Accounts at Monro, Inc. summarized that a good business relationship should be responsive to issues or concerns, and to bring a resolution within 24-48 hours: “Bottom line, RESPOND. Fleet Managers want providers that will deliver the highest quality of products and services, not to mention staying up-to-date with the new vehicles that are being manufactured and rolled out to fleets across the country. Monro has new, outfitted lifts to service electric vehicles, and has collaborated with suppliers to improve the overall value chain and servicing, as the transportation sector continues to move towards cleaner options.”
Dates for the 2025 FedFleet Training & Expo at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show: Monday, February 3rd through Thursday, February 6th, with the FedFleet Expo exhibit floor open on Tuesday, February 4th & Wednesday, February 5th, 2025.
Presentations from this year’s conference can be found by clicking here.
