Fleet Readers Are Talking: Curb Weight, Global Tensions, Policy & Pressures

Fleet professionals responded to several Automotive Fleet recent articles, including a Mike Antich blog, Eliminate Needless Curb Weight to Maximize ICE & EV Efficiencies.

In this blog, Antich points out:

To facilitate discussion of today’s industry challenges, Automotive Fleet offers a platform for fleet managers and other fleet professionals to exchange their diverse opinions and perspectives.

• Vehicle weight directly correlates to fuel economy in both ICE vehicles and EVs. The greater the payload the more the motor has to work to offset the weight.
• Typically, the chief culprits responsible for accumulating unnecessary weight are drivers.
• The battery load contributes to greater EV weight.

“I just read the blog you wrote on ‘Eliminate Needless Curb Weight to Maximize ICE & EV Efficiencies.’ I agree 100%.

“In my early days in truck sales, I had a customer who had 10 heating and cooling trucks that were used for residential and commercial repairs and installations. His manager wanted to continue to use step vans with bins and racks that were literally warehouses on wheels. The owner asked me what he could save in just the cost of a step vans vs a cargo 1-ton van.

“It was significant. He was not concerned about the additional cost and poorer fuel economy as much as the fact that the $10,000-15,000 in parts on each of his 10 trucks. I am sure if he were to go electric, he would be better off to have a compact electric truck deliver the required parts to the job site and give the repair trucks better range.”

Edward Burke, Director, Commercial Sales, Bollinger Motors, Oak Park, Mich.

A Bumpy Ride Ahead

Another reader offered his option on the topics raised in the video Geopolitical Friction Exposes Vulnerability of Future Microprocessor Inventories.

“After watching Episode 107 of the State of the Fleet Industry video series about how the China-Taiwan tensions expose vulnerabilities to the microprocessor supply chain, my advice to everyone is ‘Buckle up, it’s going to get bumpy.’”

Keith McLaughlin, President , Fleet Business Communications, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Avoid ‘Set It and Forget It’

Another Market Trends blog, The Dangers of a Static Fleet Policy, explored six potential dangers associated with maintaining a static fleet policy, eliciting the following response”

“When it comes to your fleet policy, steer clear of the ‘set it and forget it’ mindset. This was the point of the recent Market Trends blog “The Dangers of a Static Fleet Policy.”

“It’s crucial to regularly review and update your policies to stay ahead of emerging trends and maintain strong performance and cost efficiency!”

Rik Ritter, Area Sales Manager, Enterprise Fleet Management, Los Angeles

Lots of Truth

There is so much truth in the State of the Fleet Industry video entitled “More Fleet Cite Cost Containment Pressures from Management.”  Check it out.

Lisa Kneggs, Fleet Manager, Fleet Pride, Dallas

Burnout Survival Tips

In his blog, Fleet Manager Burnout is Real: Here’s How to Avoid It, Antich ponders “Why some fleet professionals become overwhelmed while others persevere?” during stressful times. His answer: “My theory is that it is the resilient fleet managers who persevere.” Here’s what one fleet supervisor observed.

“I want to reply to the Market Trends blog entitled: ‘Fleet Manager Burnout is Real: Here’s How to Avoid It.’ For those of us who were in fleet management during those difficult periods, resilience played a big part; however, I believe that creativity plays a major role as well. Most fleet managers I know are highly creative when it comes to finding a way to get the job done, whether it be finding new suppliers or totally new ways to do things.

“It is like every defensive driving course recommends — always scan ahead. You have to scan ahead to stay ahead.

‘“This is how we have always done it’ just doesn't get it done.’”

Jennifer Morgan, CAFM, BWC - Fleet Supervisor, Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, Columbus, Ohio