On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the NAFA New Jersey local networking group hosted its annual holiday meeting and networking event at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Bridgewater, NJ.

At 11 a.m., fleet professionals gathered for insightful presentations, industry updates, and seasonal networking.

Dan Shive from Discount Tire delivered a standout presentation on tire maintenance basics, emphasizing the importance of routine maintenance to ensure vehicle safety, performance, and cost efficiency.

Key takeaways from Shive’s talk included:

• Tread Depth: Replace tires once tread depth reaches 4/32 of an inch to maintain optimal safety and performance.

• Tire Aging: Tires should be replaced after six years regardless of wear, as aging rubber can compromise safety.

• Schedule: Rotate tires every 6,000 miles and check air pressure monthly to prevent uneven wear and improve fuel efficiency.

Shive also discussed driver safety essentials, highlighting the critical role of Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks, driver training, and policies in maintaining fleet safety. MVR checks should extend beyond primary drivers to include spouses, authorized drivers, and all pool drivers, with continuous monitoring to identify and mitigate risks.

Effective driver training programs, conducted quarterly or annually, address key topics such as defensive driving, post-collision behavior, and remedial training when necessary. Shive emphasized that policies, like cell phone usage restrictions, should be clear, objective, and consistently enforced to protect employees and the organization.

Event Sponsors and Special Presentations

The event was made possible through the support of sponsors Climate Change Mitigation Technologies, where James Sherman discussed electric, hydrogen, and renewable natural gas (RNG).

“At present, we like RNG, which is methane from dairy cows, sewage treatment plants, and landfills instead of fossil sources. RNG has the best combination of economic performance and environmental performance. RNG qualifies for the Alternative Fuel Tax credit (AFTC) and also gets Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) credits, which together bring the cost of RNG below diesel,” Sherman said.

Megan Fleck from Subaru of America spoke about their new 2025 hybrid vehicles, and company representatives from Element Fleet Management and Toyota were in attendance.

Empowering Fleet Professionals Through NAFA’s Membership

NAFA’s membership offers benefits for fleet professionals, including access to industry resources, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant community of like-minded peers.

Whether you’re managing government, corporate, or service fleets, NAFA provides tools to enhance operational efficiency and advance your career.

Learn more about memberships on NAFA’s website.