USIC Fleet and Capital Asset Manager Phil Samuelson was named the 2018 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year during a ceremony at the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association's (AFLA) annual conference in Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 1.

The title of the award was officially renamed this year to include Ed Bobit’s name, founder of Bobit Business Media and AFLA. The award was presented by Automotive Fleet magazine and sponsored by Wheels Inc. and AFLA.

"We wanted this award to reflect Ed Bobit's lasting impact on the fleet industry, and honor fleet managers who find innovative ways to improve the safety, efficiency, and productivity of their fleets," said Sherb Brown, group vice president of Bobit Business Media. "Phil Samuelson embodied this ethos."

Samuelson, who was also nominated for the award in 2017 and 2016, was honored in part due to his utilization of the latest technologies, telematics offerings, and advanced safety features/programs to bring cost savings and improved safety to USIC’s fleet. The USIC fleet grew by over 4% in 2017 through acquisitions, new business contracts, and increased business volume.

USIC’s service fleet accumulates nearly 184 million miles annually, and has a consistently decreased or maintained an industry low operating cost-per-mile year over year. Deploying an optimal vehicle selection and cycling strategy has allowed USIC to operate below industry benchmarks. Samuelson has strategically overseen cost mitigation that exceeded $1.2 million over the last two years.

The Fleet Manager of the Year award was created to recognize a proficient fleet manager who has demonstrated special business acumen in developing and executing key management policies in all areas.

Eligible nominees are full-time commercial fleet managers who control a company-owned or leased fleet in excess of 100 cars and light trucks combined. Nominees are recognized nationally among their peers for their unique abilities and accomplishments.