If I have been able to see farther than others, it was because I stood on the shoulders of the giants. --Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. --Eden Phillpots

If a man does not keep pace with his companion, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. --Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

In this issue, for the first time, we are completely addressing the light truck/van fleet market and it may appear strange to you. When we first published AF twenty years ago, our editorial dedication was specifically to cars, which seemed logical at the time. We were well aware, then that there were several general trucking publications primarily serving the heavy market and they exist today with similar goals.

About seven years ago, through some internal industry research, we added a question tour survey about the possible light truck/van incidence within out audience. We were overwhelmed to find that fleet managers, for the most part, also control huge numbers of these units and really need help since we, in the media, were either car or heavy truck oriented. There are 1.6 million light trucks/vans within our market that we originally thought to be just "cars."

This revelation prompted me to have discussions with many lessors and individuals, like Bob Fritts from Purolator and Jack Lamb from Shell (who were most helpful), and we slowly began truck coverage.

We started our Light Truck/Van department each month, investigated and reported on case histories and developed more research. In analyzing our "Top 100 Car Fleet" list we found that the "Top 50 Light Truck" list contained nearly 100,000 and didn't even include any of the leading utilities where light trucks exist in volume.

Our effort in this issue is directed to assist the fleet manager and lessor purchaser in their responsibilities connected with the light truck/van market. It may not be complete since it is the first time anyone has attempted to focus on this vital area. It may be that our readers can suggest additional items to cover in our next effort in 82; we'd welcome those thoughts.

One thing is for certain: it takes a real professional to spec out truck or van. There are so many options and various component choices available compared to a relatively few in ordering a passenger car. In my conversations with our fleet managers who have a number of trucks/vans in their fleet, it becomes immediately apparent that they have to be a cut above others commanding a wealth of knowledge necessary for this special breed.

Ten years ago it might not have mattered much if one made an error in judgment in ordering a truck, when gasoline was under 40 cents a gallon. Today, with gas at $1.40 a gallon, one has to think about mini vs. king, diesel vs. gas, axle ratios suspension, load characteristics, and a host of other expensive decisions. The emergence of van-pooling gives the fleet manager yet another dimension to work on. It can be a confusing challenge.
My hat is off to those pros who are virtually self-taught in this segment of the market. Our planned effort in this special issue is designed to make the future a bit easier.