Since taking over responsibility for company fleet operations in 1989, Debby Boethling, director of purchasing and facilities for Wherehouse Entertainment Crop., based in Torrance, CA, has implemented changes that have saved the company more than $60,000 in the first year.

The most important changes have been implementing strict vehicle replacement policies to remove vehicles from service at designated mileages, and starting a preventive maintenance program that allows Boethling to identify drivers who don't take care of PM in a timely manner.

The Wherehouse operates 315 retail stores throughout the Western U.S. primarily marketing music CDs/cassettes and movie video rentals. Currently, the company leases 63 cars and 19 minivans though Lease Plan International.

Until four years ago, vehicles were driven up to high mileages, many times more than 100,000 miles. One of the first things Boethling did was to dispose of the high-mileage vehicles, put drivers in low-mileage cars that had previously been used as pool cars, and implemented strict replacement guidelines. Boethling's previous fleet management duties at another company gave her the experience and knowledge to make this decision.

Now, passenger cars are run until 60,000 miles, and minivans are replaced at 70,000 miles. The company keeps minivans in service longer, because they accumulate mileage at a faster rate, yet still retain their value in the resale market. Boethling monitors mileage reports on a monthly basis to make sure vehicles don't go past the replacement mileage.

The Wherehouse uses a preventive maintenance program offered by Consolidated Service Corp. (CSC). The PM program utilizes a coupon system that remind drivers to have maintenance work performed at specific mileage and time intervals. Boethling receives reports from CSC that show her which drivers have missed their scheduled maintenance interval. Once identified, Boethling sends letters to these drivers requesting that they have the PM work done as soon as possible.