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Automotive Fleet Magazine

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Oct 20-22, 2026 | MD

Driving Notes

Knowing about a vehicle is one thing; driving it is quite another. Getting behind the wheel gives yo...

Multiple Authors

3 contributors

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FleetTakes

FleetTakes is exactly that — a take on what fleets need to know when it comes to the latest in autom...

Chris Brown

Associate Publisher

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Insight Lane

Insight Lane delivers Colin Sutherland’s perspective from the intersection of leadership and innovat...

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Market Trends

Automotive Fleet's former editor, Mike Antich, shared his opinions and ideas on the overall commerci...

Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

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Remarketing Streams

Remarketing Streams reports on the flow of used vehicles moving through the consignor-auction-dealer...

Martin Romjue

Managing Editor

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Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 30, 2012

Poor Truck Ergonomics 'Cramp' Fleet Productivity

A one-size-fits-all approach to truck specifications is an ergonomic minefield, which could have litigious consequences. In addition, there are increased field complaints about “less-than-ergonomic” upfit decisions. Besides health issues, poor ergonomics is also a key contributor to preventable accidents. Proactively resolving ergonomic issues can have a significant impact in reducing workers’ comp costs, improving productivity, and decreasing fatigue-induced driver errors.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 20, 2012

Will Fuel Overtake Depreciation to Become the No.1 Fleet Expense?

The recent breathtaking increase in gasoline and diesel prices gives us a reality check as to how quickly fuel can dramatically increase fleet operating expenses. With fuel prices at a near all-time high and ongoing strong resale values decreasing depreciation costs, will fuel costs overtake depreciation as the No. 1 fleet expense in 2012, as it almost did in 2006?

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•March 9, 2012

Are You Aware of the Impact of Your Future Acquisition Costs?

Sure, you’re going to get safer, cleaner-running, higher-tech, sleeker looking vehicles with better mpg. But, at what cost? And, will it be in your CFO’s budget?

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 27, 2012

Total Fleet Cost is Proportional to Fleet Size

Every fleet manager is feeling the pressure to reduce costs. The best place to have maximum impact is to reduce overall fleet size and/or modify vehicle composition. A fleet's total cost is directly proportional to the total number of vehicles in operation, which drives all fixed and operating costs, such as fuel, replacement tire expenses, depreciation, accident repair costs, etc. If you can reduce overall fleet size, all other cost categories will decrease correspondingly.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 21, 2012

Top Fleet Maintenance Trends for 2012-2014

The price of parts is expected to rise as raw materials and manufacturing costs increase. There will continue to be ongoing upward pressure on replacement tire prices, particularly for commercial trucks. Oil drain intervals will continue to be extended, especially as OEMs migrate to the GF-5 motor oil standard, which provides better wear protection. However, two-thirds of all fleet maintenance expenses continue to be PM-related, which requires relentless monitoring of driver PM compliance.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•February 6, 2012

Are All Fleet Managers Secure on Safety Know-how?

OEMs and FMCs stress safety factors. Media and associations offer best practices on a regular basis. The question is: Are fleet managers listening?

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•January 19, 2012

Regulatory Activism Adding Administrative Burden to Truck Fleet Managers

Between 2001 and 2010, there were a record 38,000 new regulations published in the Federal Register. One sobering caveat is that these regulations do not include the even larger number of regulations introduced by state, county, and municipal governments, along with local regulatory agencies. Invariably, this multitude of regulations has impacted fleet management.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•January 17, 2012

Reduced Idling = Reduced Emissions

Until the advent of telematics devices, idling was not perceived to be a major problem for fleets. But once engine data was captured by fleets on a large-scale basis, it quickly became apparent that idling represented a significant and widespread problem. The amount of unnecessary idling varies by fleet, but some fleets have recorded idling as much as 35 percent of the time. Here's what you can do about it.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•January 9, 2012

Global Fleet Management:<br> There are More Similarities than You Think

Many of the challenges facing U.S. fleet managers are identical to the challenges facing your counterparts managing fleets elsewhere in the world. Many of these fleet trends extend beyond the U.S. and are offshoots of much larger global trends. Oftentimes, best practices in fleet management emerge from outside the U.S., which is good reason for you to familiarize yourself with what's occurring in other global fleet markets.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•January 4, 2012

Rising Tire Prices Take a Bite Out of Fleet Budgets

Tire industry experts foresee another round of tire price increases during calendar-year 2012. In the past, national account tire manufacturers have done their best to shield the fleet industry from price increases by holding prices for a 12-month period. Nowadays, there is concern that national account vendors will no longer be able to continue to absorb these cost increases.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•December 29, 2011

While the Economy Sputters, 2011 Was a Good Fleet Year

With consumer confidence low, political bickering at a high, eroding 401(k) plans, massive national debt, and protesters in the streets, “fleet” remains a very bright segment. Here are some year-end reflections.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•December 22, 2011

The Forecast Is for Higher Tire Prices in 2012

The multiple price increases for replacement tires occurring year-to-date for calendar-year 2011 point to more increases on the horizon. Most tire industry experts foresee tire price hikes continuing for the balance of this calendar-year, with expectations of another round of pricing increases in calendar-year 2012. There are a variety of factors that will influence future tire price.

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