ARI, a leading global fleet services provider specializing in complex car and truck fleets, was proud to host its third annual Utility Fleet Forum March 20 – 21, 2013 at its global headquarters in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Invitees included utility fleet managers and decision makers from across the United States, as well as experts from ARI’s Strategic Consulting and Utility Fleet teams.

Over two days, industry leaders were able to attend sessions and participate in a variety of discussions on a range of topics that included vehicle standardization and fleet right-sizing; order forecasting and supply chain management; best practices in maintenance management; tools and processes to effectively manage fuel and other fleet expenses; strategies for reducing vehicle accidents; challenges in managing DOT compliance; and the future of fleet management. These open sessions provided the opportunity to discuss topics of interest to the group, engage in peer-to-peer collaboration, review operational best practices and exchange ideas on how to approach current fleet challenges.

“We have found over the past three years that these sessions have provided utility fleet managers from across the country a unique opportunity to come together and discuss the challenges they are facing on a daily basis and learn from experts and their peers how best to maximize the value of their fleet,” said Rob Hoysgaard, director of utility and government new business development for ARI. “Each year, we survey our attendees as we plan the sessions and target our topics and learning opportunities based upon what our guests identify as being most important to them. This brings added value to the entire event.”

Ron Anderson, manager of fleet and equipment for NorthWestern Energy, who was attending the conference for the third time noted, “The group really represents a very good cross section of the industry and the information and strategies that everyone shared during the sessions can be used by many of us in our daily operations. It is really stimulating to have the chance to collaborate with my peers.”

Stephen McCrodan, purchasing manager for Liberty Utilities, was attending the Forum for the first time. “As someone who is new to fleet in general, it is very helpful to be able to discuss the kinds of challenges my peers and I face on a regular basis and to hear how others have implemented strategies to deal with some of those challenges. The sessions have been very helpful.”

ARI’s Utility Team is made up of individuals with specific knowledge and expertise in the utility fleet market. They work with utility fleets of any size, type and complexity to help them maximize the value of their fleet so their vehicles stay on the road and running efficiently. The ARI team has experience working with utility fleets from every sector, including electric, gas, co-op, water, propane and telecom, and has a proven track record of delivering meaningful results that produce a lower total cost of ownership and provide a better return on investment.