TUSTIN, CA – More than 50 fleet professionals gathered for the NAFA Pacific Southwest Chapter Meeting & Golf Outing, held July 10 at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club.

This year’s event was organized by Dan Fierro, golf committee chairperson and district sales manager for ARI – Automotive Resources International.

The chapter meeting started off with breakfast and a presentation from Tim Delaney, licensing department head for ARI and a 22-year employee. Delaney is responsible for the company’s licensing and titling services, including registration renewal, title management, and initial licensing services.

Delaney’s presentation focused on compliance management, including enforcement behavior, DOT compliance, and toll violations.

He went over initial licensing “pain points” and how to keep the process as painless as possible. “Incomplete instructions, lack of communication, and missing paperwork will hold up [vehicle registrations],” he advised.

Dealing with mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, and bankruptcies was another topic Delaney discussed, stressing that fleet managers must identify the associated tax liabilities.

One of the main issues Delaney brought up during his presentation was the current state of toll management, warning attendees that toll violations will compensate the lack of tax revenue being generated throughout the country. According to Delaney, he had a case where one of clients was charged for toll violations from 19 years ago. “This is something to take very seriously. I guarantee you will be affected by it,” he said, noting that 33 states now charge tolls ranging from $7,000-$150,000 in penalties.

Other items Delaney discussed included the regulation of both drivers and vehicles falling under the 10,000-lb. rule, the benefits of having a telematics system in place, transferring vehicles from state to state, title management, and registration renewal.

One other piece of advice Delaney gave attendees was for using driveaway companies. “Ask if drivers are DOT certified and what type of insurance they have,” he said.

Adding to the end of Delaney’s presentation was Erin Ivins, vice president of sales for Lee TranServices, who provided more details on DOT vehicle compliance. Lee TranServices focuses exclusively on providing custom state and federal DOT regulatory compliance and risk management solutions for private motor carrier fleets, as well as for-hire fleets.

After the presentations, attendees had lunch and got ready to head out to the golf course.

Click here for additional photos from the meeting.

By Grace Suizo