DOT Begins Hearings on Hours-of-Service Rule Change

Fleet Becomes New Adopter of New Technology Applications

Technology's continuing influence in the day-to-day operations of fleet managers was discussed in various forms at the Fleet 2000 Business Conference, which took place in Minneapolis this past August.

GM Medium-Duty Business Center Improves Dealer Service

General Motors' new Medium-Duty Business Center provides detailed information on a variety of truck-related subjects to GM's network of commercial truck dealers, handling an average of 300 calls per day.

4-Step Process Learn How to Spec Trucks Like the Pros

If your experience has been primarily managing a car fleet, the idea of spec’ing a truck can be daunting. Trucks must be equipped to handle very specific fleet applications, which require specifying a multitude of components such as the right drivetrain, suspension, and body. This task is complicated by the large number of mix-and-match components that are available and the specialized jargon used in truck spec’ing.

NAFA Opens Its 35th Chapter in Arizona

The two-year provisional chapter in Arizona provides an accessible forum for local members, and aims to attract potential members from fleets whose companies are relocating in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Many Public Sector Fleets Want a Partnership With Fleet Service Providers

I have received a tremendous amount of feedback from public sector fleet managers to the Market Trends column appearing in the August 2002 issue on the need to create a partnership with fleet service providers. You will be able to read many of these comments in the letters to the editor page over the next several issues.

For the Best Resale Value, Fleets Develop a Market of Buyers

Whether you develop your own network of buyers over the years or use one from an association or remarketing company, the feeling of familiarity and trust among these networks often leads to higher resale.

Experience and Fleet Size Drive Government Salaries

The salary range of government fleet managers is smaller than that in private industry, but on average salaries are higher than those on the private side. The highest percentage of government fleet managers has over 10 years experience in fleet.

An Inexpensive Way to Automate: the Lease vs. Buy vs. Reimburse Decision

The computer spreadsheet program, which was developed by Deloitte & Touche, allows fleet managers to input variables specific to their business in making the decision. It includes personal use and reimbursement analyses.

Should You Allow Driver-Paid Options?

Some fleet managers say they prohibit driver-paid options in order to prevent disparity among drivers. But most fleets allow the options, saying that since drivers have a stake in the vehicle, they will take better care of them.