THE CAR AND TRUCK FLEET AND LEASING MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
Overall improved business conditions opened pent up demand for replacement units, especially in the oil sector and construction, which in the prior several years had scaled back new-vehicle acquisitions due to stagnant growth.
There's only one tire brand that ranked "among the best" in every category of J.D. Power's 2019 Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study.
Total cost of ownership for vocational truck fleets is trending upward, primarily due to higher fuel prices, increased maintenance costs due to higher labor rates and parts prices, and commodity-driven increases in tire prices.
A vehicle’s total cost of ownership is comprised of its fixed costs, operating expenses, and depreciation per year or during the course of its service life, minus its anticipated resale value. During the course of a vehicle’s service life, TCO is subject to change due to a vehicle’s age and numerous external factors, which has a direct bearing on replacement policies.
The fleet procurement process, like most other aspects of fleet, is heavily dependent on the capabilities of modern-day technology. Online-based procurement systems help fleet and procurement professionals understand more about their operations so they can make impactful decisions.
While there never seems to be enough money to go around, one of the less talked about aspects of fleet management is the amount of budget dollars that are wasted every year.
Articles about accident management, innovative fleet managers, and order-to-delivery were among the most-viewed of 2018 on AutomotiveFleet.com, as fleet professionals continue to seek out practices to help them manage their fleets in a more efficient way.
Overall, accident rates are continuing a steady rise, with many leaning toward technology in the hope of reducing rates.
Citing the higher cost of crude oil, many major manufacturers of finished lubricant products increased prices from 5% to 8% in CY-2018. Plus, each model-year, more OEMs require the use of more expensive synthetic motor oils.
Higher fuel pricing has been the No. 1 factor contributing to higher operating costs in calendar-year 2018. Since fuel makes up the largest portion of fleet operating costs, it has strongly contributed to the increase in total fleet spend.