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Fleet Becomes an Epicenter for Interdepartmental Encroachment

August 28, 2008

Interdepartmental conflicts are common in the medical and IT industries, and at most companies between sales and operations. However, for many years, fleet existed as a realm of its own. Management in other departments often didn’t fully understand the nuances of fleet management other than they got a new vehicle every 36 months. Fleet managers of that era (not that long ago) were the “kings” and “queens” of their own realms. However, that reality is rapidly changing.

Tags: conflicts, Interdepartment, safety, sourcing

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:27 PM | » Comments(4)

Strategic Fleet Management Focuses on Management by Objective

August 25, 2008

The greatest challenge facing the future of fleet management is how we see ourselves as a profession. Are we administrators of a fleet or are we managers? Do we manage from a tactical level – putting out day-to-day fires – or from a strategic level focusing on specific long-term objectives using metrics to benchmark progress? In the future, you will need a strategic focus to succeed in fleet management; otherwise you run the risk of fading into irrelevancy.

Tags: AFLA, corporate objectives, fleet management, strategic

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Monday, August 25, 2008 3:13 PM | » Comments(2)

When Fleet Collides With HR

August 22, 2008

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (also known as HIPAA) makes it a criminal act to divulge medical information to a third-party without the employee’s permission. Many fleet managers believe HIPAA non-disclosure requirements are counter-productive to fleet safety. One fleet manager lamented to me that “HIPAA is the worst thing that has ever happened to fleet.”

Tags: drowsiness, Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, HIPAA, HR, Privacy, Privacy Rule

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Friday, August 22, 2008 8:41 AM | » Comments(1)

Fleet Safety Must be Your No. 1 Job Priority

August 18, 2008

In two decades of chronicling the history of fleet management, I have seen interest in fleet safety ebb and flow. In an annual survey I conduct of fleet managers, they rated fleet safety as their No. 2 concern, right behind the cost of fuel. Why the renewed interest in fleet safety? More and more fleet managers are reporting an uptick in preventable accidents. In addition, fleet managers are feeling pressure from other corporate departments to increase fleet driver safety.

Tags: accidents, fleet costs, fleet safety, OSHA, reduce spend

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Monday, August 18, 2008 12:57 PM | » Comments(1)

Upfitters Increase Prices 3%-8% Due to Higher Commodity Prices

August 14, 2008

The high cost of materials has caused price increases for truck bodies, trailers, van interiors, liftgates, and other upfit equipment. Prices have increased, on average, 3-8 percent. Upfitting prices have risen multiple times and some truck equipment manufacturers are guaranteeing current prices for only 90 days. Worldwide, prices have soared for commodities used in upfitting, such as steel and aluminum.

Tags: liftgate, price increase, trailers, Truck Bodies, Truck Equipment, Upfitters, van interiors

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Thursday, August 14, 2008 1:44 PM | » Comments(2)

Real World Strategies: 60 Ways to Reduce Your Fuel Spend

August 12, 2008

Fleets are adopting compensatory strategies to offset high fuel costs. These include selector modification, revised vehicle specs, increased personal use charges, streamlined fleet operations, and modification of driver behavior.

Tags: fuel economy, fuel expense, reduce spend

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Tuesday, August 12, 2008 10:19 AM | » Comments(5)

More Factors Point to an Impending Used-Vehicle Shortage

August 7, 2008

The past two weeks have produced a dizzying string of announcements ranging from Chrysler Financial stopping lease financing, Chase Auto Finance no longer providing lease financing for Chrysler brands, Wells Fargo ending lease financing, all major OEMs decreasing truck production volumes, and HSBC Financial Corp.’s decision to stop funding auto loans. All of which may be good news for fleets remarketing vehicles two to three years from now.

Tags: Chase Auto Finance, Chrysler Financial, remarketing, shortage, used-vehicle, Wells Fargo & Co

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Thursday, August 7, 2008 8:46 AM | » Comments(3)

How to Develop a Corporate Culture of Fleet Policy Compliance

August 5, 2008

The best time to control cost is before it occurs and the way to do this is by establishing policies and procedures that inhibit unnecessary spending and protect corporate assets. Adherence to fleet policy is crucial and it should be part of each company’s overall business strategy. The best managed fleets tend to be those whose drivers adhere to a written fleet policy. Does your corporate culture encourage compliance with fleet policy?

Tags: compliance, cost control, Fleet Policy

Author: Mike Antich | Posted @ Tuesday, August 5, 2008 8:41 AM | » Comments(1)

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AUTHOR BIO

Mike Antich

Editor & Associate Publisher

Mike Antich has been covering the fleet management and vehicle remarketing markets for more than 20 years. During this period, Mike has written or edited more than 4,600 articles on the subjects of fleet management, manufacturer fleet activities, the fleet leasing industry, and vehicle remarketing.

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