Maintenance

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March 2013, Business Fleet - Feature

10 Ways to Maximize Fuel Efficiency on Older Trucks

<p>Anthony Jarantilla regularly optimizes trucks for performance and fuel efficiency. His recommendations include considering a high-flow exhaust system and air filter, adding helper springs, upgrading the truck&rsquo;s electrical grounds and firming up the shifts and gear ratio.</p>

By Annie Lubinsky

An aftermarket upgrade expert recommends modifications that make your trucks more fuel-efficient to keep them on the road longer.

Tags: fuel efficiency, Tires, oil change, Aftermarket, Fuel Injection, Exhaust, Construction, Air filter

January 2013, Business Fleet - Department

Toolbox - Is Re-refined Oil A Viable Fleet Option?

<p>Photo courtesy of Safety-Kleen.<br />From left to right are comparisons of crude oil, conventional base motor oil made from crude, EcoPower base oil made from used motor oil and used motor oil.</p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

Re-refined motor oil is better for the environment, domestically produced and its cost is ­comparable to traditional motor oil. But is it safe for your engine?

Tags: environmentally friendly, Motor Oil, Re-refined oil, Safety-Kleen, EcoPower, API

July 2012, Business Fleet - Feature

How to Start a Preventive Maintenance Plan for a Small Fleet

<p>Joe Boyd stands with some of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Model Coverall Services&rsquo; delivery step vans. The company just purchased four additional 20-foot vans from Utilimaster with a Freightliner chassis and a Cummins automatic engine, and has made the decision to standardize any new purchases to this selection.</p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

If you’re looking to lower your fleet’s maintenance expense and spend less time in the shop, then record it, track it and give your drivers buy-in on the maintenance process.

Tags: preventive maintenance, Ryder, maintenance management, Penske, maintenance costs, managing small fleets

March 2012, Business Fleet - Cover Story

Where's My Spare Tire?

<p>The tire sealant and inflator kit for the 2012-MY Chevrolet Silverado 1500. <em>Photo Courtesy of PacePerformance.com</em></p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

More manufacturers are turning to run-flat tires or giving buyers the option to replace the spare with a sealant and inflator kit. What’s the best option for your fleet?

January 2012, Business Fleet - Feature

Efficient Driving Equals Fleet Savings

<p>Photo: &copy;istockphoto.com/MCCAIG</p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

We all know that idling and running the air conditioner can negatively affect a vehicle’s fuel economy, but a new study backs those claims with hard numbers.

Tags: driver behavior, idling, Tire pressure, fuel efficiency, eco driving, route management

November 2011, Business Fleet - Feature

Creative Fuel-Saving Strategies

<p>Vision Restoration and Building Co. uses Fleetmatics to manage vehicle location, which integrates with the company&rsquo;s Wright Express fuel cards, allowing managers to track exactly when, where and which vehicle was actually at the tank.</p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

Learn how four fleets use driver input — and driver accountability — along with rightsizing, route optimization and new technology to achieve fuel savings of 10-20 percent.

Tags: telematics, Right-sizing, driver behavior, Wright Express, Employee Incentives, SCT Fleet Solutions, Fleetmatics, route management, load management

May 2011, Business Fleet - Feature

Mobile Mavericks

By Jennifer Washington

Thinking of joining the food truck revolution? Mix great cuisine with the right vehicle, then throw in long order-to-delivery times, severe-duty maintenance, DIY repairs and ever-changing regulations.

November 2010, Business Fleet - Cover Story

New Strategies for Managing Diesel Fleets

Idaho Youth Ranch’s Gregg Crow says leasing new trucks was the best way to facilitate the nonprofit’s plan to expand its distribution network.

By Chris Brown and Tariq Kamal

Soaring pump prices and new emissions controls have made running trucks and vans on diesel an expensive proposition. Learn how fleet managers and OEMs are responding to the high cost of lower emissions.

Tags: diesel, Emissions, fuel, fuel economy, leasing, fleet management

September 2010, Business Fleet - Feature

Somebody Call Security!

<p>Mike Jagger, president of Provident Security in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, has been cycling Toyota RAV4s into his fleet for several years. &ldquo;The RAV4s are more expensive, but they work for us,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;I have found that, the more you spend upfront, the fewer maintenance issues.&rdquo;</p>

By Tariq Kamal

Three security industry veterans share their strategies for procuring, maintaining and keeping track of the vehicles that help keep our homes and businesses safe.

Tags: Maintenance, remarketing, GPS

July 2010, Business Fleet - Feature

Biodiesel by the Numbers

Though quality checks and balances are the industry rule, Steven J. Levy of Sprague Energy recommends confirming through documentation that your supplier adheres to ASTM standards and BQ-9000 accreditation.

By Chris Brown

Biodiesel offers a straightforward path to a greener fleet. But before you implement, you must choose the right blend, know your fueling options and understand engine warranty and maintenance obligations.

Tags: Biodiesel

March 2010, Business Fleet - Department

iPhone Apps to Aid Your Fleet

By Justina Ly

A variety of iPhone apps can help you monitor your fuel usage and manage everything from mileage to maintenance.

Tags: vehicle maintenance, vehicle history reports, navigation system, fuel management

January 2010, Business Fleet - Feature

How to 'Right Spec' Your Trucks and Vans

By Chris Brown

Downsizing to a smaller truck or van can improve your total cost — if you can afford the downgrade in capabilities.

Tags: Maintenance, depreciation, Vincentric, lifecycle costs, vehicle payload

November 2009, Business Fleet - Cover Story

Fleet Maintenance Goes Wireless

By Ashley Willis and Chris Brown

GPS-based fleet tracking systems are being used to rein in maintenance costs through vehicle location controls, automated preventive maintenance scheduling, driver monitoring and remote engine diagnostics.

Tags: telematics, GPS

May 2009, Automotive Fleet - Cover Story

Bright Ideas Energize Fleet Management

By Cindy Brauer & Thi Dao

From acquisition to remarketing, a compilation of best ideas in managing successful, cost-effective, and efficient fleets is presented.

Tags: remarketing, sustainability, best practices, risk management, fuel, maintenance management, accident management, fleet policies, Bright Ideas

November 2008, Work Truck - Feature

Vehicle Graphics Do's, Dont's, and Advice

By Lauren Fletcher

Utilized as advertisements or mobile billboards, vehicle graphics can give fleet vehicles an identity. The pros advise not to make designs too busy or complicated, and communicate needs and requirements clearly.

November 2008, Work Truck - Feature

Pros & Cons: Aluminum vs. FRP Van Bodies

By Sean Lyden

Each material offers benefits and drawbacks. Aluminum may be less expensive, but fiberglass reinforced plywood (FRP) is sturdier. Evaluate your truck application to determine which factors matter most.

Tags: truck body

August 2008, Automotive Fleet - Feature

Pros & Cons of Extending Replacement Policy

By Staff

It has been “common wisdom” to replace fleet vehicles in relatively short cycles. Rising costs, however, have led fleet managers to consider lengthening replacement criteria. There are pros and cons to the practice.

Tags: Replacement cycle

July 2008, Work Truck - Feature

Cyclng Truck Bodies: Is It a Good or Bad Idea?

By Joe Bohn

As the cost of truck bodies increases due to rising material costs, recycling bodies on new chassis can become more attractive. However, the cost of vehicle downtime to allow for remounting needs to be taken into account.

Tags: recycling, GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services

March 2008, Government Fleet - Feature

High-Tech Solutions to Manage Tire CPM

Exception Reports, such as those provided by TireStamp,help fleets better manage fuel economy.

By Mike Scott

With an effective tire monitoring system, fleets can lower operating costs, increase tire life, and improve driver safety.

Tags: tire

January 2008, Business Fleet - Feature

Prepping Your Fleet Vehicles for Resale

By Dave Funston

When it's time to dispose of retired units, which vehicle prep strategies can improve resale value? Following industry basics can have a significant impact on resale prices.

Tags: resale value

September 2007, Work Truck - Feature

Using Telematics to Manage Truck Fleets

By Tariq Kamal

Fleet managers describe how the ability to track vehicle location, gas consumption, and preventive maintenance has benefited their fleets.

Tags: telematics, Maintenance, Fuel Savings

May 2007, Business Fleet - Feature

Benchmarking Keeps This Fleet on Track

By Daryl Lubinsky

Gem Plumbing saved 25 percent on its fleet maintenance and repair costs in five years by implementing a strict preventive maintenance program and a comprehensive system to track to it.

Tags: benchmarking, Global Electric Motorcars, preventive maintenance

June 2004, Automotive Fleet - Feature

Accurate Mileage:The Lifeblood of Good Fleet

By Steve Saltzgiver

Nearly every function of fleet vehicle management requires a decision dependent upon accurate odometer reporting. Utah’s Division of Fleet Operations employs a proactive approach to ensure correct mileage data.

June 2004, Automotive Fleet - How-To

How to Cost-Effectively Support Street Mainte

By Editor

To be successful, fleet management must develop a partnership with the operating departments, their operators, and vendors. Fleet is the pivotal player in these relationships as it manages equipment from cradle to grave

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