Archive for 2009
Bill Looks to Increase Maximum Truck Weight
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
Over-the-highway trucks will be able to carry up to 97,000 pounds if the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009, which is currently in House subcommittee, passes. Under present law, trucks can carry up to 80,000 pounds.
A weight limit increase “will make trucks more productive” and also will be friendlier to the environment, says Clayton Boyce, a spokesman for the American Trucking Associations (ATA), which supports the bill.
“Right now, most trucks can haul one ton (around) 150 miles on one gallon of diesel. A heavier load obviously would take a little more fuel, but if four trucks can carry the same weight that five trucks would carry,” overall fuel consumption would be reduced considerably, he explains.
Current law limits the weight of five-axle trucks to 80,000 pounds. The bill calls for trucks operating above 80,000 pounds to add a sixth axle. “The extra axle adds two more brakes, preventing an increase in stopping distances, and avoids additional pavement damage,” according to ATA officials.
“It is important to note there are no mandates in this bill. The highways on which these vehicles will operate will be chosen by individual states that choose to authorize their use. States will be empowered to route these vehicles in a way that minimizes additional costs.”
If the bill passes and the weight limit is increased, some bridges “will have to be strengthened or replaced at an accelerated cycle in order to accommodate (the heavier) vehicles. Vehicles authorized to operate under this legislation will be required to pay an additional fee, which the ATA supports, and which will be dedicated to bridge investments in those states that authorize their use.”
The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act was introduced by U.S. Reps. Michael Michaud (D-Maine) and Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) this past March.
Photo courtesy of C. Sullivan under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: American Trucking Association, ATA, Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, Truck Weight
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Shell Looks to Disable GPS Screens for Drivers
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
With a worldwide fleet of 14,000 vehicles, Shell, a global group of energy and petrochemicals companies, has asked automakers to disable satellite navigation systems while a vehicle is in motion, reports fleetnews.co.uk.
The goal of this request is to prevent drivers from being distracted while driving. If automakers comply, the in-car satellite navigation systems could only be used when the vehicle is in a stationary position. Once the vehicle is in motion, the screen would become blank and drivers would no longer be able to view the map. However, voice instructions would still operate.
According to the news report, Shell has asked BMW, Volkswagen and Daimler about the initiative, and will soon be talking to Ford and Opel.
Currently, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have agreed to the deal; however, the carmakers have yet to offer a vehicle with a deactivated system.
With a health and safety policy that states that all accidents are preventable, Shell has already banned its drivers from using cell phones while driving. Additionally, the company’s drivers have been told not to accept portable navigation systems that are offered by Shell’s rental car provider in some countries.
Shell hopes other fleet managers follow its lead. The company realizes that navigation systems have some benefits, including reducing emissions, but feels there is no need for the screen to be operational when a vehicle is in motion.
Do you agree with Shell’s policy, or is the distracted driving initiative taking things too far? Leave us a comment and let us know.
Photo courtesy of gTarded under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: BMW, Daimler, fleet managers, fleet vehicles, fleetnews.com.uk, Ford, GPS, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Shell, Volkswagen
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Investigation Uncovers Embezzlement in Arizona Fleet
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
Not long ago, we reported on some wasteful spending in an Arizona fleet. Now an investigation has revealed that there is far more to this story:
Embezzlement is the latest controversy brought to light under scrutiny of fleet at the Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS), according to reports from San Pedro Valley News-Sun.
In addition to last month’s accusation that SEABHS employees have been using company vehicles for personal use, the Arizona Attorney General’s office announced Dec. 17 that embezzlement charges would be filed against Sylvia Nerey, a former SEABHS employee, accused of allegedly embezzling more than $30,665 between October 2006 and October 2008 while working in the company’s accounts payable department in Benson, according to the Sun.SEABHS, which provides mental health services in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties, is also searching for a new company CEO to replace 14-year CEO Dana Johnson, who was fired in November.
Johnson, who is being investigated for a $150,000 loan from SEABHS in 2004 that was never repaid, was responsible for the “costly purchase and management of the vehicle fleet,” which the Sun reported costs more than $650,000 annually to operate and maintain. The fleet is comprised mainly of newer models, 2004 or newer, including Johnson’s 2007 Cadillac SRX — reportedly purchased with SEABHS funds, according to the Sun.
The SEABHS board has requested more investigation into vehicle assignments. Currently, none of the fleet vehicles carry the SEABHS logo.
Photo courtesy of welendcashhouston under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: arizona fleet, embezzlement, San Pedro Valley News-Sun, SEABHS, Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services
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Fleet Cuts Idling by 70%
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Poland Spring has reduced its truck fleet emissions by cutting idling time by 70 percent from 2007 to 2009, reducing top speeds by two miles per hour, and using non-food-based biofuels, according to Environmental Defense Fund.
Cutting idling time has reduced the fleet’s fuel consumption by 8,000 gallons and greenhouse gas emissions by about 77 tons and saving the company thousands of dollars per year.
Chris McKenna, fleet manager for Poland Spring, said the high cost of fuel was the initial reason to retool his fleet operations. “What got us started was $5 a gallon fuel,” he said. However, even as gasoline and diesel prices have fallen, Poland Spring has intensified its efforts to improve the fuel economy and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of its fleet.
Early in 2008, the company decided to focus on idling time. Poland Spring had installed onboard computers made by Cadec Global in its trucks, which include a feature to track idling time. The logs revealed that Poland Springs’ trucks were idling for as much as 1,400 hours per month during the winter.
To see which of the company’s 65 drivers were racking up the most idling time, McKenna put together a ranking. “All we did was talk to them about it, and put a list up in the break room,” he said. “Human nature-no one wants to be at the bottom of the list.” Drivers were motivated to improve idling even more with a fuel card incentive that could be used for personal cars.
As a result of these incentives, idling dropped dramatically from 1,400 hours in February 2007 to 1,000 hours in February 2008, to just 380 hours in February 2009.
“We didn’t have to come up with elaborate rules,” McKenna said. “We just made suggestions and asked them to use their own best judgment.
Poland Spring has also lowered its top speed for trucks from 66 to 64 miles per hour and is mapping out optimum routes and mileage to ensure drives are as efficient as possible.
With three bottling facilities in Maine and a filling center in Massachusetts, Poland Spring operates 36 tractor-trailers and 75 tanker trailers, which hold 8,400 gallons each.
Photo courtesy of Mr Frosted under the Creative Commons License.
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FMCSA Retools Safety Requirements
Monday, December 21st, 2009
Fleet Maintenance has the details on a new government safety measure that affects fleets everywhere.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has begun enforcing its New Entrant Safety Assurance Process rule, which requires newly registered truck and bus companies to meet stricter safety requirements.
This rule raises the compliance standards for passing new entrant safety audits and requires that new carriers correct safety deficiencies before being granted registration.
“Safety is our highest priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This new rule says that we are serious about having safe trucks and buses on the road. This is important for those behind the wheels of these big rigs and those who share the road with them.”
“This new rule helps to ensure that only the safest carriers can enter the industry and continue to operate on our roadways,” said Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “By strengthening the new entrant process, our agency supports new carriers as they establish and maintain critical safety management controls that enable them to operate in full compliance with federal safety regulations.”
Under the new requirements, a newly registered truck or bus company will automatically fail its safety audit if violations of any one of 16 essential federal regulations are discovered. These regulations cover controlled substances and alcohol testing, hours-of-service rules, driver qualifications, vehicle condition and carrier insurance responsibility.
Failure to pass a new entrant safety audit may result in revocation of a carrier’s registration, unless that carrier takes corrective action within a time period established by FMCSA.
Additionally, if certain violations are discovered during roadside inspections, the new carrier may be subject to an expedited safety audit or a compliance review that can result in fines or an out-of-service order.
Photo courtesy of Mahesh Mohite under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, fleet maintenance, FMCSA, US Department of Transportation, US DOT
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Chrysler Bans Employees From Texting
Monday, December 21st, 2009
If your fleet does not have a policy regarding texting behind the wheel, perhaps this story will motivate you.
Chrysler Group LLC has announced the establishment of a corporate policy surrounding company-owned vehicles and communication devices. Effectively immediately, all company employees are prohibited from texting while driving in company-owned vehicles and texting with company-provided communication devices while driving personal vehicles.
“A driver’s primary responsibility is to be in control of their vehicle; texting while driving clearly interferes with that responsibility,” said Steve Bartoli, head of Regulatory Affairs. “Chrysler Group LLC supports initiatives to ban this activity. Additionally, we stand with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers supporting a ban on hand-held cell phone operation while driving.”
The automaker currently offers a hands-free, voice-activated U-Connect system with Bluetooth technology. The feature, available on most Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles, provides voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. U-Connect can manage onboard phone-book entries, select radio stations, access the navigation system, and retrieve voice mail.
Recently, the Chrysler Group announced it will offer text-to-voice/message reader technology in select 2011 model year Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles.
Photo courtesy of JSNSDR under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Chrysler, Chrysler Group LLC, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, txting, txting driving, U-Connect
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Fire Truck Involved in Fatal Crash Had Faulty Brakes
Friday, December 18th, 2009
New developments have unfolded in a recent accident that took the life of a Boston firefighter.
A police investigation has found that a Fire Department contractor installed the wrong parts on the ladder truck’s brakes several months before the crash. In addition, the investigation found that firefighters who were not licensed mechanics repeatedly adjusted the brakes in violation of national safety guidelines, the Boston Globe reported.
The contractor replaced a brake chamber and brake pads on Ladder 26 with “unsuitable” parts in spring 2008, which significantly compromised stopping power, according to a copy of the investigation report obtained by the Globe. When firefighters working on the truck later noticed the brakes not working properly, they made manual adjustments that may have masked underlying problems.
The diminished braking power contributed to the massive brake failure Jan. 9, when Ladder 26 barreled down a steep hill and slammed into an apartment building, killing Lieutenant Kevin M. Kelley.
The report did not single out the faulty parts or the firefighter adjustments as primary causes of the crash. But they join an already long list of major errors that contributed to the fatal accident, the Globe reported. Last week, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said his investigation found that poor driver training and a lack of preventive maintenance were contributing factors.
Citing Fire Department fleet maintenance logs, the police report revealed that Boston firefighters and outside contractors performed the improper adjustments on the truck 10 times “despite clear and concise warnings to the contrary.”
Make sure your fleet drivers follow proper maintenance procedures and understand the importance of safe practices. Cutting corners in the short term can lead to tragic losses later.
Photo courtesy of KaizenVerdant under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: Boston firefighter, Boston Globe, Boston Ladder, Boston Ladder 26, fatal crash, Ladder 26
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Ford E-Series Now Has Propane Option
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Via Automotive Fleet:
LIVONIA, MI – ROUSH Performance is launching into the next phase of their liquid propane injected vehicle offerings with a line of E-Series vans.
“The response from the fleets to our line of F-150, F-250, and F-350 propane pickups and conversion kits has been outstanding, and their feedback inspired us to develop the complete line of E-Series vans,” said Jack Roush, chairman of ROUSH Enterprises. “Many of the fleet managers we have spoken with utilize a tremendous number of vans in the course of their daily business and were looking for the type of cost and environmental advantages that propane offers as a motor fuel. Their desire is what motivated ROUSH to continue to add to our line of propane vehicles.”
From an emissions reduction standpoint, the ROUSH propane-fueled E-Series vans will achieve Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) II emission standards; on average a SULEV vehicle is 90 percent cleaner in emissions than the average new model year car or truck. The ROUSH conversion system works on the Ford 5.4L, V-8 engine found in 2009 and newer vans, including the gaseous prep engine offered by the Ford Motor Company.
Numerous studies have been conducted on the operational savings fleets can achieve by converting to propane as a motor fuel. A savings calculator is available online at SwitchToPropane.com that allows the user to input variables specific to their usage. It is not uncommon for fleet managers to see savings of more than $17,500 per van over a total vehicle life of 150,000 miles, according to the company.
As with all the ROUSH propane-fueled vehicles, the E-Series vans will be covered by a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. Dealers are able to order the conversion on a ship-through basis to help reduce transportation costs, or conversion systems can be ordered and installed through any authorized Ford dealership for vehicles already in operation.
While propane fueling stations are already quite prevalent, such as at each of the more than 1200 U-Haul locations nationwide, many of the fleets prefer to have a refueling station on-site at their location of business. ROUSH can assist with this by working with propane distributors such as Ferrellgas, AmeriGas, or Heritage Propane to install a propane fueling station at little to no cost to the fleet.
ROUSH is currently working on developing a propane kit for the Ford 6.8L, V-10 engine used on the E-450 Cutaway vehicle, scheduled to be available in late 2010.
Photo courtesy of Ferrellgas1 under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: AmeriGas, E-Series, Ferrellgas, Ford, Ford E-Series, Ford Motor Company, Heritage Propane, propane, ROUSH, ROUSH Performance, Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, SwitchToPropane.com
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Fleet Safety Tips for Sudden Emergencies
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
These tips, provided by the California Driver Handbook, offer advice on what to do in the event of sudden vehicle trouble. You may want to pass this list along to your fleet drivers as a reminder.
First, make sure that other drivers can see the vehicle. If you need to stop:
- Pull off the road away from all traffic, if possible.
- If you cannot get completely off the road, stop where people can see you and your car from behind. Don’t stop just over a hill or just around a curve.
- Turn on your emergency flashers if you are not moving. If your car doesn’t have flashers, turn signals may be used instead.
- If it is safe, lift the hood to signal an emergency.
- Give other drivers plenty of warning. Place emergency flares or triangles 200 to 300 feet behind the car. This allows other drivers time to change lanes, if necessary. Be very careful when using flares. They may cause fires, especially when used near flammable liquids.
- If you don’t have emergency flares, follow the rules listed above and stay in your vehicle until help arrives. Be careful for your safety and stay off the road. Remember, don’t even try to change a tire if it means you have to stand in a traffic lane.
Make sure your fleet stays safe this winter by keeping a roadside emergency kit in every vehicle!
Photo courtesy of gserafini under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: California Driver Handbook, fleet drivers, fleet safety
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Tips for Effective Fleet Management: Free Webinar Dec. 17
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
A free Web seminar (sponsored by Geotab) providing strategies on how to effectively manage fleet will be available Thursday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST).
Decisive Telematics Action Steps for Fleets in 2010: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure
GeoTab’s Colin Sutherland will spend an hour sharing benchmarks of some industry leaders and review a Green Strategy decision tree that demonstrates how recording the right data at the root can achieve results in all areas of your organization.
Highlights of the session will include:
Risk & Safety: Learn how to focus on reducing vehicle damage, personal injury, workers compensation and general liability to achieve the lowest claims: revenue ratio possible (less than 2 percent) while at the same time driving millions of fewer miles and growing revenue.
Fleet Maintenance and Fuel Management: Measure and manage your fuel lifecycle – from fuel card to tailpipe – including your carbon footprint. Change from time or distance scheduled maintenance to vehicle health predictive maintenance to achieve less than 2-percent spare vehicles.
Productivity: When you measure productivity are you only considering time driving vs. customer time? Learn how a leading company shifted their commuting policy and now prioritizes customer time based on the profitability of the stops they make.
Results: Deploy a 3-step approach – Policy, Interaction, Strategic Plan. Achieve results with minimal supervision through the use of interactive technology that works with employees as they drive.
To sign up for the seminar, just click here.
Tags: fleet maintenance, fleet productivity, fleets, fuel management, Geotab, telematics, web seminar
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