The Fleet AdvantEDGE

Do You Have Your CARB Prebuy Allocation Plan Ready?

With the growing awareness of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates and plans, one major question looms over organizations with transportation fleets: how will this ruling truly impact their procurement cycle? Last year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave its approval to California's plans, which call for an increasing number of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks. This move lines up with the state's commitment to reducing pollution as enforced by CARB, which aims for electric trucks to make up half of all heavy-duty truck sales in the state by 2035.

CARB Mandates Will Cause A Spike In Prebuy Activity

Vehicles with differing types and usages will have various phase-in dates according to the CARB plan. As such, state and local governments would be required to obtain zero-emission vehicles amounting to 50% of the additions to their fleets beginning in 2024. All new purchases would have to be ZEVs beginning in 2027.

January is designated as National Mentoring Month, with the purpose of bringing together and growing the mentoring movement, acknowledging the impact of relationships and the significance of mentorship. Regardless of what field you are in or how successful you have been in your career; it is important to recognize the value of having some type of mentor. Not only can you gain from their guidance, but you can also make a positive impact on someone else's journey by being a mentor yourself. 

Looking Back on 2023 and Looking Forward to 2024!                                                                                                    Looking back on 2023, Fleet Advantage has experienced extraordinary growth, setting the stage for an exciting 2024. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the transportation industry and organizations in various sectors have faced notable difficulties in the last several years. Whether it's driver and technician shortages, equipment shortages, procurement strategies, maintenance and repair issues, or achieving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, companies need to be able to identify and adopt new processes to ensure long-term success.

Winter can be a challenging season for the transportation industry, particularly for long-haul trucking and logistics companies. Adverse weather conditions like snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create a hazardous environment for drivers, which can result in serious accidents and costly delays. To mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of your drivers and the integrity of your cargo, it's essential to take various safety measures and prepare your fleet with the right tools and equipment.

When it comes to truck winter maintenance, your drivers serve as the primary line of defense!

The most crucial component of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is its brakes, which must always operate properly to ensure safety. Brake Safety Week, which runs from August 20 -26, 2023 is sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This annual campaign was established to improve CMV brake safety and awareness in North America. During this campaign, CMV inspectors focus on conducting roadside brake system inspections to identify any out-of-adjustment brakes and violations.

Welcome to Operation Safe Driver Week, an event aimed at enhancing traffic safety and promoting awareness.  In collaboration with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA),  this annual initiative strives to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving commercial trucks, buses, and cars.  Law enforcement agencies are diligently targeting dangerous driving behaviors exhibited by both commercial and passenger vehicle drivers. These risky behaviors include:

• Speeding 
• Distracted driving (such as mobile device usage) 
• Aggressive driving 
• Cutting off other drivers 
• Tailgating 

National Tire Safety Week is in full swing and we are back with the second part of our blog series on maximizing tire safety.  Tires are one of the most important safety components of your truck, that's why tire care and maintenance should be a top priority. In Part 1, we discussed the importance of tire pressure monitoring systems and the significance of daily and weekly tire pressure checks. In Part 2, we will dive into implementing safety lanes and the various benefits of properly inflated tires.

National Tire Safety Week is scheduled for June 26 – July 3. This annual campaign, organized by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, serves as a crucial initiative to raise awareness about the significance of proper tire care and maintenance. As a responsible fleet operator, ensuring tire safety should be a top priority.

This two-part blog series aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice on maintaining optimal tire conditions for fleet operations. In Part 1, we will look at the importance of tire pressure monitoring systems and the significance of daily and weekly tire pressure checks.

The "100 Deadliest Days'" of summer is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes increase dramatically and heavy-duty truck drivers face additional challenges on the road with the arrival of summer. Longer daylight hours, increased outdoor activities, and a surge in construction projects demand heightened awareness and focus. As the number of motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and vacationers rises, it becomes vital for drivers to prioritize mental and visual acuity to ensure a safe journey.