The Fleet AdvantEDGE

Winter remains one of the most challenging seasons for the transportation industry. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures present significant risks for drivers and fleets alike. Without proper preparation, these hazards can lead to accidents, delays, and costly repairs. Staying proactive with winter maintenance and safety protocols is not optional, it’s essential. 

With current technology and access to the latest tools, and by empowering drivers to conduct thorough inspections, fleets can better navigate the challenges that winter throws at us. Below are some essential tips on how you can prepare your drivers and fleet to weather the winter ahead.  

Are your brakes up to the challenge? Will they stop when you need them most?

When considering the key components of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), brakes are at the forefront. While tires are important, even a CMV with severely worn-out tires can still move along the road. Brakes are crucial because, inevitably, there will come a time when you need to bring to a stop an 80,000-pound CMV, whether it's at a red light or in an emergency.

JOIN US AT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS TO DISCOVER INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY’S TOP INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AFFECTING YOUR COMPANY'S FLEET OPERATIONS!

We are excited to announce that we will be attending, exhibiting, and speaking at several upcoming transportation industry events and conferences next month! Fleet Advantage executives will be offering a multitude of analyses regarding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), alternative fuels, and will be discussing the strategy required to help you prepare for the upcoming CARB prebuy!

Additionally, our team of senior leaders and fleet experts will be unveiling a new innovation to our TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) Tech Stack that powers advanced analytics and business intelligence to help America's corporate transportation fleets leverage data technology, asset management, and flexible financing. The advancement is designed to equip you with smarter, safer, and more actionable data to power your fleet!  

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) introduced Operation Safe Driver Week in 2007 as a critical effort focused on lessening accidents, fatalities, and injuries across all types of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, buses, and automobiles. In partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and industry and transportation associations, this initiative remains a major program for advocating road safety. 

Last year, the results of Operation Safe Driver Week were telling. Across the United States and Canada, there were 11,448 stops, which resulted in 4,494 tickets and 5,756 warnings.  

Gain valuable insights and practical guidance on maintaining optimal tire conditions for fleet operations.

National Tire Safety Week (NTSW) is a crucial annual campaign led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) to educate drivers on the important practices of tire care, safety, and maintenance to ensure road safety. Tires play a crucial role in road safety as they are the only part of the truck that makes direct contact with the road. Therefore, prioritizing tire care and maintenance is essential for all drivers to ensure optimal safety on the road.

Majority of Fleets Report They Are Running Longer Life Cycles, Need to Replace Trucks Over Next Few Years; Many Still Don't Have a CARB Plan

Fleet Advantage recently announced results of an industry-wide survey that measured the pulse of fleets on their life cycle strategies, how many fleets are aware of the anticipated CARB prebuy mandate, and their anticipated plans for equipment acquisition over the next few years. It’s imperative for fleets to understand the significant implications of the anticipated CARB mandate. Truck procurement and life cycle management continue to be significant topics within the transportation fleet industry, especially given all the focus on the CARB mandate, which will result in the largest truck prebuy ever leading up to 2027, beginning in 2025 into 2026, with the cost of diesel trucks increasing between $25,000 and $30,000 more per unit.

During the "100 Deadliest Days" of summer, which falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is a significant increase in fatal crashes, presenting heavy-duty truck drivers with added challenges on the road as summer unfolds. With longer daylight hours, a rise in outdoor activities, and a surge in construction projects, a heightened sense of awareness and focus is paramount. As the roads become busier with motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and vacationers, drivers must prioritize their mental and visual acuity to ensure a safe journey ahead.

Earth Day, recognized on April 22, is an annual global event that promotes environmental protection and increases awareness about the critical need for sustainability.

As we face the challenges of climate change, individuals, communities, and various industries must come together and work towards a better future.

The transportation industry is stepping up by implementing measures to reduce its environmental footprint. Organizations with corporate transportation fleets are seeking asset management partners to help them focus on achieving their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.

JOIN US AT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS TO FIND SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY'S TOP INDUSTRY CHALLENGES IMPACTING YOUR COMPANY'S FLEET OPERATIONS! 

We are excited to announce that we will be attending and exhibiting at several upcoming transportation industry events and conferences in the next few months! Fleet Advantage executives will discuss the state of the industry and will be providing CARB Pre-Buy allocation consultations to help corporate transportation fleets prepare for the upcoming CARB Mandates.

Also, attendees will learn more about our exciting new partnership with FleetNet America by COX Automotive, which provides specialty financing with reliable access to nationwide maintenance. This new collaboration is helping fleets lead with flexibility by unbundling Full-Service Leases. In an Unbundled Lease agreement, fleets have greater flexibility on individual costs and their maintenance provider, but also the freedom to upgrade and scale through flexible financing, guaranteeing the lowest-possible financial costs involved with truck fleet asset management and procurement. 

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.