The Fleet Code

Budgets are often the bane of many fleet managers' existence. They're complex and time consuming, and often lead to a lot of questions and pushback from your leadership team. However, when viewed the right way, your budget allows you to prove your impact as a fleet manager. In this episode, we break down all of the expense categories that fleets should be tracking and provide tips on how to improve your budget adherence as you enter the new year.Question: For fleet managers, what are some big budgeting wins that you've had in your career? Where have you found places to reduce your fleet costs? Send us an email and your response could be featured on a future podcast episode or blog post.Takeaways from this episode:The fleet is often viewed as a cost center. By adhering to your expense forecasts, you can set expectations around the costs affecting your fleet and reduce this stigma. Categorizing your fleet expenses allows you to identify opportunities for improvement when it comes to budget adherence in 2024. Being under-, at- or over-budget should not be viewed as a success or failure. Rather, i should be viewed as an opportunity to improve yourself and your fleet.Additional Links and Resources:Building a Fleet Budget 101 (white paper)Fleet Management Cost Analysis (blog)7 Ways to Reduce Fleet Costs (blog)Fleet Expense Management Software (solution)

Fleet management has historically been a career reserved for maintenance technicians who decided they were ready to crawl out from under the hood of a vehicle. However, with technology advancements, there are many young people who are finding their start in fleet management because of their willingness to leverage software and data to track maintenance and improve processes. In this episode, we sit down with Carlos Romero of C&C Complete Service to learn about his recent interviewing experience and see what tips he has for somebody who is trying to become a first-time fleet manager. Question: For fleet managers (or people hiring fleet managers), what did your interview experience look like? Send us an email and your response could be featured on a future podcast episode or blog post.Guest this Episode: Carlos Romero, C&C Complete ServiceTakeaways from this episode:The right fleet management role for you might not even exist yet. Sometimes you have to convince an organization that they need somebody to manage their fleet. Leverage the interview setting to learn about an organization's current system and speak to past experiences to show that you understand their scenario. Take advantage of any learning opportunities that exist - newsletters, fleet management associations, podcasts and more. Additional Links and Resources:The First 90 Days for a New Fleet Manager (podcast)Key Skills, Challenges & Responsibilities of a Fleet Manager (blog)Building a Fleet Management Skillset (webinar)Fleet Management Associations (list)Fleetio's Resource Library

As of Friday, September 22 at noon, the UAW announced their decision to extend the footprint of their strike against the "Big Three" automakers – General Motors, Stellantis and Ford. In this episode, we look into why the UAW union members are striking, as well as the potential impact it could have on your fleet from a parts and vehicle purchasing standpoint. How are you preparing your fleet for the potential impact of the UAW strike? Send us an email and your response could be featured on a future podcast episode or blog post. Takeaways from this episode: While the strike might not have large scale implications yet, fleet managers should always look at news like this through the lens of a future impact and take steps to reduce the impact to your fleet.Your fleet management strategy should be especially flexible and proactive: (1.) predict which critical parts you will need soon and go ahead and build up your stock (2.) identify which vehicles are nearing end of life and look into procuring replacements or reducing their utilization.Resources for fleet managers:Government Fleet: How Will UAW Strike Affect New, Used, and Rental Vehicles?How to Maintain Aging Fleet Vehicles [Blog]8 Best Practices for Parts Inventory Management [Blog]

With inflation and economic uncertainty, companies are looking for ways to reduce their operating expenses. While many of the costs associated with fleet are unavoidable, there are some steps that fleets can take to control their costs of operation and improve their bottom line. In this episode, we talk with Tim Denny of Onward Fleet Solutions, fleet industry veteran and founder of a fleet management company, to learn what fleets should expect in the coming months and to hear some of the tips he's providing to current customers in anticipation of restricted budgets. Guest this Episode:Tim Denny, Founder and CEO, Onward Fleet SolutionsTakeaways from our conversation with Tim: 1. Let your fleet's data guide your decision making.2. Stay communicative and transparent with those around you.3. You might have to try new things to see positive change.4. Set clear and measurable goals to gauge your success.Additional Links and Resources:The True Total Cost of Ownership for Fleets (Download)7 Ways to Reduce Fleet Costs (Blog)Start Tracking Your Fleet Expenses (Tool)Try Fleetio for Free

Success in fleet management might be obvious for those in fleet, but difficult to comprehend for people outside of fleet. If you're looking to grow your fleet operations, you need to be able to clearly communicate the status of your fleet with stakeholders in leadership positions. In this episode, we talk with fleet veteran, Bob Polka of Treeways, to learn about his relationship with the c-suite and steps he has taken to keep them involved in fleet decisions.Guest this Episode:Bob Polka, Director of Fleet Operations, TreewaysTakeaways from our conversation with Bob:1. Think about your operation from the perspective of your key stakeholders.2. Have regular meetings to keep everybody informed.3. Leverage technology to make your data accessible.4. Know which metrics matter and focus on high-visibility areas of your fleet.5. Be confident in yourself and the knowledge you have.Additional Links and Resources:Masters of Fleet: Basic Principles of Fleet ManagementUnderstanding Fleet Data (Blog Series)Fleet Management KPIs to Target (Blog)

Michael D. Watkins describes The First 90 Days as a make or break period for new managers. During this time, opinions are created that will likely carry throughout the rest of your time in that organization. In this episode of The Fleet Code, we sat down with two of Fleetio's own, who both come from fleet management roles. Jon Hinkle and Mike Eldredge share some of their learned lessons from their times in fleet, as well as advice for new fleet managers who are searching for ways to make a positive impact.Guest this Episode:Jon Hinkle, Customer Success Manager, FleetioMike Eldredge, Customer Success Manager, FleetioTakeaways from our conversation with Jon & Mike:1. Listen to your people to build trust and understand their issues.2. Ask targeted questions to figure out what you don't yet know.3. Build processes and metrics to help you track your progress.4. Share your discoveries with the team.5. Identify and support other leaders on your team.Additional Links and Resources:90-Day Plan for Fleet Managers (PDF)The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins (Book)How to Audit Your Fleet's Performance (Blog)Find the ROI of Fleet Management Software (Tool)

From harsh winters to swarms of insects, each season brings a new challenge for fleet managers trying to ensure continued safety and productivity within their fleet. In this episode of The Fleet Code, we sat down with James Shelton of Jiffy Lube International to gather some tangible actions that fleet managers can take to prepare their fleet for each passing season.Guest this Episode:James Shelton, Technical Field Support Manager, Jiffy Lube InternationalTakeaways from our conversation with James:1. When in doubt, refer to the owner's manual. 2. Seasonality preparedness is about more than just temperature swings.3. Talk to others to learn about the unique challenges of your geographic region.Additional Links and Resources:Free Fleet Maintenance Spreadsheet Template (Download)Preparing Your Fleet for Crisis (White Paper)How Driver Input Enhances Fleet Safety Policies (Blog)

We're back with a new season of The Fleet Code, bringing you even more tips and tricks from the leading voices in fleet. In this episode of The Fleet Code, we sat down with Tom Rowlings from the City of Cambridge to learn about his experience in sourcing new fleet technologies and some steps that he took to ensure its rollout was a success. Guests this Episode:Tom Rowlings, Assistant Fleet Manager, City of CambridgeDominique Leupi, Lead Customer Success Manager, FleetioTakeaways from our conversation with Tom: 1. Find the right solution for your fleet.2. Train smart, tailoring the experience to your team.3. Get buy-in by showing the functionality.4. Listen to the people who will use the software.Additional Links and Resources: Implementing a New Fleet Management Software (White Paper)Calculate the ROI of Fleet Management Software (Free Tool)The 5 Elements of the ADKAR Model

In this episode of The Fleet Code, Kris Gault with Embark Safety joins us to discuss the importance of mitigating risks with a driver safety policy and reporting. From identifying potential risks to leveraging your existing partnerships, this episode will talk fleet managers through the steps of creating an initial risk management plan and ways to build upon that plan in the months and years to come.Learn more about Kris Gault and Embark Safety: https://www.embarksafety.com/If you're looking for additional information on preparing your fleet for crises, this free white paper can help you understand the steps you can take to prepare your fleet for pandemics, natural disaster and other dangers. Link: https://www.fleetio.com/downloads/preparing-your-fleet-for-crisis-white-paper

In this episode of The Fleet Code, Greg Mattes, Fleetio's Vice President of Product Strategy, is joined by Craig Rice – the long time fleet manager for the City of Detroit and responsible for implementing VMRS into their maintenance reporting. This episode is the second part of a two-part series where we talk about the implementation process of VMRS, best practices when standardizing your maintenance reporting, and ways to encourage employee buy-in as you make the transition.

In this episode of The Fleet Code, Greg Mattes, Fleetio's Vice President of Product Strategy, is joined by two industry veterans in Jack Poster and Jon White – who both have decades of experience in implementing and updating VMRS codes. This episode is the first part of a two-part series where we provide an overview of VMRS, it's history, and ways that fleets of all sizes can implement VMRS codes to standardize their maintenance reporting.

In this episode of The Fleet Code, we're joined by Dominique Leupi, Lead Customer Success Manager at Fleetio, and Celia Ballou, the Lead Customer Success Specialist at Fleetio. We'll discuss the three-pronged approach to implementing change, as well as tips and best practices observed through others in the industry.

In this episode of The Fleet Code, we're joined by Laura Maxwell, CAFS, Product Marketing Manager at Fleetio. We'll discuss the ins and outs of NAFA's CAFS and CAFM Certification Programs for fleet managers, including why certification content is so valuable, plus tips and tricks for being successful throughout the certification process.Learn more about NAFA's Certification Programs at nafa.org.

In this episode of The Fleet Code, we're joined by fleet management veteran Robert Johnson, Fleet and Safety Manager at Kayak Public Transit. We'll discuss how fleet managers can use data to build compliant fleet maintenance programs that ensure driver safety and maximize vehicle health and uptime.

In this episode of The Fleet Code, we're joined by Corey Woinarowicz, Director of Business Development at Nocell Technologies. We'll discuss the shocking impact of distracted driving on fleets plus the technology and processes fleet managers can put in place to ensure driver safety on the road. For more on Nocell Technologies visit: nocell.com

In this episode of The Fleet Code, we're joined by Adam Bliss, IT & Safety Manager at J. Pettiecord and Christian Robinson, Fleetio Lead Customer Success Manager. We'll discuss how J. Pettiecord ensures and enforces safety measures, speeds up communication among employees and leverages data to keep its fleet running smoothly.

In this episode of the Fleet Code, we discuss fleet sustainability, including vehicle emission reduction, carbon neutrality, Alternative Fuels and electric vehicles. We welcome Stephanie Wittman, channel marketing manager at Fleetio. Joining us to lend his expertise is Tim Venghaus. Tim is a director of business development at GreenPrint, a corporate sustainability technology solution provider.For more on GreenPrint visit: greenermiles.eco

In this episode, we’re joined by Ernest Acevedo of Boyle Transportation. We discuss the latest fleet trends including, how you can integrate telematics device data into a centralized platform, where the industry is heading with predictive analytics, the impact of 5G and more.

In this episode of The Fleet Code, we're joined by Luciano Briozzo of OTL Solutions Spain and Dominique Leupi, Fleetio lead customer success manager. We'll discuss application programming interfaces (APIs), what their role is in connecting fleet data and how they can improve efficiency, data mining and potentially increase your fleet's profitability.

In this episode of The Fleet Code, we're joined by AAA Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Ian Lomax. We'll discuss how AAA Oregon/Idaho was able to achieve near-perfect on-time service compliance for its fleet by ditching antiquated processes and leveraging a modern fleet management platform to enhance efficiency.To learn more visit www.fleetio.com/podcast