mercury is a leading provider of comprehensive fleet management consulting services to utility companies, military, transit, federal agencies, state and local government, school districts, companies, and private businesses.

 

mercury fleet management articles - read articles written by our team of vehicle and equipment consultants and published in some of the most subscribed to magazines in the vehicle and equipment industry.

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Our team of professional fleet, travel, and relocation management consultants is recognized throughout the industry as experts on a wide range of mobility topics. Articles such, we are routinely invited to write articles for industry periodicals and manuals. In our ongoing effort to provide information to fleet, travel, and relocation management professionals on how they can optimize their operation we are pleased to make a number of our recent publications available online.

 

All of our articles are in an Adobe PDF file format. To view these articles you must have the Adobe Viewer 5.0 application or later , which can be found at www.adobe.com.

 

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Strategic fleet management planning is critical for implementing change and its effects, and guiding and achieving sustainable improvement.
Title : Strategic Fleet Management
Subject : fleet management
Synopsis : Strategic fleet management planning is critical for implementing change and its effects, guiding and achieving sustainable improvement, attaining stature and influence, promoting autonomy and self sufficiency, and providing opportunities for growth and professional advancement. However, it is a resource lacking in many vehicle and equipment operations. This presentation guides users through key elements, such as fleet replacement planning, for establishing an effective business plan.
Date : 9/2008
File Size : 9,480 KB
Download : Creating a strategic fleet management business plan is essential for managing the effects of change, guiding and achieve improvement, attaining stature and influence, promoting autonomy and self sufficiency, and providing opportunities for growth.
 

Business Plans and Service Level Agreements

 

Sample fleet management service agreement by Mercury Associates fleet management consulting services.

Title :

RMFMA - Business Plans and Service Level Agreements

Subject :

fleet management

Synopsis :

Developing a fleet management business plan is essential for managing the effects of change, guiding and achieve improvement, attaining stature and influence, promoting autonomy and self sufficiency, and providing opportunities for growth and professional advancement. A service level agreement (SLA) can also assist with achieving the goals of a business plan by establishing schedules, costs, responsibilities, and accountabilities of a fleet operation to its customers. This presentation (i.e., File 1) illustrates some of the key reasons and elements for establishing a business plan and SLA. Also included in a separate file is a sample SLA (i.e., File 2).

Date :

9/2008

File Size :

 

File 1 :

253 KB

File 2 :

65 KB

Download :

 

File 1 :

Business Plans and Service Level Agreements

File 2 :

Sample fleet management service agreement by Mercury Associates fleet management consulting services.

 
Rent-Lease-Buy Decision Making - A Presentation CONNEXPO-CONN/AGG 2008
Title :

Rent-Lease-Buy Decision Making - A Presentation CONNEXPO-CONN/AGG 2008

Subject :

fleet replacement

Synopsis :

The timely replacement of vehicles is a challenge that most organizations face. By implementing fleet replacement best practices, such as projecting vehicle and equipment replacement requires over multiple years, one can plan funding requirements several years ahead of time and increase the likelihood of receiving sufficient funds. This presentation illustrates several best practices that can assist managers with fleet replacement activities.

Date :

3/2008

File Size :

408 KB

Download :

Rent-Lease-Buy Decision Making - A Presentation CONNEXPO-CONN/AGG 2008

 
2007 Australia Fleet Management Master Class by the industry leading fleet management consulting firm.
Title : Fleet Management Master Class - Australia 2007
Subject : fleet management
Synopsis :

Public and private-sector organizations of many types and sizes operate fleets of vehicles and motorized equipment to fulfill their missions. Whether to meet the mobility needs of employees or customers; facilitate the delivery of goods and materials; underpin law enforcement or national defense missions; or support manufacturing, construction, utility, public works, or other services, fleet management is a vital but often underappreciated and oversimplified area of endeavor for many enterprises. Nonetheless, much of what passes for management training in the fleet industry consists of thinly disguised sales pitches for goods or services offered by industry suppliers.

In recognition of the need for independent, unbiased information and technical guidance on global trends and best practices in fleet management, Fleet Software & Services Pty Ltd has arranged for Washington, DC-based Mercury Associates, Inc. to join with it this October in conducting two-day seminars on fleet management best practices in Melbourne and Sydney. Mercury Associates, Inc. (www.mercury-assoc.com) is the world’s largest independent fleet management consulting and training firm. Members of its professional staff have conducted numerous training programs for fleet management professionals in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia over the last 20 years.

This presentation is in support of these best practices master seminars in Australia covering a broad array of fleet management practices, strategies, and techniques of interest to both newcomers to, and seasoned veterans of, the fleet industry.

Date : 10/2007
File Size : 8,980 KB
Download : 2007 Australia Fleet Management Master Class by the industry leading fleet management consulting firm.
 
Methods for utilizing information to implement cost control measures and benchmarks for saving money.
Title : Converting Information into Dollars
Subject : information systems; technology; cost control
Synopsis :

Converting information into savings requires that an organization capture the total cost of ownership (TCO) for its fleet operation using fully burden rates for internal labor, parts management, commercial services, and fuel services. These rates are then loaded into a fleet information system that calculates the cost of products and services on a per unit basis, which can then be analyzed for opportunities to control costs without impacting service levels. This presentation illustrates the steps required to begin implementing information measures and benchmarks that can be utilized to covert information into dollars.

Date : 10/2007
File Size : 1,002 KB
Download : Methods for utilizing information to implement cost control measures and benchmarks for saving money.
 
The timely replacement of vehicles is a challenge that most organizations face. By implementing replacement best practices organizations can have a younger and less costly fleet.
Title : 2007 Fleet Replacement Best Practices
Subject : fleet replacement
Synopsis :

The timely replacement of vehicles is a challenge that most organizations face. By implementing fleet replacement best practices, such as projecting vehicle and equipment replacement requires over multiple years, one can plan funding requirements several years ahead of time and increase the likelihood of receiving sufficient funds. This presentation illustrates several best practices that can assist managers with fleet replacement activities.

Date : 10/2007
File Size : 160 KB
Download : The timely replacement of vehicles is a challenge that most organizations face. By implementing replacement best practices organizations can have a younger and less costly fleet.
 
Selecting and acquiring a fleet management information system is a process that requires a lengthy process of evaluation, due diligence of the software company and its products, development of a functional matrix and RFP, and demonstrations.
Title :

Acquiring and Using a Fleet Management Information System to Manage Your Fleet

 
Subject : information systems; technology  
Synopsis :

Selecting and acquiring a fleet management information system is a process that requires a lengthy process of evaluation, due diligence of the software company and its products, development of a functional matrix and RFP, and hosting scripted demonstrations. It is also a process that can confuse and overwhelm most fleet managers. However, when these steps are followed properly an organization can procure a state-of-the-art fleet system that best fits their operation; but selecting and purchasing a system is only beginning. Once a fleet information system is installed, a new set of challenges related to its use become the focus. This presentation discusses these issues and the benefits of selecting and using a modern fleet solution.

 
Date : 4/2007  
File Size : 5,398 KB  
Download : Selecting and acquiring a fleet management information system is a process that requires a lengthy process of evaluation, due diligence of the software company and its products, development of a functional matrix and RFP, and demonstrations.  
 
The decision to rent, lease, or purchase vehicles and equipment with cash is a complex matter that can often overwhelm many a managers; but understanding the details of these purchasing mechanisms can mean the difference between a young and old fleet.
Title :

Fleet Vehicles and Equipment - Rent Lease Buy Decision Making

Subject :

fleet replacement

Synopsis :

The decision to rent, lease, or purchase vehicles and equipment with cash is a complex matter that can often overwhelm many a managers; but understanding the details of these purchasing mechanisms can mean the difference between a young and old fleet. This presentation takes an in-depth look at the key differences between procuring assets with rental agreements, lease contracts, and cash.

Date :

3/2007

File Size :

369 KB

Download :

The decision to rent, lease, or purchase vehicles and equipment with cash is a complex matter that can often overwhelm many a managers; but understanding the details of these purchasing mechanisms can mean the difference between a young and old fleet.

 
Many fleet operations have implemented sophisticated vehicle management software with limited success getting beyond using it as a work order and parts management system. This presentation explores several areas in which organizations can continue to leverage their fleet software to increase its value.
Title : Now that you have a fleet management system, what should you do with it?
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis : Many fleet operations have implemented sophisticated vehicle management software with limited success getting beyond using it as a work order and parts management system. This presentation explores several areas in which organizations can continue to leverage their fleet software to increase its value.
Date : 3/2007
File Size : 1,726 KB
Download : Many fleet operations have implemented sophisticated vehicle management software with limited success getting beyond using it as a work order and parts management system. This presentation explores several areas in which organizations can continue to leverage their fleet software to increase its value.
 
Developing a strategic fleet management business plan is essential for managing the effects of change, guiding and achieve improvement, attaining stature and influence, promoting autonomy and self sufficiency, and providing opportunities for growth.
Title : Developing a Strategic Business Plan for you Fleet Management Organization
Subject : fleet management
Synopsis : Developing a strategic fleet management business plan is essential for managing the effects of change, guiding and achieve improvement, attaining stature and influence, promoting autonomy and self sufficiency, and providing opportunities for growth and professional advancement. However, it is a resource lacking in many vehicle and equipment operations. This presentation guides users through key elements for establishing an effective business plan.
Date : 3/2007
File Size : 180 KB
Download : Developing a strategic fleet management business plan is essential for managing the effects of change, guiding and achieve improvement, attaining stature and influence, promoting autonomy and self sufficiency, and providing opportunities for growth.
 
Replacing specialty vehicles and equipment, like fire apparatus, in a timely manner can be a fiscal challenge for any fleet manager. Many operations refurbish such assets, because they perceive this to be more cost effective. This article explores the argument about refurbishing versus replacing expensive fire equipment.
Title : Fire Apparatus - Replace Versus Refurbish
Subject : asset lifecycle; fleet replacement; specialty and heavy equipment
Synopsis :

Replacing specialty vehicles and equipment, like fire apparatus, in a timely manner can be a fiscal challenge for any fleet manager. Many operations refurbish such assets, because they perceive this to be more cost effective. This article explores the argument about refurbishing versus replacing expensive fire equipment.

Date : 1/2007
File Size : 230 KB
Download : Replacing specialty vehicles and equipment, like fire apparatus, in a timely manner can be a fiscal challenge for any fleet manager. Many operations refurbish such assets, because they perceive this to be more cost effective. This article explores the argument about refurbishing versus replacing expensive fire equipment.
 
This article discusses how a fleet manager can justify the cost of tracking technology by creating the right partnerships.
Title : Team with Operations to Justify Tracking Technology
Subject : preventive maintenance; technology
Synopsis :

Fleet managers have struggled for years to get the information they need and to determine how to use the information effectively. Odometer readings, for example, are important for preventive maintenance management and vehicle utilization monitoring. But getting accurate and timely updates can be frustrating, because drivers often input incorrect numbers when they refuel. Vehicle tracking technologies, such as GPS and perimeter tag logging, have the ability to capture the information (e.g. current odometer reading) needed by fleet managers to quantitatively make decisions, but the cost is typically prohibitive. However, as fleet manager can leverage the political support of his / her customer base in order to make the investment possible. This article discusses how a fleet manager can justify the cost of tracking technology by creating the right partnerships.

Date : 11/2006
File Size : 43 KB
Download : This article discusses how a fleet manager can justify the cost of tracking technology by creating the right partnerships.
 
When consider hybrids and other specialized type of equipment the use of lifecycle cost analysis (LCA) is imperative when deciding to if it is worth the investment. This article explains the use of LCA for selecting vehicles during the procurement process.
Title : Are Hybrid-Electric Vehicles a Good Buy for Fleet ?
Subject : asset lifecycle; cost control; fleet management; fleet replacement
Synopsis :

Low bid is the mantra of most public procurement managers — and rightly so. However, “low bid” may not mean what you think it means. The question is: are you skilled enough to structure a bid specification and analyze the responses so that they consider lifecycle costs rather than just net acquisition cost? When consider hybrids and other specialized type of equipment the use of lifecycle cost analysis (LCA) is imperative when deciding to if it is worth the investment. This article explains the use of LCA for selecting vehicles during the procurement process.

Date : 10/2006
File Size : 527 KB
Download : When consider hybrids and other specialized type of equipment the use of lifecycle cost analysis (LCA) is imperative when deciding to if it is worth the investment. This article explains the use of LCA for selecting vehicles during the procurement process.
 
There are several topics that fleet management professional are being confronted with in 2006, such as vehicle replacement planning, cost reduction and control, managing take-home vehicles and assignment, and purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles.
Title : Trends in Fleet Management - 2006 - For Professional Fleet Managers
Subject : fleet management
Synopsis :

There are several topics that fleet management professional are being confronted with in 2006, such as vehicle replacement planning, cost reduction and control, managing take-home vehicles and assignment, and purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles. This presentation discusses these major trends and techniques for managing them effectively.

Date : 9/2006
File Size : 595 KB
Download : There are several topics that fleet management professional are being confronted with in 2006, such as vehicle replacement planning, cost reduction and control, managing take-home vehicles and assignment, and purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles.
 
Implementing fuel management techniques, policies and procedures in an effort to mitigate the financial impact of rising fuel costs is critical.
Title : Mitigating Fuel Costs
Subject : cost control; fuel management
Synopsis :

Implementing fuel management techniques, policies and procedures in an effort to mitigate the financial impact of rising fuel costs is critical. This article discusses some of the proven methods for achieving lower costs through greater fuel efficiency.

Date : 5/2006
File Size : 41 KB
Download : Implementing fuel management techniques, policies and procedures in an effort to mitigate the financial impact of rising fuel costs is critical.
 
The implementation of any enterprise management information system is a complex task that requires planning, experience and sufficient resources in order to successfully avoid project issues.
Title : Implementing a New Fleet Management Information System - To Do and Not To Do
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

The implementation of any enterprise management information system is a complex task that requires planning, experience and sufficient resources in order to successfully avoid project issues. This presentation address some of the key points on avoiding pitfalls that can hamper an effective implementation.

Date : 9/2005
File Size : 73 KB
Download : The implementation of any enterprise management information system is a complex task that requires planning, experience and sufficient resources in order to successfully avoid project issues.
 
Which emerging fleet and vehicle technologies should fleet managers be tracking on their radar screen?
Title : The Road Ahead - Emerging Vehicle Technologies
Subject : technology
Synopsis :

Which emerging fleet and vehicle technologies should fleet managers be tracking on their radar screen? As GPS and AVL technologies begin to mature (and come down in cost) and new vehicle solutions begin to emerge, which ones add enough value to implement.

Date : 8/2005
File Size : 504 KB
Download : Which emerging fleet and vehicle technologies should fleet managers be tracking on their radar screen?
 
There is little point on implementing and operating a state-of-the-art fleet information system atop a finely tuned servers and network hardware if the information it generates and the decisions based on that information are flawed.
Title : IT For Fleet Managers - Gathering Reliable Data - Part 5
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

There is little point on implementing and operating a state-of-the-art fleet information system atop a finely tuned servers and network hardware if the information it generates and the decisions based on that information are flawed. This article discusses the proven techniques for gathering reliable data to mine for management information.

Date : 8/2005
File Size : 34 KB
Download : There is little point on implementing and operating a state-of-the-art fleet information system atop a finely tuned servers and network hardware if the information it generates and the decisions based on that information are flawed.
 
Funding for vehicle replacement purchases is a frequent target of budget cutters when a company is under pressure to reduce costs or increase profits.
Title : Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later - The Truth About Vehicle lifecycle Management
Subject : asset lifecycle; cost control; fleet replacement
Synopsis :