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.

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.

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.

Funding for vehicle replacement purchases is a frequent target of budget cutters when a company is under pressure to reduce costs or increase profits. These short term decisions can have a significant long term financial impact.

cost control; technology

The marketplace abounds with GPS-based remote vehicle tracking and monitoring systems. Do the benefits to your fleet operation of such a system justify the cost?

One of the easiest ways to cope with soaring fuel costs is to simply drive less. This can be done without negatively affecting customer contacts or service levels, although options do vary depending on the type of business you're in and the ways in which you use vehicles to support your business. The key is to plan vehicle use to the fullest extent possible so as to avoid making multiple trips when a single one will do, and to avoid traveling during periods of peak traffic congestion when off-peak trips will suffice.

Fleet managers are under constant pressure to lower costs, especially in a tough economic climate - like the past few years. The need or desire to control costs also increases the interest in outsourcing. This article discusses the key steps for having a cost-competitive fleet management program.

Fleet managers are under increasing pressure to lower costs these days. In the difficult economic climate of the past few years this pressure has had more to do with the need to balance the city or county budget than with political agendas or ideologies. However, bad economic times also are bound to increase decision makers' interest in the issue of outsourcing. This double whammy of fiscal imperatives and political scrutiny has caused more than a few fleet managers to go prematurely gray in recent years. This article explores some of the aspects of understanding the costs associated with managing a cost effective fleet.

Fleet operations, even emergency vehicle fleets, are under constant pressure to contain costs of maintenance and operation of equipment. However, there are several proven techniques to increase cost-effectiveness without sacrificing asset reliability and availability. This article highlights ten methods for achieving these often polarized goals.

cost control; fleet management

Many fleet operations utilize a charge-back system to recognize the total cost of ownership for each individual vehicle and the fleet as a whole. Most organizations focus primarily on the development and maintenance of charge-back rates due to their complexity, need for updating, and their use a competitive price comparison. Whereas the customer billing process is the least  area of focus, because it is almost always involves an accounting agency. However, customer billing adds significant value to a fleet operation beyond the simple transfer of funds from one account to another. This article takes a comprehensive look at the value that customer billing brings to a fleet operation and its parent organization.

Fleet management operations have a more difficult time justifying their budget during a tight economy, but the correct strategy can get you the funds that you need. By being a knowledgeable and politically savvy fleet manager you can weather financially tough times that for many vehicle and equipment management operations would mean cutting staff and services just to survive. This document discusses the methods for navigating fiscally rough waters as a professional fleet manager.

Benchmarking allows fleet management organizations to measure their performance against industry best practices. The process of benchmarking requires specific steps in order to be successful. This article discusses the process for effective fleet management benchmarking and how these measures can be utilized to remain competitive during times of lean budgets and increased performance accountability.

In lean economic times organizations look to reduce their fleet operating and ownership costs. Here are 13 proven methods for reducing costs without sacrificing service quality.

Understanding the true cost for owning and operating a fleet enables a manager to control its associated direct and indirect expenses. Most people understand direct expenses, like fuel and maintenance. However, there are other less obvious costs that also impact the total cost of ownership of a fleet. This article discusses the meaning of both indirect costs and their impact.

As funding for fleet replacement diminishes in a tough economy many organizations begin considering alternative methods, such as lease-purchase financing, to purchase new vehicles and equipment. This articles discusses the funding options that are available to government and commercial organization and how each funding approach works.