NAFA Connection
NAFA Fleet Management Association
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) announced Tuesday an agreement with Mercury Associates, Inc., to deliver fleet management seminars in specific under-served markets of the United States.
Within the next year, Mercury will conduct seminars on NAFA's behalf in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The seminars will be based on NAFA's always-popular "Fleet Management Seminar," which serves professionals with less than five years' experience; and "Advanced Fleet Management Seminar," which is geared to meet the needs of more experienced fleet managers and those who are candidates for Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) - or the new, lower-tier Certified Automotive Fleet Supervisor (CAFS).
"NAFA's seminars are taught by fleet managers who volunteer their time and expertise," said NAFA Executive Director Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "Because those fleet managers cannot travel extensively for NAFA, we have limited our seminars to times and places where the instructors were already gathered, such as during the NAFA Board of Governors meetings. Our agreement with Mercury allows NAFA to use their experts to teach the materials, thereby freeing us of a constraint that was hindering our ability to serve markets that have a need for our education. An added value is that Mercury professionals have previously conducted fleet management seminars in Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean, as well as in Europe, Australia and several countries in Asia."
Mercury Associates President Paul Lauria commented, "We are pleased to be able to work with NAFA and help them extend their footprint. Mercury has a number of experienced instructors, including some who have earned their Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation, with long-time connections to NAFA."
The Mercury agreement is NAFA's first step in our strategic initiative, with the ultimate goal of providing fleet management seminars outside of North America. "Mercury has experience providing fleet management seminars and services to clients in an international venue," said NAFA President Gayle Pratt. "We are excited about the opportunity to leverage its combination of fleet management expertise and international experience to reach fleet professionals who can benefit from the educational services made possible by our collaboration."
Did you know NAFA's I&E is the best industry event to network, build your resources, receive cutting-edge training and education and be exposed to a powerhouse of fleet knowledge and expertise? Thirty-five percent of attendees will have a fleet size of 501 - 2,000 vehicles and 32% have an annual budget of $1,000,001 - $5,000,000. You can't afford to miss this year's I&E, with over 201 exhibitors showcasing their products and dozens of sessions to help improve your fleet!
Attendees' fleet composition for the 2009 I&E is comprised of:
- 95% Cars/Station Wagons/SUVs
- 85% Passenger/Cargo Vans
- 81% Trucks <16,000 gvw
- 66% Trucks 16,001 - 26,000 gvw
- 52% Trucks >26,000 gvw
- 46% Law Enforcement/Emergency Vehicles
- 43% Equipment (Highway and Non-Highway Vehicles)
The Green Zone, Green Fleet Ride-and-Drive, and the Public Safety Group Roadeo will provide attendees with the latest technologies and most current, cost-efficient ways to green their fleets. Whether you come to network, attend valuable sessions, or see the latest services and products, NAFA's I&E will have it for you all under one roof! Click here to register!
NAFA's Fleet Management Seminars have provided fleet professionals with the most comprehensive information and training in the industry. Now you can save over $50 by enrolling in the June FMS before the May 14th early-bird deadline. Don't wait too much longer! All of our past seminars have sold out!
Fleet Management Seminar
June 3-5, 2009
Newark Airport Hilton Hotel
Newark, NJ
www.nafa.org/fms
NAFA's Fleet Management Seminar is designed to provide comprehensive education to fleet managers and professionals who seek the fundamental principles and practices of successful fleet management. Topics covered include: Policies and Procedures; Acquisition and Disposal; Fleet Organization and Responsibilities; Maintenance Management and Risk Management.
If you have any questions regarding the Fleet Management Seminar, please contact Kate Shelko at 609.986.1059 or kshelko@nafa.org. Click here to download a registration form.
James "Jim" Rallo, former member of NAFA's Board of Governors, Vice President of the NAFA Foundation and Affiliate Trustee, has retired from PHH Arval, a subsidiary of PHH Corporation, after 38 years with the company, and many outstanding contributions to the fleet management industry.
Rallo joined PHH in 1970. During his career he held numerous management positions including Regional Manager, Regional Vice President, Senior Vice President Sales, and Senior Vice President Sales and Client Relations.
For the past 11 years, he served as vice president of strategic partnerships, where he developed and maintained the company's relationships with domestic and import vehicle manufacturers and expanded PHH Arval's global reach to Japan and Africa through affiliations and partnerships.
Rallo's many accomplishments and long-standing commitment to the fleet management profession have made him a leading industry spokesman by his business peers, competitors and media. In the area of legislation (Clean Air Act and Energy Policy (EPACT) he has been actively involved. On behalf of the fleet industry and PHH, Rallo has testified before a number of state, congressional and federal agencies.
Rallo was also a leader in fleet industry organizations, including:
- Receiving NAFA's Honorary Life Membership Award in 1997 for distinguished service to the fleet industry.
- Automotive Fleet Leasing Association (AFLA), where he was past president, executive vice president, vice president and leader of numerous committees.
- American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA), where he led the industry standards initiative which standardized specifications from the Domestic Three motor companies for ordering new vehicles.
Reflecting on Rallo's career, George Kilroy, President and CEO of PHH Arval, said, "Jim's business knowledge, understanding of all aspects of fleet management and great relationships throughout the automotive industry, have been tremendous assets to PHH Arval. He has had a lasting, positive impact on the fleet management industry and will be sorely missed. We hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement."
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Register Now!
If you attend only one event this year, make it NAFA's I&E! The Institute & Expo is just around the corner.
- Arm yourself with cutting-edge training and education
- Stay connected: network with thousands of fleet professionals
- Plug in to the latest services and products on the expo floor
- Become a more marketable fleet professional by sharing and learning from colleagues in different fields and sectors
- Strengthen your skills with training created BY fleet managers, FOR fleet managers
"If a fleet professional wants to be a leader, one needs to go to I&E. To date, the knowledge, information and expertise that I've gained at I&E has been readily apparent to my employer and has contributed to helping us save millions of dollars."
- Dave Schiller, CAFM, Fleet Safety & Materials Manager, Department of Natural Resources, State of Minnesota
"The I&E is the only place to achieve training for my position. I know I will walk away with at least one new idea and, in truth, many new ideas to pursue within my company. Whether it be cost savings ideas, driver issues, organizational skills, technology insights or kicking the tires of a new product, my company gains."
- Sheryl Grossman, Fleet Manager, GE Healthcare
Capturing Value For Your Money
I&E is a necessary investment this year! Review how you can get your money's worth of networking and innovative ideas:
- Strengthen your fleet knowledge and skills, with a wealth of NAFA training and knowledge created BY fleet managers, FOR fleet managers!
- Become a more marketable and essential fleet professional by sharing and learning from colleagues in different fields and sectors.
- Track the winds of change! New technology, new rules and regulations and higher costs are just a few of the issues that will be covered this year. Through sessions and speakers, see where the industry is headed in the future, something you can't afford to miss! Click here to register!
Save money and gain knowledge at this year's I&E. Take advantage of several airline and rental car discounts, by clicking on "Attendee Information" and then "General Information" on the left-hand side at www.nafaiande.org.
Make Your Hotel Reservations Now!
Hotel cut-off date for the NAFA group rate has been extended until Friday, April 17, 2009.
I&E is only 2 weeks away, so if you haven't registered yet, there's still time to do so! Register online here.
The New Orleans Hilton Riverside will serve as the headquarters hotel, and registrants are encouraged to make their hotel reservations early, as the I&E takes place the same time as New Orleans' famous Jazz Fest! Early hotel reservations can be made through NAFA's I&E Web site at
www.NAFAIandE.org. For hotel information, online reservations and forms, visit the Hotel and Travel page.
The Hilton New Orleans Riverside, which is next to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, offers group rates of $226 to $276. Online reservations can be made at http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/MSYNHHH-AFA-20090418/index.jhtml.
The DoubleTree New Orleans is four blocks from the New Orleans Morial Convention Center and offers a group rate of $226. Online reservations can be made at 
http://www.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/MSYTCDT-AFA-20090419/index.jhtml.
The first night's room rate is required as an advance deposit for all reservations. The cut-off date for reservations has been extended to April 17. NAFA will be providing shuttle service between the hotels and convention center.
Airline Discounts:
American Airlines is offering 5 percent off the lowest applicable published air fare. For phone reservations, call (800) 433-1790 and refer to authorization code A7949AG (a $20 ticketing fee will be added to phone reservations). To book online, log on to www.AA.com and refer to promotion code A7949AG. For tickets purchased at an airport, a $30 ticketing fee will be added. This amount is subject to change. International originating guests need to call their local reservations number and refer to NAFA's Promotion Code A7949AG.
Continental Airlines - For phone reservations, call Continental Airlines' Meeting Works at (800) 468-7022 and provide the Z Code, ZEYP; and Agreement Code, CMNM59, to save 2 to 15 percent off published fares (excluding tax). There will be a $15 service fee collected, per ticket, for all tickets issued through Meeting Works Reservations or any Continental Airlines ticketing facility. The service fee is non-refundable and applies to all itineraries one-way or round trip.
NorthWest Airlines - For phone reservations, call (800) 328-1111 and provide Worldfile number NYVFD. Book online: www.nwa.com.
Car Rental Discounts:
Enterprise has been named the "official car rental company" for NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo. To arrange your car rental reservation, follow this link: http://www.enterprise.com/billboard/page.do?dspg=6948. For telephone reservations, call Enterprise at (800) 261-7331 and mention our corporate number (24E2998) for a discount. Please note: Online reservations may cost less than telephone reservations.
Public Safety Group (PSG) Roadeo
Join your fellow Public Safety Fleet Managers at the PSG Roadeo on April 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Test your prowess behind the wheel and try to beat your peers at timed events. Vehicles to be provided by: Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation. Specialty vehicles, available to drive, will be supplied by American Chariot and T3 Motion, Inc.; and Pierce Manufacturing will provide a fire engine to test drive.
This event will provide information on how to skillfully maneuver your vehicle through different courses, while being timed for speed and accuracy; highlight new accessories and equipment available from OEMs to best serve the public safety community; and show how each manufacturer's vehicle differs in the way it handles in various situations.
This special event is restricted to registrants with a Public Safety badge and OEM manufacturers who bring vehicles, equipment, and apparatus to the Roadeo for driving or static display. Click here for more information.
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!
For CAFM or CAFS candidates who want instructor-led training, the best investment is NAFA's annual Institute & Expo, held in New Orleans, April 25-28. Attendees enrolled in the CAFM or CAFS programs are encouraged to study in advance; test on Friday, April 24; attend CAFM Boot Camp sessions on those disciplines they haven't yet passed; and stay to retest on Wednesday, April 29, if necessary.
CAFM Boot Camp sessions review those concepts in the curriculum with which most candidates have difficulty, based on test result analysis. The double test at this event is offered for a single testing fee and saves candidates $200.
When not attending CAFM Boot Camp sessions, candidates can take advantage of unique expositions and educational and networking offerings. Be sure to attend the CAFM reception on Saturday afternoon to meet NAFA's Certification Board and hear useful tips, over refreshments. There might even be time to unwind in the beautiful "Crescent City" of New Orleans, where Jazz Fest will be in full swing.
Take the CAFM Exam and Receive Results the Next Day!
Results of Friday's testing will be provided by Saturday morning. Those candidates who pass the remainder of their exams, and thereby complete the program, are encouraged to participate in the ceremony at the CAFM breakfast on Tuesday morning. Dress for the certification ceremony is business attire—coat and tie suggested for men.
Costs may be tax deductible as a professional expense, if not covered by an employer. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has recently approved the CAFM program for test fee reimbursement to eligible service members and their families.
NAFA's CAFM and CAFS Certification Programs
The CAFM program is divided into eight disciplines, covering the essential core competencies of fleet management. The eight disciplines are now grouped into two tiers. The lower tier consists of Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development and Vehicle Fuel Management. The upper tier consists of Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management and Risk Management.
Successfully testing in all eight disciplines while enrolled in the full CAFM program, earns participants the CAFM designation. Successfully testing in all four disciplines of the lower tier during a full CAFM program or lower-tier enrollment period, earns participants the Certified Automotive Fleet Supervisor (CAFS) designation, which is new for 2009. Those who have earned the CAFS designation and keep it active through recertification, may subsequently enroll in the upper tier and earn the CAFM designation by successfully testing in the remaining four disciplines during that enrollment period.
Those completing the CAFM program may apply to Ferris State University (FSU) in Big Rapids, Michigan, for 12 college credits at $85 per credit, and use that toward a degree there or transfer credits to another school. Those completing the CAFS may apply for six college credits. The college credit is offered through the FSU Colleges of Business and Engineering Technology. Contact NAFA at certification@nafa.org with questions, or for more information.
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!
The Ride-and-Drive will take place on Monday, April 27, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. It's a chance for I&E attendees to see and drive the latest alt-fuel vehicles powered by natural gas, propane, ethanol and biodiesel. Companies confirmed for the event include: Altech-Eco (Transeco Energy); American Honda; Columbia ParCar; Diesel Technology Forum; Dueco; e-ride Industries; Miles Electric Vehicles, Inc.; ROUSH Performance; Ultra Motor USA; and PERC.
This event is open to all registered I&E fleet managers showing a valid driver's license. If you've ever wondered what it's like to drive an electric car or are interested in seeing the latest green technology, don't miss the Green Zone. For more information, visit www.nafaiande.org or click here to register.
NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo, the largest fleet management event of the year, is just one month away. Exhibitors are anxious to get their products and services in front of the hundreds of fleet managers who will be in attendance at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, from April 25-28.
"This is GPS Insight's third year attending NAFA I&E, and we consider it our most important event each year," said Rob Donat, President of GPS Insight, one of more than 200 companies that will be exhibiting at this year's I&E. GPS Insight, a leading supplier of GPS tracking hardware and software solutions for commercial and municipal fleet vehicles, will be displaying its best of breed GPS tracking solutions and multiple hardware and service options. "We invite all attendees to stop by to see what has changed at GPS Insight for 2009. This year we have 10 hardware offerings, including the right configuration for every fleet type and requirement. We continually enhance GPS Insight's software platform, which is scalable and can accommodate fleets of any size."
NAFA's I&E is the one event companies that do business with fleet managers cannot afford to miss. Fleet managers from all across the United States and Canada will be in attendance. The attendees range from those with less than five years of fleet management experience to those who have been fleet managers for a decade or more. The I&E offers the rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with fleet managers who are responsible for vehicle selection, maintenance, management services, fleet management systems, fuel management systems, vehicle uplifting, vehicle auction, safety management, leasing company services, accident management systems, training programs, short-term rentals, auto transport, and used vehicle grade publications.
NAFA hired NaylorCMG to manage exhibit sales this year and the results have been impressive. While many expos have been forced to cancel or downsize, NAFA's Expo is larger this year than last -- both in terms of the number of exhibitors and the total square footage of exhibit space sold. In addition, NAFA has kept a full program of educational sessions and speakers in place, as in years past. The combination is leading many to call this year's I&E the fleet event of the year.
Manufacturers such as American Honda Motor Company, Audi of America, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations, Harley Davidson Motor Company, Mazda North American Operations, Mercedes-Benz Fleet Operations, Subaru of America/Canada, and Toyota Fleet, will be exhibiting this year, while Chrysler remains a major sponsor. Some of the larger service providers on the floor will be Reading Fleet Services, Insurance Auto Auctions, Flexible Marketing, Magna-SVE Commercial Services, Wright Express, ARI, Adrian Steel, AmeriFleet, Comdata, and GE Capital.
For a complete list of exhibitors, please visit www.nafaiande.com. For information on exhibiting and I&E sponsorships, contact Mark Miller at 703-934-4700 x 1107, email: nafa@cmgexpo.com.
Here are the forms you will need to reserve your booth space today:
2009 NAFA Institute & Expo Floor Plan
2009 NAFA I&E Exhibit Space Application
Look at the vendors already signed up!
Sponsorships are also at the same number from last year, and on the rise. We have 24 current sponsors and continue to grow by the day! Click here to view sponsors. I&E sponsorship packages are designed with maximum return on investment in mind. We have designed valuable sponsorship packages that consider budgets of all sizes. Become an I&E sponsor! Contact Mark Miller at 703-934-4700, ext. 1107, or exhibits@nafa.org.
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!
LeasePlan will be helping sponsor NAFA's Habitat for Humanity project, taking place before the Institute & Expo in New Orleans. All volunteers will be given a t-shirt for the event, provided by LeasePlan. In addition, LeasePlan volunteers, including Louisiana natives Mike Pitcher, President and CEO; and Jon Toups, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Client Services; are grabbing a hammer and helping Team NAFA rebuild New Orleans on April 24.
Still Time To Volunteer!
How can you help? Plan to arrive a day early and join with other NAFA community volunteers to assist in a New Orleans Habitat for Humanity community project. On Friday, April 24, Team NAFA will partner and work with Habitat for Humanity on a local project. The work-day schedule is from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and buses will depart from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and Doubletree New Orleans Hotels at 7 a.m.
If you would like to be part of the Habitat for Humanity team, just fill out your I&E Registration Form, or register online and check the "Habitat For Humanity" box to participate. Exhibitors may consult their service kit for more information. For additional information on New Orleans Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat-nola.org.
In addition to the team of NAFA volunteers and their contribution, the NAFA Fleet Management Association is making a contribution to help continue Habitat for Humanity projects after I&E leaves the Crescent City.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to give not only to the fleet management community, but also to the New Orleans community. We are grateful for your support!
Chrysler LLC announced the launch of the Company's Supplier Support Program, as a result of the recent Obama Administration's announcement of a $5 billion program to provide suppliers with the confidence they need to continue shipping parts; and the support they need to help access loans to pay their employees and continue their operations.
"We applaud the initiative set forth by the Administration and appreciate that Chrysler and the U.S. Treasury came to complete agreement on the terms and conditions of the company's program expeditiously. This would not have been possible without the endorsement of our first lien bank group -- J.P.Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and others -- who provided the necessary authorization, allowing Chrysler to make the equity contribution to implement Chrysler's Supplier Support Program," said Chrysler LLC Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, Scott Garberding.
Under the program guidelines, suppliers have two options available: insurance of Chrysler's accounts receivable or accelerated payment of Chrysler's accounts receivable. The cost of the insurance option is two percent of each invoice, and the cost of the accelerated payment option is three percent of each invoice. As part of the Administration's Supplier Support Program, U.S. Treasury agreed to contribute a $1.5 billion line of credit, with the requirement that Chrysler make a five percent capital infusion. Chrysler's loan agreement requires authorization of the first lien bank group, prior to the company contributing capital into a new company. Chrysler will continue to work with the President's Auto Task Force on implementation of its program.
The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act is back in the spotlight, as car companies seek to reduce overhead, and car sales continue a rapid decline. With motorists keeping vehicles longer and dealership service bays closing at a swift pace, growing numbers of car owners are expected to turn to independent auto repair shops for service, according Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
U.S. auto sales fell 41 percent, to 688,000 vehicles in February, according to Autodata Corp.; and nearly 20 percent of car dealerships in America could close in 2009, according to a study by Grant Thornton LLP. In addition, the median age of passenger cars in operation increased to a record high of 9.4 years in 2008, according to R.L. Polk & Co. in its annual vehicle population report.
"The need for the Right to Repair Act has never been more critical than during these tumultuous economic times," said Schmatz. "As car dealers close service bays and more car owners look to neighborhood repair shops to service their vehicles, it is important that these local shops have the same access to safety alerts and repair information as the new car dealer network."
The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act offers protections for vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.
The efforts of the Agricultural Transportation Efficiency Coalition to increase allowable truck weights to 97,000 pounds for a single truck on the federal highway system, moved significantly further when Congressman Michael Michaud (D-Maine) introduced H.R. 1799, the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009.
AgTEC was one of three coalitions hosting a fly-in event last week in Washington, D.C., with more than 75 participants making over 100 visits to members of the House and Senate. Their efforts secured three more co-sponsors of H.R. 1799.
H.R. 1799 provides an option for individual states to increase allowable truck weights on a single-trailer truck, up to 97,000 pounds on federal interstate highways in each state. Motor carrier vehicles would be required to add a sixth axel for better braking and handling. Each truck adding an additional axle would be required to pay a higher large vehicle user fee to a Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund, to assist with maintenance and bridge repair.
Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols issued a statement on the announcement by the Obama Administration that it is providing each of the 50 states with $1.7 million to retrofit diesel school buses, as part of the overall federal stimulus program.
"The state and its school children thank the Obama Administration for sending this funding our way to clean up older, dirty diesel school buses," said ARB Chairman, Mary Nichols. "We are fast tracking this process so that within just a few short weeks, this money will allow mechanics to install particulate filters on buses at dozens of school districts throughout the state, providing jobs and protecting children's lungs at the same time."
The $1.7 million in stimulus funds will help retrofit approximately 100 California school buses with verified retrofit devices, to reduce pollution by 0.3 tons of particulate matter per year. ARB plans to get the funding in the hands of local school districts within a month of receiving the funding. To date, ARB has helped fund the cleanup of 3,000 under its clean school bus program, with plans to retrofit an additional 3,000 in the coming years. These funds would create as many as 20 jobs and, through the life of the project, would cumulatively reduce diesel particulate matter emissions by 1.5 tons.
Chrysler LLC introduced an all-new line of V-6 engines that will improve fuel efficiency across the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge lineup by eight percent on average, compared with previous Chrysler V-6 engines. This more refined and fuel-efficient V-6 engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler V-6 engines.
The new 3.6-liter V-6 engine, named Pentastar, is part of the company's overall $3 billion powertrain offensive and will be offered first in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
"Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will offer our customers improved fuel economy, refinement and increased performance across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicle lineup," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "At the same time, replacing seven current engines with one engine will result in increased flexibility, more efficient operations and significant cost savings to the company."
The Pentastar is an all-new design, featuring double-overhead camshafts (DOHC), a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration, and will also contribute a 2 mpg increase to Chrysler's CAFE by 2015, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in oil dependence.
B.C. Government Introduces Vehicle Action Plan
British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon has announced that the government has tabled a four-point plan to improve the safety of commercial vehicles.
Announced on April 7th in Victoria, the Minister highlighted that the government is taking the right step to ensure that the province's roads, along with the commercial vehicles that travel on them, are safer for everyone. Through this plan, unsafe trucks will be removed from the roads through the use of enforcement resources, and the government will also ensure that fewer unsafe trucks use the highways in the future.
The four points of the plan are as follows:
-
Implement a Premium Carrier Program where privileges are given to carriers that follow best practices.
-
Ensure enforcement activities target shippers who overload or improperly load vehicles.
-
Remove vehicles with critical defects from the road, by seizing their license plates for up to 30 days.
-
Enhance the auditing program for the facilities in the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program.
The B.C. Trucking Association fully supports the initiative, highlighting that the plan will allow responsible trucking companies to be rewarded, and enforcement resources will target the small minority of the hasty companies that are, regrettably, a part of every industry.
Justice Department Issues Final VIN Reporting Rules
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued its final rules requiring scrap recyclers, junk yards, salvage yards and insurers to report salvage and junk vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to a national database. The rules can be found at www.isri.org/nmvtis.
Climate Change Bill Introduced
Representative Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), House Energy and Commerce Chairman, has released the draft 648-page American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The bill matches President Obama's call for cuts in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; however, the bill mandates steeper reductions by 2020. The bill includes authority for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to require certain fleets to report greenhouse gas emissions. The draft legislation also gives the EPA the authority to expand the SmartWay Transportation Efficiency Program. The draft also directs the U.S. Treasury Department to "define and collect data on the physical and operational characteristics of the nation's truck population, with special emphasis on data related to energy efficiency and greenhouse gas performance."
President Barack Obama announced that the General Services Administration (GSA) will accelerate its purchase of new cars for the government fleet by investing funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to buy about 17,600 new, fuel efficient vehicles produced by American auto companies, by June 1, 2009.
On March 30, President Obama directed his administration to speed up the purchase of these vehicles to increase demand for American auto companies during these difficult economic times.
"As a part of our commitment to the American auto industry, I charged my administration with using Recovery Act funds to purchase a new fleet of fuel efficient government vehicles to increase demand for our American auto companies and stimulate the economy," said President Obama.
Also, President Obama's Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, Dr. Edward Montgomery, visited Cleveland, Ohio, to discuss the administration's commitment to a strong American auto industry. Details about the GSA accelerated fleet purchase are below:
The GSA will spend $285 million of Recovery Act Funds to purchase about 17,600 commercially available, fuel efficient vehicles for the government fleet, before June 1, 2009. All purchases will be made from manufacturers with an existing contract with the GSA, which are General Motors, Chrysler and Ford.
This includes the purchase of 2,500 hybrid sedans that will be ordered by April 15. This is the largest one-time purchase of hybrid vehicles for the federal government fleet in history.
GSA will also dedicate $15 million to pilot advanced technology vehicles in the GSA Fleet. Each vehicle purchased under the GSA's accelerated strategy must have a higher miles-per-gallon rating than the vehicle it replaces, with the overall goal of at least a 10 percent increase in fuel-efficiency for the entire procurement.
The California Air Resources Board announced that it has awarded Mebtahi Station Services, San Francisco Airport, Shell Hydrogen and UCLA, $1.7 million each, to supplement their construction of hydrogen refueling stations, doubling the amount of hydrogen available to the public.
The grants, provided by the California legislature and distributed by the ARB through a competitive bid process, are aimed at increasing the use of alternative fuels. The new stations will serve the growing number of fuel-cell vehicles on the road in the Los Angeles and the San Francisco areas and will double the amount of hydrogen available to the public.
"Hydrogen is one of the many fuels in California's future," said ARB Chairman, Mary Nichols, "but we need to cultivate the industry's early growth. This grant money will nurture a burgeoning technology that will provide jobs, invigorate our economy, and provide the state with clean power."
In a partnership with Capital Investment Group; Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.; and General Physics; Mebtahi will provide up to 100 kilograms of hydrogen per day to vehicles, in a publicly familiar retail setting.
The San Francisco Airport will build a hydrogen refueling facility at the airport's Millbrae Avenue exit on Highway 101, and Shell Hydrogen will add hydrogen to an existing retail gasoline station at 1600 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach. UCLA, in a partnership with Air Products, General Physics and South Coast Air Quality Management District, plans to build a hydrogen fueling station at its transit facility at the corner of Veteran and Kinross Avenues in Westwood. This publicly available facility will produce hydrogen on site and will provide 140 kilograms per day.
In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, reduce diesel emissions and protect human health and the environment for the people in the State of New Jersey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $1.73 million to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The funding can be used to support clean diesel projects and loan programs, to address the nation's existing fleet of over 11million diesel engines.
"These grants, coupled with money being given out competitively, will allow us to get New Jerseyans back to work, while reducing one of the most prevalent sources of pollution in the country - diesel exhaust," said EPA Acting Region 2 Administrator, George Pavlou. "The Recovery Act will help bolster New Jersey's economy and improve air quality for everyone."
The funds provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009 will go to the state's N.J. Clean Construction program, to retrofit construction vehicles that are privately or publicly owned, and used specifically on projects conducted or funded under the N.J. Department of Transportation, N.J. Site Remediation or the N.J. Environmental Infrastructure Trust.
Under ARRA's State clean diesel funding program, $88.2 million is divided equally through a noncompetitive allocation process, meaning that all 50 states and the District of Columbia will receive $1.73 million.
States, local governments, non-profits and tribal agencies can also compete for a portion of $206 million under ARRA's National clean diesel funding program. President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17, 2009, and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability.
Azure Dynamics Corporation announced an exclusive partnership with Collins Bus Corporation of South Hutchinson, Kansas. The agreement allows Collins' network of distributors and customers to specify Azure's Balance™ Hybrid Electric technology on their Type A school bus orders. Type A school buses can typically transport between 14 and 30 passengers.
The new partnership will allow Collins to offer Azure's proprietary Balance Hybrid Electric drivetrain as an option on school buses built on Ford's E-450 chassis. Azure's Balance Hybrid Electric drivetrain can achieve up to a 40% increase in fuel economy, while reducing maintenance costs by 30%. Importantly, the Azure technology also reduces harmful greenhouse emissions by up to 30%. This opportunity to improve air quality, especially with children nearby, is an attractive feature to many school systems.
The Azure technology, mated to the Ford E-450 chassis, has undergone significant durability testing to be eligible for school bus programs. Azure technology is currently operating in major vehicle fleets in both the United States and Canada.
"Our distributors and customers are asking for a hybrid bus alternative," said Kent Tyler, Collins Bus President. "Azure has a federally approved bus application on the Ford E-450 chassis, so we will be the only Type A bus provider that offers all of the advantages associated with a hybrid derivative. Azure says that hybrid electric technology is 'part of the solution' and we are thrilled to be delivering this solution into the school bus market."
The first diesel-electric hybrid truck to join Atlas' national agency network, was picked up by its new owner, Atlas Van Lines agent, William Duggan, of the Wm. Duggan Co., Inc., during a key ceremony at Atlas' headquarters.
The 2010 Kenworth T370 diesel-electric hybrid straight truck was purchased from Atlas Terminal Company and sourced from Evansville dealer, Palmer Trucks; and body manufacturer, Kentucky Trailer. This is the first hybrid-electric moving truck produced by Kenworth Truck Company.
The Kenworth hybrid truck will allow the Duggan company to increase fuel economy by up to 30 percent during pickup and delivery operations, and will be used primarily for deliveries between New York and Boston. The truck's state-of-the-art technology includes a PACCAR diesel engine and an Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system. When the driver applies the brake, the transmission converts that energy to electricity and sends it to the batteries. When traveling under 30 mph, the truck uses a combination of diesel and electricity. Above 30 mph, it runs like a standard diesel vehicle.
South Carolina's leading bioenergy researchers have teamed to study how the state's agricultural resources can help reduce the state's and nation's dependence on fossil fuels.
The Clemson University Restoration Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory are founding members of the S.C. BioEnergy Research Collaborative, which was formed last year. As part of the agreement, the Restoration Institute and the laboratory will: research crop development and harvesting; study emerging energy alternatives; and research crop-processing techniques, to yield viable energy and chemical products.
Savannah River National Laboratory is bringing its environmental and biological research and development capabilities to the effort, said Tom French, its Bioenergy Programs manager. This includes its expertise in microbial and enzyme technologies to break down chemical compounds.
The collaborative's other partners are: South Carolina State University's James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center, Dyadic International (USA) Inc., Fagen Engineering LLC, the Spinx Co. Inc., and The Clyburn Transportation Center.
In October, the parties announced plans to build a biofuels pilot plant at the Restoration Institute. The $14 million plant will be used to investigate commercial bioethanol production, using feedstocks available in South Carolina. Initial funding was provided by a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The collaborative is actively seeking funding for construction of the plant, which will take about 12 months to build.
Order by April 30 and Save 25 Percent on NAFA's Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM
Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM
NAFA's Personal Use CD-ROM is a comprehensive tool to instruct and assist you in gaining a greater understanding of this core competency for successful fleet management. The CD offers examples of various plans, data structures, IRS guidelines and rules, liability exposure, how to identify and gather critical information, policy development, and personal use management. The CD-ROM format proves easy navigation and access to many samples, reference documents and complicated IRS rules and regulations.
Did you know about NAFA's other products, such as the NAFA Vehicle Classification System or Personal Use for Fleets CD or Request for Proposals Guide CD? Review all NAFA products at the online store (www.nafa.org/store), or to download the current catalog, click here.
NAFA has provided space in each issue of the FleetFOCUS for companies and organizations to advertise career opportunities in the fleet industry. Members can also market themselves to potential employers. If you're interested in this opportunity, make your listings 200 words or fewer. Links to complete job descriptions on the company's Web site are suggested. Please note all of the materials a candidate must supply in order to be considered for the position (e.g., resume, salary history, municipal application, etc.). To take advantage of this service, e-mail your ad to Patrick McCarren at pmccarren@nafa.org.
Job Wanted Listings Provide New Networking Opportunities!
Are you looking for a new job or a motivated, hard-working employee? NAFA's Job Wanted Listings is an exclusive benefit for Members and Affiliates who are looking to make a career change. PLEASE NOTE: This new and exclusive benefit is FREE! To take advantage of this service, e-mail your Job Wanted posting to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.
April Job Postings
Fleet Manager - Arlington, TX
Division Manager, Building & Fleet - Rio Rancho, NM
Fleet Services Administrator
Technical (Fleet) Analyst - Chesterfield County, VA
Resume Bank
NAFA is going one step further to help those in the industry gain employment. For a small fee, NAFA will send resumes to any prospective employer who places an ad on the Career Network Section of the NAFA Web site. Employers will be provided with new, up-to-date resumes that fit the job, for a small cost.
There is still no charge to submit a resume to the Resume Bank. To be included in the Resume Bank, please send a current version of your resume to Maureen Smith, NAFA, Inc., 125 Village Blvd., Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540; or fax it to 609-452-8004. Resumes can also be e-mailed to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org. A few tips and reminders: If you would like to include a generic cover letter to be sent to potential employers, please include that as part of your resume. Make sure your home address, home phone or cell phone and personal e-mail address are included on your resume. Potential employers will contact you directly. NAFA has a number of fleet-related job openings on the Jobs Wanted/Available page (click here).
Industry Calendar
Click Here
NAFA's 34 local chapters across Canada and the United States offer you numerous opportunities to meet colleagues and receive valuable fleet management education to keep you informed! Each year, more than 100 NAFA Chapter meetings provide top level education and training on a wide variety of timely topics!
April Chapter meetings will take place:
April 16
Chicago Chapter - Meeting and Speaker
Location: TBD in DuPage County Area
Contact: Julie J. McDowell, P: 224.212.2652, julie.mcdowell@hospira.com
As a service to NAFA Members, Patrick O'Connor and Huw Williams, NAFA's U.S. and Canadian legislative counsels, respectively, supply monthly updates on current legislative issues impacting the fleet industry. These updates, e-mailed to NAFA Members the first week of each month, are posted in PDF format at a MEMBERS ONLY SECTION on www.nafa.org.
Legislative Updates are issued monthly to NAFA Members and then archived online. With this e-newsletter, NAFA Members can easily check on the progress and status of current legislation. Click here for more information.
Three online, searchable networking databases will put you in easy touch with all your NAFA colleagues. Exclusively for the use of the NAFA membership! Our three databases help YOU find:
- Fellow Members and Affiliates based on name, geographic area, or chapter.
- An expert who has volunteered to answer questions from colleagues on specific topics that are important to you.
- An Affiliate product or service; you can choose from more than 50 categories!
You must be a Member or Affiliate to utilize the online networking databases. To start your search, click here.
NAFA's FleetED is designed to help you quickly find references and educational resources that you need now.
From asset management to maintenance management, benchmarking and shop operations, NAFA's FleetED covers all fleet management disciplines and competencies, making this free Web site your fast online portal to all fleet management education.
Easily look up available resources, while scanning an overview of a particular fleet management discipline. Complete a brief self-assessment test, selected by discipline, to confirm your strengths and discover what areas may need a little more concentration. These quizzes provide real-time feedback, with suggested education content according to your assessment results.
Whether you are looking for something specific, or just trying to figure out what you need to know, NAFA's FleetED will guide you to valuable, comprehensive education content and reference materials. Visit FleetED at www.nafa.org/fleeted.
e-Communities offers members the chance to reach colleagues and share ideas when they need to -- anytime, anywhere! These virtual neighborhoods allow members to easily e-mail others within that community with specific fleet questions. As a subscriber to e-Communities, you can:
- View real-time activity between other subscribed members within the group(s) you subscribe to.
- Share your knowledge and assist a fellow member in need, access lists of subscribers for each group and access a history of inquiries posted to e-Communities.
- Some of the topics include alternative fuels, disaster relief, fleet maintenance, global fleet, law enforcement, and many more! Come be a part of NAFA's community!
To visit e-Communities, please click here.
Have you been promoted? Is your company moving? Did you get a new job? Are you retiring? Remember to notify NAFA about these and other changes.
If you are retiring, please contact NAFA, as you may be eligible to become a NAFA alumnus and stay in touch with your NAFA colleagues and friends.
There are two easy ways to both help your colleagues keep in touch and make changes to your membership record: 1) click on "My Profile" on the NAFA homepage and submit changes, or 2) e-mail info@nafa.org.
NAFA cares about your privacy. As such, NAFA does not sell or rent e-mail addresses or phone numbers of its members or affiliates. NAFA also does not endorse any particular product or service provided by fleet suppliers. If you receive an e-mail (or any other form of communication) from a supplier that implies a NAFA endorsement or uses the NAFA name or likeness to imply endorsement, please notify NAFA immediately. We will issue a "cease and desist" notice and pursue action as necessary. (You should know that e-mail addresses are part of the online PDF files NAFA posts each month for communication among NAFA Members and Affiliates. Access to these files is restricted to NAFA Members and Affiliates.)
For NAFA's complete privacy policy, please click here: http://www.nafa.org/Template.cfm?Section=Privacy_Policy.