NAFA Connection

The Affiliates Committee recently returned from a roundtable discussion as part of NAFA's Board of Governor's meeting. As a newly appointed member of the committee, I am excited to report that there will be some sweeping changes in store for those attending the 2010 Institute & Expo (I&E) in Detroit (less than six months away)!

NAFA has made a sincere attempt to listen to both fleet managers and valued affiliates, and the message for 2010 is "we hear you." In that regard, here is a snapshot of what's in store for Motown next spring.

• Revised scheduling to make better use of time and attract more fleet managers to the floor.
• The "Grand Celebration," traditionally a networking dinner held in the evening, has a new name, place, and time slot. Renamed "Networking Welcome Reception," the event will now be held on the exhibit floor starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Food and drink will be plentiful as attendees network among the trade show displays. NAFA will also be unveiling exciting prizes to be given away during the festivities (must be present to win). 
• New sponsorship opportunities for both exhibiting and non-exhibiting sponsors will be announced soon, so stay tuned! 
• The new schedule allows affiliates and fleet managers to take full advantage of seminars and exhibits during the day, with evenings wide open to entertain at area restaurants, casinos and entertainment venues.

I am privileged to serve with a group of executives dedicated to our industry, representing years of experience and a wide array of talents. But we can only help NAFA improve if we hear from you, our valued affiliates. We need your vibrancy, your commitment, and your creative ideas to help make the 2010 I&E outstanding in every way. So don't be surprised if you are contacted by one of the committee members enlisting your help. See you in Detroit!

NAFA is pulling out all the stops to make I&E 2010 even better. NAFA's goal is simply to make I&E the most valuable networking, business, and educational event in the fleet industry.

Whether you are a newcomer to the fleet profession, a service provider, or a long-time fleet professional, I&E gives you the chance to develop long-lasting relationships on both the professional and personal levels.  The entire educational program was developed by expert fleet managers in every fleet segment, with the sessions tackling the most pertinent, timely subjects. Come experience the difference at 2010 I&E!

• The show floor will be the focus of all the fleet managers: all education sessions, workshops, the Public Safety Group's Roadeo, and the Ride and Drive will occur either before or after show hours.
• The Grand Celebration, NAFA's annual opening night party, will now take place on the Expo floor, so business can be done while attendees are relaxing with some great food and drink.
• Hotel rates have been slashed by 25 percent from 2009, and the registration fees have been held across the board.
• We will have three Keynote Addresses (each one Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) from high-level, industry-specific executives. Confirmed at press time is the President and CEO of General Motors, Frederick (Fritz) Henderson; we've also invited executives from Ford and Chrysler.

Save the Date! Mark your calendar now and reserve April 24-27, 2010, for NAFA's I&E. Online registration will be available in November.

There's ONLY one month left to participate in NAFA's 2009 Membership Drive. Don't miss your chance to be entered into a drawing to win a FREE trip and FREE registration to NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo.

Membership is one of NAFA's highest priorities, and the Drive is just one of the avenues NAFA uses to attract potential new Members. Current Members and Affiliates are aware of NAFA's services, and providing that information to others is a great benefit.

"NAFA is a critical component of the success of any fleet manager and company that operates vehicles. NAFA provides education. It provides resources. It provides a forum for high-level networking," said J.J. Keig, CAFM, Director of Fleet Maintenance, Brinks Inc., Coppell, TX.

Fleet managers from Union Gas/Spectra Energy, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, American Family Mutual Insurance, the State of Montana, the City of Barrie, and Cornerstone Therapeutics, among other organizations, are now NAFA Members, thanks to the recruitment efforts of Members and Affiliates who are always willing to spread the word on the extensive benefits of belonging to NAFA. NAFA Members know the value of membership the best.

"Being a national organization of professional fleet managers and fleet associates, I think NAFA is a very valuable tool for a lot of us new folks coming into this industry," said Mitchell Djukanovic, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, Town of Gilbert, AZ.

Not only do current Members and Affiliates get to extend to fellow colleagues the chance to be a part of the best fleet association out there, but those who recruit a new Member receive a bonus. They are entered in a drawing to win a FREE trip and FREE registration to NAFA's 2010 I&E, one of the biggest fleet events of the year. A win-win situation!

"NAFA is education. The CAFM program has given me a lot of visibility within my own company. And then there's also the networking, getting to meet other fleet managers. It's just kind of like a support group," said Rachel Johnson, CAFM, Fleet Administrator and Accounting, Konecranes, Inc., Springfield, OH.

There are various ways to spread the word: invite a colleague to a local chapter meeting; research similar companies in your area and find out who runs their fleet; or contact your local chapter chair for prospective Members. The 2009 Membership Drive ends Nov. 30, but don't delay -- get started today. For more information and details about the 2009 Membership Drive, visit www.nafa.org/2009drive.

NAFA has been listening to your concerns! NAFA strives to support you and your organization by providing the right solutions and resources designed to help you face your toughest challenges. As a response we have provided several new initiatives, legislative updates, and products this year.

Recently, NAFA has:

• Provided you with the NAFA white paper on grant funding opportunities that are now available, with many deadlines for applications expiring with the close of 2009.
• Provided webinars on How to Get Grant Money for your Fleet Under Obama's Stimulus Plan and the recently successful webinar on Distracted Driving.
• Enhanced Canadian Legislative support by providing a toll-free phone number (866-935-9969), a new centralized email address (nafa@impactcanada.com), and created a Canadian Legislative Advisory Group to help prioritize issues based on their strategic significance to NAFA.  The toll-free number and email address allow NAFA Members to get answers to their questions and concerns within 24-hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.
• Produced three new products - the Fleet Maintenance Operations Guide, Fuel Management Guide, and the First Information Technology Guide. All products are available for purchase at NAFA's online store.

At NAFA, we aim to provide fleet solutions for you and all fleet professionals. From ways to incorporate sustainable practices to cost effective programs and services, NAFA is your fleet management community for success.

NAFA's I&E attendees come from a wide range of corporations, governments, law enforcement agencies, and utilities. Last year, the attendees at I&E managed more than 1.1 million vehicles.

More than 75 exhibitors have already reserved space for NAFA's Institute & Expo, to be held April 24-27 in Detroit, Mich. I&E is the only meeting and exposition that gives you unparalleled access to North American fleet purchasers and decision-makers. Meet face-to-face with hundreds of commercial and government fleet professionals at the largest fleet management event under one roof anywhere.

Benefits of Exhibiting:

• Meet hundreds of fleet managers in just two days under one roof. 
• Access to the best prospects for your products in all industry segments.
• Networking opportunities with your current customers, potential buyers, and industry leaders.
• Listings in the Official Show Guide, which acts as a year-long buyers guide for attendees, as well as online.

Whether you are a newcomer to the fleet profession, a service provider, or a long-time fleet professional, I&E gives you the chance develop long-lasting relationships on both the professional and personal level.

Be part of the premier fleet management event. Visit www.nafaiande.org. Call our sales team at 703-934-4700 or e-mail nafa@cmgexpo.com for help selecting your booth or sponsorship opportunity. Look for NAFA's Exhibitor Prospectus coming soon in your mail!

Flexible Options for I&E Sponsorships!

NAFA Affiliates and I&E exhibitors, maximize your exposure at I&E and get more for your money. I&E sponsorship packages are designed with your return on investment in mind. Packages consider budgets of all sizes to offer you the extraordinary opportunity to reach this targeted fleet management audience with vital purchasing power. Build your brand awareness and drive more traffic to your I&E booth.
 
Benefits of Sponsorship:

• Reinforce name and brand recognition for your company
• Gain more visibility for your company on the exhibit floor
• Increase worldwide exposure
• Stand out from your competitors and give your products and services an edge
• Maximize your budget options with the many levels to choose from
• Enhance your company's goodwill and standing in the industry

Pledge your support today and let everyone know you actively support the industry's preeminent association for fleet solutions for all fleet professionals. Request your pledge sponsorship form and return it today. Please contact Scott Groves at 770-576-4971 or e-mail nafa@cmgexpo.com.

PHH Arval recently introduced two programs to enhance its suite of services designed to help fleets manage violations incurred by fleet drivers on the road. The two services include:

PHH Violations Recovery program. When company drivers incur traffic violations, such as parking tickets, toll violations, and electronic red light and speeding violations, the fines, charges, penalties and fees are often paid for by the employee's company. PHH's new Violations Recovery program facilitates the recovery of these costs from the at-fault driver, including use of a secure website through which drivers can reimburse their companies.

E*Toll Account Management. PHH's E*Toll Account Management service is an enhancement to the PHH E*Toll Funds Management program, the first such program in the fleet industry. This new Account Management capability removes the burden of E*Toll account set-up, transponder procurement, and account funding. PHH handles the entire administrative process, including billing.

Bill Jones, Director, Product Development for PHH Arval, says, "States and municipalities are looking for new funding sources to get them through these tough economic times. They're already targeting vehicle violations to help increase their coffers through expanded use of electronic red light and speeding violations. These new services will help our clients navigate the violations environment, while mitigating the overall risk and cost of violations and the administrative inconvenience they entail."

These two programs round out PHH's already-existing suite of violations management products, which includes E*Toll Funds Management, New York City Stipulated Fine Program, Online State Fleet Programs and Release Liability. All of these programs are designed to dramatically reduce costs and administrative burdens.

Networkfleet® announced the availability of a new sensor functionality to help fleets increase operating efficiency and asset utilization. Consisting of the Sensor Expansion Module (SEM) hardware device combined with software reporting, the new functionality gives fleet managers access to more vehicle diagnostic data. The SEM detects voltage events from the vehicle, such as Power Take Off (PTO) engagement/ disengagement, secondary engine on/off, and door open/close. Users get detailed reports on sensor activity showing both the duration of events as well as the location of where those events took place.

The new sensor provides additional information that can be useful to a variety of commercial and government fleets. For example, a towing company can use the sensor to track where and when vehicles are towed. A utility company can track the use of the "boom" in the field, and a municipality can see when a street sweeper broom has been engaged. This information, together with GPS location and engine diagnostics already provided by the Networkfleet 3500, will allow them to further improve operating efficiency and lower costs.

Innovative in both design and functionality, the Sensor Expansion Module (SEM) is backwards compatible with all 3500 hardware and connects directly between the 3500 device and its harness. Like all other Networkfleet products, the SEM is manufactured in the U.S. and built with automotive grade components designed for environmental and automotive robustness.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced 77 commercial bus and truck drivers are off the road, and over 80 carriers face enforcement action as a result of FMCSA's first national drug and alcohol strike force.

From September 8 to September 18, 2009, FMCSA safety investigators examined the drug and alcohol safety records of commercial drivers employed by bus companies, including school bus drivers, interstate passenger carriers, hazardous material transporters, and general freight long-haul trucking companies.

The 77 commercial drivers who face the prospect of civil penalties for failing to adhere to federal drug and alcohol regulations can no longer operate a commercial motor vehicle and will likely face a monetary fine. Additionally, 84 commercial carriers face pending enforcement action for violations such as using a driver that has tested positive for illegal drugs and for not instituting a drug and alcohol testing program.

The goals of the strike force were to identify motor carriers in violation of federal drug and alcohol testing requirements and to remove from the road commercial truck and bus drivers who jump from carrier to carrier to try and evade federal drug and alcohol testing and reporting requirements.

America needs strong laws and a systematic approach to make the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving socially unacceptable, said Con-way Inc. Vice President of Government Affairs Randy Mullett in a statement before the Subcommittee on Highway and Transit of the House of Representatives Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Testifying on behalf of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), Mullett said that some new technologies, particularly hand-held electronic devices, increase driver distraction. Results of Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's naturalistic driving study found that text messaging on a cell phone has an estimated combined crash and near-crash risk of 23 times higher than normal.

"Legislation alone will not solve the problem," said Mullett. "Public attitudes and perceptions will need to change and any legislation will have to apply to all drivers on the highway. We need to focus on changing behaviors that lead to distracted driving in a systematic and comprehensive manner." This can be done by:

• Supporting research, data collection, and analysis that reveal the degree and extent of the problem; 
•  Aiding efforts to communicate the need for change; 
•  Promoting public education and awareness efforts; 
•  Using technology to reduce distractions caused by technology; 
•  Developing policy and, as necessary, legislation to drive change;
• Supporting tough penalties and effective enforcement; and 
•  Properly funding the above.

ATA and its member carriers support a ban on the use of electronic hand-held devices to read, write or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle. ATA's Executive Committee recently voted to support the ALERT Drivers Act of 2009 that would require states to ban the practice of reading, writing or sending a text message on a hand-held device while driving. Mullett also said that hand-held electronic devices should not be confused with in-cab fleet communication systems used by motor carriers. ATA recommends that appropriate restrictions on the use of in-cab communication systems be addressed through a rulemaking by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, rather than by legislation.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) First Vice Chair Barbara Windsor told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that the current cap-and-trade proposal will increase the price and volatility of diesel fuel for the trucking industry without significantly reducing carbon emissions.

"In our industry, a higher fuel price does not translate into fewer miles traveled because the nation depends on trucks to deliver nearly 100 percent of the food, clothes, and medicines that we use in our daily lives," said Windsor, who is President and CEO of Hahn Transportation in New Market, MD. "Instead, this increase in diesel prices will raise logistics costs within the economy and hurt the American consumer."

Cap-and-trade requires oil refineries to purchase emission allowances that cover their direct refining operations and the amount of carbon produced by downstream combustion of the produced fuels. "The costs associated with obtaining these allowances will be passed on the fuel consumers in the form of higher prices," said Windsor. "A major petroleum supplier to the trucking industry has advised that diesel fuel costs could rise by up to 88 cents.

"Should Congress move forward with a cap-and-trade carbon control system, oil refinery carbon caps should apply only to the refinery's direct carbon emissions and not to the downstream combustion of the products they produce such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel," said Windsor.

Cap-and-trade also will increase price volatility as carbon prices will fluctuate. Volatile fuel prices make it very difficult for trucking companies to accurately predict expenses and pass them on to customers.

ATA is concerned with the support of various investment banks for cap-and-trade. These firms would profit from volatility in the energy futures markets and a carbon derivatives market. Congress must reform commodity trading before creating new derivative carbon markets.

Windsor's testimony suggested alternative methods of reducing carbon emissions from the trucking industry. These alternatives are set forth in ATA's environmental sustainability plan, which would reduce fuel consumption by 86 billion gallons and reduce the carbon footprint of all vehicles by nearly a billion tons over the next 10 years. The sustainability plan includes: a national 65 mph speed limit and governing new truck speeds to 65 mph or below; decreasing idling; reducing highway congestion through highway infrastructure improvements; increasing fuel efficiency through EPA's SmartWay Program; promoting the use of more productive truck combinations; and supporting national fuel economy standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

IBM announced the findings of a new global study, which shows that trucks will become more fuel efficient, environmentally sound, and safer due to the adoption of new technologies throughout the vehicle. The use of these innovations will help truck manufacturers differentiate their vehicles, as the study shows that brand names of trucks are becoming less important.

Technology -- 71 percent of respondents said technology will be one of the most important external forces impacting the industry in 2020, up from 61 percent today. Technology will not be limited to the trucks themselves but will be embedded in roads and traffic signals increasing the interaction and predictive analytical safety capabilities of these transport carriers. In addition, manufacturers will use telematics to provide a real-time remote read of a vehicle's parameters, allowing for proactive service or other action based on the reading. Telematics will also enable stronger solutions for vehicle safety that have traditionally been addressed through manual methods and training.

Globalization -- 54 percent of the executives surveyed said that globalization will be one of the most important external forces impacting the truck industry in 2020, up from 48 percent today. Truck manufacturers are just beginning to establish their global footprint, while light vehicle manufacturers have fought the hard battles of platform creation, process standardization and the development of global supply chains. Sustainability -- 48 percent of respondents said that sustainability will be one of the most important external forces in 2020, up from 32 percent today.

Truck 2020: Transcending Turbulence was produced by IBM's Institute for Business Value, which provides strategic insights and recommendations that address critical business challenges to help clients capitalize on new opportunities. The Institute comprises consultants around the world who conduct research and analysis in 17 industries and across five functional disciplines, including human capital management, financial management, corporate strategy, supply chain management, and customer relationship management.

The nation's 3.5 million truck drivers will be limited to driving for only 11 hours and working for no more than 14 hours each day under a new rule issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The final rule is based on an exhaustive scientific review and designed to ensure truck drivers get the necessary rest to perform safe operations and the quality of life they deserve, the agency's Administrator, John Hill, noted.

The agency consulted with scientific and medial researchers, reviewed existing fatigue research, and worked with organizations like the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety in setting the final "Hours of Service" rules.

The new federal rule requires all truck drivers to spend at least 10 hours resting between shifts before being allowed back on the road. Drivers also cannot operate a truck if they have worked more than 60 hours in a given week. Under the new rules, drivers that rest for at least 34 hours can also reset their weekly work schedule.

"These rules are crafted to match what we know about drivers' circadian rhythms and the real world work environment truckers face every day," said Administrator Hill.

Hill said the rule would build on safety improvements already under way among the nation's truck operators. He also noted that in 2006 the agency proposed a rule that would require drivers and trucking companies with serious or repeat hours-of-service violations to track their hours-of-service using electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs). The final rule for EOBRs is pending.  The final rule is available at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/rulemakings/final/E8-27437-HOS-Final-Rule-11-19-08.pdf.

Distracted Driving Law Introduced in British Columbia

Legislative changes have been introduced in the province of British Columbia to prevent the use of hand-held cell phones, portable electronic devices and text messaging while driving.

Announced in late October 2009 by Solicitor General Kash Heed, changes to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) will take effect on January 1, 2010, upon legislative approval.  Heed highlighted that British Columbians feel very strongly about the issue, and have made it clear that they support stronger restrictions on cell phones or other electronic devices that take a driver's hands off the wheel.

A new fine in the amount of $167 will begin to be levied on February 1, 2010.  Additionally, drivers who are caught texting or e-mailing will receive three penalty points.  According to independent research and studies, the usage of cell phones while driving is the number-one cause of distracted driving. 

Moving forward to January 2010, the BC Government will be launching a special awareness campaign to educate drivers of the new law and the critical importance of paying attention to everything around them while driving.

Climate Change Legislation

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is set to begin consideration this week of climate change legislation.  Earlier this year the House of Representatives passed similar legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gases through a system of capping emissions and allowing companies to trade unused allowances.  Speculation is rampant on whether the committee will actually begin consideration this week,  as Republicans threaten to boycott the proceedings due to what they feel is an inadequate EPA analysis of the Senate bill.

IRS Raises Driver Per Diem

The Internal Revenue Service has announced an increase in the amount per day that trucking companies may reimburse drivers tor meals and expenses incurred on the road.  For drivers for whom an employer used the previous $52 amount during 2009, an increase to $59 a day takes effect on January 1, 2010.   Reimbursements over $59 a day must be documented.

NTSB Makes Sleep Apnea Recommendation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implement a program to identify commercial drivers at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  In a letter to the FMCSA, the NTSB also recommended that drivers be required to provide evidence that they've been evaluated for OSA and treated if necessary. As well, NTSB said FMCSA should distribute guidance to commercial drivers, employers and physicians on identifying and treating OSA.  The NTSB cited several transportation crashes involving sleep apnea, including a tractor-trailer driver who collided with a Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicle, killing the state trooper inside.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will be helping bolster local law enforcement by providing two new hybrid sport utility vehicles to the Cincinnati Police Department.

The Cincinnati Police Department will soon be adding a pair of Highlander Hybrid SUVs that will be converted into K-9 units, supporting bomb-sniffing dogs, and counter-terrorism specialists. With the addition of these SUVs, the Cincinnati Police Department will have a total of eight Highlander Hybrids in its vehicle fleet.

Toyota has a special connection with Cincinnati's K-9 team. A couple of years ago, the automaker helped the police department acquire and train a patrol dog. The dog, affectionately named "Tundra," after Toyota's full-size pickup, is considered one of the best canines of its kind in the country. In 2004, the Cincinnati Police Department hosted the 2004 United States Police Canine Regional Trials, and Toyota contributed $15,000 in support of the local competition.

"We are extremely pleased that the Cincinnati Police Department trusts our Highlander Hybrids to the point of adding two more vehicles to its fleet," said Clyde Dyson, General Manager of TMS' Cincinnati Regional Sales Office. "Toyota has been a strong advocate of local law enforcement for many years, and we feel privileged to be helping them protect and serve the people of the greater Cincinnati area."

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) applauds the collective pledge by the nation's electric utilities to aggressively create infrastructure to support the deployment and commercialization of grid-connected vehicles.

The announcement was made in Detroit by Anthony F. Earley, Jr., Chairman and CEO of DTE Energy and Chairman of the Edison Electric Institute, William Clay Ford, Jr., Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.

The utility industry's pledge focuses on the following components of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV): infrastructure, customer support, customer and stakeholder education, vehicle and infrastructure incentives, and utility fleets.

UAW officials recently praised the decision by Fisker Automotive to produce plug-in electric vehicles in Wilmington, Delaware.

"This is great news for Delaware, for the U.S. economy, and for manufacturing workers," said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger; who, along with Region 8 Director Gary Casteel, joined Vice President Joe Biden and Fisker Automotive executives for the announcement of the new venture, which will utilize a former General Motors manufacturing facility.

Fisker's investment in Delaware is expected to create thousands of assembly and parts supplier jobs, with a capacity to produce 100,000 electric vehicles per year by 2014.

The project is supported by $528.7 million in low-cost loans from the U.S. Department of Energy, part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVMIP), which was written into law by Congress in 2007.

"Our members started working to get funds for advanced vehicles into the federal budget back in 2003," said Gettelfinger. "The price of gas was a lot lower then, and conditions in the auto industry were much different. But we could see the industry had to change -- and this is exactly the type of investment we had in mind when we lobbied Congress for assistance to build the cars of the future here in the United States."

The multi-million dollar investment in U.S. manufacturing, said Gettelfinger, was also made possible by the hard work of Gov. Jack Markell and the Delaware congressional delegation, UAW Region 8 Director Casteel, UAW Local 435 President Dave Myers and UAW Local 435 Plant Chair Joe Ricco.

As the automotive industry increases its emphasis on advanced electric drive vehicles (AEVs), there is a growing demand for skilled technicians who can help manufacture and maintain these new energy-saving cars and trucks, as well as a need for educational programs aimed at vehicle safety.

Such issues will be addressed by UCM's Automotive Technology Management Program and the Missouri Safety Center as part of a group of Missouri education partners who share a $5 million grant funded by the United States Department of Energy.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is making the grant possible as part of a $2.4 billion effort to accelerate the manufacture and deployment of electric vehicles, batteries, and components across the United States. Earlier this year, UCM joined with the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Linn State Technical College in Linn, and the Missouri Science Center in St. Louis, to apply for funding related to AEV education programs. UCM will receive about $650,000 over the next three years to carry out its commitment to the joint grant. The Missouri Safety Center and members of the Automotive Technology Management Program will have different areas of focus.

Scott Wilson, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the automotive technology management program in UCM's School of Technology and Terry Nicoletti, Assistant Professor, are principal investigators for the grant in the automotive technology area. They were joined in the application process by Terry Butler, Director of the Missouri Safety Center, with additional assistance from Teresa Fayle, staff member in the Office of Sponsored Research.

Under the grant agreement, Missouri University of Science and Technology will focus on development of courses to train AEV engineers, the Missouri Science Center will address public outreach, and UCM and Linn State will develop courses for operators, technicians, and product support managers.

Nicoletti and Wilson plan to create an undergraduate certificate program for AEVs as well as education materials for technicians and trainers who will be involved with electric vehicles. Six courses will be developed toward the certificate for non-degree seeking individuals who are interested in AEV technology, and those courses could be used as an endorsement for traditional four-year automotive technology management majors.

The grant begins in January 2010. The first two years will be spent on research, course and materials development, with some courses being offered on a pilot basis.

Wilson and Nicoletti expect high school instructors, community college instructors, industry trainers, and others to be able to complete the certificate requirements, then assist in teaching AEV courses at their respective companies and institutions.

The courses will be developed in formats that include workshops and in-service training, and opportunities via the Internet such as webinars. The Missouri Safety Center will create a web-based short course for the general public as an overview of all AEV types and concerns for personal use. It is a course that also can be used as a curriculum supplement for high school driver education. The first year of the grant will be spent on course development with delivery available to different constituencies beginning in the next two years.

Evolution Fuels, Inc., recently announced a strategy to integrate its biodiesel production plan with a plan to establish five of its own branded truck stops. Management believes that maximum profitability of a biodiesel production facility may only be achieved by creating direct demand for the product through retail sales at the pump.

Evolution Fuels, Inc.'s ownership in the Willie's Place at Carl's Corner Truck Stop -- located near Hillsboro, TX -- has provided valuable experience and insight into how and where to create similar truck stop operations. Evolution Fuels, Inc., also recently announced the formation of its subsidiary, "Legends Travel Centers, LLC," to hold its ownership in truck stop projects, and is actively pursuing existing truck stop operations in Texas and Oklahoma with the concept of establishing five "Legends Travel Centers"-branded facilities.

A plan has developed to allow its facility located in Durant, OK, to process relatively low-cost animal fats into biodiesel. The company is in the process of negotiating a contract for the supply of these fats, which exist in close proximity to Durant. Evolution Fuels, Inc., intends to produce sufficient biodiesel to supply the five truck stops for the biodiesel portion of the B20 (20 percent biodiesel/80 percent petroleum diesel) planned for sale at the high-speed commercial truck fuel dispensers.

Additionally, Evolution Fuels, Inc., intends to partner with a major manufacturer of fuel dispensers to develop new technology for the blending of biodiesel and petroleum diesel through the high-speed dispensers that truckers are acquainted with using at the fueling lanes at typical truck stops.

In addition to its evaluation of fuel station locations for acquisition and/or leasing for its initial rollout of Evolution Fuels retail stations, the company is also considering the concept of offering franchising arrangements to interested parties for certain locations in its targeted geographical regions of Texas and Oklahoma, and eastward through Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Today's  fleet manager must be a "jack of all trades," often taking roles such as human resources, personnel, finance, and, now, technology expert. Technological advancement is rapidly changing fleet management, and if utilized properly, technology can make fleet management easier and more time- and cost-efficient.

Now available, NAFA's Information Technology Guide (ITG) provides fleet managers with the tools they need to function in a data-rich, information-poor work environment by better using technology tools they probably have at their disposal. Available in CD and print formats!

"With technology becoming increasingly more important in fleet management, NAFA's Information Technology Guide is a rare gem of information for fleet managers," noted Project Leader Doug Weichman, CAFM, Director, Fleet Management, Palm Beach County, Fla. "It provides an excellent overview of the technology that we all have to interface with every day."

Detailed chapters explore all aspects of technology, including:

• Information Infrastructure
• Computer Software
• Researching the Internet
• Telematics
• Security, Backup, and Recovery
• Ergonomic Computing

NAFA's ITG is intended for every fleet manager, regardless of whether you work for a large corporation, a government entity, utility, university, or any other fleet sector.

Available in three formats to meet your project needs.

• Available Today - The e-download gives you instant access and portability -- store it virtually anywhere: in your own "NAFA document folder," on your computer, or on your flash drive to take with you! NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 30 percent savings off the nonmember price. 
• Available in late October - The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-download and is a product ready to share with other members of your fleet management team or to add to the department's reference shelves. Please wait three to six weeks for delivery. NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 40 percent savings off the nonmember price.
• Available in late October - The soft-cover, spiral-bound book can stay on your shelf for easy access. Please wait three to six weeks for delivery. NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 30 percent savings off the nonmember price.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
Visit NAFA's online store here.

November Store Sale --
Save up to 40 Percent on NAFA's Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM

The NAFA 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-ROM format proves easy navigation and access to many samples, reference documents and complicated IRS rules and regulations. Order your copy today!

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 website 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.

Fleet Manager - Las Cruces, NM
Fleet and Facilities Manager - Lake County, IL

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 website. 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).

November 12
Arizona Chapter - Golf Tournament
Location: TPC Champions Course
Contact: Mark Manney, 602-484-7055, mark@nationalautomart.com 

November 17
Mid-America Chapter Meeting
Location: Hereford House, Leawood, Kan.
Contact: Becky Hanna, bhanna1@hallmark.com, 816-274-4288

November 26
Ontario Chapter Christmas Social and Lunch
Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto, ON
Contact: Fran MacKenzie-Peacock, 905-459-1810, fran@bramptonchrysler.com

Pictures from the October 16th Arizona NAFA Chapter meeting -- held at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport -- show Jon Cantu, Fleet Manager for Maricopa County in Arizona, addressing the audience; and Fleet Maintenance Manager, Joe Gray, giving an overview of operations and facilities.

• Preventive maintenance and warranty operations
• Shop operations
• Environmental issues
• Inventory management
• Benchmarking staff performance
• Outsourcing
• Maintenance staffing
  

• The e-download gives you instant access and portability –- store it virtually anywhere: in your own "NAFA document folder" on your computer, or on your flash drive to take with you.
• The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-downloadable format and is a product that's ready to be shared with other Members of your fleet management team or added to the department's reference shelves.

Fuel Management Guide

Designed with you in mind, the guide will help you understand fuel supply and demand dynamics to better anticipate price changes; understand key fuel standards; and identify appropriate policies, activities, and technologies to improve fuel efficiency. A valuable appendix, comprised of additional references, makes this an "evergreen" learning tool, as links to current websites provide direct access to current information on fuels and pricing, as well as from government authorities, non-profit and Association websites, and manufacturers.

Information is easily accessible, as detailed chapters explore the issues associated with the centralized fuel management of conventional fuels, a variety of tools to fuel decentralized fleets, and alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, including forms of hybrid drive trains currently available.

The guide is available in three formats to meet your project and budgetary needs:

• The e-download gives you instant access and portability – store it virtually anywhere: in your own "NAFA document folder" on your computer, or on your flash drive to take with you.
• The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-downloadable format and is a product ready to share with other Members of your fleet management team or add to the department's reference shelves.
• The more traditional, spiral-bound, soft-cover book provides easy use, especially when you're sharing references with colleagues. Order today!

• Fellow Members and Affiliates based on name, geographic area, or chapter.
• An expert who has volunteered to answer questions on specific topics that are important to you.
• An Affiliate product or service; you can choose from more than 50 categories.