Fleet Management
By Bobby Bock
NAPS Southeast Area Vice President
The Fleet Management division recently held a meeting to discuss their remarkable achievements. Over the past year, the division successfully reduced costs by an impressive $144 million compared to the same period last year, a significant milestone in terms of savings.
Moreover, in fiscal year 2024, the team welcomed 28,958 new vehicles, including the eagerly awaited next-generation delivery vehicles now in production and gradually being deployed to various delivery units and centers. Notably, the Ford E-Transit vehicles currently are being stored in designated lots as infrastructure enhancements are underway to fully support their operations. In the interim, the fleet team ensures these vehicles’ batteries remain charged, showcasing their commitment to efficient management and readiness for future deployment.
In the past year, our focus on efficiency and safety led us to conduct a total of 791,532 preventative maintenance inspections. Furthermore, we have made significant strides in enhancing our fleet management by integrating 126,222 telematics devices. These devices offer comprehensive monitoring capabilities, including tracking idling time, seatbelt usage, speed, collision alerts and realtime location data.
Of particular concern is the issue of excessive idling, with some carriers allowing their vehicles to idle for extended periods, exceeding four hours. This practice not only wastes fuel, but also contributes to unnecessary emissions. Additionally, it is essential to emphasize these vehicles are dedicated to postal service operations and should not be used for personal purposes by employees.
An exciting update is underway for fleet management at PO 701 as the handbook is getting a revamp to reflect the latest changes. The team recently explored the new training facility dedicated to enhancing fleet maintenance procedures. Auto technicians presently are enrolled in classes to familiarize themselves with the maintenance of the new vehicles, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
Additionally, insights were shared by the PMG during a Zoom session discussing the “Delivering for America” plan. To accommodate the new fleet, VMFs are undergoing retrofitting processes across the board. With a substantial number of 300 VMFs in line, the retrofitting endeavor is anticipated to span a few years, emphasizing the meticulous planning and execution required for this extensive upgrade.
In our recent discussions on fleet management, we delved into the complexities of the software tools we rely on daily, particularly the Fleet Management Information Systems (FMIS). While these systems are crucial to our operations, they can pose challenges that test our team’s patience. Despite the hurdles, the team’s dedication was recognized at the conference.
I would like to give a special mention to our Customer Service and Logistics members. With the Postal Service’s significant investment in new vehicles, protecting our fleet is paramount. One effective strategy emphasized was conducting regular lot inspections to promptly detect unreported vehicle damage. It was stressed that even minor damages should not be dismissed as part of the cost of business, a sentiment echoed by a postal executive.
As we approach the holiday season, I extend my warm wishes to all team members, hoping for a time of rest and joy amidst our ongoing efforts to safeguard our fleet and uphold operational excellence.
Categories: The Postal Supervisor
