Three Fleet Management Challenges

The fleet manager’s job is integral to the profitability of any company. The job is complex, multi-faceted and requires a seamless set of processes and tools to manage the fleet efficiently and safely. Effective use of technology and strategic partnerships with fleet management vendors is integral to the success of any fleet management program.

Every step of the fleet management process presents a unique set of issues – from purchasing to compliance. Once a vehicle is purchased, many challenges await the fleet manager. Here are three:

FUEL COSTS: Managing fuel costs is essential to maintaining profitability. Most fleets allocate about 35% of their ongoing operating costs to fuel. Increased gas prices have forced drivers and fleet managers to work toward finding the lowest rates and most economical driving options. These options include various purchasing protocols (i.e., purchasing wholesale, using fuel cards, etc.) and developing driving routes that efficiently utilize every drop of fuel.

SAFETY: Even under the most excellent supervised training, accidents do happen. The fleet manager must have a safety program in place that encompasses many factors from training to maintaining accurate driver files. This not only helps with safety, it ensures that a company meets the next challenge of compliance.

COMPLIANCE: Compliance is key. Non-compliant assets cannot be on the road. Lost time equals lost profits. The challenges keep growing as local, state, and federal authorities enact legislation and impose additional requirements to keep the company’s assets compliant. This is where strategic partnerships with fleet management vendors can help. They focus on keeping track of all the changes while the fleet manager focuses on the day-to-day operation of the fleet.

Fuel costs, safety, and compliance cover just a fraction of the challenges a fleet manager faces every day. Explore how the ABS Fleet Division can help. Contact us today.

August 1, 2022July 21, 2022

Preparing Your Fleet for Summer Heat

Prepare your fleet vehicles for the heat of summer.

You would never think of running five miles in 100-degree heat without taking a water bottle and extra precautions to fight the summer temps. Your fleet is no different!

From top to bottom, front to back, it needs extra care to beat the heat.

In order to prevent overheating, it’s essential that all fluids are topped off before you start off on these long driving days. Radiator, antifreeze, transmission, brakes, even windshield wiper fluid will need special attention in order to keep your fleet healthy in this heat. As you’re driving, keep an eye on the water temperature or coolant temperature gauge. If it goes above a safe temp, you’re at risk of engine failure and need to get off the road immediately.

Summer heat is brutal to the life of batteries. They run excessively to maintain HVAC systems and other hot weather accessories, causing an increase in corrosion. Unfortunately, this quick aging may not be noticed until the cooler months arrive and your fleet doesn’t start up. Steven Keuss of Associated Equipment Corp says that for every 10 degree increase in temperature, the battery’s life is reduced by 50%.

Tires are especially at risk in hot weather, as there is always a risk of a tire blowing up or even catching on fire. Switch out your winter tires and check summer ones closely and regularly, making sure that they maintain proper tread and wear evenly. The pressure in your tires will increase with the temperature, and it’s recommended that you check them every two hours or 100 miles to maintain safety on the road.

Manually check your engine belts by pressing on them to make sure they are tight. If not, the water pump and fan will not run properly and result in overheating. Visually check for signs of wear and replace at the first sign of aging.

If your engine does overheat, immediately pull over, set your vehicle or rig in neutral and set the brakes, but do NOT shut down your engine. Keep the engine revved to 1500 RPMs to allow the fan to cool your engine. This will take at least 15 minutes, so be patient! Never open the radiator cap or any other pressurized system, as steam can cause severe burns. Once your engine has cooled, head to the service station.

Extra time and care of your fleet now will help to limit these service stops and get you back on the road quickly. We at ABS Tag & Title wish you a safe and healthy summer!

March 7, 2022

Choosing the Service that’s BEST for Locating your Out of Stock Vehicle

Choosing the services that's best for your out of stock vehicle locating needs.

Let someone else handle this time-consuming task for you.

You know down to the square inch exactly what you need in a cargo transport vehicle, only to find that the rig or vehicle you need isn’t in stock anywhere close to your location! The right vehicle locating service will be able to find it for you and deliver it to you when you need!

Here are some essentials that will save you considerable time in locating process:

Their inventory: When investigating vehicle location services, first make sure yours has a network of dealerships that is large enough to get you exactly what you want. Your first question when researching should be whether the company works within certain states or has a network of dealerships nationwide.

Your needs: When discussing your vehicle needs with a locating service provider, have a list of the specific criteria that the vehicle must fulfill, and don’t budge from that list. It is the service provider’s job to meet the needs of your company; not the other way around! If they can’t find what you need, move on to the one that can.

The Negotiation: No one likes to haggle on prices, so don’t! When you’re needing an out-of-stock vehicle, let the locator do the dirty work for you. An effective service will not only find what you need but negotiate price for you! This saves your company endless time and money as you acquire your fleet and get it on the road.

The Team: You should consider your out-of-stock vehicle service a part of your commercial team. This means you need to be able trust its representatives for quick turnaround, and clear and dependable communication. Inquire with the service whether you will have a specific representative assigned to your fleet and how accessible that person will be.

Having an effective vehicle locating service in place before you have a specific need will ensure that your rigs will be where they need to be at the time they need to be. And we all know that on-time shipments are the key to success in this business!

ABS will not only locate out-of-stock vehicles for your company; it will transport those vehicles for you and provide tag and title services as well. Trust our representatives to meet all the needs of your commercial fleet. (ABS Tag & Title Out of Stock Vehicle Locating)

February 4, 2022February 4, 2022

Make Sure You’re Legal on the Road!

Two necessary documents every driver MUST have with them at all times.

Many people don’t know that a vehicle registration is NOT the same as the title. Here are the basics to understanding the two separate documents you need before you can legally drive your vehicle:

Car Title

The title is a legal document that declares you (or the company / individual you owe) is the legal owner of a vehicle. Once a title is obtained, it is valid in every state, despite the owner’s residence.

To receive a title of a vehicle, an owner must have:

Bill of sale
Proof of insurance
Proof of residency (most DMV offices require two verified bills or official mail
Current odometer reading of vehicle

Registration

The registration is a legal document that states you have paid essential taxes and are in the state’s cataloguing system. Each state has individual requirements for this registration, and a vehicle owner must have one that is valid in his state of residence in order to legally operate the vehicle.

Once a vehicle’s title is obtained, a registration is necessary as well. Although states differ on the requirements for this document, each requires the following:

Title
Current insurance (minimum; higher in some states)
Tax or registration fees
Vehicle inspection report

Over half of the United States requires emission testing. Emissions, as well as many other safety inspections, vary considerably from state to state. You can find a list of your state’s requirements through the Department of Motor Vehicles, or the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

The process of obtaining a title and registration for your vehicle is sometimes complicated and always time-consuming. Entrusting that process to ABS ensures a smooth and carefree transition to getting your entire fleet on the road efficiently and legally!

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021

New Fleet Management Details to Consider

New administration means new fleet management details.

A New Administration in Washington Means a Change for the Fleet Industry

With a new Administration in the White House, cutting-edge trucking regulations are on the horizon. To have an efficient fleet management service can mean the difference between the life and death of your trucking company. Some things to consider:

United States Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, indicates he wants “net-zero” emissions from your fleet by 2040.

Put on hold since 2017, 18-wheeler speed limits are once again back on the discussion table in Washington.

The FMCSA is currently reviewing vision-impaired truck driving exemptions. Having set March 15 as a comment deadline, it will soon reveal whether a change will be made. If the new legislation passes, affected drivers will no longer be restricted to in-state hauls.
Many expect that the new Administration will mandate an increase in the current $750,000 requirement of insurance liability. This move could mean a drastic dent on earnings and cost the industry millions.

These potential changes to trucking regulation are just a few concerns that will need to be addressed within your fleet, and they don’t touch on the ever-changing regulations that vary from state to state! It is more essential than ever before that a trucking company has dependable and professional fleet management to handle every detail personally and expertly. The result will ensure maximum profit within this industry.

The average highway driver has no idea what you have to consider to keep your fleet of trucks driving safely and legally across our nation. What is a simple (albeit sometimes annoying) wait in line to obtain a vehicle license and title can be a virtual nightmare for those in the trucking industry! Plus, if your truck isn’t where it should be when it should be, you’re out of business! We at ABS understand that your fleet needs to keep rolling and assure you that you can leave every single one of the details to us!

With a complete line of fleet management solutions, we oversee all the details from vehicle title and registration, renewals, duplicate titles, out of stock vehicle locating and so much more. We pride ourselves on fast turn-around times, our expertise and our accurate & reliable processes. Request a free quote to get started with us today so you can unburden yourself with the administrative work and focus on running your business!

February 25, 2021February 25, 2021

Need an Out-of-Stock Vehicle?

ABS Tag & Title can help with out-of-stock vehicle locating nationwide.

Nationwide Vehicle Locating

ABS Tag & Title specializes in nationwide out-of-stock vehicle locating. We pride ourselves on accuracy, consistency and speed of our service. No matter the vehicle, truck or piece of equipment you need to support your commercial vehicle fleets, ABS Tag & Title can help you with all of your out-of-stock new vehicle locating needs with excellence. ABS Tag & Title utilizes our resources, contacts and expertise to save you time and money. Let us do the heavy lifting and legwork for you while you get back to work.

Here’s how we do it:

Coordinate with our ABS Dealer Network throughout the United States
Negotiate competitive pricing on your purchase
Ensure you get quick turnaround and processing with clear, consistent communication from start to finish
Include ALL foreign and domestic makes and models – we make sure you get what you want!
50 state filing service for your convenience
Complete nationwide registration and titling services
Transportation and delivery available – we are here for you

Interested in our Out-of-Stock Vehicle Locating services? Fill out the form here and our Out-of-Stock Locating specialist will be in contact to finalize your request.

At ABS Tag and Title, we understand that your fleet has to keep rolling. That’s why we provide a hands-on approach to customer service. No detail is too small, no problem too large for our customer success team. No more burdens for you, no more wait times for your drivers. We keep your business moving and the money coming in.

Experience for yourself the ABS Tag and Title Difference: Outstanding Customer Service!

September 25, 2020February 5, 2021

Understanding Commercial Fleet Terminology

Understanding the differences between apportioned license plates and other terms.

Why Apportioned Plates Are Important

Does your organization currently utilize commercial trucks as part of its fleet management strategy? Do your trucks have apportioned license plates? If you’re not familiar with the term “apportioned license plates,” “apportioned registration” or “International Registration Plan” (IRP), then we hope this brief overview helps explain what they are and why they’re important for your fleet.

License Plate Differences

Apportioned license plates, apportioned registration, and International Registration Plan (IRP) are closely related. These designations allow commercial vehicles to operate in two or more jurisdictions. Each state receives a “portion” of the vehicle’s registration fees based on the miles traveled in that particular state. Apportioned plates are license plates issued to commercial vehicles and are affixed to the vehicle. Apportioned registration is the official registration within the state that the fleet is based. The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a federal program and vehicle registration agreement between the states within the United States and the provinces within Canada.

Worry Free Travel with Apportioned Plates

Having apportioned plates is important because it allows your fleet to travel interstate without having to worry about registering in each state or receiving fines for not having appropriate registration.

Worry Free Fleet Management

At ABS Tag and Title, we have all the expertise to keep your fleet appropriately registered, titled and licensed without worry. We stay on top of all your fleet management needs so you can get back to business.

August 21, 2020February 5, 2021

Increase Fleet Productivity

Learn how to increase your fleet of vehicles producitivity

What You Need to Know About Fleet Productivity

Unfortunately, downtime is inevitable when it comes to fleet vehicles whether it’s breakdowns or collisions. When a vehicle is out of service it causes a domino effect; your operations stall, customers become dissatisfied, and your revenue takes a hit. If your company uses a fleet, unplanned and unexpected downtime is not an option. Here is what you need to know about fleet productivity and how to maximize it.

Manage Downtime

Most people associate downtime with maintenance issues and accidents. However, they are many factors that may keep your vehicle out of commission. Some factors are avoidable while other are not like bad weather, vehicle booting, licenses and traffic. Some costs can be immediate, while others affect the budget in the long run. Some expenses caused by downtime can include towing and roadside emergency repair.

When your vehicles are not operating as expected, you won’t be able to transport your experts and tools accordingly, and you will be forced to cancel or reschedule appointments. In the long term, unhappy clients may opt to work with a rival company. Below are tips to help you minimize downtime.

Choose the Right Vehicles

The vehicles you pick for your fleet will determine your fleet productivity. Select vehicles that are specifically built for accomplishing your particular job and avoid overtaxing them; this can lead to issues like wear and tear and increase the need for repairs. If your job involves transporting heavy objects, you will need a vehicle that can handle the cargo. It’s also recommended you pick newer vehicles with the latest technology that reduce maintenance and alert you when problems arise.

Perform Inspections and Maintenance

Fleet inspections are the key to discovering and fixing minor problems before they turn into major ones. Your company should have a fleet inspection program to ensure every vehicle is in good shape; this is not only beneficial but required by law. To reduce downtime, when performing regular maintenance schedule it during off-hours. This will ensure your vehicle isn’t in the auto shop when it should be working in the field.

Minimize Shop Time

The less time your vehicle spends in the repair shop, the more productive your fleet will be. Streamline your maintenance and repair process by scheduling in advance, checking beforehand if parts are available, and working with facilities that utilize the latest technology.

Promote Staff Accountability

Drivers should be accountable for the vehicles they drive. Downtime is significantly reduced when drivers care for the vehicles by properly inspecting them before heading out, observing traffic rules, and taking the vehicle to the auto shop on time. You can start a program to reward your most responsible drivers.

Bottom Line for Increasing Fleet Productivity

If your fleet vehicles come to a standstill so will your business. To minimize downtime and maximize fleet productivity, make sure you lease the right vehicles, perform frequent inspections and maintenance, and promote employee accountability.

To find out more about how our fleet management services can benefit your company, please contact us online or call (877) 914-7973.

July 17, 2020February 5, 2021

Should You Hire a Fleet Management Company?

3 benefits of outsourcing to a fleet management company

Benefits of Outsourcing Fleet Management Services

Should you hire a fleet management company? A large or small fleet can increase revenue and make your business more productive, but it can also increase the amount of paperwork. As your fleet expands you will become responsible for the licensing and registration for each vehicle among other things. Obtaining the initial title and registration for a new fleet of vehicles, trucks or equipment can be an involved, confusing and overwhelming process in many states.

Paperwork can easily slip through the cracks if you don’t have someone solely dedicated to properly managing your fleet. Many companies prefer to partner with an outside fleet management company so they can focus on their core business.

ABS Tag and Title has been providing fleet management services over the past three decades. You can trust us to handle your vehicle registration renewals and other important paperwork. We are unique in that we partner with small, medium size and Fortune 500 companies. Regardless of the fleet’s scale or complexity, we have the knowledge, staff and expertise to improve productivity and optimize performance.

Here are three benefits your company can benefit from when you decide to outsource your vehicle licensing and registration to another company.

1. We Know Current State and Federal Regulations

ABS Tag & Title can professionally register and title your fleet in all 50 states and 1400 jurisdictions; our team also stays on top of current government and state regulations that may affect company vehicles. We’ve found that when companies try and keep track of this on their own, they can easily get confused. There are different licensing and tax rules in every state. Another issue is a lost, unreadable or destroyed title which takes multiple steps to resolve. We provide safe and secure storage of your important documents to ensure they are never lost and that your fleet registration documents are organized and easy to access. We are also proficient with state and provincial laws and requirements and can easily keep track of your fleet’s licensing and registration due dates.

2. We Can Save You Valuable Time

Managing fleet license and title services can be time consuming, overwhelming and complicated. Mistakes can result in tickets, tows or fines if any of your vehicles have expired or missing tags. ABS Tag and Title is the perfect fleet management company to partner with. Why? Because our team of 125+ professionals can save you time by managing all the administrative work associated with titling, licensing and registration for your commercial fleet and so much more. We leverage our expertise and infrastructure to reduce and streamline your administrative work. Our #1 priority is to fully remove the burden from fleet managers and operators and save you valuable time and numerous headaches.

3. We Will Actively Work to Solve Your Fleet Issues

Another benefit of hiring our fleet management company is that our team will actively work to resolve any issues that may come up to make sure your fleet successfully receives their title and registration. We work directly with your fleet managers or with your drivers to ensure necessary paperwork is completed and your fleet is on the road and moving your business forward. Our #1 goal is to provide expert solutions for all your fleet management needs along with superior support to our clients.

Hire An Experienced Fleet Management Company

For over 30 years we have helped countless companies with their vehicle registration and licensing, fleet management solutions, renewals, duplicate titles, out of stock vehicle locating and more. We operate under the founding principle that the only way to do business is with integrity. Thus, we are dedicated to improving efficiency and operating processes for fleet owners, managers and operators. No more burdens for you, no more wait times for your drivers. We keep your business moving and the money coming in.

To find out more about how our fleet management services can benefit your company, please contact us online or call (877) 914-7973.

June 30, 2020February 5, 2021

Driving While Drowsy

Sleep Deprivation is Dangerous for Any Driver

We all know that keeping drivers safe is the key to good fleet management. Sleep deprivation is a risk for any driver who is working long shifts, driving overnight, or simply exhausted. Symptoms of drowsy driving can include having trouble keeping eyes open, drifting from lanes or not remembering the last few miles driven. However, more than half of drivers involved in fatigue-related crashes experienced no symptoms before falling asleep behind the wheel.

A startling 35 percent of U.S. drivers sleep less than the recommended seven hours daily according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowsy driving is involved in more than one in five fatal crashes on U.S. roadways each year. And not surprisingly, the less sleep you get beneath the recommended seven hours, the more likely you are to crash.

How to Prevent Your Drivers from Driving While Drowsy

Educate on the dangers of driving drowsy
Encourage healthy behaviors and a good night’s sleep
Allow drivers to pull over and sleep when they feel drowsy
Caffeine can be a short boost but is not a cure for sleep deprivation

Remember that driving drowsy doesn’t help anyone. It puts the driver, other drivers and the fleet vehicle all at unnecessary risk. The more education and support for preventing driving while sleepy the safer and more efficient your fleet will be.