NAFA Connection

NAFA News

Did you know the more "traditional" fleet vehicles of passenger cars, vans, and SUVs managed by our Members total 1.4 million and account for $45 billion dollars in assets?

 
Since 1996, DSWW has been the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) annual signature workplace safety campaign, which takes place this year from Oct. 5-9. Since 2007, NAFA and NETS have partnered and promoted this campaign to offer guidance to employers in the development of workplace traffic safety programs to improve driver safety performance and minimize the risk of motor vehicle crashes and their ensuing human and financial costs. The theme for this year's campaign is "Drive Focused. Drive Smart. Get Home Safely."

Facts to Know: The most dangerous part of the day for any employee is the time they spend in their vehicle, with a crash occurring every 5 seconds, property damage occurring every 7 seconds, an injury occurring every 10 seconds, and a motor vehicle fatality occurring every 12 minutes. Forty-one percent of the average vehicle miles traveled per household are from commuting to and from work (27 percent) and driving on work-related business (14 percent).  In 2000, the economic cost of crashes to employers was $60 billion, resulting in 3 million lost workdays. Two-thirds of the cost ($40 billion) was from on-the-job crashes while one-third ($20 billion) was from off-the-job crashes for employees and their benefit-eligible dependents.

 
"NAFA's partnership with NETS is another example of wisely using our resources to focus on our core expertise, while reaching out to other groups to bolster our arsenal of products and services for our membership," said NAFA Executive Director Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "This arrangement instantly gives NAFA Members access to a safety partner with some of the best information in an easy-to-implement format without having to spend time or money developing it."
 
Internet-based materials for the DSWW program are available online at the NETS website, www.trafficsafety.org. Materials in the kit may be used for Drive Safely Work Week and throughout the year, as none of the materials are dated or seasonal. The DSWW tool kit has everything needed to launch a successful campaign:

• Activities for each day, including interactive, electronic-based tools.
• Daily communications messages.
• Downloadable graphics.
• Communication tools, including press releases and campaign launch letter.
• Materials suitable for local and global employees.
• Enhance your program's safety protocols and workshops with DSWW materials.
• Take-home tips for employees to share with family and friends.
  

"The 2009 DSWW campaign tools work well with the way today's businesses get information to their employees," said Gerry Eaker, Fleet Safety Manager Corporate Health and Safety, UPS. "The electronic and interactive tools provide for a quick and easy delivery method of safe driving messages that will really resonate with our employees."
 
The kit addresses the issue of distracted driving and provides materials and activities to help build strategies to minimize distractions while drivers are behind the wheel. In addition, tips and information on eco-friendly driving, or smart driving, are included. Just by making simple changes to our driving and maintenance practices, fuel economy can be improved by up to 15 percent, according to EcoDrivingUSA.

So, act now and plan to participate in DSWW. To get started in the program, visit the NETS homepage at www.trafficsafety.org to purchase your program materials.

Attention NAFA Members: You can receive a 20 percent discount by using the code NETS when you order a DSWW tool kit online.
 
So remember: Drive focused. Drive smart. Get home safely.    

NAFA's New England Chapter will co-host the sixth annual AltWheels Fleet Day on Monday, Oct. 5. The event, held at Staples World Headquarters in Framingham, Mass., is touted to be the largest display of alternative fleet vehicles on the East Coast. More than 35 vehicles ranging from hybrid cars, hybrid trucks and buses, plug-ins, hydrogen/fuel-cell, bio-fuels (ethanol, biodiesel), propane, CNG, pure electrics, and vehicles featuring idle reduction and other energy saving technologies will be on hand.

"It is an opportunity for fleet managers to get up to speed on the latest alternative wheels technology and also hear from fleet managers who are in the forefront of alternative fuels, vehicles, and trucks," explained Karen Doyon, CAFM, the Chair of NAFA's New England Chapter.

In addition to having a table at the event, NAFA Members will also be part of the day's educational topics.

Steve Russell will be on the panel "Real World Alternative Fleet Experience: What Have Fleets Done, Best Tips For Saving Dollars, Fuel, and Headaches" moderated by Jerry Albertini.

Fred Davies and Steve Russell will be speakers on the Municipal/Utility/University Fleets discussion of ways to monitor and improve fleet efficiency, including idle reduction techniques, wheel and tire technologies, driver training, incentive programs, and more.

Steve Russell will also be one of the speakers for "Alternative Fuels, Fuel Additives and Fuel Saving Devices: Biodiesel, Ethanol, Blends: Blends, Sources, Applications, Costs," which takes a look at which fuels are gaining traction, cost-efficient procurement, infrastructure requirements, and do-it-yourself installation options, plus new state mandates.

All total, AltWheels Fleet Day includes more than 40 nationally renowned leaders on fleet technologies, industry experts, and representatives from some of the biggest names in the field.  Fleet managers, municipal and corporate, from 17 states are registered to attend.

"As co-host, we encourage our members to attend this event to understand the latest trends in alternative fuels and vehicles," added Doyon.

For more information, visit http://www.altwheels.org.

This intense, upper-level course, immerses you in the major concepts of fleet management. This seminar covers the eight discipline modules of fleet management for both the public service and commercial sectors.

• An intense, upper-level course.
• Eight interactive sessions covering disciplines in-depth.
• A great study tool for the CAFM or CAFS exam.
• Learn from the experts themselves.

Reserve Your Seat By Sept. 23 and SAVE!  Reserve your seat by Sept. 23 and SAVE with our early bird pricing. Register online at www.nafa.org/afms now and save.

Who better to learn from than the expert themselves? These expert, seasoned instructors will provide insight, answers, and individual attention, along with a Q&A at the end of each session. After the seminar, take your CAFM or CAFS exam with ease. You will be able to test upon the conclusion of the FMS/AFMS on Monday, Oct.19, at the same hotel.

"The AFMS is the single biggest help that NAFA will offer to help CAFM and CAFS candidates master the difficult concepts in the curriculum." -- NAFA President Christopher Amos, CAFM, Commissioner of Equipment Services, City of St. Louis

Certification participants have the opportunity to test on Monday, Oct.19, right after the FMS and AFMS. Take this chance to prep and take the exam with the information still fresh in your mind.

Deadline for forms is Oct. 12, 2009.
Register at www.nafa.org/exams.

To reserve your seat online, click here.
For more details about AFMS, please visit www.nafa.org/afms.

Become an Expert With Our Package Deal! Enroll in both the introductory-level Fleet Management Seminar and the Advanced Fleet Management Seminar by the early bird deadline, Sept. 23, and SAVE more than $250. Refresh your skills and knowledge at the Fleet Management Seminar and then receive a deeper level of instruction and scholarship at the Advanced Fleet Management Seminar. This is a perfect opportunity for those studying for the CAFM or CAFS exam. To register online for the combo deal, click here.

Make Your Hotel Reservations Today.
To receive a group rate of $159 per night (plus applicable taxes), call the Detroit Marriott directly at 1-800-228-9290 or click here to make reservations online. Use the code knifeman; the cut-off date for group rate is Sept. 21, 2009.
NAFA's newest educational program, the Certified Automotive Fleet Supervisor (CAFS) certification program, was introduced this year, providing those with one year of experience as a fleet manager, assistant manager, fleet supervisor, or other fleet-related position the opportunity to obtain higher education.

Jodie Bentley, CAFS, Operations Coordinator for the County of York in Yorktown, Virginia, is the first to sign up and graduate under the new program; all other NAFA CAFS grads were already enrolled in the CAFM program and passed the models that make up the CAFS program.

"The one thing I really liked about the program is how willing people were to help me understand some of the more difficult issues.  I never ran into a problem where a CAFM was not willing to sit and explain a question I asked," Bentley said. "Everyone really wants you to succeed."

Created by dividing NAFA's Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation into two tiers (upper and lower), the CAFS tiers cover four of the eight fleet management disciplines currently required to earn a CAFM.  These four disciplines include Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, and Vehicle Fuel Management.

"I can't even count how many times I have used the information I learned in one way or another.  It has helped me make decisions and understand topics that otherwise I would call and ask someone else the question; now, people call to ask me," said Bentley.

The program was approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in February and two months later earned the endorsement of the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association®.

Since its inception, 16 Members have accepted the CAFS designation, and eight are currently enrolled in the program.

"I would tell other members that if you are looking to further your career, this is certainly a stepping stone they should take," Bentley said. "I learned so much, even about subjects I thought I knew a lot about."

For more information about NAFA's CAFS Program, click here. You can click here to enroll online or print and fill out the CAFS program application below. When you submit the application, either by fax or by regular mail, please provide full payment. The exam fees are separate. Please review the exam page for more details.
September marks the halfway point for NAFA's 2009 Membership Drive, and the campaign is gathering momentum! Close to 20 new Members to date have joined NAFA under this Drive.

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!

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.

"I would tell them that NAFA is the premier fleet organization," said Donna Bibbo, CAFM, Manager, Fleet and Employee Services, Novo Nordisk, Inc., Princeton, N.J. "NAFA has the most diversified Members, it provides the best educational opportunities, it provides the only trade show that hits everybody in the industry, so it is the association to belong to."

Not only do current Members and Affiliates get to extend 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 Institute & Expo, one of the biggest fleet events of the year. A win-win situation!

"At I&E, the curriculum is extensive enough that I have always found it easy to find a session that pertains to our fleet," said David Lighthall, CFM/CAFM, National Fleet Supervisor for Kraft Foods, Inc. "In fact, sometimes tough choices have been made about which concurrent session to attend."

Networking, education, certification -- NAFA has it all! Members experience NAFA's benefits every day and in some cases, joining NAFA has led to life-changing moments.

"When I received my welcome packet, the exterior of the folder had quotes from Members," said Deputy John Croop, CAFM, Mechanic Assistant Fleet Manager, Geauga County Sheriff's Office, Chardon, Ohio. "One quote that caught my eye was to the effect of: NAFA gave me the ability to network and find the job I was looking for. A fleet manager approached me at the Las Vegas conference with a job offer at that time. I am still employed at my job 4-1/2 years later and enjoy it as much as ever. NAFA has helped me in my chosen profession and continues to do so."

Last year's Membership Drive brought in 70 new Full and Associate Members, and we hope to continue the momentum for this year's drive. 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.

1. Get Started Today With Your Recruiting Toolbox.
   Download our special Member application, and don't forget to put your name on the "SPONSOR" line before distributing.
   US and Canadian Member Application
   International Member Application
2. Good Web pages to refer to:
   Top Reasons To Join
   Testimonials
   Membership Benefits
   www.nafa.org/join
3. Spread the word. Here are some ideas how:
   
   • Invite a colleague to a local meeting.
   • E-mail fellow professionals (see above links).
   • Contact your local chapter chair for a list of prospective Members.
   • Research similar companies in your area and find out who runs their fleets.
   • E-mail NAFA's Membership Department directly for a prospect Member to contact.

Two Top Reasons to Reserve Your Booth Today:

1. Meet Fleet Decision-Makers
   NAFA Members are composed of both commercial (60 percent) and government (40 percent) fleet managers and are responsible for more than 3.5 million vehicles.
2. Green Zone is Hot
   With alternative fuels being in the headlines, the NAFA I&E Green Zone will draw buyers to the floor.

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.  Look for NAFA's Exhibitor Prospectus coming soon in your mail.

e-Communities offer members the chance to reach colleagues and share ideas when they need to — anytime, anywhere. These virtual neighborhoods allow members to easily e-mail specific fleet questions to others within the community. As a subscriber to e-Communities, you can:

• View real-time activity between other subscribed members within the group(s) to which you subscribe.
• 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.
• 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.

Order by Sept. 30 and save 25 percent on NAFA's Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM

 

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. 

Did you know about NAFA's other products, such as the NAFA Vehicle Classification System, 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. Get the most from your NAFA membership by taking advantage of substantial discounts on all products in our online store.

Headline News

The California Air Resources Board recently fined First Student, Inc., formerly Laidlaw, $300,000 for diesel emissions violations of its school bus fleet that occurred in 2005 and 2006 at locations throughout California.

A routine ARB inspection found that the Cincinnati-based company that provides transportation services to schools throughout California and the nation had not properly maintained diesel emissions records of its school bus fleets as required by the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program.

"Routine school bus emissions inspections minimize exposure to diesel soot," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Children are particularly vulnerable to diesel exhaust, which is known to worsen and even cause childhood asthma."

As part of the settlement, First Student, Inc. must: guarantee employees who are responsible for inspecting the vehicles attend a mandatory California community college training class on diesel emissions compliance and provide certificates of completion within one year; instruct employees and drivers on ARB's truck and bus idling regulations; ensure that the trucks and buses in their fleet have the most recent low-NOx software installed; and provide documentation to ARB that the inspections are being carried out for the next three years. First Student, Inc., must also ensure that all diesel trucks and buses in their fleet are up to federal emissions standards for the vehicle model year and are properly labeled with the manufacturer's factory engine certification label.

The company will pay $300,000 in penalties: $225,000 will go to the California Air Pollution Control Fund for projects and research to improve California's air quality; $37,500 will go to Peralta Community College District to fund emission education classes conducted by participating California community colleges; and the remaining $37,500 will go to the California Pollution Control Financing Authority, which guarantees loans to off-road vehicle fleets that need to buy exhaust retrofits to comply with state regulations. Jon Sobel, 45, is currently Group President for Media of SourceForge, an open source and social media company. There, Sobel spearheaded an innovative business strategy to strengthen the company's twin roles as a community trust and a for-profit public company. Previously, Sobel was senior vice president of strategy and business development at CBS Interactive, and he was partner at San Francisco-based law firm Folger Levin & Kahn.

Sobel spent six years as a top executive at Internet search pioneer Yahoo, where he was Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Board Secretary, and a member of the company's Executive Committee. He joined Yahoo in 1998 and was rapidly promoted to lead the team, which grew to include more than 75 attorneys.

Early in his career, Sobel worked as a reporter for a daily newspaper in Michigan and an adviser in Washington, D.C., to U.S. Sen. John Danforth of Missouri. Sobel has an MBA from Wharton, a law degree from the University of Michigan, and an undergraduate degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University.

"Tesla already serves as an industry-wide example that an automaker can create a successful business model while being socially and environmentally responsible," Sobel said. "I'm thrilled to be joining such an exciting company at the beginning of its rapid growth phase." Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology will be standard on all 2010 model year diesels except Internationals.  SCR may also become the standard for NOx retrofits for fleets within California in the not-too-distant future.

Penske Truck Leasing said that it will join truck manufacturer Freightliner in a two-month North American tour of seminars about selective catalytic reduction technology.

The seminars, which will begin Sept. 15 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, will feature information about 2010 Environmental Protection Agency standards for diesel engines and how Freightliner and Penske will use SCR to comply with the standards.

The 16 sessions will also include a tour of a Freightliner exhibit trailer with further information.

The seminars will take place in the following cities:

• Sept. 22 - Warren, Mich.
• Sept. 24 - Elk Grove, Ill.
• Sept. 29 - Kansas City, Mo.
• Oct. 1 - Erlanger, Ky.
• Oct. 6 - Cranston, R.I.
• Oct. 7 - Parsippany, N.J.
• Oct. 8 - Jessup, Md.
• Oct. 13 - Chester, Va.
  

For information about attending the seminars, Penske asks potential attendees
to call Michelle Hall at (888) 216-9365. Ford Motor Company posted a statement on its site backing support for the senate bill to ban handheld text messaging while driving. 

The following is a statement from supplied by Sue Cischke, Group Vice President for Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering: 

"At Ford, we think driver distraction is a critically important issue. Drivers experience many different types of distractions on a daily basis. Drivers are going to have conversations, read maps and directions, and listen to music while they drive. The most complete and most recent research shows that activity that draws drivers' eyes away from the road for an extended period while driving, such as text messaging, substantially increases the risk of accidents. Ford believes hands-free, voice-activated technology substantially reduces that risk by allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Ford supports a ban on hand-held text messaging while driving – and we endorse the legislation introduced by Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) that would encourage a more rapid transition to hands-free and voiceactivated technologies. This legislative approach addresses a nationwide problem we can all agree is necessary to improve safety."
PHH Corporation announced the successful closing by its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Chesapeake Funding, LLC (Chesapeake), of the issuance and sale of $850 million in aggregate principal amount of its Series 2009-2 Floating Rate Asset Backed Notes, Class A (the "Notes").

The Notes were rated AAA/Aaa by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Moody's Investor Services, respectively, and qualified as "eligible collateral" under and as defined in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, or "TALF," established by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

A portion of the net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Notes will be used to repay a portion of Chesapeake's Series 2006-1 Floating Rate Asset Backed Variable Funding Investor Notes, with the remaining proceeds expected to be used to fund the acquisition of vehicles to be leased to customers of PHH Vehicle Management Services, LLC (PHH Arval), the Company's fleet management business.

Commenting on the successful closing of the most recent Chesapeake transaction, George J. Kilroy, Acting Chief Executive Officer and President of PHH, stated: "With the second successful issuance this year of TALF eligible securities backed by our commercial fleet lease assets, PHH Arval continues to solidify its position as a leading provider of financing solutions for the commercial fleet industry. PHH is committed to providing a lease product to our fleet management clients that is consistent with our outstanding client service and award winning technology and innovation."
With a shared interest in the protection of the environment, the Toyota USA Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation will fund the expansion of 4-H's youth water quality and conservation programming, called 4-H2O.

Toyota and Coca-Cola collectively donated an additional $850,000 - $600,000 from Toyota and $250,000 from Coca-Cola to expand this important work into five new states, bringing the total program participation to 10 states.

Through the Toyota's continued support, 4-H will expand the reach of 4-H2O Community Projects. Currently serving communities in California, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, and West Virginia, 4-H2O Community Projects will now add Texas.

From beach cleanup efforts to water-quality testing in major bodies of water, youth bring their findings to community leaders for discussion and review of potential solutions for their community.  Additionally, the grant from Toyota will assist the growth of 4-H2Online to reach 200,000 youth.

The Coca-Cola Foundation has generously provided the funding to launch 4-H2O: Replenish. This exciting water conservation project will serve Arizona, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Wisconsin. In each of these four states, 4-H, the National Water Program and the Land Grant Universities are working together to find ways to educate communities on useful water-saving techniques.

Through demonstration sites for items such as rain barrels and rain gardens, community members will learn how to best save water. In Oklahoma, for example, one of the 10 4-H2O: Replenish sites in the state collected 14,000 gallons of rainwater in May alone and used it in an irrigation system serving a community vegetable garden. 4-H2O: Replenish has a total projected reach of 37,000 youth and 50 million gallons of water saved.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEGISLATION

The City of Ottawa has unveiled new green technology as part of its municipal fleet.  In addition, possible vehicles in the future will include this technology.

Key elements of the city's new Municipal Green Fleet Plan, introduced were hybrid and other green-friendly cars, trucks and an ice re-surfacer designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for Ottawa residents.

Mayor Larry O'Brien has highlighted the City of Ottawa's ongoing commitment to reduce its environmental impact through the use of alternate fuels, to a wide range of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles.


A new temporary Purchase Order Financing initiative to help closed auto parts manufacturers resume production has officially been introduced by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).  This initiative comes into play as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan's Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP).

Announcing the program on Sept. 4, 2009, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, stated that with help of the BCAP, business owners as part of the auto parts industry will experience improved access to credit.

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, also highlighted that this type of financing is a proactive means to help automotive manufacturers and Canadians.

To be eligible for the financing, the business must be commercially viable and Canadian, be involved mainly in auto parts manufacturing with at least 40 percent of its sales in auto parts, and have a proven record as a supplier for at least one year.

The Government of Canada has reached a decision and will not be executing a 'cash-for-clunkers' scheme similar to that of the United States, even though it has received months of pressure from auto dealers and manufacturers to do just that.

The decision follows a letter previously sent to the Prime Minister by the five carmakers with assembly factories in Canada.  In August 2009, a letter had been sent to the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, from General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Group LLC, Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp, urging the Government to implement a $350-million scrappage program offering an approximate $3,000 rebate to people who trade in their old gas guzzlers.

Remaining in place will be the government's current $92-million Retire Your Ride scrappage plan, with no changes, as announced by Jim Prentice, Minister of Environment.

The Retire Your Ride Program, officially launched in February 2009, offers $300 cash or other incentives to drivers who get rid of their vehicles built in 1995 or before.  Minister Prentice highlighted that close to 50,000 cars will be removed from Canada's roads this year through this initiative.

Minister Prentice also reiterated that he is satisfied based on what he's seen that the current program is working, and is therefore, not introducing a separate vehicle scrappage program.  The thought process behind this decision measured against the original objectives for the program, which are to retire old, polluting cars, not help manufacturers sell new cars.

Announced in September 2009, Ford of Canada's Chief Executive, David Mondragon has officially launched its own vehicle scrappage incentive program, offering Canadians up to $3,000 to trade in their old vehicles aged 15 years or older, for new Ford models.

Ford Canada is now the third automaker in Canada to offer its own scrappage program, and is currently offering the highest rebate.

Ford Canada representatives have highlighted that among Ford drivers alone, there are nearly one million Canadians that would qualify for the program.  Those who choose a new Ford car will get $1,000, while those who buy a truck or a luxury Lincoln will get $3,000. 

Other automakers who have introduced their own programs are Hyundai Motor Co., offering up to $1,000, and Chrysler Group LLC, offering up to $1,500.


The Government of Canada has officially launched a $1-million pilot program to promote the use of fuel-efficient technologies for heavy-duty trucks.  Announced in September 2009, the program will moderately fund successful applicants, up to $100,000, who install SmartWay certified technologies to amplify fuel efficiency.

Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, highlighted that through continued investments in fuel efficiency, the industry will be able to reduce fuel costs and contribute to a cleaner Canada.

The SmartWay program was originally developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The SmartWay-certified technology fund is a component of the Government of Canada's ecoENERGY for Fleets program, which provides information and other key practices to bus and truck drivers in Canada to improve the energy efficiency of commercial and institutional fleet vehicles.

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to enhance the Department of Energy's research program in heavy duty hybrid trucks.  H.R. 445 authorizes the Department of Energy to spend $16 million over three years in grants aimed at research and development of large vehicles such as trucks that would be powered, in part, by electricity. It also directs the Secretary of Energy to form a pilot program that would study the effects of plug-in vehicles on the power grid.


Climate change legislation will be delayed in the Senate.  Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and John Kerry (D-MA) have announced that they need more time to craft Senate climate change legislation and will put off introduction of the bill until the end of September. Senator Boxer, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, is expected to draw heavily from the House-passed bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, co-authored by Representatives Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Edward Markey (D-MA), which would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent by 2020, from 2005 levels.


The White House on Sept. 15 announced new clean air and fuel-economy standards for cars and trucks that include first-time federal limits for tailpipe emissions. Under the proposal, the fleetwide Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard will rise to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, accelerating the timetable for federal standards set in a 2007 energy law, which would have required that standard to be met by 2020. The current standard is 27.5 miles per gallon.  Vehicles would have to meet a combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. The regulations cover model years 2012 to 2016.  The proposal adopts standards first adopted by California that curb greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

Honda Motor Company is likely to launch an all-electric car in the United States over the next few years, according to executives familiar with the project and the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA).

Honda is taking this step because of an increased interest in fuel efficiency, which has prompted an increased interest in battery-powered vehicles.

According to the company executives, the automaker is likely to limit the availability of the new car to a region within the United States. The time frame for the launch has not been specified, stated EDTA.
With new natural gas and hybrid electric models, PECO is expanding its utility fleet of vehicles using cleaner, alternative fuels. The utility is participating in a national consortium that recently was awarded a federal stimulus grant to purchase plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and the company is buying more trucks to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) as well.

The fleet recently added two more natural gas vehciles (NGVs) – Ford F350 pickup trucks modified to run on compressed natural gas.  PECO (www.peco.com) has been using NGVs since the late 1980s and has six CNG refueling stations at its service buildings. The NGVs will be used by PECO's energy technicians in the Philadelphia suburbs.

PECO also is participating in a utility group organized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to demonstrate PHEV performance.  PECO is one of 50 utilities and other fleets in the program, which was awarded the $45 million competitive stimulus grant. 

The company expects to buy 20 Ford F550 utility trucks that will be modified as PHEVs over the next two years. The matching stimulus grant will provide up to $2.5 million for the vehicle conversions.  PECO will collect data on power consumption, fuel usage and other performance as part of the industry's ongoing research into advanced batteries and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Collins Bus Corporation announced an exclusive agreement with CleanFUEL USA to develop the first Type A small school bus to operate on autogas with a Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system. Collins, as the largest builder of Type A school buses, soon will be offering this system as an option for several of its GM dual rear-wheel models.

The Department of Energy states that the low carbon and reduced oil contamination of propane has resulted in a higher documented engine life of up to two times that of gasoline engines.

Curtis Donaldson, President and CEO of CleanFUEL USA stated, "Propane is an ideal fleet fuel that offers significant advantages over other transportation fuels, such as diesel and gasoline. With our advanced LPI system, Collins can deliver a quality propane bus option that helps its customers better address green initiatives and reduce transportation costs." Darling International Inc. announced it has joined with a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation to take initial steps towards the formation of a joint venture to build a facility capable of producing over 10,000 barrels/day or 135 million gallons per year of renewable diesel on a site adjacent to Valero's St. Charles refinery near Norco, La.

It is contemplated that the proposed facility would principally convert waste grease – primarily animal fats and used cooking oil supplied by Darling – and potentially other feedstocks that become economically and commercially viable into renewable diesel.

Darling and Valero will jointly seek a loan guarantee for the proposed joint venture from the U.S. Department of Energy under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
 
"We have long considered various paths that would allow Darling to participate in the country's growing interest in using renewable fuels. We believe that the combination of Darling's ability to provide low-cost carbon-friendly feedstocks and Valero's experience as North America's largest independent petroleum refiner and marketer has the potential to create a sustainable bio-fuel facility geared toward meeting America's growing renewable energy demands. While the DOE loan application process has been initiated, we want to caution our investors that we are still in the early phases of this potential project, with much remaining to be done before we enter into final, binding agreements. There are no assurances that the DOE will approve the application for inclusion in the program, or, if the application is approved, that it will be approved at a sufficient funding level for the parties to agree to proceed with the project. Final approval of the project remains subject to the approval of both parties' boards," said Randall Stuewe, Darling International Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson jointly proposed a rule establishing an historic national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. 

Their proposal builds upon core principles President Obama announced with automakers, the United Auto Workers, leaders in the environmental community, governors and state officials in May, and would provide coordinated national vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards. 

Under the proposed program, which covers model years 2012 through 2016, automobile manufacturers would be able to build a single, light-duty national fleet that satisfies all federal requirements as well as the standards of California and other states. The proposed program includes miles per gallon requirements under NHTSA's Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFE) program and the first-ever national emissions standards under EPA's greenhouse gas program. The collaboration of federal agencies for this proposal also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA, and a state standard).

The proposed national program would require model year 2016 vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. Under the proposed program, the overall light-duty vehicle fleet would reach 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) in model year 2016, if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements. If this occurs, Congress' fuel economy goal of 35.0 mpg by 2020 will be met four years ahead of schedule. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007, which required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.

NHTSA and EPA are providing a 60-day comment period that begins with publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. The proposal and information about how to submit comments can be found on the Web sites for EPA and for NHTSA.

NAFA Online Store

No matter what type of fleet you have, fleet managers all face the same issues with regard to maintenance. This recently published guide will enhance your understanding of the essential maintenance principles of in-house, contracted, or outsourced maintenance. Whether you work for a large corporation, a government entity, utility, or university, the Fleet Maintenance Operations Guide provides you with valuable information and resources. More than 500 pages of information, articles, codes, checklists, and guidelines examine:

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

The guide is available in two formats to meet your project needs. NAFA has received 85 orders! Order 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.
• 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 you direct access to the most 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 for easy use, especially when you're sharing references with colleagues. Order today!

Career Corner

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.

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 are 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.

September Job Postings

Operations Supervisor – Modesto, CA
Fleet Manager - University City, MO
Manager, Transportation Services - Baltimore, MD
Director of Fleet Services - Kirkwood, MO
Manager of Fleet Services - Lombard, IL
Sr. Director Fleet Management – U.S. Foodservice - Rosemont, IL

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).

Chapter Highlights

Click Here

NAFA's 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.

September Chapter meetings will take place:

September 16
FLAGFA/NAFA Combined 2009 Fall Conference
Location: The Plaza Resort, Daytona Beach, Florida
Contact: Frank Salerno, P: 386.677.1482, fsalerno1@cfl.rr.com 

September 16
Old Dominion Chapter - Meeting
Location: Hanover County Fleet Services, Ashland, VA
Contact: Kenneth Bernard, CAFM, P: 540.853.2108, F: 540.853.6845, Ken.Bernard@RoanokeVa.gov
RSVP by September 11, 2009
 
September 16
New England - Economic Outlook / Funding Availability
Location: Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA
Contact: Karen Doyon, P: 401.757.2214, kdoyon@sperianprotection.com

September 16
Puget Sound Chapter - Law Enforcement Group Meeting
Location: Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
Contact: Robin Robinson, P: 425.638.4920, robin.robinson@univarusa.com
 
September 22
Mid-America - Annual Golf Outing
Location: Paradise Point Golf Course, Smithville, MO
Contact: Steve Adams, P: 913.696.6263, steven.adams1@ge.com

September 22
Ontario Chapter - Ride and Drive
Location: Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan, ON
Contact: Fran MacKenzie-Peacock, P: 905.459.1810, fran@bramptonchrysler.com 

September 22
Rocky Mountain Chapter - Meeting and Golf Outting
Location: Riverdale Dunes, Adams County, CO
Contact: Linda George, P: 720.286.2057, Linda.George@CH2M.com

September 24
Tri-State Chapter - Annual Meeting / Golf Outing
Location: Sharon Woods Golf Course, Cincinnati, OH
Contact: Craig Jones, P: 513.241.2573, CJones@arifleet.com
 
September 24
Chicago Chapter - 2009 Sport & Leisure Outing
Location: Poplar Creek Country Club, Hoffman Estates, IL
Contact: Mark Kurth, P: 847.481.3016, mark.kurth@leaseplan.com

September 24
San Francisco Chapter - Meeting
Location: Enterprise Fleet Management, San Leandro, CA
Contact: Terence Kyaw, P: 650.780.7485, tkyaw@redwoodcity.org

Membership Benefits You

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.

Congratulations – you just got a promotion! Best wishes on your retirement!  Now what do you do? Remember to notify NAFA about these and other changes. Notifying us will help you in many ways. If you are retiring, you may be eligible to become a NAFA alumnus and stay in touch with your NAFA colleagues and friends. Membership in the NAFA Fleet Management Association will follow you wherever you go, whether you change your position, place of work, or retire.

Just two easy steps can help your colleagues keep in touch. To 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.

Three online, searchable networking databases will easily put you in touch with all your NAFA colleagues. These databases are exclusively for NAFA members. 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 the references and educational resources 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 website 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.

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.