NAFA Fights for Fleets in Washington, D.C.

The 2019 NAFA Legislative Fly-In began on Thursday, September 26, with a day of deep-dive sessions and accompanying discussions on key issues and challenges facing fleet managers and their organizations.

Many fleet managers across the country are transportation sustainability leaders in their local communities through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Cities Coalition Network. DOE engaged with NAFA members during the meeting to discuss where the program was headed and how NAFA could strengthen its partnerships to have more members get engaged in the Clean Cities effort.

While the issue of accessing vehicle-generated data may not be on the radar of many members of the general public, vehicle data is a core component of the operations of fleets who rely on telematics systems or do in-house servicing and maintenance. Allied organizations from the rental car and third-party repair industries held a panel during the fly-in to brief NAFA’s representatives on some of the issues facing them and to provide guidance on how to engage with legislators on the issue.

Organizations representing auto manufacturers and vehicle components also held a panel during the fly-in to emphasize the impact of recent trade-related actions such as tariffs on the auto industry. NAFA members in attendance used this opportunity to inform these partners as to the direct costs they have felt in their fleets as a result of tariffs.

The next day, NAFA's participants were on Capitol Hill to meet with key Senate staff on two important issues for fleet managers: the status of the reauthorization of the federal highway program, and the treatment of drivers of employer-provided vehicles in pending federal privacy legislation.

NAFA attendees also held personal meetings with the Senate and House offices and were able to leverage these contacts to gain insights into the current status of pending legislative efforts and share the unique and informed perspectives fleet managers have on many transportation-related policies.

One of the most valuable parts of this effort, in making direct contact with the congressional office, is that NAFA's fleet representatives often become go-to resources for members of Congress and their staff on fleet-related policy. NAFA members represent the fleet profession as a whole, rather than merely their respective organization. Congressional staffers appreciate that they are able to engage with individuals who have experience and knowledge about our industry, and can speak on issues in an honest and objective manner.

This benefits not only NAFA membership but fleet professionals across the spectrum of our industry.

NAFA U.S. Legislative Counsel Patrick O'Connor updates the Association's envoys
for the day's meetings.