Field Service IT News For VARs — May 28, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
In the news, diesel prices continue to fall and buckled seat belts will be required before operating some new GM fleet vehicles. Also, an article looks at the debate your field service clients may have over the decision to outsource.
Diesel Prices Continue To Drop Across The Country
According to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, the national average price for a gallon of on-highway diesel fell 0.9 cent in the week ending May 26 to $3.925. The Commercial Carrier Journal reports this is the fourth week in a row that the price of diesel has declined nationwide.
GM Launches Vehicles That Require Seat Belts Before Operating
General Motors Co. is introducing a system to fleet customers that will require front-seat passengers to buckle their seat belts before driving a vehicle, reports Transport Topics. The “belt assurance system” will be available later this year on 2015 model year vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra full-size pickups, and Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup.
Freight Volumes Continue to Rise With Positive Forecasts
Data suggests freight volumes are still on the upswing, generating more opportunities for trucking rate increases, according to Fleet Owner. The American Trucking Associations found that the trade group’s for-hire truck tonnage index increased 1.5 percent in April, following a 0.6 percent rise in March.
Field Service IT Talking Points
Commercial Carrier Journal looks as recent greenhouse gas emission standards in the article “Green diesel technologies only getting greener.”
Business2Community reports on whether to “To Outsource or Not to Outsource: The Challenge for Small Business Fleet Managers.” The benefits of outsourcing responsibility for a commercial fleet include efficiency, remove burden of ownership, and free up time to focus on the overall business strategy. The disadvantages include a lack of metrics and measurements, not having complete control and ownership, and the overhead fees.
Fleet Owner reported on a recent point made by the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. He said that transportation and infrastructure is “probably the worst it has ever been in the history of our country — America is one big pothole.” The Federal fuel tax is providing insufficient funds to keep up with demand.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Field Service Tech Center.