The University of Alabama Office of Fleet Management has been making waves in the industry with its innovative methods and dedication to providing excellent service to the University through its fleet of vehicles. In recognition of their outstanding efforts, Fleet Management was honored with the 2024 Fleet Innovation Award from the National Alliance of State and University Fleets. This prestigious award is given to fleet managers who demonstrate sustained efforts to improve efficiency in terms of cost reductions, safety enhancements, and improved customer service.
Back in 2020, Fleet Management was established after a thorough review of UA’s fleet of vehicles revealed various issues such as older vehicle models, lack of maintenance, and high repair costs. The office wasted no time in researching and analyzing how they could implement improvements to address these challenges. Tony Johnson, the director of Fleet Management, expressed his gratitude for the support of the UA administration throughout the process, emphasizing the importance of effective communication with all stakeholders to explain the benefits of the changes being made.
One of the key initiatives implemented by Fleet Management was the creation of an in-house auction website in July 2020 to sell UA’s pre-owned vehicles that were older or less used. This initiative has been a success, with UA auction sales of fleet vehicles nearing $8 million. Additionally, Fleet Management developed a vehicle lease program for departments across campus, allowing them to own all vehicles and set a replacement schedule for three to four years. This program has seen significant growth, with the number of leased vehicles increasing from 33 to 509 since 2020.
The benefits of Fleet Management’s initiatives have been substantial. Complex repairs have been reduced by 60%, resulting in a newer fleet with the average vehicle year model going from 2006 to 2020. There has also been a reduction in preventative maintenance non-compliance and vehicle repair time. Furthermore, the initiatives have had a positive impact on employee morale and UA’s brand reputation, as vehicles now proudly display the University logo.
In conclusion, the University of Alabama Office of Fleet Management has truly set a high standard for innovation and excellence in fleet management. Through their dedication to improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer service, Fleet Management has not only received national recognition but has also brought about significant positive changes that benefit the University as a whole.