I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have been told that “every big rig in America needs to be running my product.” As I dig into the facts I usually find there is a reason the world has not beat a path to the prospective client’s door. A few years ago I was following my standard procedure:... Read More

As we visit hundreds of prospects and customers each year, the number one question usually goes unanswered: "What does it currently cost to wash your vehicles?"

In today's fiscally responsible world, it's difficult to imagine a cost that is so variable and important to company image, employee satisfaction and the bottom line that goes unrealized.... Read More

It has been a long held struggle with trucks and trailers to eliminate or prevent salt from corroding important components of their vehicles. But what does this really mean in terms of life expectancy?

According to a study by School Bus Fleet Magazine, a survey across North America had some stunning results. In the survey 81% of the respondents encountered salt on their roads, 19% did not encounter any salt on their roads:... Read More

by Jeff Sibio, Director, Industry Marketing Trucking / Fleet Management & Postal CEP at Intermec, a Descartes United by Design Alliance Partner

Posted under the Mobile Resource Management category, this article first appeared on June 8, 2011 in Descartes' Making Things Move Blog.... Read More

Recently at two tradeshows with the Trucking Industry folks, we discussed what a clean truck means in today's world.

1. Image – a clean truck is your traveling billboard. Would you not be angry if your billboard sign was obscured by dirt, oxidation and fading graphics?
2. Life of vehicle – there wasn't one person surveyed who didn't believe a truck will last longer when cleaned regularly.
3. Cleaning a vehicle more often actually hinders dirt from collecting and is easier to clean ongoing.
4. Vehicle Inspections - a dirty truck and a clean truck traveling down a highway, who would be pulled over for an inspection first? Unanimous decision on this one.

5. Washing a truck without applying a brush will not totally clean what is required for a "great" image. Pressure washers also damage electrical and graphics when not operated properly.
6. Cleaning outside in the parking lot is not allowed? Unanimous that this practice will be banned in the future as the sewer drains go directly to the streams and rivers (ultimately the lakes and oceans). This can't be good for the environment.
7. Public washes are not cost effective for large fleets. Too much time and money is spent to travel back and forth with an inconsistent result.

8. Rain water does not actually remove grease, oil, gasoline or oxidation. In fact without soap and a brush cleaning, the streaks and rusting causes irrevocable damage resulting in leaks and failure of hardware.
9. Employees are much more satisfied with their work driving a clean truck. Both customers and drivers image is heightened with a clean, shiny truck arriving to their business.

So why do so many vehicles not get washed in today's world? Simply put, the consensus is cost. Today's economic times require budgetary restraints. First item to go in the maintenance world is washing.... Read More

by Mike Natalizio, President & CEO, HNI

CSA is changing the atmosphere of the trucking industry, and is impacting motor carriers, individual drivers, insurers and underwriters alike. This legislation brings unprecedented transparency into transportation safety that will affect every level of the industry. The change is already beginning to be felt, with the first wave of warning letters going out to motor carriers last month.... Read More

What impact does a CLEAN vehicle have on your customers and employees? Do you have a clean and green strategy toward your image? If your answer is no, keep reading to understand the impact that neglecting this area may have on your future for retaining employees and recruiting.... Read More

Awash has been in the vehicle washing business for over 20 years. In that time, things haven't changed all that much in the way commercial vehicles get washed. With multiple factors at play - from the green movement to an increased awareness in the harm toxic chemicals can do to the environment to the cost of utilities - there's no doubt in my mind that the time has arrived for change.... Read More

Here is a quiz for sustainability executives. How can you save money while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 20%? The answer: run your transportation fleet on CNG or LNG fuel. Companies with private fleets and contracted fleets can enjoy the savings of CNG and LNG while doing their part for sustainability and environmental stewardship.... Read More

It wasn't too long ago that fuel prices were lingering between $3.80 and $4.40 per gallon. At that point many companies took an aggressive stance on fuel conservation. However, for most it was just a flavor of the month. Many companies jumped on the U.S. EPA "SmartWay" bandwagon, which is designed to improve fuel efficiencies and reduced the environmental impact. That is all well and good but unfortunately, if a company doesn't have an aggressive fuel conservation program in place, being "SmartWay" certified should be considered consistent with permitting the tail to wag the dog. Or maybe Ready, Shoot, Aim is a more apt metaphor.... Read More