FAQ – Your Fleet Maintenance Questions Answered
Q. How can First Vehicle Services deliver cost savings to my business or fleet operation?
A. Cost savings with First Vehicle Services can be realized in a number of ways. Our corporate buying power and aggressively negotiated parts contracts immediately improve our customers' bottom lines. Additionally, First Vehicle Services fleet operating efficiencies often reduce fleet counts, extend vehicle life cycles, and reduce overall costs.
Another benefit is our regional and corporate support. Your overhead costs for hiring, training, procurement, and IT personnel are eliminated because we have our own dedicated, experienced management support team that provides national and regional support.
Q. What is captive shop onsite fleet maintenance?
A. Simply put, it means that the fleet maintenance is performed in your facility by First Vehicle Services mechanics-technicians. The facility is managed and the equipment is maintained by First Vehicle Services, ensuring that you continue to maximize the investment you've already made in your facility.
Best of all, our technicians are solely dedicated to servicing your fleet, unlike other third party maintenance solutions that utilize shared facilities and mechanics.
Q. I have a diverse fleet of vehicle types and yard equipment. Can First Vehicle Services maintain my entire fleet?
A. Yes, absolutely. First Vehicle Services leads the fleet maintenance industry in diverse fleet experience. We understand that your fleet isn't just straight trucks and sedans. With over 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge and skill to maintain your entire fleet – from emergency units and fire trucks to earth movers and cranes. We also maintain small equipment and alternative fueled vehicles that help reduce your carbon footprint.
Q. Do you provide maintenance services for public or private fleet operations?
A. Both. We provide customized fleet solutions to numerous types and sizes of fleet operations, including governments, municipalities, businesses, private fleets, petrochemical, and utilities.
Q. What happens to my fleet employees when I outsource?
A. In short, we can hire them. It just makes good business sense to hire the mechanics already familiar with your fleet. Over 70% of our existing contracts have been converted from in-house operations and our mechanical staff retention rate is high. We have an extensive fleet technician transition plan that provides training and certifications such as ASE, EVT, and other continuing education that increases their knowledge and value to your organization.
All existing employees have the opportunity to complete our employee hiring process. Our process includes drug testing, background checks, and a multi-step interview process that ensures the highest quality technicians available are maintaining your fleet.
Q. Do you handle parts procurement?
A. Yes. As part of FirstGroup America, the largest ground transportation company in North America, we have unrivalled buying power. Our procurement specialists normally achieve vehicle and parts savings of up to 30% or more from previous costs.
We can also purchase parts utilizing state contracts and pass these savings on to you as well. Just tell us if you have certain vendors or contracts you would like us to utilize for your contract.
Q. What happens to my current and ongoing inventory?
A. When you contract with First Vehicle Services, you see almost immediate savings because you no longer carry any inventory costs on your books. We can purchase your existing usable inventory at book value prior to the start of the contract. All parts are then input into our Fleet Maintenance Information System (FMIS - CMMS) and are continuously monitored for supply replenishment.
We buy and maintain the inventory. What that means for you is that you aren't billed for any part until it is used on your vehicle. If your contract with First Vehicle Services is fixed cost, you won't ever see a bill for that part because it's included in your bumper to bumper coverage.
Q. How do you track your fleet maintenance?
A. We have our own proprietary Fleet Maintenance Information System (FMIS, or CMMS) that provides a wide range of Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and other critical fleet data. Our web-based system is available 24/7 for immediate reports and updates. Our staff is also well-versed with other popular fleet maintenance systems as well.
Q. What do you do with the existing shop equipment when you are in my facility?
A. We lease your building and existing equipment. We also bring equipment of our own to make your maintenance facility as self-contained and productive as possible. Your equipment is cared for and maintained using the same stringent preventive maintenance methodologies that we utilize on your fleet of vehicles.
Q. What types of parts do you use on my vehicles?
A. Whatever you want. First Vehicle Services furnishes high-quality parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications. If you want something new or different, talk to us. We have experience with everything from specialized lubricants to cryogenic parts so we can provide advice as well as supply and install the parts.
Do you have a question for First Vehicle Services? Contact us now!