Fleet Managers Conference Call-October 14, 2005

A special Fleet Managers conference call was held on October 14, 2005 to discuss the President’s initiative regarding fuel conservation and to share ideas on voluntary ways to achieve fuel reduction.  Below are suggestions that were discussed in the conference as well as ideas that several field sites have sent by e-mail:

Consider standing down a percentage of your vehicles 
Institute a “ride-share program”.
Consider replacing SUV’s with fuel efficient or alternative fuel vehicles.
If possible, use electric carts instead of vehicles.
Walk if possible. (One site is requiring employees to walk [if physically possible] for trips within one quarter mile.)
Keep tires properly inflated.
Obey the speed limit.
Lighten the load-carry only the cargo needed.
Consolidate trips/errands.
Travel at less congested times.
Check and replace air filters regularly.
Avoid excessive idling.
Keep the engine property tuned.
Use cruise control when practicable and when it its safe to use.
Expand the use of televideo and streaming video services, and telephone conferencing for on-site meeting.
Drive sensibly.  Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. 
Partner with vehicle operators and managers to rally support for the conservation effort.

We thank everyone who responded.  This list will be updated as more suggestions for fuel conservation are identified and reported to us.

1. Vehicles that are chosen for the "stand-down" will temporarily be exempt from the Balanced Scorecard utilization requirement.  Sites should report the number of vehicles selected for this effort to Helene.