We took data from over 50 of our utility and municipal fleet benchmarking clients and their active Digger Derricks from 2017 to 20211. The sample included nearly 12,000 vehicles weighing less than or equal to 55,000 GVWR. The data used represents the patterns we have seen from the industry average of the selected sample.

A fleet manager is responsible for many things, as I’m sure you already know. From replacement cycles to annual budget preparation, policy implementation to vehicle usage management and maintenance. The needs and objectives of multiple departments depend on the fleet manager executing their responsibilities well and keeping the fleet running smoothly.

A benchmark can be applied to any facet of your fleet’s operations. From maintenance to vehicle class, process to product – a benchmark is always a good idea.

With great growth often comes a few growing pains along the way. And it seems the same is true for the utility fleet industry.

The operating cost for the Transit Connect in year two was $117 per 1,000 miles, while in year five it was $278 per 1,000 miles, an increase of $161 per 1,000 miles over the five years.

The operating costs for 4×2 in year one was $75 per 1,000 miles, while in year nine it was $265 per 1,000 miles, an increase of $190 over the nine years.

The sample included nearly 5,000 Prius compared to nearly 11,000 other active compact cars, such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civics and Chevrolet Cruze.

With today’s upper-management expectation of real-time analytics, data driven decisions, and reduced support staff, the fleet industry needed a drastic change in the consulting approach.

From 2006 to 2013, the average price for the 4×4 increased from $44,722 to $52,796, which is an increase of over 15%.

From 2006 to 2013, the average purchase price for a 4×2 increased from $18,399 to $25,275, which is an increase of over 37%.