April 25, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Fleet Department is named to a list of 100 Best Fleets in North America. This year Fort Wayne ranked third on the list from the organization: "100 Best Fleets."
The organization recognizes fleet departments for efficiency, cost savings procedures, continuous improvements, alternative fuel use and innovation.
Fort Wayne’s fleet department is responsible for efficient maintenance and repair of the more than 1,800 City vehicles and equipment that are used every day to provide essential services throughout the community.
“Having a cost effective and efficient fleet of vehicles is critical to our ability to provide the services that our residents and businesses depend on each day,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “We must have a safe and reliable fleet for fire and police protection, leaf pickup, pothole repairs, snow removal, and water, sewer, and stormwater maintenance. Through our innovative efforts and by demonstrating best practices, it’s a tremendous accomplishment to be recognized as one of the best cities in the country for fleet services.”
In 2013, City fleet vehicles were on the job more than 34,000 hours and were driven for a total of 9,417,473 miles.
“The efficiency in reduced time spent on repairs, largely due to regular and vital vehicle upkeep, is essential to residents. Reducing vehicle downtime was especially critical to street plowing operations during the recent winter with several significant snowfalls. These are work vehicles and they need to be ready to go when we need them,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of the Division of Public Works.
This year’s third place finish is a step up for Fort Wayne’s fleet. Last year, Fort Wayne was seventh.
Under the direction of manager, Larry Campbell, the fleet has been in the Top 100, nine of the past ten years. In six of those years Fort Wayne made the Top 10. There are more than 38,000 public fleet departments in North America.