Is your Fleet ready for the winter months?

Well it is that time of year for many things to happen. But one that is crucial to a fleet owner is the time to get the vehicles all set to handle and tackle what winter will have to offer.    For some it means money and others headaches which one are you? Take a look at this white paper and get ready.

http://bobitmedia.com/portal/wts/ugmcmPycFw%5EbaOFCcd3-DfrRg%5E%5EL%7CrEB%7Cx6f%7CRP08vDsOPT6%5E91rFjw7lpt8a

First Time at the PARVCA SHOW at the Giant Center Hershey Park.

It was a see of RV’s and all the toys to go along with the life style. It was exactly that a lifestyle that you come to appreciate as you walk around and talk to the people. Some moved about the country all year long while others parked in one site for awhile or forever. Some tow behind others 5th wheel , while the rest drive. You have you sliders and then b class homes and c class then your a class big boys with all the whistles. With an example of all and what they sit on like our F53 Mobile home chassis

I was happy to see that #Ford was represented because it seemed that these people only buy Ford trucks to pull their campers and 5th wheel. Budget concerns did matter but all the people I spoke to had a plan in place and were right in the grove of following it. The PARVCA gives these people the proper education on how to choose the right type of unit and then vehicle to pull it or pull behind it. I worked with all types wanting to know what their present truck or SUV could handle and what could be pulled behind there mobile home.  A lot knew the answer but wanted to double check and some more just wanted to say hi and why Teri #FORD is the best.  Others offered up great suggestions or complaints but still wanted that #FORD. 

A show like this I was expecting to see more manufacturers represented but they were not. Ford and Freightliner seem to be the only ones to appreciate this market along with Spartan a class a chassis builder. Yes people had stuff on Sprinter and Ram and Chevy chassis and PROMASTER was big in the bclass although like the Transit and Sprinter tight inside.

I made some nice contacts with the other cams like myself there and was quite impressed when people were referred to my buddy at #SCARSDALEFORD if interested in a #QUIGGLYUNIT. For you laymen that is a 4x4adapted mobile home transit or ESERIES CHASSIS. which by the way every manufacturer had a body of some kind on. You could truly say the Ford brand is best when it comes to the RV way of life.  I will definitely be back next year more prepared with what I have in stock new and used.This place was so large that they had  a taxis service for helping the people get from parking to the show and around it.

MY PERSONAL BUSINESS UPDATE

So here I am getting ready to complete my first full year with my new Dealership in Queens NY, Ford Lincoln of Queens.  It has been a rough ride so far but it seems to be getting better.  The BDC is now forwarding potential customers my way. Of course they are not  straight forward ones, but at least I am getting to talk to them.  I am learning a lot in this new position as well.  I believe and pray that by next year this time I will have the help of an assistant and one sales operative to work the  lists while I handle bids and present customers.

I am reading and learning the bid system and getting the paperwork straight so that we can participate. Boy what a chore that has turned out to be.  Along with working the CVC hot leads and lists being provided by Ford and trying to attend the different expositions as well for leads.  How has it been going? well I have made a few mistakes and done a few things wrong but it is part of the learning curve in order to build this department up the way it needs to be and maintain it as well.  I have got to admit in a long time I have not wanted to come to work but that is not the case anymore.  It is quite challenging and I can see the rewards are hovering right there in front of me waiting for me to get over a few more hurdles or down a few more miles.

I have accomplished a few firsts here as well and I am happy for that. Sold a police interceptor SUV my first. Not a look a like Explorer but an actual vehicle.(2 in fact) did not go over them day of  delivery after a rain and that was not good but they liked what they saw and we asked them to give us the bill when they rewash them.

Now the mission is to move a mistake I made. I took a chance on a Veba box van as you all know. I traveled around with it and it is on our website as well. I really thought it would be a good thing for the dealership and those out there with older reefer vans who need something and want to save over the years.  Well lots of test drives and show and tell but no takers. I even went on my twitter and Facebook and offered 300 bonus to whomever helps me sell the vehicle. encase you donot remember the Vebabox van here it is in all of it’s glory.

 

It has side entry as well and electric stand by with available option to run on battery for up to 30mins when parked.  It is in a Ford Transit 150 cargo van, and before you start with I put it into to small a van not true. Payload on the 150 is 3600 lbs. the veba box in it weighs a hefty 300-400 lbs leaving a payload of 3200 lbs which is what you would have after a traditional build up in a 250 or 350 E series van. Saving money yet again. Plus it is a depreciating weight scenario most of the time.

What is it good for well I will tell  you this box is perfect for a meat guy, restaurant group,  caterer, blood or body transport, organ transports,  and flowers and drugs.  Might even be good for an incognito way to move cannabis and cannabis oils around town and area as well.  so if you know of a group who might be interested let me know. I have reached out to them on email, Linked in and other sights as well with no answer.  I am in desperate mode and would like to see this gone by the end of September.

size is good fits 1 1/2 pallets 4tiers high depending on size of the box.

The beauty of this that made me think it a great deal is that if the van dies the box lives on in a new van. Van gets old starts giving problems the box moves to new van.  Your biggest expense in the beginning making first purchase. A purchase you can even do as a commercial lease for your business and just keep moving the box from one to the next as long as it is not damaged any kind of way.

I hope those reading this are able to help and like I said I will reward whomever gets me the customer for the van. it was a demo  and now has 4200 miles on the odometer so we have discounted it with respect as well.

Sop I ask all to help me close out my first year with prayers for a better year to come and that I move this van out with the box as well. I will send it anywhere in America (continuous 48) .  anywhere else would have to be worked out by the seller and I.  but like I said all in all this has been a very good year for me and I have no regrets in making the move from the Major world Organization and city world auto group to Ford Lincoln of Queens. I am proud to call it home as long as they will allow and I am capable of doing the job hired for commercial fleet manager and sales representative at the Commercial Vehicle Center for Ford.

Will up date again sometime in the future.

 

 

How to Drive in Extreme Heat July 5, 2018 • by Marianne Matthews

This is a safety article and videos I found reading Automotive Fleet and thought it be good to share since we have been experiencing a little heat wave around the country. Also because someone dear to me is planning a cross country trek as well this year.  so I thought why not remind all I reach with these simple things to do to be safe on the road.

Screenshot via 50 Campgrounds

A vehicle inspection is even more important during extreme summer heat.

 

Even if your fleet drivers aren’t heading through Death Valley, Calif., there are plenty of other pockets of the country that experience record-setting temperatures during the summer. Cities that regularly log the hottest temperatures in June, July, and August include Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, and Orlando.

Summer temperatures average more than 90 degrees in Phoenix and Las Vegas, according to a study by Current Results that analyzed weather data collected by the NOAA from 1981 to 2010. Another 11 cities average over 80 degrees.

Fleet drivers can prepare themselves for the next heat wave by following these six vehicle tips and these four driving tips to lessen the impact of extreme weather on the company asset:

• Refill coolant: Make sure your radiator has plenty of coolant.
• Check hoses for leaks, cracks, peeling, or separation: Fix any problems so that the coolant can flow easily through the hoses.
• Add ample oil: The hotter it gets, the more important oil becomes, so be sure your vehicle has plenty of clean oil at all times.
• Check the battery: Ensure the terminal is clean and there is adequate water in it.
• Check tire pressure often: They need to be checked often for accurate pressure. Summertime brings with it sunbaked roadways that can easily cause wear and tear on tires.
• Service the air conditioner in the spring: It’s relatively inexpensive to do so, and can save a driver from a brutally draining day on the job if the air conditioner breaks down when the temperature is rising.

Experts also say there are several steps drivers can take to better deal with the heat once they are behind the wheel. Here are a few tips:

• Use a sunshade: When parking in the sun for any extended length of time, take a moment to cover the windshield with a sunshade. It will shield your dark dashboard which otherwise can get scorching hot and take a long time to cool down.
• Cool off your steering wheel: When returning to your vehicle after parking in sun, you may be greeted by an extra-hot steering wheel. Use a wet wipe to disperse the heat and cool it off.
• Choose A/C or windows down: Experts say that if you are driving at 40mph or slower, open windows and no air conditioning is the better option for keeping your vehicle cool. However, when traveling over 40mph, the opposite is true, so shut the windows and crack the air conditioner.
• Know what to do if your vehicle overheats: Though overheating is uncommon today, if it happens be sure you don’t ride the brakes. Also, turn the air conditioner off and if the vehicle continues to overheat, turn the heat on.

So you do not end up like this on the side of the road.

Watch the video to learn more about keeping your vehicle in shape for safe summer driving.

10 Months at new Dealership and Position

Okay it has been ten(10) months since I started here at Ford Lincoln of Queens.  I have got to say it has not been easy as I thought but I also knew coming in I was taking on a big responsibility in building a department from scratch.  It has had it’s up and downs but I am still confident that it will continue to grow.

The People and the ownership have been very supportive to me and committed to making this succeed. Although it is a slow rough road and not one they really like or appreciate they have been giving me great support and have let me know when they are not pleased or things not looking good to them. From my last place of no communication to one that pays attention and talks to you is a great and big help as well as confidence builder that they want to see it succeed.  But in the end I still have to work hard to find and build a solid commercial /fleet customer base.  I have been forwarded old customers with no attached sales rep and even some who are but did not know how or cared to move forward with the client.  All has been a great help to building this department or branch of the dealership. Not to mention that I was fortunate enough to have several of my good customers follow me as well.  To the point of even waiting for me to move in order to give me initial business and show that I worth being here doing this.

I have people from the past location staying in touch and some asking to join me as well.  something I thought I would be able to justify by now but it has not been the case.  As I look at the way it is going I do not think an actual sales person will be needed but instead someone to help with paperwork and coordination may be more appropriate.  To start to this end I will ask about an Intern maybe to help with doing lead follow up and  delivery and installation follow-up as well.

I do know one thing from this and that is that I am so glad I step out into the world and pushed myself to become more than I was at the previous location. A place that I was merely existing and not growing. but here now 2018 may not be financially how I would like but it is challenging and growing my skills and I see the fruit of that coming later.

On that note if your an Not -for- profit, Hospital, or any type of business that uses and has a fleet or trying to figure out if establishing a fleet is practical for your business here in the Great State of New York then give me a call or drop me and letter or Email I will come out and help you figure it out and find the right Ford products to help you get started, continue , upgrade and or grow.

Looking forward to the next note of how I am doing at the end of the year. I am Sure God and my abilities will continue to help me reach my present goals and continue to advance them in to bigger and better goals.

The Difference Between Being Broke and Being Poor

This is a feeling I have gone through over the years as well. And yes the grocery store or at lunch time at work it became very evident. always grateful when someone couldn’t finish or didn’t want part of their lunch at times.

Longreads

Words by Erynn Brook | Illustrations by Emily Flake| Longreads | June 2018

Erynn Brook is a feminist and freelance writer who studies media, people, communication and culture.

Emily Flake is an illustrator for The New Yorker, The Nib, MAD Magazine, and New Statesman, among other places. 

***

Editor: Michelle Legro
Art director: Katie Kosma

Support for this work was provided by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.

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What’s Wrecking Your Tires?

Since tires rarely self-destruct, there is always a smoking gun, and it’s in your best interest to find it. You do that through failure analysis.

Source: What’s Wrecking Your Tires?

It would have been nice if this very interesting article about tire wear and it’s effects covered how bad wear or failures effect fuel consumption and gas mileage from the vehicle as well.

I asked the question and I hope to have an answer soon.

What’s the Best 3/4-Ton Work Truck for 2017? – PickupTrucks.com News

THIS ARTICLE AND TEST TELLS YOU WHY I SELL FORD TRUCKS AND WHY THEY ARE THE BEST.  Independent tests conducted to find out real world who is better and or lives up to there hype.  There is a reason Ford Trucks are $! years #1 and this story tells you why.

Source: What’s the Best 3/4-Ton Work Truck for 2017? – PickupTrucks.com News

Hurricane Harvey Could Create 1M Salvage Vehicles

This undoubtedly has to be just the tip of a real big situation. We have Wildfires burning in the west and north. We have not only Harvey but now even Irma to contend with and the vehicle and property losses are just going to keep climbing.

some industries will prosper and some will falter but in the end the Country will be different and stronger and hopefully more prepared for the next natural and or man made disaster that can strike.

Source: Hurricane Harvey Could Create 1M Salvage Vehicles

Keep Eyes Peeled for School Buses

IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR,  take a look and this quick video on the subject of school buses and pass it along. show the rest of your neighbors and friends child safety is important.

Source: Keep Eyes Peeled for School Buses