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There are more moving parts in fleet management than ever before — and we’re not just talking about your assets themselves. Amid never-ending data and day-to-day operational demands, even the most diligent fleet managers can miss opportunities for creating new efficiencies. That’s where our Fleet Assessment comes in. 

Onward’s experts have worked as in-house fleet managers, and we designed our Fleet Assessment to support you in that critical role. Through this data-driven process, we identify where your fleet is succeeding, where you can make optimizations and which changes to prioritize based on your fleet’s goals. Our goal? To uncover cost savings, internal efficiencies and optimizations that make you the hero in your company.

The elements of Onward’s Fleet Assessment

During the Fleet Assessment process, our experts leave no stone unturned. We take a multi-phase approach to uncovering a comprehensive view of your fleet, drawing from immense data and expertise to deliver strategic recommendations. Our process includes:

• An information-gathering phase in which we conduct interviews with leadership and field personnel, identify key objectives and stakeholders, and establish short- and long-term goals that will guide our strategic recommendations
• Robust data analysis, during which we immerse ourselves in all aspects of your program data, including but not limited to OEM and fleet management master services agreements, current policies, ESG goals, GPS/telematics requirements, and lease schedules, fees and termination language 
• Invoice auditing against executed agreements and formalized service-level agreements, over a 60-to-90 day period
• A recommendations phase, during which we deliver a high-level summary of our findings, including process documentation, invoice audit results, detailed uplift specs per vehicle class, reporting requirements, recommendations and a strategic roadmap with quantifiable metrics

Once we deliver our Fleet Assessment summary, we collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to align on the best path forward. It’s our way of ensuring you reap the full value from this in-depth report — and turn its recommendations into proven optimizations.

Our value-driven approach

Whether you’re looking to reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO) or achieve other fleet KPIs, trust Onward’s Fleet Assessment to help you move the needle. Our process is unbiased, data-driven, agile and tailored to your organization’s operational and financial objectives. 

An experienced team

When you partner with Onward for your Fleet Assessment, you’ll be working with experts who have been in your shoes. We understand the challenges you face as an in-house manager and tailor our recommendations to these dynamics. 

In addition to seasoned in-house fleet managers, our team is also home to automotive retail experts, operations leaders, finance executives and a network of world-class partners across all key fleet solution areas. This unmatched breadth and depth of experience allows us to identify more areas for optimization — and provide proactive next steps to help you turn recommendations into reality.

An unbiased deep dive

We used an unbiased eye to explore every aspect of your fleet program. Our goal is to help you get a transparent view of your fleet’s strengths and weaknesses so that you can achieve measurable cost savings. Your success drives us; that’s our only horse in the race.

Data-driven recommendations

We don’t operate on hunches. Instead, we pour over data to analyze your program’s strengths and offer specific recommendations. By pairing data-driven insights with our domain expertise in fleet management, we deliver an assessment that you can trust to be sound, unbiased and packed with value.

Alignment of business objectives with fleet best practices

We understand that your fleet must meet key financial and operational objectives. That’s why we take the time to understand your organization’s unique goals and dynamics before beginning our assessment. In your final report, we align these objectives with fleet best practices and provide an implementation strategy tailored to your corporation’s needs. We’re experts at designing phased approaches to achieving your goals.

Quantifiable metrics 

Rather than deliver high-level recommendations, we provide specific actions that will help your fleet optimize its operations and TCO. We pair these strategic next steps with metrics that equip you to measure your fleet’s progress. 

A nimble mindset

In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, agility is more critical than ever. If your company undergoes significant changes or shifts its goals, we adapt quickly to ensure that your Fleet Assessment provides the most accurate, up-to-date insights and recommendations. We have our finger on the industry’s pulse and are continually fine-tuning our approach to keep fleets a step ahead of the market’s shifts. 

Are you ready to get an unbiased, in-depth analysis of your fleet’s biggest opportunities for optimization? Let’s talk about your goals and how Onward’s Fleet Assessment can help you achieve them.

Over the last decade, the likelihood of receiving a Department of Transportation (DOT) audit has increased. But just because they’re more common doesn’t make them any less of a hassle. Audits typically come with no notice, which can leave busy fleet managers scrambling to complete all necessary documentation — and no matter the audit type, that required documentation will be extensive. 

Whether you’re preparing for the new entrant audit, have received notice of a Compliance Review or simply want to plan ahead in case an audit does come your way, Onward can help. Read on for a quick overview of the most common DOT audits and our team’s streamlined audit preparation process.

Which vehicles have to comply with DOT regulations?

DOT regulations apply to every commercial vehicle that operates in the U.S. In addition to commercial vehicles owned by a company, this category can also apply to a vehicle that:

• Transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver), without compensation
• Transports 9 or more passengers (including the driver), for compensation
• Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
• Transports hazardous materials in quantities that require a hazardous materials placard

DOT regulations are wide-ranging and can include everything from hours of services to random drug and alcohol testing. Although it’s critical to stay continually up-to-date with DOT regulations, your fleet’s compliance comes under special scrutiny during a DOT audit. 

What are the main types of DOT audits? 

There are four types of DOT audits: the New Entrant Safety Assurance (NESA) Audit, Compliance Review, Security Audit and Hazardous Material Audit. The NESA Audit and Compliance Review are by far the most common for commercial fleets, but it’s helpful to have an overall understanding of the audit landscape as you operate and grow your business. 

• NESA Audit: The DOT audits new fleets to ensure they’re in compliance with all safety regulations. The “new entrant” period spans 18 months, but this audit typically comes during your first year of operation. The DOT issues automatic fails for violations related to alcohol and drugs, driver qualifications, repairs and inspections, and a failed NESA Audit can increase your likelihood of an in-depth Compliance Review. 
• Compliance Review: The DOT can require a Compliance Review any time that Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data indicates an issue. The triggers for a Compliance Review can include poor CSA BASIC scores, “out of service” violations during roadside inspections, a failed NESA Audit, a complaint investigation and/or a major accident. The Compliance Review evaluates how well you’re following FMCSA guidelines and assesses your fleet’s overall safety track record. Depending on your fleet and auditor, this review can require incredibly extensive documentation spanning all major aspects of your fleet’s operations, including your drivers, safety record and finances.

During a Security Audit, the DOT evaluates your security measures, safety plan and driver training. When carriers receive notice of a Security Audit, a Hazardous Material Audit typically follows suit. That audit reviews shipping documentation, container labeling, training and other procedures related to the transport of hazardous materials. These materials can include marine pollutants, hazardous wastes, hazardous substances and others outlined by the DOT. 

How should you prepare for a NESA Audit or Compliance Review?

For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus mostly on the NESA Audit and Compliance Reviews, as these are the most common audits for commercial fleets. In both cases, a tremendous amount of time goes into gathering and presenting the data required to demonstrate compliance. Crossing every “t” and dotting every “i” is critical to passing an audit.

To pass a new entrant audit, fleets must submit substantial paperwork, including but not limited to driver logs, time cards, inspection forms and medical exams for all drivers across all units. You’ll need to establish online submission access and upload all required documents correctly to ensure your auditor has what they need to properly assess your fleet’s compliance. This process could also require phone calls with the auditor to ensure they receive all documents the way they want them. In some cases, the NESA Audit can be performed online; other times, it could require an in-person meeting at your place of business.

When preparing your NESA Audit paperwork, pay special attention to the “automatic fail” categories, which include:

• Alcohol and drug violations such as lacking a testing program, lacking random testing protocol or using a driver who refuses a required drug or alcohol test.
• Driver violations including using drivers without a valid CDL, disqualified drivers and/or medically unqualified drivers.
• Operations violations such as operating a vehicle without the required insurance or failing to require hours-of-service records from your drivers.
• Repairs and inspections violations like operating a vehicle declared “out of service” before repairs are made, not performing “out of service” repairs reported in your DVIRS or operating a vehicle that’s not inspected periodically. 

A Compliance Review is typically intensive and comprehensive, covering everything from your driver qualification and financial responsibility to operations reviews, maintenance records and DOT accident register. As with the NESA Audit, you’ll want to communicate with your auditor to ensure that you’ve prepared all documentation before the audit, which is typically conducted in-person at your principal place of business.

Whether you’re completing a NESA Audit or a Compliance Review, your auditor will be a certified U.S. federal safety investigator, state or provincial enforcement officer. In-person meetings could require the attendance of your managers, drivers, mechanics and/or other staff, depending on your auditor’s requirements. If your audit includes an in-person interview, it’s critical to have all paperwork readily available so that you’re prepared for any questions that arise.

How Onward can help

Our team has a track record for helping commercial fleets navigate DOT audits and pass with flying colors. Whether you’re preparing for your NESA Audit or have received notice of a Compliance Review, trust our team to handle every aspect:

• Preparing all documentation required for your audit
• Communicating on your behalf with auditors to ensure they receive all documentation in their preferred format
• Setting up your online submission access and uploading all documents
• Managing all deadlines to ensure timely submission
• Providing expert advice if your audit requires an in-person interview
• Identifying any gaps in program compliance that arise as we compile the data required for your fleet’s DOT review

Whether your audit can be completed 100% online or requires an in-person review, our experts understand exactly what is required and have a proven process ready to go. That includes helping fleets operating in multiple states and those that have received a Compliance Review notice due to issues like poor CSA BASIC scores. With Onward handling the in-depth audit process, your team is free to focus on other critical tasks.

Does your commercial fleet need a trusted partner to help you pass your DOT audit? Contact us now to discover how our proven process can save you time and frustration. 

In a recent large-scale survey, global fleet managers said they hoped to shave 5.5% from their costs this year. In the U.S., we’re finally experiencing some good news after two years of pandemic-driven uncertainty. But the fleet management landscape is ever-evolving, and reducing the cost per mile takes a nuanced, dynamic approach.

What does that mean for in-house managers hoping to optimize costs in 2023? The right partner has never been more critical.

Onward’s team is made up of former in-house fleet managers. We’ve experienced your frustrations firsthand and have designed Onward to be a different kind of fleet solutions partner — the kind that communicates closely, identifies savings proactively and ensures your fleet operations are running like a well-oiled machine. Here are some of the common pain points that in-house managers experience, paired with Onward’s solution. (Hint: There’s a reason why fleets across the country are going Onward.)

White-glove customer service

The Challenge: You can’t get a timely response to emails, and it takes your partner days to review and/or audit invoices. It feels like you’re always passed on to a new account manager. 

Onward’s Solution: We’ve experienced this frustration while managing fleets in-house, and we’ve designed every aspect of the Onward experience to come equipped with white-glove customer service. Our proven track record speaks for itself. We respond to emails in hours, not days. We prioritize every invoice, because what matters to your business matters to us. And your account manager will stay the same, allowing us to develop a strong working relationship with you as we go Onward together.

Our team is driven by accountability at every level, and part of that is being proactive with our client communications. But this proactive service extends to more than account updates and analytics reports: We continually scour your fleet program for potential cost savings and leverage our expertise to optimize your total cost of ownership (TCO). 

Fleet management experience 

The Challenge: Your partner doesn’t seem to grasp your fleet’s unique needs, and they lack an understanding of the challenges you face as an in-house manager.

Onward’s Solution: It may sound self-explanatory that your solutions partner should have fleet management experience. However, this is rarely the case — and it’s yet another way that Onward is a different kind of partner.

Onward’s leadership team has more than four decades of combined “boots on the ground” expertise as in-house fleet managers. We’ve walked in your shoes, we understand the dynamics of your role and we leverage that tangible expertise to maximize your value — whether you need proactive strategy, tactical fleet management solutions or a combination of both. 

Onward’s leadership team is also home to automotive retail and business experts. Combined with our immense fleet management experience and our partner network, we deliver an unmatched level of all-around knowledge. Our bench is stacked with A Players who can relate to every role across the fleet management ecosystem, from the driver to the CEO. We put this experience to work for our clients every day, always keeping their best interests front and center.

Progressive mindset

The Challenge: Your partner doesn’t seem to put your fleet’s needs first. Decisions are often black and white, with no customizations that reflect your operations.

Onward’s Solution: Progress is in our DNA. We take a truly customized approach to fleet management that ensures every client receives not just a tailored strategy but proven ROI. We develop best-in-class partnerships in each solution area to continually keep our clients ahead of the curve. And most importantly, we pair this progressive mindset with tangible value so that you can reap the full benefits of a forward-thinking fleet management approach. Because at Onward, we know that innovation alone isn’t enough; it also has to lower our clients’ TCO.

What else is progressive about Onward? Our pricing transparency. We’ve designed our proposals and invoices to be crystal clear — no surprises or fine print. And if you do have a question, our strong customer service ensures that you get the timely clarifications you deserve. 

Seamless onboarding 

The Challenge: You know you’re not deriving maximum value from your current fleet partner. But with so many day-to-day responsibilities on your plate, switching to a new fleet solutions company feels like a Herculean effort. 

Onward’s Solution: We’ve designed a seamless onboarding process that ensures you can start reaping the benefits of going Onward immediately. Our system also minimizes unnecessary time from our clients, because we know how many critical tasks are on their plate every day. You won’t find this smooth onboarding process anywhere else, and our clients can attest to how easy it makes the transition. We hit the ground running getting to know your fleet. Then, we begin identifying cost savings within days, not weeks.

From best-in-class customer service to unmatched expertise, our customers experience a level of value only possible with Onward. Let’s talk about your fleet’s challenges and how Onward can help.

As the fleet industry settles into Q1, we’re already seeing several dynamics take shape. Some, like supply chain issues and labor shortages, are stubborn holdovers from the pandemic years. But others, like a slew of upcoming EV incentives, are providing some much-needed good news for the fleet industry. And after a three-year wild ride, we could all use some of that. 

Whether you’re just building your fleet, in expansion mode or are ready to get serious about your total cost of ownership (TCO), these insights can help you go “onward and upward” in 2023. Read on for the top trends that every commercial fleet needs to know — plus our tips for incorporating them into your fleet operations.

Leasing will help ease vehicle acquisition challenges

Let’s start with the not-so-good news: Supply chain obstacles will continue to affect fleets in 2023. These snarls are hitting fleets of all sizes, triggering sky-high demand for new vehicles, increased acquisition costs and, often, painfully long wait times. If you’re a fleet manager, you already know that’s the recipe for an inflated TCO.

Before the pandemic, fleet sales made up nearly 20% of new vehicle sales across the U.S. By 2022, that number had fallen to 14%. Although OEMs increased production modestly at the end of 2022, shortages persist — and retail customers are typically at the front of the line. Where does that leave fleets? After two-plus years of microchip shortages and all-around acquisition headaches, fleet managers have very little confidence that they’ll receive the vehicles they ordered for 2023. 

But fleet managers aren’t ones to rest on their laurels, and our industry has a knack for innovating when the going gets tough. So now, on to the good news: Leasing strategies are helping fleets bypass supply chain issues and regain control. As 2023 marches on, expect to see an influx of commercial fleets using leasing to secure more favorable financing terms, scale affordably and rein in acquisition costs.

Is your fleet grappling with acquisition challenges? Let our team help you develop the most effective response — whether that’s leasing, optimizing your approach to extended service life or determining when, in fact, it truly is time to replace that vehicle in your fleet. 

Fleet electrification will hit its stride

This year, consumer electric vehicle sales are expected to eclipse 1 million units for the first time. In the world of commercial fleets, electrification has seen relatively slow adoption. However, 66% of fleet buyers are now considering EVs, and new legislation is designed to compel more fleets to make the switch. Welcome to the EV decade.

Electrification is a key aspect of the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act. To reduce “range anxiety,” the legislation provides funding for 500,000 public charging stations across the U.S. over the next five years. The U.S. Department of Transportation has already approved these EV infrastructure plans from 35 states, including our home state of Oklahoma. Meanwhile, the Inflation Reduction Act outlines a new set of EV tax credits. Although the final details are still being hammered out, commercial vehicles won’t be required to meet all the requirements of consumer vehicles in order to qualify. This combination — bigger EV incentives and better infrastructure — is compelling more fleets to get serious about alternative fuels.

As recently as a few years ago, it might have been difficult to envision managing an EV fleet. But as federal programs boost EV support and manufacturers drop EV sticker prices, this forward-thinking technology is quickly becoming not just feasible, but preferable, for more fleets than ever. When developing your EV strategy, find a partner that can leverage EV-specific expertise to help you navigate often overlooked aspects like scaling serviceability and maximizing resale value. Let Onward show you the way. 

Data availability will reach new heights

If you’re a fleet manager, you won’t be surprised to see a data-related trend on this list. However, you might be surprised at just how valuable data availability can be for your fleet in 2023. Simply put, the fleets that collect and analyze are the ones that optimize their TCO. And thanks to new advancements, that optimization is often happening in real time. 

With the continued growth in telematics and the rise of the car as a digital platform, fleets have more data from more sources than ever before. That’s one reason why integrated data management solutions have become the foundation of a fleet’s data strategy. Collecting data is no longer enough; pulling it from multiple sources to create a comprehensive view is now essential. What else has gone from “nice to have” to essential? Making your data easily accessible from anywhere via remote fleet management tools.

If you already have fleet management software, one of its major benefits is giving your team access to the data they need. When that’s paired with 5G technology, fleets can deliver the right data at the right time — and in many cases, that’s nearly real time. According to Gartner, 5G has made the automotive industry the biggest Internet of Things (IoT) opportunity of 2023. The share of 5G-connected cars that are actively connected to a 5G service will skyrocket from 15% in 2020 to 74% this year, with commercial fleets standing to benefit. Driver coaching, real-time maintenance and dynamic safety management are just a few of the ways that enhanced data availability can produce real-time value.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by this sea of data, especially if you’re managing a small- to medium-sized fleet. At Onward, we help fleets collect, integrate, visualize and access data where and when they need it most. This comprehensive, integrated approach unlocks significant value — whether that’s realized in real-time optimizations, longer-term strategies for reducing your TCO or both.

Safety will remain at the forefront

For consumers, crash-reduction technology has delivered significant safety benefits over the years. For commercial fleets, telematics has similarly played a key role in reducing risk. In one survey, nearly 75% of fleets using telematics and/or GPS tracking said it was either very effective or extremely effective at improving their fleet’s safety. But as you fine-tune your 2023 fleet operations, it’s important to go beyond telematics and utilize the latest and greatest safety strategies. That includes updates to both technology and policy. 

Across the country, driver safety programs are getting a 2023 update to address fast-evolving areas like autonomous technologies — how to use it properly, how to interact with driverless vehicles on the road, and more. As autonomous vehicles move closer to reality, expect to see more processes designed to reduce safety risks in this area. 

Dashcam technology will continue to gain adoption among commercial fleets, detecting unsafe behaviors ranging from smoking to not wearing a seatbelt. In one major study, dashcams that provided driver feedback reduced safety incidents by 60% and accident costs by 86%. Dashcams can also open the door to more targeted driver training based on documented behaviors such as harsh braking and accelerating, rolling stops, speeding and lane drifting. And when an accident does occur, these devices can offer an unbiased version of the events that took place. If you haven’t yet implemented dashcams in your commercial fleet, now is the time. 

But like any emerging technology, dashcams have faced opposition — mainly, from drivers who feel they are an intrusion. As you navigate dashcams and other safety technologies in 2023, draft clear policies that reassure your drivers about how the devices are used and how you will utilize the data you collect.

No matter your fleet’s size or stage of growth, these 2023 trends — alternative fuels, smart acquisition strategies, safety updates and data availability — can unlock measurable value. If you’re looking for a partner who uses the latest tools to optimize your TCO, Onward is the only name you need to know. Reach out to our team for a fleet management strategy that helps you go onward and upward.

OKLAHOMA CITY, November 11, 2022 – Onward Fleet Solutions and Car IQ Inc., a leading provider of vehicle payment solutions, are thrilled to announce a new partnership to make fleet management easier than ever before. Together with Car IQ Pay, Onward Fleet vehicles now have the power to pay for goods and services without the need of a credit card, enabling cars to automatically initiate and complete payments for services such as tolls, fuel, parking and more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Car IQ’s innovative technology for payment and data solutions on board at Onward,” said Tim Denny, Founder & CEO of Onward Fleet Solutions. “Clients can get the true cost of vehicle fueling in real-time without driver interaction. It’s a lower cost solution with revenue-sharing opportunity for fleets as well.”

Car IQ’s partnership with Onward Fleet Solutions will allow fleet vehicles to connect directly to, and transact with, payment networks, physical infrastructures, and mobility platforms without using a credit card. The cloud-based platform ties vehicle data directly to the transaction, enabling vehicles to pay for services automatically, while also integrating existing telematics devices in the vehicle.  With Car IQ Pay, Onward Fleet Solutions will have a simplified platform that facilitates payments and supports the company’s goal of delivering solutions to support their fleets.

“We’re excited to work with Onward and help their fleets leverage more of the value a connected fleet has to offer, by getting rid of the credit card,” said Sterling Pratz, Founder & CEO of Car IQ. “Essentially what this partnership means for Onward’s clients is that they can completely eliminate the fuel card, which minimizes fraudulent expenses and misallocated vehicle expenses, saving hours of fuel card back-office management.”

Onward Fleet Solutions was launched in 2019 with a vision to be the partner that delivers more by connecting customers with full-service, customizable solutions to the needs of their fleets at every stage of the life cycle.

“At Onward, we offer a ‘best-in-class’ approach partnership to everything we provide: solutions, technology, services, and support” said Denny. “We look forward to hearing all the ways our clients save time and money by using the incredibly innovative Car IQ platform. “

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About Onward Fleet Solutions

Onward Fleet Solutions is a fleet management company based in Oklahoma City that is home to experienced fleet optimizers, “best in class” industry partners, and customers ready to maximize their fleet’s potential. The “onward” mentality uses a full-service approach, proven expertise in every service area, and is committed to delivering customized solutions for fleets of all sizes. For more information please call (405) 215-9068 or visit onwardfleet.com.

About Car IQ Inc.

Car IQ® Inc. has created a payment network for cars that eliminates the need for physical credit cards and enables vehicles to connect to merchants and transact securely. Car IQ’s payment solution delivers value by reducing fraud and risk for fleets and participating merchants.