Utilities operate large fleets of vehicles and equipment: pickup trucks, bucket trucks, digger derricks, backhoes, and specialised equipment. Fleet maintenance software handles the specific workflow of vehicle asset management.
Utility fleet composition
| Vehicle type | Typical utility use |
|---|---|
| Pickup truck | Field crew transport, meter reading |
| Service van | Meter service, small equipment |
| Bucket truck | Electrical work at height |
| Digger derrick | Pole installation, transformer setting |
| Backhoe | Excavation for pipe or cable work |
| Heavy truck | Materials transport, sludge hauling |
| Trailer mounted equipment | Generators, pumps, compressors |
| Off road equipment | Terrain access, rural work |
Why fleet software vs general CMMS
General CMMS handles fixed assets. Vehicles have different needs: mileage tracking, driver assignment, fuel management, registration and licensing, DOT compliance, telematics integration, and depreciation. Dedicated fleet software addresses these.
Core fleet software features
- Vehicle registry with asset details.
- Driver assignment and history.
- Mileage and hour meter tracking.
- Scheduled service by mileage or time.
- Repair history and cost.
- Fuel management and cost.
- Parts and inventory.
- Telematics integration.
- Compliance (registration, insurance, DOT).
- Reporting and analytics.
Notable fleet software
| Platform | Focus |
|---|---|
| Fleetio | Modern mid market fleet management |
| Chevin FleetWave | Enterprise fleet |
| Assetworks | Public sector and utility fleets |
| Fleet Complete | Telematics + fleet management |
| Samsara | Modern telematics based |
| Verizon Connect | Telematics oriented |
| Ridecell | Enterprise fleet |
Telematics
Modern vehicles report location, mileage, engine data, and driving behaviour. Telematics integration feeds fleet software with real time data. Enables predictive maintenance, driver coaching, and fuel efficiency programmes.
Preventive maintenance for fleets
Vehicle PMs typically trigger on mileage (every 5,000 to 10,000 miles) or time (every 3 or 6 months). Fleet software schedules and tracks completion.
Fuel management
Fuel is a major fleet cost. Fleet software tracks fuel by vehicle, driver, and route. Detects fuel theft, inefficient driving, and reporting anomalies.
DOT and safety compliance
US Department of Transportation regulations require driver hours of service tracking, vehicle inspection records, and maintenance documentation. Fleet software supports compliance.
Integration with CMMS
Some utilities integrate fleet software with primary CMMS for unified asset management. Others keep them separate. Depends on utility scale and IT preference.
Electric vehicle fleets
Utility fleets are electrifying. EVs have different maintenance profile (no oil changes, less brake wear, but battery health matters). Fleet software increasingly supports EV specific data.
Specialty equipment
Bucket trucks, digger derricks, and other specialty equipment have specialised maintenance requirements. Aerial device certification, hoist inspection, and specific lubrication schedules. Fleet software must handle these.
Cost of fleet software
Where fleet software is going
- Deeper telematics integration.
- AI predictive maintenance.
- EV fleet management growing.
- Autonomous vehicle preparation.
- Driver safety coaching integration.
- Fleet electrification planning tools.
Selection criteria
- Utility fleet fit including specialty equipment.
- Telematics integration.
- Mobile app for drivers and technicians.
- DOT compliance features.
- Integration with primary CMMS.
- EV support.
- Cost transparency.
Frequently asked questions
Do utilities need dedicated fleet software?
For fleets over 50 vehicles typically yes.
How is it different from CMMS?
Vehicle specific workflows: mileage, driver, fuel, telematics.
What is telematics?
Real time vehicle data (location, engine, driving behaviour).
Does telematics pay back?
Typically within 12 to 24 months.
Can we integrate with CMMS?
Yes for most platforms.
What about EVs?
Modern platforms support EV specific data.
Do we need DOT compliance?
Yes for vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR in the US.
Are there free options?
Some freemium tiers. Limited features.
How long to implement?
30 to 90 days typical.
Where can I read more?
NAFA Fleet Management Association, vendor sites.
Summary
Utility fleet maintenance software handles the specific workflow of vehicle asset management. Combines vehicle registry, driver assignment, mileage tracking, PMs, fuel management, and DOT compliance. Modern platforms integrate telematics for real time data. EV fleet management is growing. Selection depends on utility scale, specialty equipment, and integration needs.
Next reading
- What is a CMMS for water utilities
- Asset management software buyer guide
- EAM complete guide
- Mobile CMMS adoption
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