News Release

Ripple Effects of CSA Contributing to Outsourcing Trend

In a recent blog, Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, said that the CSA’s tough scoring and evaluation standards for poorly maintained trucks can lead to problems with technician staffing, driver retention, and even whether a carrier can continue to operate. More private fleets are finding contract maintenance as the solution to the challenging situation.

September 05, 2012, Downers Grove, IL – The CSA program cites the failure to maintain a commercial vehicle as one of the top seven practices that could lead to strong penalties if not addressed aggressively and immediately.  The danger of being poorly evaluated for safety fitness is one very big reason why private fleets in increasing numbers are turning to contract maintenance to keep their vehicles in top operating condition, said Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, in a guest blog posting on the AmeriQuest Transportation Services Website.

“Fleets which are currently handling their own fleet maintenance have found that meeting CSA standards for vehicle safety is requiring a significant increase in their resources and deflecting them from their core businesses,” Vicha explained.  “Fleets with contract maintenance programs in place can alleviate their on-site maintenance burden, while gaining the peace of mind that comes with preventive and reactive maintenance being handled on schedule by highly trained technicians.”

Another fallout from CSA is its impact on finding and retaining fully qualified drivers, he noted.  Fearful of incurring negative safety scores when found to be driving poorly maintained vehicles, many drivers will refuse to move trucks with even minor maintenance issues.

Vicha added that with current economic conditions causing more fleets to hold onto their vehicles longer or adding used vehicles to their fleets, preventive maintenance is more important than ever.  Technicians are required to be trained and competent, therefore, not only on late-model vehicles but also older models as well.

Vicha’s blog delves into the financial benefits of contract maintenance and how such a program can significantly contribute to improved customer service, especially for customers with strict delivery parameters.  View the entire blog at http://blog.ameriquestcorp.com

About NationaLease
Founded in 1944, NationaLease is one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America, with over 1200 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada and a combined customer fleet of over 175,000 tractors, trucks, and trailers. The company provides comprehensive fleet management services for private fleets and transportation service providers. More information can be found at nationalease.com.

Media Contact for NationaLease
Rob Tacey
Director, Communications & Public Relations
press@corcentric.com
(302) 897-3094

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Caption:
Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease
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