October 2009
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
MICHAEL CORDIELLO
Well, the school year has started and we had a pretty good turn out for our first General Meeting on September 16th.
Although we are all experiencing some tough economic times, I believe that it is more important now than ever to support our Society! Being a Member is great but the Society needs ALL of us to attend meetings and get involved!
The Executive Board and I are asking for your help in keeping the Society the success it has been in the past and the success that you and I can make it in the future. As always, I know that when asked, the Members always come through. Please prove the Executive Board right by making a sincere effort to attend our General Meetings and perhaps bring a guest who could be a potential future member.
Thank you in advance.
ARRANGEMENTS
FRANK ALMONA
We are at the Immaculate Conception Center on the third Wednesday of each month from now through May except for December which there is no meeting.
Trained diesel students looking for apprenticeships
NYC Business Solutions Transportation has partnered with New York Automotive and Diesel Institute to provide 38 New York City residents with an opportunity to become certified in the diesel mechanic industry. There is a strong industry need for highly skilled diesel technicians who have also been educated in the industry. This customized training serves our apprentices as a springboard into both the industry and their career. Diesel mechanics are currently completing the first phase of their training which consists of 450 hours of full time instruction. The next phase of the training is for the students to start a 3 -6 month paid apprenticeship while finishing the last 450 hours of instruction during evening classes.
Could your company benefit from a highly qualified apprentice diesel technician? Could you provide a promising apprentice with hands on experience?
• RIGOROUS SCREENING
All diesel mechanics were initially put through a pre-screening process which included a math & mechanical aptitude assessment, a hand-dexterity test, and a personal interview with one of our staff.
• QUALITY TRAINING
Our diesel technician apprentices are trained by New York Automotive Diesel Institute.
• CAREER ADVISEMENT
Utilizing the latest Web 2.0 technology, our Career Coaches are working with the diesel mechanics on an on-going basis helping them translate this skill into a career.
Please contact:
Jessica Alatis, Business Services Manager, 718-577-2198, jalatis@grantassociatesinc.com
Member Doug Cotter, Deputy Director, 718-557-6758, dcotter@grantassociatesinc.com
BYLAWS
TIM HARTE
We are now accepting Bylaw change proposals in writing for the 2010 Constitution and Bylaws. Please send me your change proposals by email or regular mail.
Excerpts from our Constitution and Bylaws:
Bylaw VII Term of Office
1. The Officers elected at each May meeting shall hold office for (1) one year and may be eligible for re-election unless disqualified. No Officer shall be eligible to succeed himself in that office after serving (2) two terms except as Secretary and Treasurer.
Bylaw VIII Auditing Books
1. The Auditing Committee of (2) two Members shall be appointed by the President at the regular April meeting. Such committee shall inspect and audit all accounts of the Society for the year expiring April 30 preceding the May meeting. The appointed Auditing Committee will also determine that no unauthorized changes occurred to the Constitution and Bylaws.
DATA SERVICES
RICHARD CHAN
The 2009 Constitution and Roster will be available at the October meeting or by mail if you contact me and request your copy.
Congratulations to Member Robert Lagnese for attending his 100th consecutive meeting at the September meeting! Bob is now our all time attendance record holder and his record dates back to the January 1997 meeting.
Our present Membership is comprised of:
Members 105
Life Members 19
Editorial Members 0
Associate Members 34
Honorary Members 3
Original Equipment Manufacturer 3
Apprentice Fleet Supervisors 0
Student Members 7
Total Membership 171
Current CONSECUTIVE attendance records are:
Member Robert Lagnese – 100, 1/97 –
Honorary Member Bill Misita – 99, 9/92 – 2/05
Member George Pastor – 70, 5/94 – 5/03
Member Carl Orza – 70, 3/97 – 2/06
Life Member Nuno Tardo – 63, 3/89 – 1/97
Member Leonard Huffmire – 53, 11/02 –
Member John Cigna – 50, 2/94 – 3/00
Life Member Nuno Tardo – 48, 1/02 –1/08
Member Robert Spiotto – 47, 11/01 –9/07
Member Pat De Martino – 44, 10/90 – 2/96
Attendance at the September meeting:
Members 46
Guests 19
Total 65
EDUCATIONAL
CLEMENT DRUMMOND
The Road to Energy Independence
Alternative Vehicle Technology Conference
Implementing the Change
Lehman College, Friday, October 30th, 2009
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Center for Sustainable Energy will convene its 5th annual Alternative Vehicle Technology Conference on Friday, October 30, 2009 on the campus of The City University of New York’s Lehman College.
Fueled by an unstable economy, pushed by new C.A.F.E. standards and propelled by strict emission requirements the American transportation industry is undergoing an historic transformation as it seeks a new direction. Unparalleled investments have been made into research that points to alternatives as the key that will lead to clean energy independence. Mainstream America no longer wonders if we can, but asks when we can. The time to implement change is now.
The Alternative Vehicle Technology Conference will feature the leaders in the transportation industry who will present the latest in alternative fuels and emerging technologies as well as the financial means available in New York City. Alternative vehicles and equipment expected to be on display will include trucks, passenger vehicles, buses, maintenance equipment and more. The 2009 Conference is in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York City & Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities, the New York City Chapter of the National Association of Fleet Administrators, and Bronx Congressman José E. Serrano.
Registration to open late September – visit http://csebcc.org
The Center for Sustainable Energy was established in 2003 at The City University of New York’s Bronx Community College. Our mission is to promote the use of renewable and efficient energy technologies in urban communities through education, training, workforce development, research, and project facilitation.
JOURNAL
SAL AZZARITI
The Journal Committee needs your H-E-L-P!
The clock is ticking and time is swiftly running out to place an ad in the 2009 Society of Fleet Supervisors Journal honoring our Member of the Year, Mark Kodner. We are far behind the total ad dollars collected/committed that we had at this time last year. The Journal Committee is counting on our membership’s generosity and we are expecting that our members will once again rise to the occasion in celebrating our Member of the Year, Mark Kodner, and bestow upon him and the Society of Fleet Supervisors, a 2009 Journal equal to or surpassing that of last year’s journal.
Please take a minute to fill out the Journal Ad Form and send it to the address listed on the bottom of the form along with your check. If your heart is in the right place and your wallet not at this moment, we understand. Don't let that stop you! Please send in your commitment and let us know that we can expect your payment at a later date. We will be glad to invoice you and collect your payment at a later date.
I know our Members will not let us down and thank you for your anticipated support!
LEGISLATIVE
MICHAEL CALISE
Brake safety devices urged for buses
School buses and other heavy vehicles should be equipped with technology to prevent unintended acceleration, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded in a report adopted Tuesday.
The agency said that a brake transmission shift interlock device, which requires the driver to apply the brakes to shift out of park, would have prevented a 2007 school bus loading zone crash in Falls Township, Pa., that injured 20 students. The bus suddenly accelerated at a high school, struck several students and then crashed into a retaining wall.
In its investigation of that accident, the NTSB determined that the probable cause was a pedal misapplication by the driver. Pedal misapplication occurs when a driver depresses the accelerator instead of, or in addition to, the brake pedal.
Contributing to the occurrence of pedal misapplication in the Falls Township accident was the driver’s unfamiliarity with the school bus, the NTSB said. It was a substitute bus, and the pedals were different from what the veteran driver was used to.
Now the NTSB has called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require brake transmission shift interlock devices in heavy vehicles susceptible to pedal misapplication. The board also recommended that NHTSA conduct an analysis of pedal configurations in heavy vehicles and study the effect of pedal design on the driving task.
Additionally, NTSB recommended that the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services and the National Association for Pupil Transportation advise their members of the dangers of pedal misapplication and to consider driver refresher training and suggested mitigation strategies.
The NTSB held a public meeting Tuesday on its special investigative report on pedal misapplication, which also covers the 2005 school bus crash in Liberty, Mo., in which two people were killed.
Commercial Fleets to Benefit from DOE Funding
A number of commercial fleets will further advance their green efforts with recent funding awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE) for projects focusing on green initiatives.
As part of the North Central Texas Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology, Coca-Cola, Sysco, and Frito Lay will participate in the deployment of refueling stations and alternative fuel vehicles in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The project includes a portfolio of different technologies and fuels, including B-20, ethanol E-85, compressed natural gas, electricity, and hybrid electric vehicles.
UPS will construct a publicly-accessible LNG fuel station off of Interstate 15 in Las Vegas and deploy 48 heavy-duty LNG vehicles in its interstate alternative fuel operations as part of the UPS Ontario-Las Vegas LNG Corridor Expansion Project. The new LNG station will support these 48 trucks, an additional 161 LNG trucks in UPS' fleet, and other LNG fleet operators in the region. DOE estimates that the 48 trucks alone will help displace approximately 1.25 million gallons of petroleum annually.
The Maryland Hybrid Truck Goods Movement Initiative project will implement the largest collaborative hybrid truck project in the nation, providing financial and technical assistance to many large fleets including: ARAMARK, Efficiency Enterprises, Nestle Water Company, Sysco, and UPS to purchase 150 hybrid electric vehicles.
FedEx and Meijer will increase the use of natural gas, electric and hybrid electric vehicles throughout Michigan as part of the Clean Energy Coalition Michigan Green Fleets Initiative. A total of 271 alternative fuel vehicles and 19 alternative fueling sites will be added throughout the state.
Last week, approximately $300 million was awarded to 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
DOT Secretary Ray LaHood and EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson Propose National Program to Improve Fuel Economy and Reduce Greenhouse Gases
New Interagency Program to Address Climate Change and Energy Security
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson today jointly proposed a rule establishing an historic national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. Their proposal builds upon core principles President Obama announced with automakers, the United Auto Workers, leaders in the environmental community, governors and state officials in May, and would provide coordinated national vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards. The proposed program would also conserve billions of barrels of oil, save consumers money at the pump, increase fuel economy, and reduce millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
“American drivers will keep more money in their pockets, put less pollution into the air, and help reduce a dependence on oil that sends billions of dollars out of our economy every year,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “By bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders -- including an unprecedented partnership with American automakers -- we have crafted a path forward that is win-win for our health, our environment, and our economy. Through that partnership, we’ve taken the historic step of proposing the nation’s first ever greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, and moved substantially closer to an efficient, clean energy future.”
“The increases in fuel economy and the reductions in greenhouse gases we are proposing today would bring about a new era in automotive history,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “These proposed standards would help consumers save money at the gas pump, help the environment, and decrease our dependence on oil – all while ensuring that consumers still have a full range of vehicle choices.”
Under the proposed program, which covers model years 2012 through 2016, automobile manufacturers would be able to build a single, light-duty national fleet that satisfies all federal requirements as well as the standards of California and other states. The proposed program includes miles per gallon requirements under NHTSA’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFE) program and the first-ever national emissions standards under EPA’s greenhouse gas program. The collaboration of federal agencies for this proposal also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA, and a state standard).
Specifically, the program would:
• Increase fuel economy by approximately five percent every year
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 950 million metric tons
• Save the average car buyer more than $3000 in fuel costs
• Conserve 1.8 billion barrels of oil
Increase Fuel Economy and Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions:
The proposed national program would require model year 2016 vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. Under the proposed program, the overall light-duty vehicle fleet would reach 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) in model year 2016, if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements. If this occurs, Congress’ fuel economy goal of 35.0 mpg by 2020 will be met four years ahead of schedule. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 which required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.
Reduce Greenhouse Gases:
Climate change poses a significant long-term threat to America’s environment. The vehicles subject to the proposed rules announced today are responsible for almost 60 percent of all U.S. transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. These will be the nation’s first ever national greenhouse gas standards. The proposed standards would require model year 2016 vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile under EPA’s greenhouse gas program. The combined EPA and NHTSA standards would reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the light-duty vehicle fleet by about 21 percent in 2030 over the level that would occur in the absence of any new greenhouse gas or fuel economy standards. The greenhouse gas emission reductions this program would bring about are equivalent to the emissions of 42 million cars.
Save Consumers Money:
NHTSA and EPA estimate that U.S. consumers who purchase their vehicle outright would save enough in lower fuel costs over the first three years to offset the increases in vehicle costs. Consumers would save more than $3,000 due to fuel savings over the lifetime of a model year 2016 vehicle.
Conserve Oil and Increase Energy Security:
The light-duty vehicles subject to this proposed National Program account for about 40 percent of all U.S. oil consumption. The program will provide important energy security benefits by conserving 1.8 billion barrels of oil, which is twice the amount of oil (crude oil and products) imported in 2008 from the Persian Gulf countries, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration Office. These standards also provide important energy security benefits as light-duty vehicles account for about 60 percent of transportation oil use.
Within the Auto Industry’s Reach:
EPA and NHTSA have worked closely to develop this coordinated joint proposal and have met with many stakeholders including automakers to insure the standards proposed today are both aggressive and achievable given the current financial state of the auto industry.
NHTSA and EPA expect automobile manufacturers would meet these proposed standards by improving engine efficiency, transmissions and tires, as well as increasing the use of start-stop technology and improvements in air conditioning systems. EPA and NHTSA also anticipate that these standards would promote the more widespread use of advanced fuel-saving technologies like hybrid vehicles and clean diesel engines.
NHTSA and EPA are providing a 60-day comment period that begins with publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. The proposal and information about how to submit comments are at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regulations.htm for EPA and http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.43ac99aefa80569eea57529cdba046a0/ for NHTSA.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement:
NHTSA has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed CAFE standards. The Draft EIS compares the environmental impacts of the agency’s proposal and reasonable alternatives. NHTSA is providing a 45-day comment period on the Draft EIS. Information on the submission of comments is provided at the above NHTSA web address.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: Overall Traffic Fatalities Reach Record Low
First Quarter 2009 Traffic Fatalities Project Continued Record Trend
The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that the number of overall traffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit their lowest level since 1961 and that fatalities in the first three months of 2009 continue to decrease. The fatality rate, which accounts for variables like fewer miles traveled, also reached the lowest level ever recorded.
The fatality data for 2008 placed the highway death count at 37,261, a drop of 9.7 percent from 2007. The fatality rate for 2008 was 1.27 persons per 100 million VMT, about 7 percent below the rate of 1.36 recorded for 2007.
Substantial declines occurred in virtually every major category, led by declines in passenger car occupant fatalities which dropped for the sixth year in a row, reaching the lowest level since DOT began keeping records. Light truck occupant fatalities fell for the third straight year. Alcohol-impaired fatalities also declined by more than 9 percent over 2007.
Continuing this trend, the January-March 2009 estimate of 7,689 deaths represents a nine percent decline from a year ago. It was the twelfth consecutive quarterly decline. The fatality rate for the first quarter of 2009 reached 1.12 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Preliminary data collected by the Federal Highway Administration showed that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) during the first three months of 2009 declined by about 11.7 billion miles.
The 2008 annual statistics did report, however, that motorcycle deaths increased for the 11th straight year and now account for 14 percent of all highway fatalities.
“While the number of highway deaths in America has decreased, we still have a long way to go,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
He added that the country has made major strides in increasing seat belt use, curtailing impaired driving, making roads and highways safer, and maximizing vehicle safety, all of which play important roles in the declining death rate.
Study: Commercial Fleet Drivers Distracted 8% of Total Driving Time
SmartDrive Systems, a leader in fleet safety and operational efficiency, announced results of a large-scale study of commercial fleets to quantify driver distraction and identify the root causes, providing fleet managers with an action plan for improving safety.
According to a recent study by the FMCSA, key distracted driving behaviors increase the risk of collisions by as much as 23 times, reinforcing the importance of focusing on driver distractions to minimize collisions. The SmartDrive study investigated more than 50 types of driver distractions, and determined that commercial drivers are distracted an average of 8 percent of active driving time. Through the use of SmartDrive, however, those fleets were able to slash these risks by 50 percent or more.
The in-vehicle video-based study evaluated video records for distractions that can't be quantified by non-video approaches, such as cell phone usage, texting, use of maps or navigation, eating/drinking/smoking, or any other distraction resulting in drivers taking their eyes off the road for more than two consecutive seconds, or having their hands engaged with something other than driving for more than three consecutive seconds. The study determined that commercial fleet drivers are distracted 8 percent of total measured driving time, with a range from 1.1 percent to 19.9 percent. The study reviewed nearly 6,200 vehicle-years of data across nearly 25,000 drivers from 384 commercial fleets.
There is evidence that fleets can proactively mitigate the risks of driver distraction. As part of this study, SmartDrive continued to measure ongoing improvement for individual drivers over the initial five months following implementation of the SmartDrive Measured Safety Program, which enables fleet managers to proactively coach drivers using video-based data, scored and prioritized by the SmartDrive Expert Review. The results show significant reductions in key distractions:
54 percent: smoking
52 percent: maps or navigation
52 percent: mobile phone- handheld
51 percent: beverage
44 percent: mobile phone - hands free
40 percent: food
30 percent: general distraction
"These recent studies demonstrate the importance of fleets taking proactive measures to minimize the risk of driver distraction in their operations," said Greg Drew, president and CEO of SmartDrive Systems. "Fortunately, it is possible for fleets to realize significant reductions in specific behaviors. The effort spent can have a dramatic impact on collisions, saving lives and money."
SmartDrive will be participating in the upcoming Distracted Driving Summit in Washington DC, sponsored by the Obama administration and hosted by Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
VANESSA MERCADO
Thank you to Member Clement Drummond for his excellent presentation on hybrid vehicles at the September meeting.
The winner of the Big Draw of $50.00 was Member Matthew Konig.
MEMBERSHIP
PAT DEMARTINO
Congratulations to Member John Collura who has been elected to Life Member status.
Congratulations to OEM Member Mike Rogers on his promotion to National Account Manager, Navistar - for the Penske account within the Leasing Group Parts Sales Team. As a member of the Penske Team, Mike will be responsible for growing parts sales, while working with his truck and service counterparts to provide an unsurpassed level of customer service for this important customer.
Inducted at the September meeting:
• Lou Kane, Sales Representative for Syosset Truck Sales of Westbury, NY as an Associate Member. Lou is responsible for outside sales of parts and service on Long Island and New York. Syosset Truck Sales is a medium and heavy truck dealer and a franchised dealer for Mitsubishi-Fuso, International trucks and Carrier Transport refrigeration.
Members on the move:
• Member Gary Raff is now the Fleet Manager for Brink’s US of Brooklyn, NY as the Fleet Manager. Gary oversees 70 vehicles for the armored transportation service.
PROGRAMS
AL BUEHLER
Our October Cocktail Hour will be sponsored by Multi-Fuel Heating Inc. and the program will be on a clean burning heating system which runs on waste oil including the associated tax advantages available with this system.
Programs for November and January through May are open so if anyone is interested or knows someone who is, please contact Albert Buehler or Mike Cordiello.
We hope to name a new Chairman for the Programs Committee at the October meeting.
RETIREES
MICHAEL IANNIZZI
I heard from the following retirees:
Life Member Henry Consiglio who reports he is a great grandfather now with the birth of great granddaughters in May and August. Henry is now 89 years old and is happy to be still able to drive around quite well for shopping, going out to dinner, go to a movie and going for doctor’s visits.
Life Member Joseph Valenti who has moved to Port Orange, Florida after traveling to New Symrna Beach, Florida for the past four years. He reports everything is going well with him and wife Joan.
Retired Member Dan Coranoto informs us that he just ran for re-election for town committeeman and won and that job keeps him busy.
Retired Member Ismael Acevedo Sr. is doing well and spent his summer vacation on his new motorcycle and traveled to Puerto Rico.
Life Member Ralph Provisiero is almost 92 years old and still plugging away. He has been back in New York since the summer.
SCHOLARSHIP
CARL ORZA
Our Hank Hasiwar Scholarship will be awarded at the October meeting. Please try to attend the meeting and join us in awarding two students with the 26th Annual Hank Hasiwar Scholarship. These students will be the 59th and 60th students to be awarded our Hank Hasiwar Scholarship that dates back to 1984.
There is still time to get your Society of Fleet Supervisors, Inc. Scholarship applications in. The deadline is the November meeting on November 18th. Please remember you have an attendance obligation to fill before you are eligible to receive one of the six Society of Fleet Supervisors, Inc. Scholarships available this year.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
NICHOLAS MARKATOS
Reservations are being taken at this time for the 2009 Annual Scholarships Awards Dinner on January 9, 2010 at Leonard’s of Great Neck. If you were there last year, you already know what a great time we had. If you were not there, why not come this year to see what you’ve been missing out on. Our 10,000 Bricks Raffle tickets are also on sale. The raffle will be drawn at the 2009 Annual Scholarships Awards Dinner. Please call Nick Markatos at (718) 886-4020 to make your reservations and get your lucky number for the 10,000 Bricks Raffle while it is still available.
WELFARE & EMPLOYMENT
JOHN GUARRIELLO
Congratulations to Member Joseph White who has retired from We Transport/Towne Bus.
Congratulations to Member Robert Lagnese who has retired from Farmingdale University.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes for our following Members and their spouses:
11/03 Stephanie Moustakas (Teddy)
11/04 Louise Chan (Richard)
11/05 Ismael Acevedo
11/08 George Ferraro
11/08 Edna Williams (Edward)
11/13 Lawrence Musella Jr.
11/17 Dianne Kearney (Peter)
11/18 Eric Rosario
11/22 Peter Plate
11/24 Ralph Provisiero
11/26 Nancy Misita (William)
11/26 Fred Provenzano
11/29 James Dejana
Meetings
Wednesday, May 16 2012
Koenig’s Restaurant
86 South Tyson Ave.
Floral Park, NY 11001
For directions, click here.
Cocktail Hour at 6 PM - 7 PM
Dinner and Meeting at 7 PM
Members - $35 Guests - $45
Program of the Month
Spotlight Supplier
Interested in becoming a Spotlight Supplier? Click here.