Operations in snow and ice: A challenge for fleet managers

Written by Leonard D'Orlando,

My position as Western Regional Sales Manager for Onspot gives me the opportunity to meet with fleet managers in my territory. Whether I am at a trade show or at the customers location providing training or a fleet review these individuals always talk about challenges that come up and how they are resolved.

Some such challenges include meeting the maintenance requirements of all vehicles with the hours allotted, saving on fuel costs, environmental controls, and promoting good driver behavior, safety, and security. Fortunately, with advances in technology and communication today’s busy fleet managers have various resources to help them. One thing is for sure these fleet managers are always looking for new solutions to meet the demands of the fleet they manage. It is quite a balancing act.

What about adverse weather like snow and ice?

As if fleet managers do not have enough on their plate already when you throw in adverse conditions like snow and ice then they are faced with even more challenges. Fortunately, they again have several different options when faced with operating a fleet in snow and ice.

Some solutions are permanent for example a vehicle equipped with 4x4 will help drivers in snow, however it may not provide enough traction or braking on ice and not all vehicles can be equipped with a 4x4 option. There is also the cost of system to consider as well. Conventional chains and similar traction devices that wrap around the tire are another solution. These however are temporary, and the driver must get in and out of the vehicle in adverse conditions which poses a safety concern.

One solution that is both permanent and temporary is the use of the Onspot automatic tire chain system. The system is permanently mounted to the vehicle and can be used on a temporary basis by the driver whenever they need traction on snow and ice. The driver simply flips a switch to engage the chains from inside the vehicle never having to leave the safety of the cab.

The Onspot sysytem is also less than the cost of running a traditional 4x4 vehicle from an upfit to maintenance perspective and provides more use over the life of the system when compared to other temporary options. To learn more about the different types of solutions for driving on snow and ice and which may work best for you follow the link below……

Comparing methods to increase traction

Fleet Managers Fire Truck Fleet Productivity icy conditions Rescue Vehicles Automatic Tire Chains and Alternatives plow trucks garbage truck Tow Truck Commercial Driver

Leonard D'Orlando

About Leonard D'Orlando

Leonard has six years with Onspot Automatic Tire Chains in North America. Four years as a field technician on the East Coast and two years as a Regional Sales Manager. During the four years as a field technician Leonard provided install and maintenance training to dealers. Leonard also performed fleet reviews for customers and provided technical service support. An alumnus from the University of Maine, Leonard graduated with a B.A. in English and a concentration in Education. Leonard also attended Texas State Technical College where he earned an associate’s degree in automotive mechanics.

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