Fleet Utilization Defined

Utilization is generally expressed as a measure of actual performance compared to required performance. For example: If we have a target utilization rate of 10,000 miles per year and a vehicle only travels 5,000 miles then our utilization is 50%.

Fleet utilization categories are:

1. Special Purpose
2. Non-Special Purpose
   • Statewide elected officials
   • Specially equipped vehicles
   • Local area/alternate commute vehicles
   • Campus/Institution/Park/Hatchery vehicles
   • General use vehicles

Details on each of these use categories are found in the Enterprise Transportation Policy.

Goal of Fleet Utilization

The goal of fleet utilization is to promote the efficient use of state resources. Inefficient vehicle utilization may lead to one or more of the following:

1. Excess cost to the state and taxpayers
2. Imbalances in vehicle inventory - either too many or too little
3. Improper mix of vehicle inventory
4. A potential requirement that the vehicle needs to be turned in
5. An aged fleet
   • Less fuel efficient
   • Outdated safety technology
   • Increased maintenance costs

Quarterly Utilization Reporting

Fleet operations prepares quarterly fleet utilization reports and distributes these to each agency leasing equipment from Fleet. The quarterly utilization reports guide organizations in making improvements in vehicle utilization throughout the year. The expectation is that this practice will help drive efficient utilization which is the key to a healthy fleet program.

Utilization Requirements

Utilization standards and requirements are established in the Enterprise Transportation Policy. For questions, contact your fleet professional.

End of Year

During the production of Q4 reports (generally in mid-January), DES will flag underutilized vehicles that require category or location/assignment changes. Additional options for flagged vehicles may include a 90-day extensions to meet utilization or a waiver submittal to mpmail@des.wa.gov.