Fleet Advantage announced Al Barner, CTP, Vice President of Business Development, will be presenting at the CCJ Solutions Summit. Barner will address Equipment Spec’ing With Drivers In Mind, and his session will take place on Dec. 1, from 4 – 4:45 p.m., MST.

Proper spec’ing of Class-8 heavy duty trucks has never been more important with technology and safety advancements now available on today’s trucks, and more transportation fleets are keeping their drivers’ needs in mind when planning vehicle upgrades. Barner’s session will talk about the importance of including drivers in the conversation around spec’ing and safety initiatives and acknowledging their input for stronger retention strategies. As more fleets replace aging trucks with newer, safer equipment on the roads, these companies will quickly realize they will keep their drivers and others on the road safer, retain their drivers at a higher rate and also enjoy substantial savings in reduced accident and litigation costs as well as lower maintenance and repair expenditures.

The timely topic coincides with a growing number of corporations focused on building Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies for their stakeholders. Organizations focusing on social criteria are realizing the importance of operating the newest and safest trucks that help attract and retain a greater pool of diverse drivers and other staff. Fleet Advantage’s specification experts work with each fleet to design new trucks for maximum safety, fuel efficiency, lowest maintenance cost, and highest resale values through the company’s Safety-First Program.

Barner’s session will also cover important aspects of having the right asset management and planning strategy for truck replacement. He will discuss how fleets should have a 12- to 24-month or even a 36-month procurement strategy in place, as well as the importance of reviewing driver feedback when reviewing specs on any new trucks in consideration. Session attendees will learn about solutions that ensure drivers remain safe, productive and compliant, and discover what features are important to a driver's overall comfort and convenience while working on the road.

Barner is a Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) and possesses over 24 years of industry experience in business development and management of national accounts for national private fleets. Barner joined Fleet Advantage in 2010 and is responsible for providing solutions for life cycle asset management and financing of class 8 tractors and trailers. He has specific expertise in structuring complex finance and service offerings in the transportation marketplace. Barner also oversees and manages the regional sales team.