Mitch Honey’s workday starts at 6am with a quick 60-second commute from door to door.

His “office” at the Ferndale School District, WA is the garage, where he’s been six years since he first walked through the doors as a mechanic. Ever since, his job has been to keep the district’s fleet running smoothly.

Ferndale is a small town of about 16,000 nestled in the Pacific Northwest – “About as northwest as you can get in the country, aside from Alaska,” he said – and just 15 minutes from the Canadian border.

“I’ve turned wrenches since I was 12,” he said, fixing up quads and farm equipment, learning the ins and outs of mechanics on the dairy farm where he first started working.

By 17, he was deep in the world of diesel engines, handling trucks, tractors and just about anything else with a motor.

Now, with the responsibility of being shop foreman on his shoulders, he finds himself in a new chapter of his life. And all that experience has prepared him for the job he has now.

Mitch, who notes that the district is “literally 60 seconds from my front door,” starts each workday at 6am, which helps him keep his day organized, just like his shop. Ferndale has 52 buses and more than 80 vehicles in total, and each needed regular care.

One of his first major projects as shop foreman was on the computer, not under the hood of a bus, was helping to introduce Servicefinder, Transfinder’s award-winning fleet maintenance and inventory management software, to the district. Servicefinder is another tool in Mitch’s shop, designed to streamline his team’s work.

Before Servicefinder, Mitch spent countless hours with a pen, paper and calculator, manually tracking the mileage and service schedules for each vehicle.
Servicefinder had changed everything, he said. Now, with the click of a button, he can see the health of the entire fleet, track parts and generate reports.

“It’s been a time-saver and it’s been a money-saver. The money that you save with parts inventory management, that is huge,” he said. “I’m still working on parts inventory because we have a gigantic parts inventory, half of which is useless because it’s outdated. I can look at that I have in there and say, ‘I haven’t used this in 24 months. Cool, we can toss it.’”

That’s thanks to Servicefinder.

Mitch said selecting Servicefinder is one of the best decisions the department has made. The automation gives him time to focus on bigger problems, like that “lemon bus” that keeps giving them trouble or the outdated parts cluttering their inventory.

The district already had a relationship with Transfinder, utilizing Transfinder’s award-winning Routefinder PLUS to create safe and efficient routes, Tripfinder to manage field trips and Viewfinder, which provides unlimited users the ability to monitor the day-to-day operations of the transportation department and look up routing information.

Despite that relationship, Mitch did his own research for fleet maintenance software. Servicefinder ticked all the boxes Mitch was looking for.

“It has automated service tracking with mileage tracking,” he said. “Having automated mile tracking, service tracking and parts inventory was huge. “And then report generating, this was the last thing I really wanted because at the end of the year I should be able to go in and know this bus cost me this much money. Having the ability to just generate a report that says, ‘You spent this much from this date to this date’ and this many man hours – these are the biggest things that I wanted to have.”

Thanks to an efficient operation, Mitch ends most days early in the afternoon.

Mitch is grateful for his former boss and mentor, Mike Burrous, whom he learned a lot about running a shop from. Now, as the one in charge, he’s determined to honor that legacy, running the shop with the same precision and care.

Servicefinder is helping him to do just that.

And it’s played a role in improving his quality of life, closing out his day at 2:30pm, to return home to his wife and baby girl.

“I can’t complain about my schedule,” he said.

Learn more at www.transfinder.com.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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Serious headlines include last week’s school shooting near Atlanta, Georgia, a Kentucky student killed by her school bus, and cell phone bans in schools.

“I’m going to hire for a can-do attitude over technical skills every time.” Greenville County Schools in South Carolina is the home of multiple STN Garage Stars. Adam James, director of transportation and fleet services, discusses his military experience and how he leads the district’s school bus operations and maintenance.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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The post (STN Podcast E226) Be Vigilant: Crime Headlines & SC District’s Bus Mechanic Retention Secrets appeared first on School Transportation News.

Even the smallest school transportation department that maintains its own vehicles as well as school district or company-owned equipment in-house must go through a considerable amount of operating cost to inventory the parts, lubricants and supplies necessary to keep the fleet in the safest operating condition.

In fact, a survey conducted by STN magazine a few years ago showed that annual expenditures for school bus fleet parts and shop supplies represent approximately half of the total vehicle maintenance costs for the average fleet. To ensure that school bus technicians always have the items they need on hand and that maintenance budgets are well spent, it’s critical to monitor and re-stock inventory of parts and supplies mindfully
by analyzing maintenance parts and supplies inventory best practices.

By effectively managing inventory, transportation leaders can have the right products in the right quantity on hand and avoid products being out of stock and operating funds being tied up in excess stock. Inventory is cash on the shelf and should be kept at a level not to exceed 10 percent of the annual maintenance parts cost, ideally keeping parts fresh by turning over inventory 10 times a year.

Inventory management is an operational part of the school bus maintenance facility that aims to always have the right product in the right quantity and at the right time. When done effectively, fleet operators reduce the costs of carrying excess inventory while maximizing vehicle uptime. Good inventory management can help track inventory in real time to streamline this process. By analyzing how the organization has historically used maintenance-related items, leaders can identify patterns that can update purchasing strategies moving forward. For instance, if you observe that your fleet installs batteries at an increased rate during the winter, get ahead of that need by stocking replacement batteries when the weather is still warm. Purchasing parts in anticipation of future needs is proactive maintenance inventory management.

Reliably having a well-stocked supply of parts, tires, oil and lubes on hand is an essential part of performing in-house maintenance. By following best practices and keeping a close eye on specific systems of measurement, fleets can optimize how their inventories are managed and restocked.

If you are looking to enhance the way your district/company manages inventory, try the following:

• Leverage your vehicle maintenance recording system to add inventory management software to track stock levels automatically and to record part information for improved organization. Develop standardized storage procedures and reinforce those methods when training personnel.
• Periodically review your inventory levels to ensure maintenance needs are being met to reduce downtime.
• Review historical part utilization to stock high-demand parts and minimize overspending on rarely needed parts.
• Log or record parts under warranty. This can be accomplished with paper documents, spreadsheets or inventory management software.
• Whenever a part fails, fleet personnel can check their records to see if that part has an active warranty or not. Of course, this approach only works if warranty details are accurate and up to date, so whether you’re working with an inventory log or specialized software, make sure to audit your records on occasion to ensure data quality.
• Use the FIFO approach (first in, first out). Parts and supplies should be used for repairs in the same chronological order as they were purchased or created. This is especially important for batteries, tires and lubes. The best way to apply FIFO in a parts and supply storeroom is to add new items from the back so the older products are at the front.
• Identify low-turn stock. If you have stock that hasn’t been used at all in the last six to 12 months, it’s probably time to stop stocking that item. You might also consider different strategies for getting rid of that stock like a special discount or a dealer/distributor “buy-back” promotion since excess stock wastes both your space and money.
• Establish relationships with preferred part vendors that offer inventory obsolescence buy-back/credit programs.
• Reliably having a well-stocked supply of parts, tires, oil and lubes on hand is an essential part of performing in-house maintenance.
• Know the amount of inventory for all items you have at a given time. If you have a large fleet and a lot of inventory, you might need one person who is responsible for it. Smaller fleets can designate a shop person responsible for ordering parts and supplies, processing all purchase orders, receiving deliveries, and making sure that everything coming in matches what was ordered.

Although the supply chain impact of COVID-19 are lessening, the most recent order backlog on new school buses equipment has created a potential need for school buses operating at districts/companies to extend replacement cycles. As a result, maintenance and inventory cost has been impacted by the decision to hang on and wait for things to improve.

In addition to those challenges, we can only assume what the impact that the many zero emission mandates on the horizon will have on the fleet replacement program that districts/companies have in place, especially those based on cost models using diesel or propane-powered school bus prices and not supported by cost offset grant funds. All this may result in school bus operators making decisions to further extend the life of school bus equipment, making inventory and parts management a higher priority than ever before.

The key issue relative to improving school bus parts inventory management is that district/company management directs the effort to manage cost by setting achievable goals via planning, organizing and formulating realistic budgets to meet fleet requirements.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the August 2024 issue of School Transportation News.

Robert Pudlewski is STN’s technical editor and a member of the National School Transportation Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his 40-plus year career as a school bus maintenance, technology and procurement expert.

Related: Simplifying School Bus Operation Management
Related: 7 Ways the Right Transportation Management Technology Can Increase Student Safety
Related: Technology and Communication: Crucial for Bus Maintenance and Safety
Related: (STN Podcast E222) Tools to Get the Job Done: Georgia Garage Star Talks Maintenance Evolution

The post Recommended Best Practices for School Bus Parts Inventory Management appeared first on School Transportation News.

Right now, you probably pay more per mile to operate than ever. As you explore ways to fortify your bottom line, look to your shop and fleet vehicles. An ounce of prevention is worth thousands in breakdowns, downtime and repairs. Maintain healthier trucks, save thousands in critical repairs, and run a more efficient shop—all through predictive maintenance.

Download Zonar’s complimentary white paper to learn about protecting your bottom line with a more proactive approach to fleet health.

• Consolidate shop visits and reduce workflow disruptions.
• Avoid more on-the-road breakdowns, tows and roadside expenses.
• Resolve certain vehicle faults for immediate savings.
• Empower non-technicians to take a more active role in fleet health.

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

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If you have not yet explored the integration of Cord Reel Power Stations for your buses, it’s an investment you really may want to consider for powering your engine block heaters. Between the convenience and ease of having power right where you need it, retractable cord reels keeping power cords from dangerously tripping up people in your parking lot, and the money saved using the PowerSaver option so the block heater isn’t running for hours on end – the cord reel power station has a ton of value.

Cord Reel Power Station

As winter approaches, many school bus fleets in colder climates turn to engine block heaters to ensure their engines start smoothly on cold mornings. It’s necessary to have power to run these heaters and that can get tricky inside a large parking lot or outside the bus garage – unless you have cord reel power stations integrated into your plan. Whether mounted on a 6’ steel pole, a 3’ steel pole, a raised foundation, or a Jersey barrier, retractable cord reels can provide the power needed right at the bus. No more cables and cords running across the ground since the power will be provided right at the job site.

The industrial grade cord reel power station is fully configurable – from the number of cord reels, length of cord and mounting style, no matter what the layout is for your school bus fleet, the power station can be configured to ensure it’s exactly what your application calls for. Powder coated for durability and NEMA 4 cord reels provide reliability in even the harshest weather conditions for outdoor bus yards.

Convenient Power Where You Need It

Whether you are retrofitting an existing bus lot or designing a new bus garage in cold weather locations, finding the right power solution for engine block heaters should be part of the equation. Rather than running extension cords all over the parking lot to bring the power to the bus, cord reel power stations mean the power is already right where it’s needed.

Retractable cord reels, relatively close to the bus, means there is no need for extension cords and engine block heaters can safely be powered right at the job site. Industrial 20 Amp rated, NEMA 4X industrial cord reels provide everything you need and meet requirements with a UL 508A rated junction box, GFCI protection and additional safety features – all conveniently located nearby.

Safety First

School bus parking lots and garages are bustling environments where safety is a top priority. With buses constantly moving in and out, mechanics performing routine maintenance, and various electrical tools and equipment in use, it’s crucial to minimize hazards. One often overlooked aspect of safety in these areas is the proper management of extension cords. Retractable extension cords offer a practical solution that not only improves safety but also enhances efficiency in these busy spaces.

Traditional extension cords, when not managed properly, can create a number of safety risks in school bus parking lots and garages: tripping hazards, electrical hazards, vehicle damage and operational inefficiency are just a few. Here’s how retractable extension cords can contribute to a safer and more efficient environment:

1. Eliminating Tripping Hazards: With a retractable cord reel, the cord is automatically wound up and stored when not in use, keeping it off the floor and out of the way. This greatly reduces the risk of trips and falls in the garage or parking lot.
2. Reducing Wear and Tear: By keeping cords stored safely inside a reel, retractable extension cords are less likely to be damaged by vehicles or foot traffic. Damaged or frayed extension cords are a common cause of electrical accidents. This prolongs the life of the cord and reduces the risk of electrical hazards.
3. Preventing Vehicle Damage: Since retractable cords are stored when not in use, there’s less chance of them being run over by buses or other vehicles. This helps prevent costly damage to both the cords and the vehicles and reduces subsequent repairs and downtime.
4. Enhancing Efficiency: Retractable extension cords are easy to deploy and retract, making them readily available when needed and quick to store when not in use. This saves time during maintenance tasks and helps keep the workspace organized.

Value in the PowerSaver

As winter approaches, many school districts turn to engine block heaters to ensure their bus engines start smoothly on cold mornings. An engine block heater warms the engine’s coolant or oil, which helps the engine reach its optimal operating temperature more quickly. This reduces the time it takes for the engine to heat up, minimizing cold-start wear and lowering emissions. While these heaters are essential for reducing engine wear and improving performance in low temperatures, they can also be a significant source of energy consumption as many bus garages leave their block heaters plugged in overnight. Leading to unnecessary energy consumption.

There can be significant environmental costs with prolonged engine block heater usage. If the electricity used to power the heaters comes from non-renewable sources like coal or natural gas, it directly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing the operating time of these heaters, we can lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down on the amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere.

Fortunately, using a PowerSaver timer with your engine block heater offers a simple yet effective way to cut down on energy use and save on electricity costs. Reducing electricity consumption using the PowerSaver can alleviate the strain on power grids, particularly during the winter months when energy demand peaks.

It has an easy to use interface and is fully programmable, allowing for multiple on/off settings so you can customize the heating schedule according to your needs. The thermostat feature allows the system to stay off entirely until the outdoor temperature drops to a low enough setting to turn on. It’s also extremely durable, rated for outdoor use and can withstand cold temperatures.

Without the PowerSaver, an engine block heater may run for hours before it’s actually needed. Depending on the heater’s power rating, this could mean using anywhere from 300 to 1,500 watts per hour. For example, if your block heater consumes 1,000 watts and is left on for 10 hours every night, it’s using 10 kWh per day. Over a month that’s 300 kWh, which can lead to a noticeable increase in the energy bill. This simple adjustment results in a 70% reduction in energy consumption, translating to substantial savings on your electricity bill.

A cord reel power station PowerSaver timer provides options to program specific times for the power to turn on and off, ensuring it only runs when needed. Most diesel bus engines only need 2-4 hours of heating before they are ready to start, even in extremely cold weather. By setting the PowerSaver to the proper day and time, it will activate just a few hours before the bus route is to begin, significantly reducing energy usage.

Reducing energy usage not only saves you money but also has a positive impact on the environment. Lower energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, as less electricity needs to be generated. If more school bus garages adopted this practice, the cumulative effect could lead to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint associated with engine block heaters. Not only can diesel exhaust from idling pollute the air in and around the bus, it can also enter school buildings through air intakes, doors, and open windows. Consequently, optimizing block heater usage with the PowerSaver can help contribute to a more stable and cleaner energy system.

Conclusion

Looking for power and cord management solutions for school bus garages in extreme weather areas can be daunting. Knowing that an inexpensive cord reel system is likely to have a shorter shelf life and higher failure rates, companies are looking to reduce their down time and consider a more robust option like an industrial cord reel power station. Ensuring your investment provides the most robust solution can be easy with KH Industries. They are more than happy to help you develop the right solution for your specific school bus garage application and guide you through the project every step of the way ensuring safety, value and convenience.

Contact KH Industries today.

The post Get Convenience, Safety & Value with a Cord Reel Power Station appeared first on School Transportation News.

Ryan and Taylor delve into OEM leadership and business updates, rising electric vehicle insurance, and technology in the school bus garage. The STN August issue has more on fleet management.

“It’s changing a lot lately.” Garage Star and Shop Foreman Scottie McKinzie discusses going back to school, dealing with mechanic shortages, implementing new technology like safety equipment and propane buses, and streamlining inventory and operations at Futon County Schools in Georgia.

Read more about the bus garage.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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The post (STN Podcast E222) Tools to Get the Job Done: Georgia Garage Star Talks Maintenance Evolution appeared first on School Transportation News.