New Box Truck
Fleet Services recently replaced the box truck we have available in our rental fleet and the new one has some welcome features. Our new truck sports a 7” infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with a backup camera. Two new standout features that will be nice for longer trips are the addition of cruise control and a dual fuel tank setup for maximum range. The truck box is 12’ long, 7.5’ wide, 6.5’ high, has an 1800 lb. capacity lift-gate, and a roll-up door. There are two rows of “e-track” (a system used to attach straps inside of the cargo area to secure loads), and cargo straps. The rate is $65 per day and $0.57 per mile.
Joe’s Friendly Reminder
When driving a rental or departmentally assigned vehicle you essentially become the face of the University and other people on the road notice you. Things that you may get away with in your personal vehicle are viewed differently when driving a University vehicle. We occasionally receive calls from concerned members of the public reporting poor driving behavior, speeding, and other actions that reflect poorly on the University. Be aware that you are very visible when driving a University vehicle so obey the rules of the road when driving your mobile billboard. Remember that you are responsible for representing the University in the most positive manner possible.
Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
The dog days of summer are back and that means so is the hot humid weather that us Midwesterners love so much. We all know that heat rises right? It does and knowing that can actually be helpful in cooling off your hot car as quickly as possible. Next time you get into your blisteringly hot car try directing the AC to come out the bottom vents. Doing this combined with cracking your windows will help push the hot air out of your car. For other tips to keep you cool in the hot summer months, check out Jiffy Lube Ontario’s full list of tips.
Yes, We are Open for Rentals!
Daily rental operations are back and running!! To request a vehicle, use the link on self-service (under General Systems and Tools) or you can find a link to the requisition on our homepage. To minimize risk, we have adopted several new practices that reflect guidance from the CDC and the University’s Administration. We have recently taken delivery of our new EPA approved disinfectant fogger for vehicle cleaning. The full details of our car cleaning process, vehicle pickup, and customer distancing procedures can be found on our homepage.
FY 21 Rates Are Posted
The FY 21 vehicle rental and class-based lease rates are posted on our website.
Fleet Factoid
US car manufacturers have reported their Q2 domestic sales numbers and boy are they bleak. CNN Money reported an overall 30% drop, the worst quarter since the 2009 Great Recession. What this means for you is that if you are in the market for a new car, the dealers really have an incentive to deal! If you would prefer a used car, see below.
Honest Mike’s Used Cars
As of Monday, July 13, Surplus has been given the go-ahead to start auctioning our replaced vehicles via GovDeals.com. We have a lot of mini-vans and sedans queued up and ready to go as well as some more specialized vehicles like 15-passenger vans, cargo vans, large and small pickup trucks, and a box truck or two.
First up will be two 2014 Dodge Grand Caravans, a gold one with 79k miles and a black one with 67k miles. We also have two 2015 Grand Caravans upcoming, both blue, one with 73k miles and the other with 75k miles. Joining the mini-vans will be a white 2015 Ford Taurus with 74k miles, a silver 2017 Chevy Malibu with 86k miles, and two 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrids, both silver, one with 87k miles and the other with 79k miles. There is even a CAMBUS listed if you have one at home that needs some parts! Check the site regularly as new vehicles are listed vehicles weekly.
Fleet Services Info
Manager: Mike Wilson
Phone: (319) 384-0564
Fax: (319) 335-5865
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Shop Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Shop Phone: (319) 335-5105
Fueling Hours: 24 hours/ 7 days a week
E-mail: Fleet-Services@uiowa.edu
Web Site: Parking and Transportation - Fleet Services
View more newsletters: Fleet Services Newsletters