Category: Blog

Preventive maintenance is more than best practice. For many fleets, it’s the foundation for long-term performance and cost control. As vehicle systems become more advanced, the need for structured maintenance has only grown to ensure safety, compliance, and operational reliability. 

Studies show that fleets that invest in routine service experience up to 30 percent fewer breakdowns and 20 percent lower maintenance costs. These benefits are even more essential as aging fleets meet new performance and inspection standards. 

So how do you know it’s time to shift toward preventive care? Here are three clear signs your fleet may be overdue. 

Sign 1: Vehicle Efficiency and Responsiveness Are Declining 

Are your vehicles using more fuel or taking longer to accelerate? These signs may suggest that engine systems, emissions components, or drivetrain elements [...]

Fleet maintenance has evolved from basic upkeep into a critical part of daily operations. Today’s vehicles are more advanced, with digital systems, alternative fuel technologies, and stricter compliance requirements. At the same time, fleet operators are managing aging equipment, technician shortages, and higher service expectations, all while trying to keep vehicles moving and costs under control. 

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that more than 20 percent of new bus purchases in 2023 involved alternative-fuel systems or electric. As this trend continues, fleet service providers must be equipped to maintain both legacy diesel systems and next-generation platforms like CNG and EVs.

Three Key Traits of a Strong Fleet Maintenance Partner 

Choosing the right partner means looking beyond price or proximity. Here are the three traits that matter most for Colorado-based operators: 

1. Broad Technical [...]

What’s Driving the Shift in Fleet Technician Skillsets 

Fleet operations are facing a turning point. Vehicles are becoming more complex, data-driven, and environmentally advanced. Yet as fleets race ahead, technician skillsets and capabilities are struggling to keep pace.  

Operators report that 77% of rising costs are their top concern, with driver shortages, increased regulation, and maintenance complexity ranking high among persistent challenges. Meanwhile, experienced technicians are retiring faster than replacements can be trained. A recent report estimates a shortage of nearly 613,000 technicians by 2024, with updated projections now reaching nearly 971,000 between 2024 and 2028. 

At the same time, fleets using telematics and data tools are seeing measurable benefits. According to a recent industry trends report, GPS fleet tracking delivers an average of 16% savings on fuel, maintenance, and labor costs. 

As [...]

Fleet operators today are navigating tighter budgets, technician shortages, and rising expectations around safety, compliance, and uptime. The traditional “fix it when it breaks” model no longer supports the scale or reliability that today’s transportation landscape demands. 

Programmed fleet maintenance offers a structured, proactive alternative. It replaces guesswork with visibility, urgency with planning, and uncertainty with predictability. It is quickly becoming a central strategy for operators who want to run smarter, safer, and more sustainable fleets. 

That’s why programmed fleet maintenance is gaining momentum. It gives operators structure where there was once chaos, helping them shift from firefighting to forward planning. 

This article explains what programmed fleet maintenance is, why it matters, and how it supports long-term performance, safety, and profitability.

The Real Cost of Unplanned Fleet Maintenance Downtime 

Unplanned downtime affects [...]

Why Timing Your Fleet Purchase Could Mean Big Tax Savings 

In today’s transportation industry, timing matters especially when it comes to capital investments. That’s why fleet operators across the country are taking a closer look at a recent tax update that could significantly reduce their year-end expenses. 

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) restores 100% bonus depreciation on qualifying equipment, including new and used motorcoaches placed in service after January 19, 2025. For operators, this means greater financial flexibility, smarter tax planning, and an opportunity to reinvest in the future of their fleets.

Fleet Strategy Isn’t Just About Vehicles, It’s About Financial Planning 

ABC Companies supports fleet operators beyond the sale. As a long-time partner to private and public operators, we understand the challenges many are facing in today’s environment. 

“For [...]

When my grandfather, Clancy Cornell, founded ABC Companies in 1972, he wasn’t thinking about legacy. He was thinking about people. He was thinking about showing up early, finding the root of a problem, and fixing it right the first time. He was focused on earning trust through consistency, not convenience. Those early days were marked by adopting a hands-on approach, answering calls at all hours, personally delivering parts to a stranded fleet, and building our reputation for reliability and respect. 

That mindset became the foundation of our family’s leadership style. My father, Ron, and my uncle, Dane, inherited those values and embraced growth with integrity. They built our business from a handful of service bays to a multi-state operation, guided by valuing relationships and earning trust. They expanded service centers, staffed technicians, and [...]

Fleet operations are evolving. Across North America, operators are managing increasingly diverse fleets, responding to new regulations, and shifting toward zero-emission vehicles. This evolution is especially pronounced in Denver, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, where both public and private operators are scaling up to meet rising demand. 

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, vehicles miles traveled in the Denver metro area increased by nearly 12 percent between 2014 and 2023. This growth places new demands on fleet infrastructure and maintenance capabilities. As the need for reliable fleet services in Denver continues to rise, many regional operators still lack access to full-service maintenance partners with the technical range to support traditional and emerging propulsion systems.

Transportation Trends Are Driving Demand for Fleet Services in Denver 

Denver [...]

As regulatory expectations rise and fleet operations become more complex, fleet safety is now a defining factor in long-term success. From small fleets managing aging equipment to operations investing in real-time data tools, today’s fleet managers face growing pressure to improve performance, increase uptime, and reduce risk. 

Whether you manage motorcoaches, transit vehicles, or shuttle vans, safety, efficiency, and reliability are no longer optional. Preventive maintenance, structured training, and thoughtful use of technology are essential to keeping vehicles on the road and operations running smoothly.

Fleet Maintenance Best Practices 

Fleet maintenance plays a significant role in reducing risks and avoiding costly breakdowns. According to the American Bus Association Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census, 87.1% of operators manage fleets with fewer than 25 motorcoaches, underscoring the importance of practical safety and [...]

The transportation industry is evolving rapidly, with customer expectations growing every day. For companies like Echo AFC Transportation, staying ahead means delivering consistent, reliable, and high-quality service. Founded over 30 years ago and led by President and CEO John Ferrari, Echo has built a reputation for adapting to changing needs through innovation and a customer-centric approach.

As one of the largest independent ground transportation providers in Texas, Echo operates a fleet of over 600 vehicles, providing services across the United States and Canada. From charter buses and shuttle transit to private car services and event logistics, Echo offers fully customizable transportation solutions for a diverse range of customers.

As group travel and mobility solutions continue to gain momentum, the demand for reliable and efficient transportation services is on the rise. According [...]

If you’re a fleet operator, you know the landscape is shifting fast. Rising costs, aging equipment, driver shortages, and the pressure to modernize are pushing fleet operators to rethink everything—from maintenance strategies to long-term investments. At ABC Companies, we understand these challenges because we work directly with operators like you. Our goal is to help you build a smarter, more resilient operation. Below, we’ll break down three core transportation solutions we’ve developed based on what matters most to the industry right now: uptime, innovation, and partnership.

Fleet Solutions Designed to Keep You Moving and Reduce Cost Pressures

Unplanned downtime is more than an inconvenience—it hits your bottom line. While exact figures for buses are scarce, the broader transportation sector indicates that vehicle downtime can cost fleets an average of $448 to $760 per [...]