Fleet Beat: Spring 2026

New rental furniture truck

We have a new furniture box truck available for rent! Step-by-step lift gate instructions are located in the glove box. Be sure to review thoroughly before attempting to use the lift gate. Additionally, our staff will demonstrate how the lift gate functions at the time of dispatch. There is also a cargo securing kit stored in the cab with tie down straps to ensure stable and secure loading.

New car wash instructional video

Open 24/7, University drivers can use the car wash by scanning the blue fuel fob attached to their vehicle keys. Watch our new instructional video on how to use the car wash on Youtube.

Policy highlights and reminders

Allowable use of University Rental Vehicles

Vehicles are to be driven for solely official University business. Drivers must be a University staff, student or faculty. The only passengers allowed in any vehicle are those on official University business.

Damage photos now required

Fleet Services is now requiring photos of any damages incurred from an incident involving a University vehicle. Drivers must take photos of damages on the University vehicle, a third party vehicle, any property, etc. When submitting an accident report you will see a required checkbox near the end of the form that acknowledges your understanding of this new requirement. Questions about this change should be directed to [email protected].

Telematics

University branded vehicles represent the University statewide and drivers must follow University policy and state law when operating a University vehicle. To discourage unsafe driving habits, GPS telematics, implemented in Fall 2024, alert the Fleet Team when a vehicle exceeds speeding thresholds.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, higher speeds increase both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries.
• Since implementation, speeding violations have decreased 57%! We are so pleased to see our drivers prioritizing safety.

Confirm clearance height

Be sure to confirm the clearance height of parking garages and ramps before attempting to enter with a large vehicle: For University ramp clearance heights, visit the Parking & Transportation Services website. Fleet Services has added height clearance decals on the windshields of 10-passenger and cargo vans.

Submit Your Rental Requests for Summer 2026

Fleet Services has already received many vehicle requests for summer 2026. If you haven’t yet, be sure to submit your reservation requests soon as Fleet Services tends to be fully booked during the summer months.

Winter driving safety

As winter continues, it's important to use caution when driving in snowy or icy conditions. Please review these following reminders to ensure a safe journey:

• Check the weather
• Drive slowly and smoothly
• Increase your following distance
• Use your lights
• Clear snow and ice from vehicle
• Stay in control on slippery roads
• Prepare for delays
• Be cautious on bridges and overpasses

511 Road condition websites

Check 511 road condition websites before heading out in your Fleet vehicle. You can view road closures and reports, winter driving conditions, weather warnings, and much more.

• Minnesota: 511mn.org
• Wisconsin: 511wi.gov
• Iowa: 511ia.org
• North Dakota: travel.dot.nd.gov
• South Dakota: sd511.org

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