It’s often an understated but significant challenge for managers of light- and medium-duty fleets to maintain centralized control of highly decentralized operations. When vehicles—which are expected to be ready to roll when a company’s service organization needs them—are deployed across wide geographic regions, centralizing maintenance for groups of trucks in one location is not always feasible. In some cases, the vehicles are based at employee homes, where they are on call 24/7.

When corporate financial practices mandate vehicle ownership, or a company is using the services of a fleet management company, fleet managers must address the need for timely and effective maintenance and repairs. Now striving to be a one-stop shop for fleets nationwide is the recently expanded Pep Boys Fleet Services Program.

The newly re-launched dedicated fleet services program at Pep Boys, according to Andy Procell, assistant vice president of fleet, aims to provide a variety of services and maintenance solutions to business owners and fleet managers.

“Instead of bringing vehicles to multiple repair facilities for different types of work,” Procell says, “we have more than 7,000 service bays in more than 700 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico ready to meet fleet needs for routine maintenance and repairs and tires, and at select locations we’re equipped to perform state inspections and hybrid vehicle maintenance.”

Procell also notes that Pep Boys locations are outfitted with the latest tools and diagnostic equipment, are staffed by ASE Certified technicians and have access to more than 75,000 parts. The stores are open seven days, six nights a week, and are prepared to perform some services in less than an hour.

Understanding that fleets need to limit downtime for maintenance, Pep Boys offers an online appointment system, priority service and an early-bird drop-off option. National fleet pricing plans for parts, labor and preventive maintenance packages also are available.

Pep Boys Fleet Services locations are managed by national, regional and local support teams that can provide comprehensive estimates before performing work. Fleet managers can also access data and determine costs for specific repairs regardless of a vehicle’s location, as well as reach out to dedicated fleet experts who can provide assistance with PM scheduling and expense forecasting.

Managing and tracking expenses for maintenance when vehicles are widespread geographically is another challenge for fleet managers. To meet this need, service networks like the Pep Boys fleet program offer card programs that allow businesses to enable purchases for maintenance, repairs and fuel while setting purchase limits. The card programs also streamline fleet management with consolidated billing services and online access to customizable service histories.

In addition to working directly with fleets—numbering from as few as three to more than 300 vehicles—Pep Boys is a national service provider for many fleet leasing and management companies. Included, among others, are ARI, Donlen, Emkay, Enterprise, GE Capital, Lease Plan USA, PHH Arval and MAP (Wheels).

“We believe in partnering with our customers to help them control and reduce expenses and minimize vehicle downtime,” Procell says. “An effective fleet service network needs to deliver convenience and value by providing facilities where and when they are needed, trained technicians and a dedicated support staff that fully understand fleet needs.”

Building a service network is a considerable and ongoing challenge for managers of light- and medium-duty fleets. As they strive to ensure their vehicles are ready to help run their companies’ businesses, a means of managing the maintenance and repair of their fleets easily and efficiently is essential.