Department Functions

Berkeley County Fleet Services operates three Fleet Garages: Main ShopLandfill, and Water & Sanitation, to support the county’s fleet of vehicles and equipment. The program serves all county departments by providing proactive maintenance, timely repairs, and safe, reliable equipment for county employees.

Mission Statement

To keep county vehicles and equipment in safe, dependable, and efficient operating condition through skilled maintenance, qualified technicians, and a culture of safety and accountability.

Structure and Staffing

  • Locations: Main Shop, Landfill Garage, Water & Sanitation Shop
  • Staffing: 25 skilled technicians and support personnel
  • Key Roles:
    • Fleet Manager
    • Shop Supervisors (one at each location)
    • Fleet Technicians (diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and repairs)
    • Parts/Inventory Clerk
    • Administrative Support

Core Services

  • Preventive Maintenance (PM): Regularly scheduled inspections and service to extend vehicle life and reduce unscheduled downtime.
  • Repair Services: Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and diagnostic repairs across all vehicle classes (light, medium, and heavy equipment).
  • Emergency/Redline Repairs: Priority response for critical equipment failures to minimize operation disruption.
  • Mobile Support & On-site Service: Limited on-site maintenance for remote or urgent needs when feasible.
  • Technical Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostics and repair planning using OEM tools and standards.
  • Safety & Compliance: Regular inspections, defect management, and adherence to safety regulations and county policies.
  • Parts & Inventory Management: Efficient stocking, ordering, and turnover of parts to minimize downtime.
  • Fleet Data & Reporting: Maintenance history, uptime metrics, cost tracking, and performance reporting.
  • Fuel Sites: Fuel monitoring, ordering, mechanical repairs.

Service Standards and Goals

  • Uptime Target: Maximize vehicle/equipment availability for county operations.
  • Response Time: Acknowledge and begin priority repairs within defined timeframes (e.g., 2–4 hours for critical assets; 24 hours for routine maintenance).
  • Turnaround Time: Complete PM within scheduled window; major repairs returned to service promptly with clear communication.
  • Safety: Zero-incident workplace with ongoing safety training and compliance checks.
  • Quality: Use OEM or approved aftermarket parts; follow manufacturer service procedures; thorough testing before release.

Operations & Workflow

  1. Request & Scheduling
    • PM schedules are planned to minimize vehicle downtime and maximize workload balance among shops.
    • Departments submit service requests via a centralized system.
  2. Diagnostics & Work Order
    • Technicians perform initial diagnosis, document findings, and assign a work order with estimated hours and parts.
  3. Repair/Maintenance
    • Perform needed maintenance, repairs, and safety checks.
  4. Quality Check & Release
    • Post-service inspection, road-test if applicable, and confirmation of proper function.
  5. Documentation & Billing
    • Update maintenance history, parts usage, and labor hours; provide cost tracking to the county fleet budget.

Safety and Working Conditions

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Required per job and area.
  • Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Enforced for all repair work on energized systems.
  • Vehicle/Site Safety Rules: Clear guidelines for shop floors, lifts, jacks, and hazardous material handling.
  • Training: Ongoing technician training on preventive maintenance, safety practices, and new equipment technologies.
  • Incident Reporting: Prompt reporting and investigation of any near-misses or injuries.
  • Ergonomics: Proper lifting techniques and equipment to reduce strain injuries.

Budget and Resources

  • Staffing Levels: 25 personnel distributed across three locations to ensure coverage and redundancy.
  • Tools & Equipment: Diagnostic tools, lifts, alignment systems, welding equipment, and shop safety gear.
  • Parts Inventory: Centralized or location-based inventory with standardized stocking levels.
  • Facilities: Adequate workspace, lighting, ventilation, spill containment, and secure storage for hazardous materials.

Continuous Improvement

  • Regular process reviews to identify bottlenecks.
  • Preventive maintenance optimization using data analytics.
  • Vendor performance and parts quality reviews.
  • Employee safety and training programs enhancements.

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