Complete Leasing & Fleet Management Solutions
FLEET Ambulances
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FLEET ?
Fleet Vehicles Agency (FLEET) is the Province of Manitoba's fleet management expert. We provide leasing and fleet management services to a wide range of public sector organizations -- including RHAs. We manage approximately 2,600 vehicles across Manitoba.
Who actually owns the FLEET ambulances?
Fleet Vehicles Agency owns all FLEET ambulances. Manitoba Health, EMS is leasing the ambulances from FLEET over an 8-year replacement period.
How many ambulances will FLEET manage across the province? How many will my RHA receive?
In 2001, FLEET signed a contract with Crestline Coach to purchase 80 ambulances in 2001 and 2002. In 2003/04, the arrangement was extended and an additional 40 ambulances were purchased to bring the total of FLEET ambulances up to 120. Manitoba Health's program projects replacing an additional 20 ambulances each year for the following two years. That means FLEET will manage approximately 160 ambulances across Manitoba by 2008.
How many ambulances your RHA will receive is up to Manitoba Health. Contact Health for more information.
How can I tell if an ambulance is managed by FLEET?
Each FLEET ambulance is identified by a five digit number. The first two numbers identify the year. 21 indicates 2001 model year ambulances. The third digit in the unit number is 3 which indicates that the vehicle is an ambulance in our fleet. The remaining two numbers are sequential. For example, 21300 was the unit number of the first ambulance delivered.
You'll find your unit number in two main areas:
- A unit number decal will appear on all three sides of the vehicle.
- The middle five digits of your fuel card also indicates the vehicle's unit number.
All FLEET-managed vehicles are also identified by a decal displaying our logo and 1-800 number on the driver's side window.
What expenses are included with a FLEET ambulance?
Manitoba Health is paying for the monthly rent of the vehicle and all regular operating expenses including all fuel, regular repairs, maintenance and insurance.
Are we responsible for any expenses?
While Manitoba Health is paying for the bulk of the operating costs, your RHA will be responsible for expenses in two main areas:
- Any Health-approved additions to your ambulance are at your expense e.g. cell phone, additional striping/logos. Any additions must also be pre-authorized.
- In the event of an accident, your RHA will be responsible for the $500 deductible. This also includes glass repair or replacement.
How do I buy fuel?
Every FLEET ambulance will come with a fuel card for fuel purchases. You'll find your card in the vehicle's glove compartment. Our fuel card is accepted across the province and makes purchasing fuel convenient for drivers. Simply present your FLEET fuel card when you fill up and all bills will be sent to FLEET. You do not need to collect or submit receipts. Because we're tracking fuel expenses and consumption by unit number, please use the right fuel card to fill up the appropriate ambulance.
What if we use our own bulk fueling facility?
Please let FLEET know if your RHA has it's own bulk fueling facility. We will ask the fueling facility to send us an itemized bill for any fuel you purchase at that facility for your FLEET ambulance. We require the unit number, the number of litres dispensed, the fill up date, the price per litre, and the total amount owed. This information can be e-mailed to fvainfo@fva.gov.mb.ca or mailed to 626 Henry Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1P7.
Where do I take my FLEET ambulance for repairs or maintenance?
You can take your FLEET ambulance to the repair facility of your choice. You'll notice that there is a FLEET decal on your driver's side window with our 1-800 number. Simply ask the facility to call the 1-800 number before starting any repair or maintenance work. Calling the 1-800 number is part of our Repair Pre-Authorization service and allows us to make sure that the right repair or maintenance item is performed at the least possible cost.
You can also bring your ambulance to FLEET in Winnipeg for all your repairs and maintenance if convenient. FLEET's Repair Facility operates 36 service bays and a body shop. We're also a Crestline-authorized warranty repair depot. Simply call our 1-800 to arrange an appointment. All ambulances receive priority #1 service at FLEET. You'll find our repair facility at 626 Henry Avenue (at the corner of Sherbrook, Logan and Henry). (Want to see a map?)
Do drivers need to pay repair facilities for any work done on a FLEET ambulance?
No. When a repair facility calls for Repair Pre-Authorization, our Customer Service Representative will give the facility an authorization number to authorize the charge. The facility will send the bill to FLEET for payment. Again your driver does not need to collect or submit receipts.
Where can we take our ambulance for a wash and how do we pay for it?
If it's convenient, you can also bring your ambulance to FLEET for a wash. Simply drive in door number 4 and see our Service Reception staff. We'll arrange to have your ambulance cleaned while you wait.
If you're not in the Winnipeg area, you can take your ambulance to your favourite car wash. Charge it to your FLEET fuel card if the cost of the wash is under $25. If the cost of the wash is greater than $25, ask the facility to send the bill to FLEET.
Do we still have to remember maintenance items like when our next oil change is due?
No. FLEET will track all usage and expense information on each of your FLEET-managed ambulances. Your RHA contact will receive a Preventive Maintenance (PM) notice for any overdue service, including oil changes and commercial truck inspections. A complete copy of our PM Schedule is available here. If you ever want to know when your next service is due, simply call us with your unit number and we can quickly give you an update.
Is there anything that FLEET needs from us?
Yes, there is one piece of information we need from you. At the start of each month, please send us a month ending odometer reading for each of your FLEET-managed ambulances.
To make reporting your monthly distance a simple and easy process, we created a software program called Fleet Vehicle Reporting (FVR). FVR allows you to record and send odometer information directly to FLEET.
You'll can get more information about FVR by calling 204-945-0990 or 204-945-1483.
Can I insure my FLEET ambulance?
Your FLEET ambulance will be outfitted and ready to go when you arrive to pick it up -- that includes insurance. Since FLEET is it's own MPI agent, we plate and insure all vehicles from our 626 Henry location. FLEET will also mail your new stickers and registration before your insurance expires.
Can I buy down the deductible?
No. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has ruled that the deductible for an ambulance operating in Manitoba can not be bought down below the $500 level.
What happens if our FLEET-ambulance is in an accident?
Manitoba Health's accident procedure is outlined on its accident form. If you are in an accident, please complete a form and send it to FLEET -- we will be tracking all accidents for Manitoba Health.
While your ambulance is under warranty, please call Ford's 1-800 roadside assistance number if you are in a situation where you need a tow. Ford will not cover the cost if you arrange for the tow yourself.
Our ambulances drive on some tough winter roads. Can we replace the factory tires in the fall with winter or studded tires?
No. FLEET extensively researched tire options. Ford matches the tire it selects for its ambulance chassises in order to meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Standards (CMVSS). Aftermarket tires will affect CMVSS certification for items such as braking distance. It's extremely important that all FLEET ambulances meet CMVSS approval or warranty items may be voided.
Can we have all of our ambulances managed by FLEET?
Yes. We sell our Fleet Management Service package to customers who own their own vehicles. The service includes our Repair Pre-Authorization Service, fuel Card, Preventive Maintenance tracking and notification, Invoice Consolidation, and access to expense and usage reports.
Please call (204) 945-3309 for more information about our Fleet Management Service package.
Questions?
Please call us if you have any additional questions about your FLEET ambulances. You can reach us at (204) 945-3309.
Page last updated May 25, 2004
