Runzheimer International Recognizes USAA and The SCOOTER Store as its 2011 Mobile Workforce Best Practice Winners

WATERFORD, Wis., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Employers across the U.S. and Canada are actively promoting the expansion of their mobile workforce, and technology is enabling continuous communication with employees outside of the office. According to the 2011 Runzheimer International Total Employee Mobility® (TEM®) survey, released last week (see related release dated April 2, 2012), organizations that make significant investments in employee mobility are reaping returns in revenue gains.

Supporting employees that work outside the office requires focus and change. Corporations that successfully navigate a new approach to employee mobility can enhance employee satisfaction, cost management and customer service. Each year, Runzheimer International® recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence and measureable results with the TEM transition.

This year's winners – USAA and The SCOOTER Store – were highlighted for their best practices and formal measurement programs instituted to better manage costs and strengthen employee satisfaction and well-being. 

"The companies we have chosen this year as our TEM best practice winners have proven how taking control of mobile workforce programs can significantly increase ROI, help reduce operating expenses and minimize liability and risk exposure," said Greg Harper, President of Runzheimer International.

Runzheimer International 2011 TEM Best Practice Winners

Business Vehicle Management – The SCOOTER Store, Inc.
The SCOOTER Store is America's leading supplier of scooters and power chairs for people with limited mobility. The company is dedicated to a combination of vehicle management programs that are strategic, flexible, and cost-effective.

With over 2,500 employees, 697 of which are drivers, and a vehicle fleet of 500, The SCOOTER Store is constantly looking for ways to achieve cost savings, manage safety and maintain employee satisfaction. Over the past three years, the company has addressed instability in the energy markets by transitioning 229 of its 500 fleet vehicles to more fuel efficient ones, resulting in annual savings of $600,000.

In addition, The SCOOTER Store implemented a driver safety program that includes a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) points program, training programs and safety communications. As a result of these safety initiatives, The SCOOTER Store had a 14% accident rate in 2011, far below the industry average of 25%. 

Business Travel Management – USAA
USAA is a fully integrated financial services company that provides highly competitive financial products and services primarily to current and former members of the military and their families. The company employs over 23,000 employees, with more than 4,000 of those employees traveling for business each year. This provides ample opportunities to focus on improving traveler efficiency and cost savings.

USAA reduces costs through negotiated rates and online booking adoption rates. Aggressive negotiations have enabled the company to secure an average ticket price 42% lower than the U.S. Domestic ticket benchmark and an average hotel room savings of $29 a night. Combined savings realized from airfare and hotel rate negotiations was over $1 million. In addition, the USAA online booking adoption rate was 78%, with 56% of tickets automatically issued. 

Last year, USAA's travelers recorded 100% satisfaction with the travel program in six different months. In addition, the company either met or exceeded its goal of providing at least 65% of travelers with their preferred air carrier options.

Download a summary of the findings from Runzheimer's annual TEM benchmarking survey.

About Runzheimer International
Founded in 1933, Runzheimer International serves 60 percent of the Fortune 500 and numerous government agencies.  Recognized for providing innovative solutions relating to Total Employee Mobility®, Runzheimer is the global leader in workforce mobility programs including business vehicles, business travel, corporate aircraft, employee relocation and compensation, and mobile device management.

SOURCE Runzheimer International