Vehicle Usage

LSSU Motor Pool

When traveling by automobile, it is recommended that travelers use University Motor Pool vehicles for trips over 100 miles. The LSSU Physical Plant assigns Motor Pool vehicles in order of travel request and vehicle availability. Vehicles may be reserved by calling extension 2617 or by using the online motor pool request form.

All personnel traveling by use of Motor Pool are required to complete a LSSU Vehicle Inspection Form before departing the Motor Pool. Vehicle users should be aware that trips are billed ‘per mile’. All gasoline, oil and repairs must be charged to the Fleet Fuel card located in each vehicle. It is strictly prohibited to use a motor pool vehicle for personal use.

Please see the LSSU Vehicle Policy for additional information.

Rental Vehicles

The use of rental vehicles is limited to situations where other ground transportation is either not available or is impractical. The University will reimburse expenses for economy or midsize vehicles only. Reimbursement will be at the full rental agency rate.

Physical damage insurance must be taken when renting the vehicle. Liability insurance is provided by the University and should not be purchased.

Please note: When signing the rental contract, the employee must sign his/her name and Lake Superior State University to ensure the University has an insurable interest in the transaction.

Please see the LSSU Vehicle Policy for additional information.

Personal Vehicle

When travel by automobile necessitates the use of the traveler’s personal vehicle, the traveler will be reimbursed at the IRS-approved mileage rate as communicated by LSSU Business Operations each year.

Mileage must be calculated from the place of employment to the travel destination as the University will not reimburse mileage for commuting from the traveler’s home to place of employment. All mileage reimbursements will be calculated using Google Maps. Note: Vicinity mileage within the Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan city limits will not be reimbursed unless expressly authorized under special programs such as grants.

Common Travel Destinations:

City One Way Round Trip Per Diem
Alpena 152 304 13, 15, 26
Ann Arbor 330 660 16, 17, 31
Big Rapids 222 444 13, 15, 26
Detroit 339 678 14, 16, 29
Escanaba 175 350 13, 15, 26
Flint 279 558 13, 15, 26
Grand Rapids 278 556 14, 16, 29
Houghton 264 528 13, 15 26
Kalamazoo 328 656 14, 16, 29
Lansing 282 564 14, 16, 29
Marquette 165 330 13, 15, 26
Petoskey 94 188 14, 16, 29
Traverse City 169 338 14, 16, 29

Expenses incurred for gasoline, repairs, towing, etc. are included in mileage allowance and are not reimbursable. Expenses incurred for parking, bridge fare and tolls are reimbursable and limited to the actual amount paid. Any fine or charge for a violation of public policy (such as a speeding ticket, parking violation, etc.) is not considered a reimbursable expense.The vehicle owner’s insurance policy will always provide the primary liability coverage when travelling using a personal vehicle.Personal vehicles may be used in lieu of commercial airline travel. Mileage will be reimbursed at the established current rate but should cost the University no more than the commercial coach/economy airline fare. Vicinity mileage within the travel destination area is an allowable expense and must be properly documented in order to be reimbursed.