Truck Chat from Work Truck

In this month’s Truck Chat: Top Monthly News Recap, we’re talking about the early warning signs fleets can’t afford to brush off, why 2026 planning is already in motion, what zero-downtime service really means in practice, how leadership shows up when things feel like they’re accelerating, and the real conversations shaping the next generation of fleet pros.Watch today, hit that like button, and subscribe so you never miss an update! Driver Complaints as Risk Signals: Recurring complaints are not background noise. When multiple drivers flag the same delivery site, yard congestion, or tight backing conditions, that’s operational data. This month’s coverage explores how fleets can connect driver feedback with telematics, near-miss reports, and claims data to shift from reactive safety to predictive risk management.2026 Planning Is Already Underway: From tighter insurance underwriting to rising equipment costs and tariff uncertainty, fleets are scenario planning earlier than ever. The focus is less on managing trucks and more on managing systems. If uptime dips, what happens to revenue? If AI automates reporting, where does labor shift? The fleets asking those questions now are building flexibility before volatility hits.What Zero-Downtime Service Actually Looks Like: Connected vehicles, live health data, remote diagnostics, and pre-staged parts are changing how service gets done. The bigger takeaway is structural. When fault codes are visible before a truck hits the service lane and approvals move faster, dwell time drops. Information flow is becoming just as important as wrench time.Leadership That Listens and Standardizes: Sue Miller and Debi McClendon offer two practical reminders. Listening is not soft. It surfaces blind spots faster and builds trust that prevents escalation. And newer fleet managers do not need decades of experience to lead well. Structure, documentation, communication, and consistency build credibility.Shades of Fleet New Voices: An honest look at what early-career professionals wish they knew on day one, from imposter syndrome to learning how decisions really get made.Black Voices Define Real Visibility in Fleet: A thoughtful conversation about the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and what true visibility looks like when it includes access and influence.Inside IMT’s Production Facility: Robotic welding, precision cutting, crane testing, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the equipment fleets depend on actually gets built.Winter Breakdown Lessons and the Hidden Cost of Cheap Repairs: Two practical resets focused on preventing avoidable downtime and spotting weak points before they turn into roadside calls.Bobit Business Media expanded its fleet tech footprint with the acquisition of key Roadz partner portfolio assets, strengthening The Fleet Source platformUpfit Package of the Year Awards will stream live from Work Truck Week 2026New data shows fleets are exploring AI, but most remain in pilot mode as trust and accuracy questions get worked outCummins is offering a $500 owner courtesy payment tied to Emissions Recall 67A for certain 2013–2018 Ram 6.7L diesel trucksTeam Fletcher is officially building toward the 2026 Corporate International Soap Box Derby Challenge in support of technician scholarships through The Hourglass FoundationPlenty to think about this month. Risk signals hiding in plain sight. Planning before pressure hits. Smarter service models. Leadership that actually listens. And a derby car slowly coming to life. Keep Watching: Regulatory Prep, Real Pay Data, and the Fleet Tech Reset

Debi McClendon walks through building a fleet policy from scratch, unifying vehicle practices across divisions, earning executive buy-in, and driving a major mindset shift: fleet vehicles aren’t a perk, they’re a tool. She also talks about the tough side of modernization, including outsourcing fleet management and learning to manage processes rather than just people. In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with Debi, a recognizable name in fleet whose impact didn’t end when she retired in 2014. Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, your fleet industry storyteller, Debi shares her origin story from 2000, when she was “thrust into” fleet to replace someone who knew everything about cars… and she knew basically nothing beyond gas and oil changes.  What followed was a crash course in leadership, navigating multiple mergers, and transforming fleet from a manual, one-person operation into a real, scalable process. And when it comes to advice for newer fleet managers, Debi keeps it real: build your network, communicate up and down the org, stay open to change, and never operate like a one-person island. WATCH NOW to learn:What it’s like to be dropped into fleet with zero vehicle knowledge and still succeedHow Debi built a fleet policy and merged practices across divisionsThe mindset shift that changes everything: fleet vehicles as tools, not incentivesWhy networking (even with competitors) can accelerate your growthRookie traps to avoid: thinking you can’t influence change, or thinking you’re the only one who canHow Debi approached tech decisions like telematics and why “it depends on your fleet” is the truth Debi's advice for the next generation: keep learning, stay relevant, and fight for a seat at the table Drop your favorite takeaway from Debi in the comments and tell me who you want to see on Fleet Legends next.

Ever had that moment where a driver doesn’t seem… right, and you’re thinking: Okay, what do I do next, and what does DOT actually require?In this video, Kathy Close from J. J. Keller & Associates walks through reasonable suspicion training for supervisors in plain English, including what applies to CDL fleets under DOT drug and alcohol testing rules.You’ll learn:- Who this training applies to (and who it doesn’t)- Who can be designated to make a reasonable suspicion decision- What DOT requires for supervisor training time and topics- Training format options (online, class, video kit) and what to keep for audit proof- The alcohol testing clock: what “2 hours” and “8 hours” really means- How to approach a driver with privacy, discretion, and respect- Why escorting a driver can be a smart risk-management move- How to recognize when a medical issue may look like impairmentIf you’re in safety, compliance, HR, ops, maintenance leadership, or you’re the “backup supervisor” on nights and weekends, this one’s for you.👍 If this helped, hit like and subscribe for more fleet compliance and safety explainers.Want more from Work Truck? Check us out here: https://www.worktruckonline.com/

Winter breakdowns aren’t usually caused by snow or cold weather alone. Most of the time, they’re the result of small maintenance issues fleets already knew about and didn’t act on. In this episode of Truck Chat: Fleet FAQs from Work Truck, we break down what really causes winter breakdowns and why they show up at the worst possible time. You’ll hear from fleet and maintenance experts at Cox Fleet about the most common winter failure points they see every year, from batteries and air systems to tire pressure and overlooked spares. We cover:Why winter breakdowns are usually preventableThe maintenance mistakes fleets repeat every yearWhen winter prep should actually startHow tires, air systems, and batteries fail in cold weatherWhy safety matters just as much as uptimeHow technology and vehicle data can help if fleets pay attention Whether you manage a light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty fleet, this conversation is about getting ahead of winter before it turns into roadside calls, downtime, and frustrated drivers. Because if fleets ignore small issues now, they don’t get smaller when temperatures drop.

Ever wonder what visibility in fleet actually looks like in real life, when it’s not a conference badge, a spotlight moment, or a shiny LinkedIn headline? In this episode of Shades of Fleet from Truck Chat, we go beyond Black History Month and get into the unwritten rules of fleet leadership, the ones that don’t show up in any job description but absolutely shape careers.We hear perspectives from leaders and organizations across the fleet industry, including  @BlackFleetNetwork ,  @Decked , MeterFeeder,  @J3ManagementGroup , and Cobb County Fleet Management (Georgia). This is a real conversation about access, advocacy, mentorship, and what it takes to build a leadership pipeline that actually works.You’ll hear honest stories about: What real visibility looks like in fleet managementBeing invited to the table vs. actually being wanted thereMentorship vs sponsorship and why the difference mattersHow leaders can create access and opportunity for the next generationWhy succession planning and development matter more than titlesFleet moves the world. So who gets to lead it matters.If you work in fleet management, transportation, public sector fleet, private fleet, supplier services, or mobility strategy, this one’s for you.👍 If this hit home, hit like and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

If you’ve ever approved a repair that looked affordable on paper and still watched your budget blow up later, you’re not alone. In this episode of Truck Chat, Fleet FAQs, we break down the hidden costs of fleet repairs that don’t show up on the invoice. Downtime. Rentals. Administrative time. Lost revenue. The “cheap” repair often becomes the most expensive decision once you factor in everything around it.Lauren Fletcher sits down with Demetra Markopoulos from @ServiceUpAuto‬ to discuss what fleet managers should actually be tracking to achieve real visibility into total repair spend, not just parts and labor.You’ll learn:Why parts and labor are only part of the real repair costHow downtime quietly drains fleet budgetsWhy the same repair can cost wildly different amountsThe difference between reactive and proactive repair strategiesHow AI, telematics, and better data improve oversight without replacing relationshipsServiceUp is an AI-powered vehicle repair platform focused on transparency, analytics, and smarter decision-making for fleet managers. By consolidating repair data and providing network visibility, tools like this help fleets reduce inefficiencies and gain better control over total repair spend.If you manage fleet repairs, maintenance budgets, or vehicle uptime and you’re wondering where the money is really going, this one’s for you.

What does it take to grow a fleet-focused brand in a town with fewer than 300 people?In this episode of Faces of Fleet, Lauren Fletcher sits down with Sheldon Zitzmann of  @TigerTough  to talk about building tough, American-made seat protection from a tiny Minnesota town and scaling it to serve fleets nationwide.Sheldon shares how his family took over TigerTough in 2016 with a simple but serious mission: make seat covers that actually hold up to real work, keep jobs local, and build a company people are proud to work for. From hand-inspected craftsmanship and fast decision-making to balancing durability with safety features like airbag compatibility, this conversation goes deep into what “built tough” really means.You’ll also hear how TigerTough listens to fleet managers, adapts as trucks get more tech-heavy, and why sometimes the best innovation comes from being close to the people who use the product every day.If you care about fleet durability, American manufacturing, or stories that start small and scale smart, this one’s for you.

If you’re new to fleet, here’s what nobody tells you on day one: feeling overwhelmed is normal.Fleet is one of those industries where the learning curve hits fast. The acronyms multiply overnight, the stakes are real, and you can be smart, experienced, and totally capable… and still feel like everyone else speaks a different language.In this episode of Shades of Fleet, New Voices, you’ll hear from five people who are new to fleet in different ways. Some are brand new. Some are career switchers. All of them have real answers to the questions every new fleet pro is quietly asking, like:- What do outsiders misunderstand about fleet?- When did it click that you actually belong here?- What habits helped when things got real?- Who helped you find your footing?- How do you speak up when you’re the new voice in a room full of experience?- What’s exciting about where fleet is headed next (data, tech, safety, smarter operations)?Whether you’re already in fleet or you’re considering it as a career move, this is your honest field guide to the first stretch and a reminder that being new doesn’t mean you don’t belong.👇 New to fleet? Drop a comment: What are you learning right now, or what are you still trying to figure out?📩 Know someone who’s new? Send them this episode. It might save them a little time.👍 If this hit home, like and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.👉 Want more? Check us out at https://www.worktruckonline.com

In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, I’m sitting down with Sue Miller , a recognizable name in fleet and someone with decades of lived, real-world experience that helped shape the industry.Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, your fleet industry storyteller, this conversation starts with Sue’s origin story in the late ’70s, when she discovered her company had hundreds of vehicle titles sitting in a drawer and thought, “Absolutely not.” That moment turned into Sue creating a fleet job description from scratch, pitching it internally, and becoming the company’s first fleet coordinator.From there, Sue shares how industry relationships and association involvement helped her grow her career across major organizations, and why fleet success still comes down to people, trust, and staying curious even when tech keeps changing the game.🎥 WATCH NOW to learn:How Sue literally created her first fleet role and why initiative mattersWhy networking and industry associations can fast-track your growth (when you do it right)The mindset shift new fleet managers need most: “You have the right to be there.”Rookie mistakes to avoid, including getting isolated by one vendorWhy fleet leadership is really about communication, trust, and not operating in a siloSue’s take on tech, AI, and why the human factor is still the biggest challengeDrop your favorite takeaway from Sue in the comments and tell me who you want to see on Fleet Legends next.🚛 Visit Work Truck for all the latest industry news and information ➡ https://www.worktruckonline.com Want to learn more about Legend? Visit https://www.legendsoftheroad.com/

Most people think the circus “just shows up.” But what you’re about to see isn’t magic. It’s fleet, logistics, timing, and a crew that can’t miss a deadline.In this Work Truck behind-the-scenes, we talk with the Venardos Circus to see how a modern touring circus moves across the country with two units on the road, a tight setup schedule, and a fleet that includes a flatbed loaded with tent and heavy gear, a trailer packed with lighting and sound, and a concessions truck built like a mobile cotton-candy factory.And here’s the part fleet managers will recognize instantly, the need to wear a lot of hats. Moving day includes show day. That means a first or final performance, a fast turnaround, a tear-down that can hit the four-hour mark, and the pressure to be ready to roll… because canceled shows aren’t an option.You’ll also hear how they handle maintenance, inspections, route planning, fuel stops, and why in this world, titles don’t matter; everyone loads in and loads out.If you’ve ever wondered how the circus gets from town to town, this one’s a must-watch. And if you manage a fleet (any kind of fleet), you’ll walk away with a reminder that the operation is only as strong as the people and vehicles behind it.Check out https://www.worktruckonline.com/ for more!

Mark Petersen shares how intentionally pursuing fleet before he ever held the title has shaped a career spanning more than four decades, multiple industries, and nearly every fleet structure imaginable. From navigating regulations and technology shifts to mastering the art of networking, Petersen's story is a masterclass in building a fleet career with intention.In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with Petersen, a long-time fleet leader whose career began in 1984 and grew to include managing seven different fleets ranging from 400 to 8,000 vehicles across consumer products, security, agriculture, and more.Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, your fleet industry storyteller, this episode follows Petersen’s deliberate path into fleet management, his unexpected pivot into sales, and his eventual return behind the desk. Along the way, he shares lessons from lived experience and the mindset that helped him thrive through decades of industry change.Watch now and find out more about:How Petersen intentionally planned his way into fleet management.Why networking has been the key to every career move he’s made.The biggest changes he’s seen since 1984, and what hasn’t changed at all.The rookie mistake he warns fleet managers to avoid at all costs.Why being the subject-matter expert is non-negotiable.How communication, humor, and trust drive successful fleet teams.His advice for the next generation entering the fleet industry.What he sees ahead for fleet, from regulation to electrification realities.Drop your favorite takeaway from Petersen in the comments, and tell us who you want to see on Fleet Legends next.Learn more at https://www.legendsoftheroad.com/

Before there were dashboards, telematics, or even engines, America still had fleets. They just didn’t call them that yet.As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, this video takes a step back to explore how American work vehicles evolved from horse-drawn wagons to the modern work trucks fleets rely on today. It’s not just a history lesson. It’s a story about legacy, resilience, and the people behind the wheel, then and now.From Conestoga wagons and early freight routes to the first gasoline-powered commercial trucks, New Deal infrastructure projects, and today’s data-driven fleets, work trucks have shaped American progress every step of the way. The tools have changed. The mission hasn’t.In this video, you’ll learn:- How early wagons functioned as America’s first fleet vehicles- When and why the first purpose-built work trucks emerged- How fleets helped build cities, roads, utilities, and national infrastructure- Why modern fleet managers are part of a tradition that goes back centuries- What the future of work trucks could look like as technology continues to evolveIf you work in fleet, commercial vehicles, upfitting, or truck operations, this story is part of your story too.👉 Read the full article, including the complete timeline and deeper insights, at https://www.worktruckonline.com/10250997/how-250-years-of-american-progress-led-to-the-work-trucks-we-rely-on-today👉 Subscribe for more Fleet 101, walkarounds, interviews, and work truck insights

2025 was not a year of small adjustments for work truck fleets. It was a year that reshaped how fleets spend, plan, maintain, power, and protect their vehicles.In this video, Work Truck breaks down the biggest shifts that defined fleet operations in 2025 and explains how they all connect. From rising costs and uptime pressure to the growing role of data, safety, energy strategy, and workforce challenges, these trends changed how fleet leaders make decisions every day.The video explores:Why cost and uptime became the same conversationHow data evolved from a reporting tool to operational foundationThe growing connection between safety, fraud, cyber risk, and insuranceWhat changed in fleet energy strategies, including EVs, hybrids, propane, and dieselWhy people, coaching, and culture moved to the center of fleet performanceHow fleets adapted to an uneven vehicle market through better planning and partnershipsFor fleet managers building their 2026 strategy, this video connects the dots across the trends that mattered most. Each topic is expanded further in the 2025 Work Truck Trends series, featuring deeper insights and real-world examples from fleet leaders across the industry.Use this recap as a starting point and a reference as you plan what’s next.

Used truck values are settling into new patterns, driver pay models are getting a much-needed reality check, fleets are gearing up for holiday theft season, and a fresh wave of momentum is across the industry. Here’s everything you missed in the work truck industry lately:This month’s Truck Chat Recap covers:📈 Remarketing in 2025: stabilization trends, soft spots, and smarter timing for your replacements💸 When flat-rate mileage pay goes sideways and how fleets are fixing pay gaps that hit their hardest-working drivers🎄 Holiday theft readiness: the tools, vehicles, and patterns thieves target most — and the simple steps fleets can take now🔧 Building tomorrow’s techs: propane autogas training grants open for students🏆 Work Truck Awards: voting is officially live for Medium-Duty Truck of the Year, Commercial Van of the Year, and Upfit Package of the Year🎥 Video Spotlights• A behind-the-scenes look at Team Fletcher’s Corporate Soap Box Derby challenge benefiting The Hourglass Foundation• AI coaching with a human touch• How to set up a service crane safely and efficiently• A smarter upfitting approach and new insights on the technician shortagePlus quick hits and top headlines you’ll want on your radar.If this helped you get ahead this month, tap that like button, subscribe, and share it with your fleet crew. Let’s keep your fleet rolling and ready for whatever’s next.#TruckChat #WorkTruck #FleetManagement #FleetNews #FleetSafety #TruckPros #WorkTruckOnlineThis episode is sponsored by Chevron: https://www.regi.com/

Amy McAdams shares how growing up around racing influenced her leadership style, why saying yes to unexpected opportunities changed her career direction, and how she learned to thrive through everything from corporate shifts to vendor changes.In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with McAdams, whose fleet story quite literally started in the engine compartment of her dad’s ’57 Chevy stock car.Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, your fleet industry storyteller, this episode follows McAdams’s path from a childhood spent holding wrenches at the track to becoming a “baby fleet manager,” navigating a career shaped by grit, timing, and a whole lot of learn-as-you-go moments.Watch now and find out more about: How being raised by a race car driver shaped Amy’s approach to fleet problem-solvingThe surprising way she landed her first fleet manager roleThe early-career mistakes she laughs about now (and why new fleet managers should avoid them)Why relationships with vendors and peers matter more than everHer best advice for staying adaptable in an industry that changes fastDrop your favorite takeaway from McAdams in the comments, and tell us who you want to see on Fleet Legends next! Learn More: Oleg Cytowicz on People, Process, and Perspective in Fleet

Change is a constant in fleet, whether it’s electrification, new tech, or safety initiatives. But even the best plans can fail if the people behind them aren’t ready.Recorded live from the Fleet Forward Conference, this session features behavioral scientist Dr. Alison Betz and fleet expert Matt Betz, who share a practical framework for leading real transformation.Learn how to build buy-in, boost confidence, and reinforce new behaviors so change doesn’t just happen, it sticks.Want more? Visit Work Truck today!

Used truck values settling, quake-proofing your shop, an AI-first push to keep trucks rolling, and a daylight saving safety tune-up, here’s what you missed in October 2025.This month’s Truck Chat Recap covers:🏁 Derby challenge for a cause: Team Fletcher, sponsorships, and how to get involved in the ‪@InternationalSoapBoxDerby‬! 📊 Remarketing in 2025: steadier values, intentional cycling, and timing your listings🏗 Quake-ready facilities: roof-to-wall connections, bracing, and targeted retrofits that reduce downtime🤖 AI for uptime: VMS’s next chapter and what enterprise-grade visibility could mean for small fleets and dealers⏰ Daylight saving safety: dusk driving refreshers, lighting checks, ADAS verifications, and fatigue watch🎥 Video Spotlights: A career milestone with the Lifecycle Award, people-first leadership with practical tech adoption, how automated reimbursement actually works, inside a parts and service uptime strategy, and real-world recovery lessons that save money and time.Plus quick hits and top headlines you need to know from ‪@GeneralMotors‬, ‪@CircleKOfficial‬, Santo Tequila, and more. This episode is sponsored by Chevron: https://www.regi.com/👉 Don’t miss the full breakdown on Work Truck ➡ https://www.worktruckonline.com

In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with Oleg Cytowicz, a lifelong fleet professional whose journey from racing pit crew to global fleet operations is full of perspective, humor, and heart.Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, your fleet industry storyteller, this conversation dives into Oleg’s early days logging mileage by hand, the tech revolutions that reshaped fleet management, and why (no matter how smart the tools get) people will always be the core of it all.Oleg’s take on leadership, learning, and connection is pure gold for anyone in fleet or in a company leadership position.🎥 WATCH NOW to learn:- How Oleg went from racing cars to managing fleets across North America and Europe- The two lessons every fleet manager should learn early- Why understanding people matters as much as understanding vehicles- How to stay sharp with technology (and why AI still needs a human touch)- The secrets to building trust, teamwork, and long-term industry friendships- And the real “Fleet Manager’s High” that keeps pros coming back year after yearLearn more at https://www.legendsoftheroad.com/💬 Drop your favorite insight from Oleg in the comments — and let us know who you’d love to see featured next!🚛 Visit Work Truck for the latest fleet news and insights ➡ https://www.worktruckonline.com

Fleet leaders face real challenges every day — from managing supplier relationships and navigating tariff impacts to dealing with data overload and cultural shifts. However, they’re also developing creative solutions, fostering stronger partnerships, and laying the groundwork for the next generation of fleet professionals.In this Leading Fleets panel from Work Truck Exchange 2025, Editorial Advisory Board members Amy McAdams, Bob Adamsky, Kevin Rider, and Mikhaila Baldwin share their perspectives in an honest, interactive conversation.What you’ll hear in this session:- Challenges you don’t always see on stage, including supplier disconnects, tariff pressures, and the ongoing struggle with too much data.- Partnerships that worked: real stories of suppliers stepping up, fast-tracking solutions, and helping fleets save time and money.- Why relationships matter: building trust both ways and creating partnerships that last beyond one contract or company.- The future of fleet leadership: how to inspire the next generation, from hands-on training to mentorship, internships, and showing young people the possibilities in fleet.- Actionable takeaways: transparency, open communication, and creative problem-solving as key tools for success.This isn’t a one-way presentation — it’s a dialogue filled with real-world stories, lessons learned, and advice that any fleet manager, supplier, or industry partner can put into practice.Whether you’re new to fleet management or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with ideas to strengthen your operations, your partnerships, and your outlook on where fleet leadership is headed.Ready to learn more? Check out https://www.worktruckex.com/🚚 Visit Work Truck for all the latest industry news and information ➡ https://www.worktruckonline.com

Fuel is one of a fleet’s biggest expenses, and if you’re not actively managing it, you could be leaking money without even realizing it.In this episode, Bri Perry Lang of Fleetio breaks down how fuel management goes way beyond saving pennies at the pump. We’re talking about:- The hidden culprits eating up your fuel budget (idling, poor routing, underinflated tires)- How fuel data doubles as a maintenance crystal ball- Why fuel cards and telematics are a game-changer for visibility- Spotting fuel theft without playing “bad cop”- Real savings fleets are seeing (thousands back in their budget with even small improvements)Whether you’ve got five trucks or five thousand, putting a little structure behind your fuel program can lead to huge savings and fewer headaches.🔗 Dive deeper with our Fleet 101 series from Work Truck: https://www.worktruckonline.com/content/video-series/truck-chat-fleet-101Learn more about Fleetio: https://www.fleetio.com