Truck Chat from Work Truck

How Strong Fleet Policies Drive Better Business Results | Fleet Legends

After decades in fleet management, commercial leasing, finance, and corporate leadership, Jeffrey Hurrell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyhurrell/] has learned what separates good fleet managers from great fleet leaders. In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet [https://www.legendsoftheroad.com/], Hurrell reflects on a career that took him from automotive finance to managing one of North America's largest fleets and later advising organizations on fleet strategy, performance, and operational excellence. Throughout the conversation, he shares lessons learned from decades of navigating industry change, managing costs, building teams, and embracing new technologies. One of the central themes of Hurrell's career is that successful fleet professionals must think beyond vehicles and day-to-day operations. From developing effective fleet policies to using data-driven decision-making, he believes fleet leaders play a critical role in helping organizations achieve broader business goals. Hurrell also discusses the evolution of telematics, predictive analytics, and AI, and why technology should be used to support smarter decisions rather than simply generate more data. He shares practical insights on continuous improvement, challenging long-standing assumptions, and creating a culture where employees are engaged, empowered, and invested in success. For both experienced fleet professionals and those just entering the industry, Hurrell offers a valuable perspective on leadership, innovation, and the future of fleet management. Watch the full interview to hear Hurrell's insights on fleet leadership, operational strategy, technology, team development, and the opportunities ahead for the next generation of fleet professionals. Explore the full Fleet Legends series [https://www.worktruckonline.com/video-series/legends-of-fleet-video-interviews] for more conversations with the industry leaders, innovators, and pioneers who helped shape the fleet profession. Leadership Beyond Fleet Management

Building Better Fleets Through People, Data, and Leadership | Fleet Legends

Fleet management may revolve around vehicles and technology, but according to longtime fleet leader Ruth Alfson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthalfson/], success ultimately comes down to people. In the latest episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet [https://www.legendsoftheroad.com/], Ruth [https://www.automotive-fleet.com/articles/women-in-fleet-ruth-alfson-of-eg-retail] joins host Lauren Fletcher to reflect on a career that spans more than three decades across public and private sector fleet operations. From leading fleets for organizations like the City of Cincinnati, Seminole County Government, Exelon [https://www.automotive-fleet.com/news/alfson-named-fleet-manager-for-exelon-corp-v4], and AAA to serving as NAFA president, Ruth has helped shape the industry through leadership, mentorship, and innovation. What makes Ruth’s story especially relatable is how unexpectedly it all started. She didn’t plan on entering fleet management. Like many in the industry, she found herself “accidentally” stepping into the role after being handed fleet responsibilities early in her career. That unexpected opportunity turned into a lifelong passion fueled by learning, problem-solving, and collaboration. One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is the importance of community within the fleet industry. Ruth emphasizes that no fleet manager should try to solve challenges alone. Whether through industry associations, conferences, mentorships, or simply conversations with peers, she believes the best lessons often come directly from others who have faced similar situations. She also highlights the importance of understanding the people behind the operation. Building a successful fleet team means recognizing individual strengths, placing employees in the right roles, and creating a culture where people feel supported and engaged. From technicians to analysts, Ruth explains how the right environment can transform employees into future industry leaders. The conversation also explores how dramatically fleet technology has evolved over the years. Ruth reflects on the transition from paper records and Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets to today’s world of GPS, telematics, AI, and connected vehicle data. While technology has made fleets more efficient, she cautions that data alone is not enough. Fleet leaders still need context, critical thinking, and experience to make informed decisions. Looking ahead, Ruth discusses the future of autonomous vehicles, EV infrastructure, hydrogen fuel, and the growing complexity of fleet operations. Her advice to the next generation is simple: stay curious, keep learning, and lean on the relationships around you. Watch the full interview above to hear Ruth’s insights on leadership, mentorship, technology, and the evolving future of fleet management. Looking for more conversations with fleet leaders shaping the industry? Explore other episodes of Fleet Legends for more stories [https://www.worktruckonline.com/video-series/legends-of-fleet-video-interviews], lessons, and perspectives from across the fleet world. Why Relationships Matter in FleetPreparing for the Future of Fleet

Fleet Talent, Leadership, and Smarter Operations Take Center Stage This Month

In this month's TruckChat: Top Monthly News Recap, we're exploring why the future of fleet isn't just about new technology. It's about investing in the people who make that technology work. We discuss why the industry's approach to workforce development [https://www.worktruckonline.com/blogposts/what-the-fleet-industry-still-gets-wrong-about-talent] may need a reset, leadership lessons [https://www.worktruckonline.com/articles/the-fleet-lessons-that-dont-show-up-on-a-spreadsheet] that don't show up on a spreadsheet, how fleets can strengthen the technician pipeline [https://www.worktruckonline.com/articles/where-are-all-the-women-technicians-closing-the-gap-with-support-and-career-pathways], and why flexible standardization is helping [https://www.worktruckonline.com/articles/flexible-standardization-how-modern-fleets-are-rethinking-consistency-to-stay-operational] organizations stay productive in an unpredictable market. We also look at why some of the biggest fuel efficiency gains [https://www.worktruckonline.com/articles/the-key-to-fuel-efficiency-sits-in-the-cab] still come from behind the wheel, how DataQs helps fleets protect [https://www.worktruckonline.com/videos/what-is-dataqs-and-why-should-fleets-care] their compliance records, and what fleet professionals had to say [https://www.worktruckonline.com/videos/what-one-word-describes-the-fleet-industry] when asked to describe the industry in just one word. Plus, we share the latest videos, including an International MV607 Digger Derrick walkaround [https://www.worktruckonline.com/videos/walkaround-of-international-mv607-digger-derrick], new Shades of Fleet [https://www.worktruckonline.com/videos/from-military-service-to-fleet-leadership-shades-of-fleet] stories, our continuing "At the Show" coverage from NAFA featuring AI [https://www.worktruckonline.com/videos/how-real-time-ai-coaching-is-changing-fleet-safety], connected fleet technology [https://www.worktruckonline.com/videos/fuel-managements-next-evolution-centers-on-connected-fleet-technology], and fuel management, along with quick industry updates covering diesel prices [https://www.worktruckonline.com/news/june-diesel-trends-update-v2], Nissan and Toyota manufacturing milestones, and Ford Pro's expanded commercial powertrain warranty [https://www.worktruckonline.com/news/ford-pro-extends-5-year100000-mile-limited-powertrain-warranty-to-ranger-and-e-transit]. Thank you to our sponsor, Chevron REGI [https://www.regi.com/], for your support!

What Does a Potato Have to Do with Leadership?

What does a potato have to do with fleet management? Or any management? More than you might think. In this episode of Truck Chat, Lauren Fletcher explores one of the most unexpected lessons to come from a viral trend and why the best ideas in fleet aren't always the biggest, flashiest, or most expensive. Sometimes, the ideas that create the greatest impact are the small changes that make someone's day easier, improve communication, boost morale, or simply make people feel seen. From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative. So, what's your fleet's potato? Tune in as we discuss how small ideas can create big ripple effects across operations, leadership, and workplace culture. In this episode: * Why the most memorable ideas are often the simplest * The connection between innovation and human-centered leadership * How small changes can improve engagement and morale * Creating a culture where creativity and curiosity can thrive * Finding your fleet's own "potato moment" Whether you're a fleet manager, technician, industry leader, or simply someone looking for new ways to engage your team, this episode offers a fresh perspective on where meaningful change really comes from. Want more? Check us out on Work Truck [https://www.worktruckonline.com/]!

Veteran Voices in Fleet | How Military Service Shapes Fleet Leaders | Shades of Fleet

Military service teaches more than discipline and structure. It builds leadership, adaptability, communication, and the ability to perform under pressure. In this episode of Shades of Fleet: Veteran Voices, fleet professionals share how those experiences continue to shape the way they lead teams, solve problems, and support operations long after leaving the military. The conversation explores the transition from military service into civilian careers, the leadership lessons veterans carry forward, and the often-overlooked skills they bring to the workforce. Participants reflect on the similarities between military operations and fleet management, from mission readiness and teamwork to staying focused when plans change unexpectedly. Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day. Learn more from Work Truck, visit: Truck Fleet News | Light and Medium Trucks, Vans, and SUVs | Work Truck Online [https://www.worktruckonline.com/]