Driving Success: A Fleet Advantage Podcast

EP. 17: 2026 TLDI Reveals the Hidden Cost of Running Older Fleet Equipment

In this episode of Driving Success, Tracy Derival sits down with Joseph Rugare, Senior Fleet and Transaction Analyst at Fleet Advantage, to discuss the latest findings from Fleet Advantage’s Truck Life Cycle Data Index (TLDI) and the growing financial risks of operating older fleet equipment in today’s diesel environment. With diesel prices surpassing $5 per gallon nationally, organizations with transportation fleets are facing rapidly rising fuel, maintenance, and operating costs, especially those running aging Class-8 trucks. Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction * 01:30 Background on Joseph Rugare * 02:12 Cost Difference Between Running Older vs. Newer Fleet Equipment * 03:05 Rising Fuel Prices Being a Disadvantage * 04:06 Millions in Extra Cost Running Older Equipment * 05:15 Risks in Delaying Upgrading Equipment * 06:05 Long-Term Strategies for Organizations 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! * Joseph Rugare ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rugare/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rugare/] * Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/] Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/ [https://www.fleetadvantage.com/]

EP. 16: Heavy-Duty Truck Fleets Use of AI: 2026 Industry Survey Results

In this episode of Driving Success, Tracy Derival sits down with Mac Hudson, CTP, Senior Off-Lease Manager at Fleet Advantage, live from the 2026 NPTC Annual Conference, to discuss the latest “Use of AI in Fleets” survey findings. The conversation explores the rapid rise of generative AI adoption across private fleets, the growing data integration challenges limiting deeper operational returns, and the major untapped opportunities AI presents for organizations with transportation fleets. Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction * 00:46 Mac Hudson’s Background & Role * 01:27 Why Generative AI Adoption Has Surged * 02:40 Challenges with AI * 04:20 Untapped Opportunities for AI in Fleet Operations * 05:39 Closing 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! * Mac Hudson ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-hudson-ab690b61/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-hudson-ab690b61/] * Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/] See the full survey results here! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/press-releases/fleet-advantage-survey-finds-generative-ai-has-taken-hold-in-private-fleets-but-data-gaps-are-blocking-deeper-returns [https://www.fleetadvantage.com/press-releases/fleet-advantage-survey-finds-generative-ai-has-taken-hold-in-private-fleets-but-data-gaps-are-blocking-deeper-returns] Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/ [https://www.fleetadvantage.com/]

EP. 15: The Pre Buy Is Back: Why Fleets Cannot Afford to Wait on EPA 2027

In this episodeof Driving Success, Tracy Derival and Brian Antonellis, SVP of Fleet Operations at Fleet Advantage, discuss the confirmed EPA 2027 NOx regulations and why the truck pre-buy is officially back. With the EPA holding firm on the 35 mg standard, fleets face shrinking 2026 build availability, rising OEM costs, and increased allocation risk. Brian explains the financial implications, why private fleets are moving early, and the critical steps organizations must take now to control costs and secure equipment ahead of 2027. Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction * 01:52 The Pre-Buy Coming Back * 02:33 Underestimating Build Slots and Pricing * 03:30 Financial Implications * 04:15 Private Fleets Acting Now * 05:55 Important Actions for Fleets to Make 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! * Brian Antonellis ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/] * Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/] Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/ [https://www.fleetadvantage.com/]

EP 14: OffLease Reimagined: Modernizing the Lease Surrender Process

In this episode, Tracy Derival sits down with Matt de Aguiar, Chief Operating Officer; Brian Antonellis, SVP, Fleet Operations; and Jackie Dusseau, VP, Data Analytics & Corporate Development, to discuss the launch of OffLease Reimagined, Fleet Advantage’s innovative platform for modernizing truck lease surrenders. The team explores how the software streamlines workflows, leverages real-time data and automation, and delivers measurable savings and operational efficiencies. Tune in to hear how OffLease Reimagined is driving transformation in fleet management and equipment finance, and learn about the award-winning solutions helping fleets save time, reduce costs, and gain transparency across the lease lifecycle. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fleet Advantage Team 02:14 Introduction to OffLease ReImagined 03:37 Collaboration in Launching OffLease Reimagined 04:48 Operational Gaps in the Lease Surrender Process 05:54 Understanding Customer Needs and Data Integration 07:20 Leveraging Data for Actionable Insights 09:02 Success and Industry Impacts 12:11 Future of OffLease Reimagined 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Matt de Aguiar ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdeaguiar/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdeaguiar/] Brian Antonellis ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/] Jackie Dusseau ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-dusseau-clfp-88667059/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-dusseau-clfp-88667059/] Tracy Derival ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/] Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/ [https://www.fleetadvantage.com/]

EP 13: CVSA's Brake Safety Week 2025

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Matt Wiedmeyer, CTP, Director of Fleet Operations & Maintenance, discuss CVSA’s Brake Safety Week 2025 with a special focus on drums and rotors. They explore why brake-related violations continue to top the charts for out-of-service orders and what fleets can do to better prepare. This episode delivers timely insights that help drivers and fleet operators stay compliant, avoid costly violations, and prioritize safety on the road. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:42 Brake Safety Week Refresh and Goals 02:24 Common Brake Related Violations 02:56 Tips for Drivers' Pre and Post-Trip Inspections 04:37 CVSA’s 2024 Unannounced Safety Inspection 06:11 New Statistics for Brake Safety Week 08:49 Conclusion of Summer of Safety Series 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Matt Wiedmeyer ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwiedmeyerctp/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwiedmeyerctp/] Tracy Derival ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/] Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/ [https://www.fleetadvantage.com/]