Fleet Forward Podcast

From Silos to Solutions: Relationship Management for Safer Fleets

What actually happens after a fleet experiences a multi-million dollar accident?  In this episode of Fleet Forward Podcast, leaders from NOV and Element Fleet Management share the real-world conversations, policy changes, and cross-department challenges that happen when safety, liability, operations, HR, legal, and leadership all collide.  From telematics adoption and driver accountability to policy consistency and risk mitigation, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build a safer fleet culture without slowing business down.  You’ll hear:  * How one $3 million claim triggered major internal policy discussions  * Why fleet safety can’t live in a silo  * The biggest mistakes companies make when rolling out safety initiatives  * How leading fleets use data and telematics to improve accountability  * Why consistency matters more than “perfect” policies  * How to get organizational buy-in from HR, legal, finance, operations, and leadership  * Practical advice for fleet managers trying to drive cultural change  Whether you manage a few vehicles or thousands, this conversation offers actionable insights on reducing risk, improving communication, and creating long-term safety strategies that actually work.  Subscribe to Fleet Forward Podcast for more conversations on fleet technology, operations, leadership, and the future of mobility.  Is your fleet ready for what’s next? Register for the NextGen Fleet Road Show, presented by AT&T and Geotab.  We’re bringing live demos and expert consultations to a city near you.   Register today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nextgenfleet.events/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nextgenfleet.events/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.business.att.com/products/iot-fleet-management.html?source=EBBZ0000000000aBU&wtExtndSource=vanfleetmanage&LNS=VN_IT_FM_FleetManage_0519]

Integrating Legacy Fleet Systems and Historical Data

What does it really take to integrate legacy fleet systems—and turn messy data into real business value? In this episode, we bring together fleet and technology leaders to unpack the realities of data integration, system migrations, and the evolving role of AI in fleet management. Drake Bauer (CEO & Co-Founder, Proaction), Diana Holland (Founder, Cavis), Jennifer VrMeer (BD), and Ernie Garcia (Gothic Landscape) share firsthand lessons from the field—from managing thousands of assets to navigating mergers, legacy systems, and complex data environments. You’ll learn: * Why clean, connected data is the foundation of modern fleet operations * How to approach system integrations without getting lost in technical complexity * Common pitfalls in data migration—and how to avoid them * Real-world wins: cost savings, efficiency gains, and smarter decision-making * The growing impact of AI, automation, and predictive analytics in fleet Whether you’re modernizing your tech stack, preparing for a migration, or simply trying to make better use of your data, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply right away. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to move from “data overload” to actionable intelligence—and future-proof your fleet operations. Is your fleet ready for what’s next? Register for the NextGen Fleet Road Show, presented by AT&T and Geotab.  We’re bringing live demos and expert consultations to a city near you.   Register today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nextgenfleet.events/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nextgenfleet.events/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.business.att.com/products/iot-fleet-management.html?source=EBBZ0000000000aBU&wtExtndSource=vanfleetmanage&LNS=VN_IT_FM_FleetManage_0519]

From Resistance to Results: Change Management Strategies for Fleets

Change is constant in fleet—but successful change is not. In this episode of Fleet Forward Podcast, Dr. Alison Betz of ABA Technologies breaks down why most change initiatives fail, and what fleet leaders can do differently to drive real results. From new technologies and safety programs to evolving regulations, fleets are under constant pressure to adapt. But as Dr. Betz explains, success isn’t about the system you implement—it’s about whether your people actually use it. In fact, more than 70% of organizational change efforts fail before they’re fully rolled out. In this session, you’ll learn: * Why adoption—not implementation—is the real challenge * The three most common reasons fleet initiatives fail * How to connect individual behavior to organizational outcomes * The “why, what, how, and wow” framework for lasting change * How to create environments that make the right behaviors easier to sustain Whether you’re rolling out new technology, launching a safety initiative, or leading organizational change, this episode provides a clear, practical roadmap to move from resistance to results. Listen now and start building change that actually sticks. Is your fleet ready for what’s next? Register for the NextGen Fleet Road Show, presented by AT&T and Geotab.  We’re bringing live demos and expert consultations to a city near you.   Register today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nextgenfleet.events/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nextgenfleet.events/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.business.att.com/products/iot-fleet-management.html?source=EBBZ0000000000aBU&wtExtndSource=vanfleetmanage&LNS=VN_IT_FM_FleetManage_0519]

How to Upfit, Equip, and Accessorize EVs for Work

Most fleet leaders know electrification is coming—but far fewer understand what it actually takes to make EVs work in the field. In this episode of the Fleet Forward Podcast, we bring you highlights from a live conference panel featuring experts across upfitting, OEMs, fleet operations, and sustainability analytics who cut through the theory and share what’s really happening on the ground.  From payload constraints and range tradeoffs to safety considerations and rising upfront costs, this conversation breaks down the realities of upfitting electric work trucks and vans. If you're evaluating EVs for your fleet—or already deploying them—this episode reveals the key decisions that can make or break performance, cost efficiency, and driver adoption.  You’ll learn how EV upfitting differs fundamentally from ICE vehicles, including why drilling is restricted, how weight and aerodynamics directly impact range, and why “light-weighting” has become a critical design strategy. The panel also dives into real-world considerations like power sourcing, climate impacts, and how small design choices—like partitions or bulkheads—can significantly affect energy consumption.  We also explore the business side of electrification: higher upfront costs, total cost of ownership timelines, and what fleets are actually seeing in terms of ROI. With insights from side-by-side comparisons of ICE vs. EV trucks, plus data on maintenance savings and route optimization, you’ll get a clearer picture of when and how EVs start to pay off—and where risks still exist.  Beyond the specs and numbers, this episode emphasizes something equally critical: process. Learn why early collaboration between OEMs, upfitters, fleet managers, and drivers is essential—and how leading fleets are using pilot vehicles, real-world testing, and driver feedback to build smarter, more efficient EV strategies.  Whether you’re concerned about range anxiety, payload limits, resale value, or simply figuring out where to start, this episode delivers practical, field-tested guidance you can apply immediately.  Featuring insights from leaders at Sortimo, Slate Automotive, Forward Upfitting, and McKinstry, this panel offers a comprehensive look at how fleets are navigating one of the biggest operational shifts in decades.  If you want to electrify your fleet without compromising performance, productivity, or ROI—this episode is your roadmap.  Is your fleet ready for what’s next? Register for the NextGen Fleet Road Show, presented by AT&T and Geotab. We’re bringing live demos and expert consultations to a city near you.   Register today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nextgenfleet.events/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nextgenfleet.events/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.business.att.com/products/iot-fleet-management.html?source=EBBZ0000000000aBU&wtExtndSource=vanfleetmanage&LNS=VN_IT_FM_FleetManage_0519]

Where We're Headed: A Practical Look at AI in Fleet

Most fleet industry professionals still grapple with understanding what AI truly means for their operations—and many are uncertain if it’s worth their time or just industry hype. Bobit Business Media CEO Colin Sutherland and fleet analyst Susan Beardsley cut through the fog to reveal concrete, actionable insights on how AI is transforming fleet management in 2026 — and what’s just marketing fluff. If you're trying to navigate AI’s real role in fleet today and future-proof your business, this episode is your essential compass. Discover how AI is actually being deployed in fleets, not just marketed, including practical use cases and emerging risks. Colin and Susan explore the evolving landscape—from AI safety and predictive maintenance to the future of dashboards and data ownership—revealing what tools are making a measurable difference now, and what’s coming next. You'll learn about the distinctions between machine learning, generative AI, and automation, empowering you to make smarter tech decisions in a complex vendor ecosystem. We break down how AI impacts every level of fleet operations—drivers, managers, suppliers, and industry leaders alike—and why understanding this evolution is critical to maintaining your competitive edge. With a focus on small to medium fleets, the episode highlights how accessible, open-source, and adaptable AI solutions truly are, contrasted with the hype and vendor 'wash.' This conversation is essential for fleet managers, decision-makers, and suppliers who want to avoid being left behind. We’re at a pivotal moment—where the right AI strategies can drastically reduce costs, improve safety, and even redefine career paths. But ignoring the shifts risks obsolescence in an industry that’s on the brink of transformation. Get ready to demystify AI, bridge communication gaps, and set your fleet on a smarter, more resilient path. Whether you're crafting RFPs, managing day-to-day operations, or planning long-term growth, this episode gives you the clarity you need to lead confidently into the future. Susan Beardsley, a veteran fleet researcher with over 12 years of experience, offers a grounded, evidence-based perspective. Her insights, combined with Colin’s deep industry expertise, create a clear roadmap for how AI is shaping fleet now—and how you can harness it to stay ahead. Perfect for fleet professionals, tech providers, and industry leaders who aim to understand AI’s real impact and avoid being sold hype. This is your blueprint for making informed, strategic decisions in an industry that’s rapidly evolving. Is your fleet ready for what’s next? Register for the NextGen Fleet Road Show, presented by AT&T and Geotab. We’re bringing live demos and expert consultations to a city near you.   Register today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠nextgenfleet.events/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nextgenfleet.events/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.business.att.com/products/iot-fleet-management.html?source=EBBZ0000000000aBU&wtExtndSource=vanfleetmanage&LNS=VN_IT_FM_FleetManage_0519]