Fleet Forward Podcast

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 challengeThe three most common reasons fleet initiatives failHow to connect individual behavior to organizational outcomesThe “why, what, how, and wow” framework for lasting changeHow to create environments that make the right behaviors easier to sustainWhether 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/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

AI is no longer a future concept for fleets—it’s already embedded in the tools, data, and decisions that operators rely on every day. In this episode of the Fleet Forward Podcast, recorded live at Fleet Forward, industry leaders take the conversation beyond hype to examine what responsible AI adoption really looks like in fleet operations. Amir Sayegh of Geotab and Layla Pastzi of Polsinelli unpack how AI and emerging agentic systems are transforming fleet safety, productivity, and decision‑making—while also introducing new ethical, legal, and regulatory risks. From data quality and bias to privacy, employment law, intellectual property, and global regulation, the discussion highlights why “garbage in, garbage out” still applies—and why human oversight remains critical. Listeners will learn how fleets can move from raw vehicle data to real‑world value, why governance and cross‑functional collaboration are essential, and how to balance innovation with accountability in a connected, AI‑driven ecosystem. Whether you’re experimenting with AI tools today or planning your long‑term strategy, this episode offers practical guidance to help you lead responsibly in the age of AI. 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/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠ 

As fleets rethink how they capture, manage, and act on vehicle data, telematics is at a major inflection point. In this episode of the Fleet Forward Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most pressing questions facing fleet leaders today: Should you rely on OEM factory-installed connectivity, aftermarket devices, or a hybrid of both? Recorded live at Fleet Forward, this episode features an expert panel including leaders from Ford Pro, Stellantis (Mobilisights), and Enterprise Fleet Management, moderated by Arun, CEO and Co-Founder of Motork. Together, they unpack how OEM embedded connectivity has rapidly matured—now available in nearly all new vehicles—and what that means for fleet operations, cost structures, data reliability, and scalability. Key topics covered include: The rapid evolution of OEM-connected vehicles and why adoption has accelerated Factory-installed vs. aftermarket telematics: strengths, trade-offs, and real-world use cases Data reliability, latency, and signal depth—what’s improved and where gaps still exist Activation at scale, uptime, and the operational burden of hardware installs Privacy, driver consent, and compliance in a connected-vehicle world When aftermarket devices still make sense (accident reconstruction, video, advanced safety) Why data alone isn’t enough—and how collaboration across OEMs, TSPs, and fleet managers drives real outcomes Whether you’re managing a small fleet just beginning your telematics journey or a complex, multi-OEM operation evaluating your next move, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help you choose the right telematics path—today and into the future. Listen in to hear how factory-installed connectivity is reshaping fleet telematics—and what fleet leaders should be doing now to stay ahead.  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/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠ 

This episode delivers a deep, data-driven look at what fleets are actually experiencing as they transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. Leveraging insights from organizations analyzing thousands of vehicles across utilities, municipalities, and commercial fleets, the panel uncovers what real-world telematics and operational data reveal about EV cost, performance, and scalability.Experts from telematics analytics, fleet-as-a-service operations, and national EV benchmarking share how real-time data is reshaping fleet strategy—dispelling assumptions, validating best practices, and exposing costly missteps.Listeners will learn:Why telematics is the most reliable predictor of EV success—and how minute‑by‑minute GPS and energy modeling eliminate guessworkHow to avoid placing EVs in the wrong applications, a mistake that can turn multimillion‑dollar savings into multimillion‑dollar lossesWhat duty-cycle and dwelling-pattern analysis reveals about charger ratios, infrastructure sizing, and opportunities to reduce capital costs by hundreds of thousands of dollarsWhy many fleets are underutilizing battery capacity and how range anxiety creates skewed purchasing decisionsHow utility tariffs, peak demand charges, and unmanaged charging can destroy EV fuel-cost savings—and how smart load management fixes itWhat drivers really think about EV safety, enjoyment, charge times, and infrastructure, based on year-over-year satisfaction dataHow EV maintenance trends compare to ICE, including preventative maintenance frequency, cost-per-mile considerations, and missed opportunities for optimizationWhat post-deployment data teaches us about change management, route assignment, and building driver confidence over timeFeaturing real numbers, real outcomes, and real lessons learned, the episode equips fleet leaders with the insights needed to electrify intelligently—reducing operational disruption, maximizing savings, and scaling successfully.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/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠⁠ 

In this insightful episode recorded live at Fleet Forward Conference, industry leaders break down the rapidly evolving policy and regulatory landscape shaping fleet operations in 2026. The discussion explores how national, state, and local decisions intersect—and sometimes collide—creating both challenges and opportunities for fleets of every size. A powerhouse panel featuring experts from the American Automotive Leasing Association, CalSTART, and municipal fleet leadership dives into the realities of navigating shifting emissions rules, regulatory waivers, federal agency actions, the future of the EPA’s endangerment finding, and the push for unified standards. They also examine the impacts of tariffs, autonomous vehicle policy, battery innovation, and the accelerating global EV market. Listeners will hear candid insights on: What fleet operators must track in a year defined by political change and regulatory uncertainty How federal shutdowns, reauthorization bills, and agency rollbacks affect fleet planning California’s outsized influence on national emissions policies The role of local government leadership in decarbonization The future of incentives, infrastructure, and the Highway Trust Fund Liability, data rights, and right-to-repair issues reshaping fleet risk management Whether you manage municipal assets, oversee corporate fleets, work in policy, or follow industry transformation, this episode equips you with the strategic perspective needed to navigate 2026’s complex policy environment.  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/podcast⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠ 

Episode one kicks off with a deep dive into the technologies and market forces reshaping today’s fleet landscape. Host Chris Brown is joined by Laolu Adeola (Leke Services), Tyson Jomini (J.D. Power), and Richard Hall (ZappiRide) to break down real-world data, shifting incentives, and practical strategies fleet leaders can use right now.Laolu introduces a clear framework for navigating the mobility energy transition, including the “electrification stack” and how to make informed, long-term decisions. Tyson brings VIN-level analytics to explain what’s driving continued market turbulence—from new-vehicle supply and used-vehicle values to incentives, tariffs, affordability, and residuals. Richard closes out with a grounded look at EV incentives, total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling, infrastructure tax credits, and the state and utility programs influencing electrification economics as federal support evolves.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What current J.D. Power data reveals about pricing, depreciation, and market volatility• How incentives and policy shifts are shaping EV demand and fleet planning• Where cost-saving opportunities still exist for electrification• How to use data-driven tools to build a phased, financially sound EV rollout strategyIf you manage fleet operations, procurement, or electrification planning, this episode delivers the clarity you need to navigate a fast-changing market.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/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠att.com/fleetmanagement ⁠⁠ 

Electrification isn’t theoretical anymore — it’s operational. In this episode, fleet leaders from municipal, university, and private-sector organizations share a candid EV reality check. From infrastructure setbacks and policy whiplash to grant funding, total cost of ownership, and charging resiliency, this conversation dives into what it actually takes to scale electrification in the real world. Hear how fleets are managing DC fast charging deployments, home charging challenges, battery storage and microgrids, vehicle right-sizing, and evolving federal and state mandates. Panelists also unpack the financial pressures behind zero-emission transitions — including rate structures, capital planning, resale value concerns, and shifting incentive programs. If you're navigating electrification under tight budgets and uncertain policy conditions, this episode delivers practical insights from leaders doing the work today. 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/podcastatt.com/fleetmanagement  

Step into the future of fleet management with Chris Brown as he brings you exclusive sessions from the annual Fleet Forward Conference—the industry’s premier event for innovation and mobility. Discover expert insights, emerging technologies, and strategies that are transforming fleet operations worldwide.Whether you’re focused on EV adoption, connected vehicles, autonomous technology, or sustainability, this series delivers actionable ideas to keep you ahead of the curve.Subscribe now and join the conversation shaping the next generation of fleet and mobility.