What’s new, what’s next, and what’s actually working in fleet? Let’s break it down.In this Truck Chat Monthly Recap for June 2025, we’re digging into what vocational fleets are really facing this summer — from blazing temps to big budget challenges — and how light- and medium-duty pros are staying cool, staying safe, and staying ahead.Here’s what we’re covering this month:🌡️ Beat the Heat: Your checklist for surviving the summer without melting your fleet budget⚠️ Outsmarting Summer Hazards: How proactive safety tech is helping fleets dodge wild weather📦 Budgets + Backorders: Tactical tips to handle tariffs, tight timelines, and sourcing snags🧪 Medium-Duty Oil Upgrades: Why balanced oils = fewer breakdowns and better fuel economy💬 Fleet Wisdom with Scott Rood: Building better teams, leading with character, and knowing when to innovate🎥 Video Spotlights this month include:• Why grille guards are making a fleet comeback• Walk-in vans 101 (they’re not just for delivery anymore)• Summer maintenance tips to avoid truck meltdowns• Medium-duty EVs — trends, truths, and what fleets are really saying• A new Legends of Fleet episode featuring Lisa Kneggs on culture, leadership, and being seen🗓 Planning for 2026? Fleet Forward Conference early bird is OPEN! Join us Oct. 21–23 in San Diego — I’ll be there as Co-Ambassador and would love to see you! https://www.fleetforwardconference.com⚡ Quick Hits include:• New Earnify fuel card collab from WEX + bp• Lytx drops AI-powered drowsy driver detection tech• Mullen rebrands as Bollinger Innovations• Ford celebrates 1.5 million Transits built in the U.S.• DTNA hits 850K trucks at its NC plant• When to switch your fleet management company (yes, there’s a right time)• L-Charge + EPIC Charging expand off-grid EV charging• And a big shoutout to three of our editorial board members — Mikhaila Baldwin, Amy McAdams, and David Hayward — for being nominated for the 2025 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year award!👉 Like, subscribe, and share this with your fleet crew if it helped you stay ahead (or just gave you a good excuse to sit in the AC for a few minutes).🚚 Visit Work Truck for the full stories ➡ https://www.worktruckonline.com

In this episode of Fleet Legends, (sponsored by Legend Fleet) we sit down with Lisa Kneggs, a respected fleet leader and fleet manager for Farmer Brothers. She highlights significant changes in fleet management, such as government regulations and the rise of telematics, which improved safety and mileage tracking.

Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, your fleet industry storyteller, this episode dives into Lisa’s professional career path and managing fleets along the way, plus the challenges she remembers the most.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of communication, confidence, and asking questions. She advises new fleet managers to embrace technology, learn from others, and not be afraid to seek help.

🎥 WATCH NOW to learn:

• How to volunteer to be on industry panels or advisory boards to share perspectives and learn from others.
• The value of using telematics data to drive cost savings and efficiency but still be mindful of the time required to analyze all the information.
• How to reach out to experienced fleet managers like Lisa to ask questions and gain -industry knowledge.

Drop your favorite insight from Lisa in the comments, and don’t forget to shout out who you’d love to see featured next!

Want more? Visit https://www.worktruckonline.com/

In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with Scott Rood — a respected fleet leader and consultant for RTA: The Fleet Success Company whose dedication to data, integrity, and team development helped shape a decades-long career in fleet excellence.

Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, your fleet industry storyteller, this episode dives into Rood's professional evolution, from his early days navigating the ever-changing world of public fleet to the impactful work he did helping elevate the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) fleet.

Rood shares why listening to technicians matters more than chasing trends, how focusing on “people over process” made all the difference, and what it really takes to run a fleet that performs and inspires.

Sponsored by Legend Fleet!

🎥 WATCH NOW to learn:

• How Rood's approach to mentorship and tech support helped build team trust.
• The biggest changes in fleet management through his career and what hasn’t changed at all.
• Tips for new fleet managers looking to lead with purpose.
• Real talk on EVs, safety, data use, and future-proofing your fleet.
• Why staying humble and curious still wins the day.

In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with Sam Lamerato, a true pioneer in public fleet management with over 40 years of experience, countless accolades, and a legacy that continues to shape the industry.

Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, VP of Content at Bobit and longtime fleet storyteller, this candid conversation explores Sam’s early days as a teen mechanic, his journey from a $3/hour internship to leading the City of Troy, Michigan’s nationally recognized fleet, and the mentorship mindset that guided him every step of the way.

Sam gets real about what it takes to modernize a fleet, retain top techs, and serve the public with pride. From founding a successful trades program to helping launch the Public Fleet Hall of Fame, his passion for people, process, and progress is evident in every story he shares.

🎥 WATCH NOW to learn:

• How Sam rebuilt a struggling shop into a top-tier fleet department
• Why birthday cards, not titles, helped him retain staff for decades
• The role of fleet software, data, and spec’ing in cost savings
• Tips for mentoring young technicians and building a future talent pipeline
• Advice for public fleet pros and new managers navigating change

Want more? Visit https://www.worktruckonline.com!

In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with John Dmochowsky — a true trailblazer whose journey from sales into global fleet leadership is packed with real-world lessons, honest insights, and heart.

Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, VP of Content at Bobit and longtime fleet storyteller, this candid conversation covers John’s start with Kraft Foods, his shift into fleet management, and how he eventually led a 10,000+ vehicle global operation. You’ll hear what changed in the fleet world during his time, what mistakes to avoid, and what advice he’d give to those just getting started.

John doesn’t hold back — from navigating M&As and managing across cultures, to championing team growth, leveraging data and technology, and leading with emotional intelligence — this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

What You'll Learn in this Fleet Legends Episode:

• How to build and lead a successful fleet team
• Why “progress over perfection” matters in fleet
• Governance teams and stakeholder collaboration
• Global fleet insights, EV adoption, and the power of partnerships
• Tips for new fleet managers entering today’s industry

Sponsored by Legend Fleet. For more information and interviews like this, visit Work Truck today!

What is a work order, and why does it matter so much to your fleet? In this episode of Fleet 101 with insights from Brianna Perry of Fleetio, we dig into the real value of work orders and how digital tools are helping fleets move beyond sticky notes and spreadsheets.

From tracking downtime and service duration to managing preventive maintenance and real-time status updates, we cover the nuts and bolts of how work orders keep operations running smoothly.

In this video, you'll learn:

• What a work order really is and what it should include
• How digital work orders help reduce downtime and track costs
• Why real-time data matters for PM compliance and emergency repairs
• How to spot trends, improve technician workflows, and make better decisions
• Tips to build a standardized process from the start

Whether you're managing 20 vehicles or 2,000, getting your work orders right makes a difference. Tune in and start putting your data to work.

Want more? Visit https://www.worktruckonline.com/10240480/fleet-101-introduction-to-work-orders!

In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by Legend Fleet, we sit down with Larry Campbell — an award-winning fleet leader with decades of experience in both private and public sectors.From managing one of the largest county fleets in the country to mentoring the next generation, Larry shares what’s changed most in fleet management, what’s stayed the same, and the lessons he learned the hard way. Hear how he tackled big challenges like in-sourcing maintenance, building a new facility, and navigating major cleanups—while never losing sight of what matters most: people.Whether you're a new fleet manager or a seasoned pro, Larry’s advice on long-term planning, team leadership, and staying ethical is worth a listen.WATCH NOW to learn:- Why fleet data is a game changer- How to build trust with elected officials- The importance of writing — and revisiting — your fleet’s business plan- What rookie mistakes to avoid- Why leading with respect and empathy matters more than ever

Want more? Visit Work Truck today!

Welcome to the Fleet Legends Interview Series, sponsored by Legend Fleet. This series captures the stories of experienced fleet professionals, industry pioneers, and leaders who have shaped the fleet world through years of dedication and innovation.

In this episode, Lauren Fletcher, Vice President of Content at Bobit, sits down with Rick Longobart, a seasoned fleet professional with a wealth of experience in government and municipal fleet operations. Rick shares his insights on adapting to industry changes, integrating new technologies, and building successful fleet management strategies.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Rick’s journey in fleet management and lessons from his career
• The evolution of fleet operations and emerging trends
• Challenges in government fleet management and how to address them
• Key innovations shaping the future of fleet
• Advice for new fleet managers looking to build a successful career