If there\u2019s one thing that\u2019s clear in fleet management today, it\u2019s that standing still isn\u2019t an option. That theme came alive at the 13th Annual Results+ Fleet Performance Summit during our panel, \u201cDriving Change: Lessons of Fleet Transformation.\u201d<\/em> For the discussion,I had the privilege of being joined by Dominika Leja, Associate Director for Fleet at AstraZeneca; Michael Hauge, Senior Manager of Fleet Operations and Electrification at Ecolab; and John Alioto, Vice President of Supply Chain & Fleet Management at USIC. Together, we explored what it takes to transform a fleet \u2013 not incrementally improve it, but to fundamentally rethink it.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Though we entered the conversation from different perspectives, a single theme kept rising to the surface: meaningful fleet transformation is never accidental. It demands vision and a willingness to embrace discomfort.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Every major fleet transformation begins with a catalyst. Sometimes it\u2019s sustainability goals. Sometimes it\u2019s cost pressure or operational complexity. Sometimes it\u2019s rapid growth that exposes inefficiencies.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n But regardless of the trigger, one thing became clear: executive sponsorship is non-negotiable. When leadership sets ambitious goals, whether tied to electrification, centralization, cost control, or Corporate Responsibility commitments, it gives fleet teams both permission and responsibility to act boldly.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n At the same time, top-down commitment alone is not enough. Transformation only becomes real when it extends across the organization: when sales leaders, field managers, technicians, finance partners, safety teams, and drivers are engaged in the process.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Another consistent thread in our discussion was the role of data.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Fleet transformation cannot be based on assumptions or perceptions. In fact, one of the most eye-opening lessons shared was how often perception differs from reality, particularly when it comes to vehicle usage, daily mileage, and operational impact.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Historical fuel data, telematics insights, route analysis, repair trends, lifecycle costs\u2013these inputs allow fleet leaders to phase change intelligently rather than attempt sweeping adjustments without guardrails. But data alone doesn\u2019t drive transformation. It informs it.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Our panelists have used data in a number of ways \u2013 from building phased rollouts to measuring productivity impacts. Companies are using this state both at the onset of a big initiative but also, once a rollout begins, if there is need to pivot.\u00a0\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n One of the most powerful lessons reinforced during the session was the importance of communication.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Whether shifting from decentralized to centralized fleet management, deploying advanced safety technology, or electrifying a service fleet, resistance is natural. Change disrupts familiarity.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n What makes the difference is engagement. Steering committees, cross-functional task forces, collaboration with safety, HR, finance, and operations, listening sessions with drivers.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n When stakeholders are invited into the process, and not just informed after decisions are made, resistance decreases and ownership increases. Wheels\u2019 Safety<\/a> and EV Stakeholders<\/a> guides provide more insight into this area.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n We also spent time acknowledging something that often goes unsaid: change is uncomfortable. If a transformation feels easy, it likely isn\u2019t transformative.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Whether integrating new vehicle types, restructuring reporting lines, revisiting lifecycle strategy, installing charging infrastructure, or deploying new technology platforms, there will be friction points. There will be moments where not all answers are available. Waiting for perfect certainty can stall progress.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n The fleets represented on our panel demonstrated that learning through implementation: testing, adjusting, reassigning, refining, often produces better long-term outcomes than overanalyzing in pursuit of perfection.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Throughout the discussion the driver experience was at the center of a successful fleet transformation. Organizations that prioritize supporting drivers with clarity, flexibility, training, and consistency can advance with greater confidence and fewer setbacks.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n When drivers understand the \u201cwhy,\u201d and feel supported in the \u201chow,\u201d transformation becomes a shared journey rather than an imposed mandate.\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Ultimately, fleet transformation isn\u2019t about chasing trends. It\u2019s about aligning fleet strategy with business strategy. Most importantly, it\u2019s about recognizing that fleets are not static assets. The fleet managers on this panel demonstrated that with vision, collaboration, and a data-driven foundation, even the most complex fleets can evolve: thoughtfully and effectively.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Lessons from the Front Lines of Fleet Transformation If there\u2019s one thing that\u2019s clear in fleet management today, it\u2019s that standing still isn\u2019t an option. That theme came alive at the 13th Annual Results+ Fleet Performance Summit during our panel, \u201cDriving Change: Lessons of Fleet Transformation.\u201d For the discussion,I had the privilege of being joined […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":166,"featured_media":9096,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"project_category":[17],"project_tag":[],"class_list":["post-25980812","project","type-project","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","project_category-blog","topics-fleet-operations","topics-fleet-optimization","topics-future-of-fleet"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTransformation Starts at the Top, But It Doesn’t Stay There\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Data Is the Foundation, But Not the Finish Line\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Inclusion Reduces Resistance\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Change Is Hard, and That’s Okay\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Keep the Driver at the Center\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n