Driving Success: A Fleet Advantage Podcast

Driving Success: A Fleet Advantage Podcast

by Fleet Advantage
BusinessNews

EP. 11: National Tire Safety Week 2025

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Wesley Hall, CTP, Director of Fleet Operations & Off Lease at Fleet Advantage, return for the second annual Summer of Safety series to explore the continued importance of National Tire Safety Week. Together, they highlight how the right tire selection, consistent air pressure management, and proper inspection tools can significantly impact fleet safety, performance, and cost efficiency. With updated insights for 2025, this episode offers practical guidance to help fleets reduce downtime, avoid road failures, and protect their drivers. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Background on Wes Hall 01:38 Refresher on National Tire Safety Week 02:12 Understanding Tire Categories and Their Impact 03:10 The Importance of Tire Pressure Management 04:44 Essential Tools for Tire Inspections 06:17 Current Trends and Statistics in Tire Safety 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Wes Hall ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-hall-ctp-323367a/ Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E11
Jun 30, 2025
8:28

EP. 10: Tariffs & Truck Procurement for Large Fleets What You Need to Know

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Brian Antonellis, CTP, SVP of Fleet Operations, discuss the looming impact of newly imposed tariffs, which began on April 2, 2025. With these tariffs initially affecting automakers and potentially extending to heavy-duty trucks, the conversation emphasizes the urgency for organizations with transportation fleets to reassess their procurement strategies and take swift action to mitigate cost increases. Brian shares valuable insights into the timelines for tariff-driven cost increases from equipment manufacturers, along with strategies for effectively navigating these changes. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Current Status of the Tariffs 02:06 What Is the Impact for Fleets & Time Frames 03:10 Strategizing for the Future 04:06 Final Thoughts and Actionable Insights 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Brian Antonellis ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/ Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E10
Apr 8, 2025
6:46

EP. 9: Navigating Regulatory Shifts

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Brian Antonellis, CTP, SVP of Fleet Operations, discuss the recent shakeup in the transportation industry as CARB rescinds its waiver request for the Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) regulation. They break down the implications of this shift and what it means for companies with transportation fleets. Tune in as they explore strategies for adapting to regulatory changes, the importance of a five-year plan, and how fleet managers can balance sustainability goals with immediate cost pressures. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:38 What Happened with the CARB Mandate? 03:11 Current Status and Implications for Fleets 04:27 Strategizing for the Future 05:35 Balancing Sustainability and Cost 07:05 Final Thoughts and Actionable Insights 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Brian Antonellis ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/ Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E9
Feb 12, 2025
9:13

EP 8: Beyond the Unbundled Lease: Optimizing Fleet Maintenance with Cox Automotive

In Part 2 of our Full-Service Lease vs. Unbundled Lease series, Tracy Derival is joined by Paul Gildenhorn (Sr. Director, National Sales), Brian Welke (Sr. National Account Executive), and Jeff Werstak (Director, Business Development) from FleetNet America by Cox Automotive. They discuss the maintenance options available when unbundling a lease and share expert insights on optimizing fleet maintenance with the flexibility and benefits of a nationwide maintenance network. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to FleetNet America and Its Team 02:02 Key Components of FleetNet America's Maintenance Solutions 04:23 Benefits of Fleet Maintenance In An Unbundled Lease 06:36 Nationwide Network of Service Providers 09:48 Addressing Rising Costs in Fleet Maintenance 12:36 Real-World Benefits of FleetNet America's Solutions 16:43 Future Trends in Fleet Maintenance 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Paul Gildenhorn ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-g-6266026/ Brian Welke ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-welke-0b031a20/ Jeff Werstak ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-werstak-1b7bb78/ Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E8
Jan 8, 2025
21:54

EP 7: IAA 2024 Transportation Show

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Brian Antonellis, CTP, SVP of Fleet Operations, discuss the upcoming IAA 2024 Transportation Show. They highlight the significance of participating in the event, discuss the sessions Brian is most excited about, and cover timely topics like EV charging infrastructure and sustainable transport. They also touch on Europe’s lead in heavy-duty truck transportation and logistics and tease an exciting new offering from Fleet Advantage that will be unveiled at IAA. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Brian's Background 01:54 What Is IAA & Why Is It Important 02:41 IAA Transportation Sessions Shows Interest In Alternative Fuels 03:46 Importance of Discussing Alternative Fuels Now 05:20 Europe vs US: The Race in Heavy-Duty Truck Transportation 07:07 Exciting Offering Unveiled at IAA: Making the Transition Easier 08:02 Stay Tuned for Live Updates During IAA 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Brian Antonellis ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/ Tracy Derival ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E7
Sep 10, 2024
9:35

EP 6: CVSA's Brake Safety Week 2024

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Matt Wiedmeyer, CTP, Director of Fleet Services at Fleet Advantage, delve into CVSA's Brake Safety Week. They highlight key inspection violations, the importance of thorough brake checks, and the role of maintenance teams in ensuring compliance. They stress the importance of brake safety for this week and beyond, emphasizing its impact on both drivers and corporate transportation fleets. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:34 Overview of Brake Safety Week and Goals 03:10 Common Brake Related Violations 03:52 Tips for Drivers' Pre and Post-Trip Inspections 05:00 Tips for Maintenance Departments 06:12 Findings from a Recent Brake Safety Check 07:33 Tips for Passing Vehicle Inspections and Maintaining Brake Performance 08:55 Wrapping Up the Summer of Safety Series 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Matt Wiedmeyer ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwiedmeyerctp/ Tracy Derival ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E6
Aug 23, 2024
10:20

EP 5: CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week 2024

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Nathan Rhoads, Director of Fleet Services at Fleet Advantage, delve into CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week. They shed light on the primary objectives of this year’s campaign, focusing on speeding, distracted driving, and seatbelt compliance. They emphasize the importance of building a safety-centric culture within private fleets and educating drivers on safe driving habits not only during this week but also throughout the year and beyond. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Nathan's Background 01:45 What Is CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week? 02:44 What Were The Key Findings From 2023? 03:59 Any New Focus Areas for 2024? 04:42 Building a Safety-Centric Culture 05:30 How Should Private Fleets and Drivers Comply From This Week and Beyond? 06:30 Conclusion • Connect with Nathan Rhoads on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-rhoads-232915134/ • Connect with Tracy Derival on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E5
Jul 8, 2024
7:42

EP 4: National Tire Safety Week 2024

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Wesley Hall, CTP, Director of Fleet Operations & Off Lease at Fleet Advantage, delve into the significance of National Tire Safety Week for truck and driver safety. They emphasize the critical role of selecting the right tires for fleet safety and performance, stressing the importance of maintaining proper tire air pressure for both safety and operational efficiency, the necessity of regular tire inspections and many more! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:00 Wesley Hall's Role & Experience in the Transportation Industry 01:42 What Is National Tire Safety Week? 02:20 Choosing the Right Tires 03:38 Importance of Proper Tire Air Pressure 04:45 Tools for Ensuring Safety and Compliance 06:03 Regular Tire Inspections 06:58 Conclusion • Connect with Wes Hall on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-hall-ctp-323367a/ • Connect with Tracy Derival on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E4
Jun 27, 2024
8:17

EP 3: Fleet Management in 2024 – State of the Industry

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Brian Holland, President and CEO of Fleet Advantage, discuss the state of the transportation industry at the midpoint of 2024. They touch on the economic landscape of the transportation industry, the role of data and analytics in fleet management decisions, the focus on emissions reduction and alternative fuel technologies, and conclude with the implications of upcoming legislative mandates and the importance of sustainability in fleet management. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:25 Outlook On The Heavy-Duty Transportation Industry & Fleet Asset Management 02:12 Economic Indicators Fleets Should Be Aware of 2024 03:02 The Role of Data and Technology in Fleet Management 04:05 Alternative Fuel Technologies and Emissions Reduction 05:07 The Impact of Legislative Mandates on Fleet Procurement Plans 05:58 Focusing on Sustainability and Long-Term Strategy 06:43 Conclusion Connect with Brian Holland on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankholland/ Connect with Tracy Derival on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E3
Jun 21, 2024
7:57

EP 2: Demystifying Full-Service Lease Contracts

In this episode, Tracy Derival and Hadley Benton, the Executive Vice President of Business Development at Fleet Advantage, discuss the major differences between a Full-Service Lease (FSL) and an Unbundled Lease (UBL) for corporate transportation fleets. The key themes covered include the definition of FSL and UBL contracts, the importance of flexibility in lease structures, the financial impact of FSL on a company's bottom line, the impact on maintenance and repair, and best practices for transitioning between lease agreements. 00:00 Introduction to Fleet Advantage 01:11 Hadley’s Background in the Transportation Industry 02:17 What Is An FSL Contract? 02:35 What Are The Principle Differences Between An FSL and UBL? 03:12 Importance of Flexibility in Fleet Lease Structure 04:08 Financial Impact of FSL vs Unbundled Lease 05:04 Managing Maintenance and Repair Costs 06:22 Transitioning from FSL to Unbundled Lease 07:01 Best Practices on M&R While Transitioning From An FSL to a UBL 08:37 Introduction To Part Two On Alternative Fleet Maintenance Solutions Connect with Hadley Benton on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadleybenton/ Connect with Tracy Derival on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/
E2
Apr 19, 2024
9:44
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