AFLA Conference Archives-Charting the Course: Fleet Leadership Insights and Strategies

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a lively panel moderated by Sharon Etherington, experienced fleet leaders from diverse industries share impactful stories and strategies around fleet management challenges, safety, and collaborative leadership. Phil from USIC recounts managing a crisis involving multiple fleet vehicle losses from a fire, emphasizing the critical role of a pre-established high-profile incident protocol that ensures swift, coordinated responses among legal, HR, and safety teams. Teresa reflects on a unique stolen rental vehicle case involving employee misconduct, underscoring the necessity of clear fleet policies, authorized driver identification, and enforcement through a multidisciplinary committee including HR, legal, and sales leadership. Melissa highlights the importance of securing leadership buy-in by tailoring communications to decision-makers’ priorities—mainly employee retention and cost savings—demonstrating how thoughtful stakeholder engagement eases policy enforcement such as driver accountability for citations. Felix shares lessons on asset control, stressing the importance of utilizing management tools to protect fleet investments and recover assets when drivers are terminated. Panelists agree on the necessity of breaking silos within organizations, fostering cross-functional teamwork, and maintaining consistent, documented precedents for disciplinary actions. They also discuss practical tactics like forwarding citation fees to drivers and the value of regularly convening key stakeholders for fleet governance. The conversation emphasizes that effective fleet leadership extends beyond vehicle operations, requiring strategic communication, robust policies, and collaboration to navigate complex challenges, optimize costs, and enhance safety—ultimately elevating the fleet function's visibility and influence within organizations.

Asset Subtitle

Moderator: Sharon Etherington, Roche Diagnostics
Speakers: Theresa Belding, Cavis; Felix Rojas, Lundbeck; Phil Samuelson, USIC Locating
Services, LLD; Melissa Hunt, Elanco US Inc

Meta Tag

Location Marco Island, FL

Year 2025

Keywords

2025

Marco Island, FL

fleet management

fleet safety

incident protocol

crisis management

employee misconduct

fleet policies

authorized drivers

multidisciplinary committee

leadership buy-in

stakeholder engagement

asset control

cross-functional teamwork

fleet governance

policy enforcement