AFLA Conference Archives-Fleet Horizons: Steering Through Today’s Trends and Tomorrow’s Tactics

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panel discussion, moderated by Brett Ashley Bridges, addressed evolving trends in fleet management, highlighting insights from industry leaders Tom Sloan (Wheels), Colin Seal (Griffis), Celine Parlak (Blue Dot), and Diana Holland (Cavus). The conversation emphasized how the fleet ecosystem is rapidly changing, requiring fleet professionals to be agile and forward-thinking.<br /><br />Key trends identified include the increasing complexity of vendor and stakeholder management, the rise of technology and automation (especially AI), the importance of driver experience, and sustainability beyond just electrification. Panelists noted that fleet managers today act as change agents and must navigate internal corporate dynamics, balancing cost-effectiveness with driver needs. They shared strategies like “fleet office hours” for driver engagement and using data-driven methods to optimize vehicle utilization.<br /><br />Regarding vendor relationships, the panel encouraged rigorous evaluation of suppliers by demanding detailed proposals and real-data tests, viewing supplier portfolios as dynamic rather than fixed. Sustainability discussions urged a broader understanding beyond EV adoption, focusing on economic, operational, and social dimensions.<br /><br />AI adoption emerged as a major theme, with examples including automating routine inquiries, analyzing data to identify time sinks, improving communication efficiency, and generating actionable insights. Panelists stressed the importance of curiosity, experimentation ("fail fast"), and adherence to organizational AI policies. Overall, the session underscored that modern fleet leadership requires managing diverse stakeholders, leveraging technology for efficiency, and embracing continuous innovation to meet evolving business and environmental goals.

Asset Subtitle

Moderator: Brett Ashley Bridges, BBL Fleet
Panelists: Diana Holland, Cavis; Selinay Parlak, Bluedot; Colin Seal, Grifols; Tom Sloan, Wheels

Meta Tag

Location Marco Island, FL

Year 2025

Keywords

2025

Marco Island, FL

fleet management

AI adoption

vendor management

driver experience

sustainability

automation

data-driven optimization

fleet leadership

technology trends

stakeholder management