Watch: Merchants Fleet Talks Total Cost of Ownership and Tech Trends
Merchants Fleet Hires New VP of Field Operations
As the new vice president, field operations, Paul Garbis will lead Merchants Fleet's nationwide field operations. He will draw on his more than 20 years of operational leadership experience in the new role.

Paul Garbis is the new vice president, field operations, at Merchants Fleet.
Photo: Merchants Fleet/Work Truck
Merchants Fleet, a leader in fleet solutions, has hired Paul Garbis as vice president, field operations. He will be responsible for driving performance, innovation, and continuous improvement across the company’s nationwide field operations.
Garbis brings more than 20 years of operational leadership experience from his tenure at Hertz, where he served in a range of progressively senior roles, including vice president of operations for the Central Region and Canada, zone general manager, territory manager, and area manager.
“Merchants Fleet isn’t just keeping pace with the fleet industry, it’s actively driving it forward,” Garbis said. “I’m thrilled to join this innovative team, and excited to help take our field operations to the next level for our clients.”
Merchants Fleet said Garbis, who is based in Chicago, Illinois, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence, strategic leadership, and delivering exceptional client experiences.
“Paul’s extensive experience and proven track record of leading high-performing teams make him an ideal fit for this critical role” said Jeff Nieman, senior vice president and chief operations officer at Merchants Fleet. “His operational expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional service will be invaluable as we continue to provide a best-in-class experience for our clients.”
More Operations

Shades of Fleet Call for Voices: Next Up in Fleet
Apprentices, interns, young professionals, and rising leaders: share your voice in our "Next Up in Fleet" episode of our Shades of Fleet video series!
Read More →
Fleet Leadership, Skilled Trades, and Better Data Take Center Stage | Weekly Cheat Sheet
Skilled trades, fleet leadership, DataQs, and driver input take center stage in this week's Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet. Watch the latest fleet headlines.
Read More →
NAFA Names 2026 Class of Fellows, Honoring Leaders in Fleet Management
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) has recognized five fleet professionals by naming them to the 2026 Class of NAFA Fellows. Find out who they are and learn more about their impact on the fleet management profession.
Read More →
Verisk CargoNet Assists in Manhattan Cargo Theft Indictment Targeting Multi-State Impersonation Ring
Verisk CargoNet assisted law enforcement efforts tied to an indictment related to an organized, multi-state cargo theft operation that allegedly took nearly $5 million in stolen goods through impersonation tactics.
Read More →
What Does a Potato Have to Do with Leadership?
From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative.
Read More →
Looking for a New Podcast for the Road? Start Here!
Looking for a new podcast? Truck Chat delivers fleet leadership insights, industry deep dives, AI discussions, innovations, and real-world stories.
Read More →
WTX Fleet Manager Applications Close Soon (and Yes, You Want In)
WTX Fleet Manager Applications close soon for the hosted Work Truck Exchange, Sept. 23-25, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Limited spots available, apply today!
Read More →Did You Know What You Don't See May Be Costing You Big?
As more employees choose personal vehicles (including hybrids and EVs) for business use, companies face new challenges around visibility, insurance, liability, and cost control.
Read More →
Veteran Voices in Fleet | How Military Service Shapes Fleet Leaders
Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day.
Read More →
The Fleet Lessons That Don’t Show Up on a Spreadsheet
From index cards to predictive maintenance, Robert Martinez shares the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped nearly 40 years in fleet.
Read More →

