Fleet Leadership, Mixed-Energy Strategy, and DOT Marijuana Rules Lead the News

This week’s Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet starts with a lesson that has very little to do with vehicles and everything to do with people.

In The Leadership Lessons Fleet Managers Learn Too Late, some of fleet’s most respected leaders share what they wish they had understood sooner about trust, communication, mistakes, relationships, and building stronger teams. Their advice is straightforward: get out of the office, listen before making decisions, explain the why, and give people room to grow.

Fuel strategy also takes center stage this week. Where Propane Autogas Fits in Today’s Fleet Fuel Strategy looks at how the fuel can support Class 3 through 7 operations, particularly high-mileage return-to-base fleets looking for lower emissions, scalable infrastructure, and more predictable fuel costs.

That conversation continues in Mixed Energy Fleet Tips for Balancing EVs, Gas and Diesel Vehicles. Rather than selecting one powertrain for every application, fleets are increasingly using data to match vehicles with the routes, jobs, and duty cycles they handle best.

The fleet industry is also putting a little friendly competition to work. Team Fletcher and Team Brown secured support from 44 companies and raised $22,000 for automotive technology and skilled trades scholarships through The Hourglass Foundation. See how the fundraising challenge came together before the teams meet at Derby Downs on August 21.

And yes, we know when a story is trending. DOT Rules Remain Firmly Lit on Marijuana has been topping our most-read list for several weeks. Despite federal reclassification efforts, commercial drivers in safety-sensitive roles remain subject to marijuana testing, and a medical marijuana card does not provide a legitimate explanation for a positive DOT test.

This week’s quick hits include Workhorse Group’s plans for a mobile AI data center, Motive’s Atlas AI assistant, WEX bringing Standard Fleet’s connected vehicle tools to fleet customers, and expanded Mack Premium Service Contract coverage for the MD Series.

Watch the full episode for the fleet headlines you need before your coffee gets cold.