Racing Lessons, Electric Fleet Growth, and Ghostbusters Lead This Week's Work Truck News

What can racing teach work truck fleets about preparation, teamwork, and the work nobody sees? Quite a bit, actually.

In this week's Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet, we're looking at lessons from the racetrack, what Republic Services has learned operating electric refuse trucks beyond the pilot phase, and career advice from a fleet professional who has watched the industry evolve from paper ledgers to AI.

We're also putting truck knowledge to the test, checking out new vocational and autonomous truck technology, and getting into the Halloween spirit with a little help from Rivian.

First up, NASCAR hopeful and mechanical engineer Isaac Johnson shares what racing can teach work truck fleets about the work nobody sees. His biggest lesson? Races are often won or lost before the car ever leaves the shop.

For fleet managers, that connection goes well beyond racing. Preparation, communication, strong relationships, and giving employees the right resources can make the difference between a smooth operation and costly downtime. It's a reminder that some of the most important work happens long before a truck hits the road.

Meanwhile, Republic Services is sharing what it learned moving electric refuse trucks beyond the pilot stage. With 250 electric trucks operating across 35 sites in 11 states, the company is gaining practical experience with what it takes to make electrification work at scale.

From selecting the right routes and planning charging infrastructure to training technicians and preparing drivers, the lessons extend well beyond the vehicles themselves. Republic Services' experience offers a look at the operational changes fleets need to consider as electric trucks become part of everyday service.

And what can more than 40 years in fleet management teach us? Plenty. In our latest Fleet Legends interview, Patti Earley shares her journey from ledger books to AI.

Technology has changed dramatically throughout Earley's career, but some of the most valuable lessons haven't. Her experience highlights the importance of relationships, listening to employees, staying curious, and understanding the people behind the data.

Finally, think you know trucks? We put fleet professionals to the test during Work Truck Exchange and Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange with a 19-question fleet trivia challenge.

From chicken lights to diesel engines, the questions had even experienced industry professionals scratching their heads. Now it's your turn to see how many you can answer.

More Work Truck News This Week

Just in time for Halloween, Rivian is bringing Ghostbusters-inspired features to its electric vehicles. The seasonal update brings themed lighting, familiar sounds, and a little movie nostalgia to the EV experience. Who you gonna call? Apparently, Rivian.

In new truck news, Volvo Trucks has unveiled its new VNX vocational truck and off-road-capable tractor. Built for demanding applications, the new VNX offers up to 540 horsepower and technology designed to support heavy-duty vocational operations.

And Holman and ISEE are partnering to expand autonomous yard truck operations. The collaboration focuses on bringing autonomous technology to existing yard trucks, helping facilities automate repetitive trailer movements and explore new approaches to yard operations.

Get Ready to Vote for the Best Fleet Vehicles and Upfits of 2027

There's one more announcement for our fleet community this week.

Work Truck's 2027 Car, Truck, SUV, Medium-Duty Truck, and Van of the Year award ballots are scheduled to go live by the end of October, along with our Upfit Package of the Year Awards, sponsored by LEGEND.

This year's ballots feature more fleet-focused options than ever, giving readers the opportunity to weigh in on the vehicles and upfit packages they believe deserve recognition.

These awards are driven by the fleet professionals who use commercial vehicles and equipment in real-world operations, and we're looking forward to seeing which options earn their votes.

Stay tuned for the official ballot announcements and get ready to make your voice heard!

Watch the full episode above to catch up on the work truck news that matters before your coffee gets cold.