Driving Success: A Fleet Advantage Podcast

Fleet Advantage

Welcome to Driving Success: A Fleet Advantage Podcast! Discover how we serve America’s Top Transportation fleets, ensuring the lowest cost of ownership through specialty financing, fleet data analytics, fleet management services, and life cycle cost management. Join us as we explore industry trends and insights to keep transportation professionals informed and inspired. Let's drive solutions together.

  1. EP. 18: National Tire Safety Week 2026

    2d ago

    EP. 18: National Tire Safety Week 2026

    In this episode, Tracy Derival and Wesley Hall, CTP, Senior Director of Asset Performance & Off Lease at Fleet Advantage, kick off this year's Summer of Safety series by recognizing National Tire Safety Week. They discuss why tire health remains one of the most overlooked factors in fleet safety, how proactive inspections and proper maintenance can reduce roadside breakdowns and out-of-service violations, and why organizations with transportation fleets should view tire management as a critical part of their overall lifecycle strategy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction01:43 Why Tire Safety Still Matters02:25 TRUST Safety Index Reveals Tire-Related Violations03:26 Proactive vs. Reactive Tire Maintenance04:38 Understanding Tire Categories and Their Impact05:47 Key Takeaways for Organizations with Transportation Fleets07:09 Closing 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Fleet Advantage ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fleet-advantage/Wes Hall ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-hall-ctp-323367a/Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    8 min
  2. EP. 17: 2026 TLDI Reveals the Hidden Cost of Running Older Fleet Equipment

    Jun 19

    EP. 17: 2026 TLDI Reveals the Hidden Cost of Running Older Fleet Equipment

    In this episode of Driving Success, Tracy Derival sits down with Joseph Rugare, Senior Fleet and Transaction Analyst at Fleet Advantage, to discuss the latest findings from Fleet Advantage’s Truck Life Cycle Data Index (TLDI) and the growing financial risks of operating older fleet equipment in today’s diesel environment. With diesel prices surpassing $5 per gallon nationally, organizations with transportation fleets are facing rapidly rising fuel, maintenance, and operating costs, especially those running aging Class-8 trucks. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction01:30 Background on Joseph Rugare02:12 Cost Difference Between Running Older vs. Newer Fleet Equipment03:05 Rising Fuel Prices Being a Disadvantage04:06 Millions in Extra Cost Running Older Equipment05:15 Risks in Delaying Upgrading Equipment06:05 Long-Term Strategies for Organizations 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Joseph Rugare ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rugare/Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    9 min
  3. EP. 16: Heavy-Duty Truck Fleets Use of AI: 2026 Industry Survey Results

    May 19

    EP. 16: Heavy-Duty Truck Fleets Use of AI: 2026 Industry Survey Results

    In this episode of Driving Success, Tracy Derival sits down with Mac Hudson, CTP, Senior Off-Lease Manager at Fleet Advantage, live from the 2026 NPTC Annual Conference, to discuss the latest “Use of AI in Fleets” survey findings. The conversation explores the rapid rise of generative AI adoption across private fleets, the growing data integration challenges limiting deeper operational returns, and the major untapped opportunities AI presents for organizations with transportation fleets. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction00:46 Mac Hudson’s Background & Role01:27 Why Generative AI Adoption Has Surged02:40 Challenges with AI04:20 Untapped Opportunities for AI in Fleet Operations05:39 Closing 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Mac Hudson ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-hudson-ab690b61/Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ See the full survey results here! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/press-releases/fleet-advantage-survey-finds-generative-ai-has-taken-hold-in-private-fleets-but-data-gaps-are-blocking-deeper-returns Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    7 min
  4. EP. 15: The Pre Buy Is Back: Why Fleets Cannot Afford to Wait on EPA 2027

    Jan 27

    EP. 15: The Pre Buy Is Back: Why Fleets Cannot Afford to Wait on EPA 2027

    In this episodeof Driving Success, Tracy Derival and Brian Antonellis, SVP of Fleet Operations at Fleet Advantage, discuss the confirmed EPA 2027 NOx regulations and why the truck pre-buy is officially back. With the EPA holding firm on the 35 mg standard, fleets face shrinking 2026 build availability, rising OEM costs, and increased allocation risk. Brian explains the financial implications, why private fleets are moving early, and the critical steps organizations must take now to control costs and secure equipment ahead of 2027. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction01:52 The Pre-Buy Coming Back02:33 Underestimating Build Slots and Pricing03:30 Financial Implications 04:15 Private Fleets Acting Now05:55 Important Actions for Fleets to Make 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Brian Antonellis ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    9 min
  5. EP 14: OffLease Reimagined: Modernizing the Lease Surrender Process

    11/18/2025

    EP 14: OffLease Reimagined: Modernizing the Lease Surrender Process

    In this episode, Tracy Derival sits down with Matt de Aguiar, Chief Operating Officer; Brian Antonellis, SVP, Fleet Operations; and Jackie Dusseau, VP, Data Analytics & Corporate Development, to discuss the launch of OffLease Reimagined, Fleet Advantage’s innovative platform for modernizing truck lease surrenders. The team explores how the software streamlines workflows, leverages real-time data and automation, and delivers measurable savings and operational efficiencies. Tune in to hear how OffLease Reimagined is driving transformation in fleet management and equipment finance, and learn about the award-winning solutions helping fleets save time, reduce costs, and gain transparency across the lease lifecycle. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fleet Advantage Team 02:14 Introduction to OffLease ReImagined 03:37 Collaboration in Launching OffLease Reimagined 04:48 Operational Gaps in the Lease Surrender Process 05:54 Understanding Customer Needs and Data Integration 07:20 Leveraging Data for Actionable Insights 09:02 Success and Industry Impacts 12:11 Future of OffLease Reimagined 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Matt de Aguiar ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdeaguiar/ Brian Antonellis ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-35713420/ Jackie Dusseau ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-dusseau-clfp-88667059/ Tracy Derival ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    15 min
  6. EP 13: CVSA's Brake Safety Week 2025

    08/25/2025

    EP 13: CVSA's Brake Safety Week 2025

    In this episode, Tracy Derival and Matt Wiedmeyer, CTP, Director of Fleet Operations & Maintenance, discuss CVSA’s Brake Safety Week 2025 with a special focus on drums and rotors. They explore why brake-related violations continue to top the charts for out-of-service orders and what fleets can do to better prepare. This episode delivers timely insights that help drivers and fleet operators stay compliant, avoid costly violations, and prioritize safety on the road. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:42 Brake Safety Week Refresh and Goals 02:24 Common Brake Related Violations 02:56 Tips for Drivers' Pre and Post-Trip Inspections 04:37 CVSA’s 2024 Unannounced Safety Inspection 06:11 New Statistics for Brake Safety Week 08:49 Conclusion of Summer of Safety Series 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Matt Wiedmeyer ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwiedmeyerctp/ Tracy Derival ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    10 min
  7. EP. 12: CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2025

    07/14/2025

    EP. 12: CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2025

    In this episode, Tracy Derival and Nathan Rhoads, CTP, Director of Fleet Services at Fleet Advantage, break down CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2025. They discuss current enforcement priorities, the importance of proactive driver behavior, and how the latest TRUST Index data reveals areas for improvement. Whether you're managing a fleet or out on the road, this episode delivers practical insights to help keep everyone safer. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nathan Rhoads & Operation Safe Driver Week02:40 Key Statistics from Last Year's Campaign03:35 Focus Areas for This Year's Campaign04:56 Educating Drivers for Long-Term Safety06:44 New Insights for This Year07:43 Conclusion 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Nathan Rhoads ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-rhoads-232915134/Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    9 min
  8. EP. 11: National Tire Safety Week 2025

    06/30/2025

    EP. 11: National Tire Safety Week 2025

    In this episode, Tracy Derival and Wesley Hall, CTP, Director of Fleet Operations & Off Lease at Fleet Advantage, return for the second annual Summer of Safety series to explore the continued importance of National Tire Safety Week. Together, they highlight how the right tire selection, consistent air pressure management, and proper inspection tools can significantly impact fleet safety, performance, and cost efficiency. With updated insights for 2025, this episode offers practical guidance to help fleets reduce downtime, avoid road failures, and protect their drivers. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Background on Wes Hall01:38 Refresher on National Tire Safety Week02:12 Understanding Tire Categories and Their Impact03:10 The Importance of Tire Pressure Management04:44 Essential Tools for Tire Inspections06:17 Current Trends and Statistics in Tire Safety 🤝 Connect with us on LinkedIn! Wes Hall ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-hall-ctp-323367a/Tracy Derival ➡https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-derival-451a55126/ Visit our website! ➡ https://www.fleetadvantage.com/

    8 min
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About

Welcome to Driving Success: A Fleet Advantage Podcast! Discover how we serve America’s Top Transportation fleets, ensuring the lowest cost of ownership through specialty financing, fleet data analytics, fleet management services, and life cycle cost management. Join us as we explore industry trends and insights to keep transportation professionals informed and inspired. Let's drive solutions together.

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