Fleet management has changed quickly over the past few years. New tools and technologies have made it easier to track vehicles, cut costs, and improve safety, but they also come with added responsibilities. To keep things running smoothly in 2025, fleet managers need to focus on the basics while staying open to useful new tools.
Core elements of modern fleet management strategy
There are three primary elements of a good fleet management strategy—maintaining your vehicles, managing your drivers, and reducing costs. Here’s a closer look at how you can manage each element:
- Vehicle management: The vehicles are one of the biggest investments involved in any fleet, so you want to make them last as long as possible. The best way to do this is by establishing a proactive maintenance schedule—regularly get all vehicles inspected, monitor the tire pressure, and address issues as soon as they arise. It’s also a good idea to track your vehicles so you can monitor their location and performance in real-time.
- Drivers: Your fleet drivers can make or break your operations since they’re the ones transporting goods and representing your company on the road. The right driver training program ensures your drivers have the skills necessary to operate your vehicles safely and comply with regulations. You should also have systems in place to monitor driver performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Costs: There are many different costs to keep track of when you’re managing a fleet, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. If you aren’t careful, these costs can quickly spiral out of control and hurt your bottom line. Fleet management software can help you track these costs and identify areas where you can cut back. For instance, you can significantly cut costs by optimizing driver routes or implementing anti-idling policies.
Integrating telematics, AI, and automation for better decision-making
Fleet management tools have become more advanced—and more helpful—over the years. For instance, telematics tracks things like vehicle location, fuel use, and engine health, giving you real-time data on how your fleet is doing and where improvements can be made.
From there, AI takes that data and turns it into insights—it can spot patterns, predict when a vehicle will need service, and suggest better driving routes based on traffic and weather. Automation helps with the everyday tasks that take up time, like scheduling repairs, sending driver reminders, or generating compliance reports. These tools allow fleet managers to spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on big-picture planning.
A supportive work environment is about more than just fair pay, though that’s certainly part of it. Flexible schedules, regular feedback, and recognition for good driving all matter.
Compliance and sustainability: What to expect in 2025 regulations
New emissions standards are set to take place in 2025, forcing the transportation industry to put a bigger emphasis on sustainability practices. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced stronger standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and these rules apply to HD vocational vehicles like delivery trucks. Older vehicles may no longer meet the new rules, so you’ll want to plan for necessary upgrades.
Most commercial fleets are still required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs), and rules around driver hours are stricter than ever. Make sure your drivers are logging hours properly and taking required rest breaks.
Increasingly, states are requiring fleets to report their environmental impact. This movement started with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation, which mandates the gradual transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for certain fleet types. So if you haven’t already, have your drivers begin tracking fuel use and emissions.
Federal electric vehicle (EV) incentives are ending on September 30, 2025, though some states still offer their own incentives. However, investing in fuel-efficient or electric vehicles could still save you money down the road.
Training and retaining drivers in a tech-driven fleet environment
Finding and keeping good drivers is one of the biggest challenges in fleet management today—here’s how to support your drivers:
- Keep training simple: Drivers don’t need to understand how different technologies work, they just need to know how to use them. Focus on how the tools help them do their jobs more effectively and stay safe.
- Build a supportive work environment: A supportive work environment is about more than just fair pay, though that’s certainly part of it. Flexible schedules, regular feedback, and recognition for good driving all matter. Some fleets use apps that reward drivers for safe behavior or on-time deliveries.
- Offer career growth: Help drivers set goals, track their performance, and advance in their careers. This makes your company more attractive to both new and experienced drivers.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
