Looking back on 2024, I can’t help but think about the stories that didn’t get the attention they deserved in the rush of a busy year. With new technologies rolling out, budgets tightening, and everyone juggling priorities, it’s no surprise some pieces slipped through the cracks.
But here’s the thing: those stories still matter. They offer lessons we can learn from, ideas that can spark change, and inspiration for the challenges we’re facing right now. So, let’s take a second look at the ones that flew under the radar—they might just be more relevant than ever.
There's Always More on Electrification
Starting us off we have electrification, which is nothing new for fleets—it’s a conversation that’s been gaining momentum for years. By now, most of us are well aware of the benefits, challenges, and questions that come with transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles. But in 2024, we saw even more real-world examples of how fleets tackled these challenges head-on, and they’re worth a closer look.
Take Polk County, Iowa, for instance. They’re in the process of replacing over 300 vehicles with EVs. What makes their story compelling isn’t just the sheer number of vehicles—it’s the commitment to reshaping their entire fleet operation. Electrification at this scale requires more than just purchasing EVs; it demands long-term infrastructure planning, careful budgeting, and a readiness to adapt.
Polk County’s plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from county operations by 90% of current levels by 2040 shows that this transition isn't an overnight switch but a complex process that requires a long-term commitment.
The Financial Side of Fleet
Of course, any move toward electrification comes with financial implications. For fleets that are still debating whether to take the plunge, the question often comes down to dollars and cents. That’s where "How to Calculate the Total Savings for an EV vs. ICE Vehicle" becomes so valuable.
Yes, this was technically a photo gallery that was part of a larger article but that's why I think it's super valuable—it was a step-by-step equation from Tim Coxwell, Fleet Management Division Director for the Leon County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office on how to calculate the savings of an EV vs. an ICE vehicle. In a time when every penny counts, having the tools to confidently advocate for EVs in budget meetings is a game-changer.
Words of Wisdom from Fleet Leaders
But electrification isn’t the only story worth revisiting. 2024 was also a year of leadership changes, like Wayne Corum stepping into his role as the director of facilities and fleet for Richardson, Texas. His story highlighted a broader shift in how fleet managers are approaching their roles: with a focus on long-term strategy and innovation.
Corum’s forward-thinking mindset reflects the evolution of what it means to lead a modern fleet, and his insights are particularly timely for anyone navigating similar transitions in their own organization.
Keeping the Operation Running Smoothly and Safely
On the operational side, digital literacy and communication were hot topics last year. Fleets are becoming increasingly reliant on technology to streamline operations, but with that reliance comes the challenge of ensuring that everyone—from technicians to managers—can effectively use these tools.
The article "Digital Literacy and Effective Communication in Fleet Management" offered a deep dive into the cognitive and communication barriers many fleet teams face. It’s a reminder that technology is only as effective as the people using it and that investing in training is just as important as investing in new tools.
And then there’s safety. While electrification and technology may grab the headlines, safety is the foundation of every fleet operation. This is especially true for police fleets, where even something as seemingly simple as tire maintenance can have life-or-death consequences.
The Police Fleet Conference session turned article, "Rolling Safely - All About Police Tires" highlighted why tire care deserves more attention. It’s not the flashiest topic, but when you consider the risks officers face on the road, it’s clear that details like this can’t be overlooked.
There are still other stories that didn't make the cut for most well-read of 2024 but I wanted highlight these few articles because I think they can still offers something valuable down the road—whether it’s a lesson, a strategy, or simply a new perspective.
Revisiting them now gives us the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, while also preparing for the challenges ahead. Because if 2024 taught us anything, it’s that the fleet industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead means keeping these conversations alive.
