Truck Chat from Work Truck

What does a potato have to do with fleet management? Or any management? More than you might think.
In this episode of Truck Chat, Lauren Fletcher explores one of the most unexpected lessons to come from a viral trend and why the best ideas in fleet aren't always the biggest, flashiest, or most expensive. Sometimes, the ideas that create the greatest impact are the small changes that make someone's day easier, improve communication, boost morale, or simply make people feel seen.
From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative.
So, what's your fleet's potato?
Tune in as we discuss how small ideas can create big ripple effects across operations, leadership, and workplace culture.
In this episode:
Why the most memorable ideas are often the simplest
The connection between innovation and human-centered leadership
How small changes can improve engagement and morale
Creating a culture where creativity and curiosity can thrive
Finding your fleet's own "potato moment"
Whether you're a fleet manager, technician, industry leader, or simply someone looking for new ways to engage your team, this episode offers a fresh perspective on where meaningful change really comes from.
Want more? Check us out on Work Truck!

Military service teaches more than discipline and structure. It builds leadership, adaptability, communication, and the ability to perform under pressure. In this episode of Shades of Fleet: Veteran Voices, fleet professionals share how those experiences continue to shape the way they lead teams, solve problems, and support operations long after leaving the military.
The conversation explores the transition from military service into civilian careers, the leadership lessons veterans carry forward, and the often-overlooked skills they bring to the workforce. Participants reflect on the similarities between military operations and fleet management, from mission readiness and teamwork to staying focused when plans change unexpectedly.
Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day.
Learn more from Work Truck, visit: Truck Fleet News | Light and Medium Trucks, Vans, and SUVs | Work Truck Online

Fleets are under pressure right now. Disaster readiness, workforce shortages, expanding leadership expectations, AI overload, uptime demands, and figuring out what reliability actually means in the real world.
Thank you to our sponsor:  Chevron REGI! Learn more here: https://www.regi.com/
This month’s Truck Chat Recap is now live in podcast form, and honestly, this one feels like a snapshot of the pressure fleets are navigating in real time.
We’re talking about:
⚠️ Disaster readiness and operational resilience
🔧 Why the skilled trades shortage is also creating opportunity
📈 Expanding fleet leadership responsibilities
🚛 What reliability actually means in the field
🤖 AI, expertise, and why human judgment still matters
Plus new Fleet Legends interviews, Technician Voices conversations, hydrogen and upfitting deep dives, and the industry conversations happening behind the scenes at events and across the fleet space right now.
If your operation has been balancing uptime, workforce pressure, technology overload, and long-term planning all at once lately… this episode is probably going to sound familiar.
🎧 Listen now and catch up on what’s shaping vocational fleets right now.

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America is giving the medium-duty market a major refresh, and Work Truck got an exclusive look from the show floor at Work Truck Week.
In this episode of TruckChat, Brian Tabel, assistant vice president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, walks through the company’s latest truck lineup, updated cab styling, advanced safety technology, and a range of vocational upfits designed for real-world fleet applications.
The upcoming 2028 Isuzu N-Series gas truck introduces a redesigned cab with cross-flow styling, LED headlights, dual airbags, and ADAS safety systems, offering a preview of what’s ahead for medium-duty commercial trucks.
The conversation also highlights several vocational applications and upfits, including:
• The Isuzu NRR Diesel with updated cab styling
• An Advantic upfit body built for commercial applications
• A Thunder Creek mobile fuel truck on an Isuzu NPR-HD gas chassis
• A Stellar Industries FTR hooklift truck for waste and refuse operations
• A SavATree spray truck configured for landscaping and tree care fleets
From fuel-and-lube service trucks to hooklifts and landscaping applications, this episode explores how Isuzu commercial trucks are designed for maneuverability, versatility, and fleet productivity across multiple industries.
This episode of TruckChat is sponsored by and produced in partnership with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.
Learn more at https://www.isuzucv.com/en/index
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What if you could get heavy-duty power without the size and weight penalty? In this video, we break down the new Cummins X10 engine, a 10.0L mid-bore workhorse designed to replace the L9 and X12, including horsepower, torque, PTO capability, and how it delivers serious performance in a more efficient, compact package.
If you’re a fleet manager, operator, or vocational truck professional evaluating powertrain options for 2027 and beyond, the X10 is built for you, delivering future-ready performance today while maintaining the durability and dependability Cummins is known for.
Hear directly from Cummins X10 Product Manager, Tara Johnson, on how the X10 blends heavy-duty strength with medium-duty efficiency, and what that means for payload, uptime, and total cost of ownership.
Key specs and takeaways:• Up to 450 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. torque (heavy-duty rating)• Up to 380 hp and 1,250 lb.-ft. torque (medium-duty rating)• PTO capability: 590 lb.-ft. continuous/664 lb.-ft. intermittent• Replaces both L9 and X12 platforms• Built on proven X15 architecture• Integrated digital features with Acumen® for predictive maintenance and OTA updates• Designed for improved power-to-weight ratio and increased payload potential
This video was sponsored by Cummins . Learn more about the Cummins X10: https://www.cummins.com/en-na/engines/products/x10Links and Resources: Work Truck ➡ https://www.worktruckonline.com/Work Truck on LinkedIn ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/work-truck/Work Truck on Facebook ➡ https://www.facebook.com/WorkTruck