Entering the new millennium, few companies across all industries had a watchful eye on environmental stewardship, particularly in the heavy-duty truck transportation sector. However, just a few short years later, governments in many countries began to better understand the benefits that could come from corporations curbing their carbon emissions output, and new greenhouse gas mandates began to take effect by the early 2000s.

At that same time, the use of data analytics emerged to help fleets run their operations more efficiently. These companies realized the importance of drawing on resources to comply with new environmental regulations, as well as serving as models of environmental stewardship.

Looking to the future of truck leasing, industry consultants and executives began advocating solutions that would significantly reduce emissions over time. By 2011, they had begun to make strong recommendations against the use of older-model equipment because of toxic emissions. They introduced emissions scorecards and innovative replacement programs with financial flexibility in mind, making it beneficial to operate newer, clean-diesel engines. These programs also helped fleets meet new GHG-1 federally mandated standards, realize gains in fuel economy of 2.5%, and reduce CO2 emissions.

Between 2016 and 2021, leading industry players continued their mission to help fleets change the way they see the environment. Advanced asset-management strategies helped companies reach environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, while promoting sustainability through shortening asset lifecycles, optimizing vehicle specifications and aligning with the duty cycle as well as geographical locales. New approaches also specified lighter components that allow for longer maintenance intervals, which cut down on the disposal of hazardous waste.

In addition to environmental stewardship, social criteria are becoming part of companies’ ESG strategies. Organizations are operating the newest trucks, which keep motorists safe while helping to attract and retain a greater pool of diverse drivers and other staff. Fleet specification experts work with each company to design new trucks for maximum safety, fuel efficiency, lowest maintenance cost and highest resale values. By focusing on safety proactively, fleets are addressing risks that might otherwise not be evident. They’re looking to save millions of dollars in costs, while simultaneously avoiding damage to their corporate image and brand identity.

Today’s socially responsible organizations further recognize that a more diverse approach to the transportation industry unlocks opportunities for growth, through the advancement and empowerment of a gender-diverse workforce.

Governance is an area that many companies have struggled with in past years. Issues include the complexities of policymaking and distribution of rights and responsibilities among multiple participants in corporations, including directors, managers and shareholders. Fleet experts today are promoting analytics and process transparency, helping clients to meet their legal requirements and satisfy every stakeholder in the process.

Progressive fleet companies are turning to lifecycle asset management, data analytics and other strategies to enable better decision-making. In addition, they offer examples of how policies of inclusion in the workplace can have a positive impact on the business, its employees, customers, and surrounding communities. They believe the long-term success of any business depends on promoting an environment of diverse individuals from all races, ages, genders, education levels and cultural backgrounds. The goal of leading fleet providers is to help the industry govern with integrity, and become as sustainable and socially conscious as possible.

Katerina Jones is vice president of marketing and business development at Fleet Advantage, a provider of truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and lifecycle cost management.

Entering the new millennium, few companies across all industries had a watchful eye on environmental stewardship, particularly in the heavy-duty truck transportation sector. However, just a few short years later, governments in many countries began to better understand the benefits that could come from corporations curbing their carbon emissions output, and new greenhouse gas mandates began to take effect by the early 2000s.

At that same time, the use of data analytics emerged to help fleets run their operations more efficiently. These companies realized the importance of drawing on resources to comply with new environmental regulations, as well as serving as models of environmental stewardship.

Looking to the future of truck leasing, industry consultants and executives began advocating solutions that would significantly reduce emissions over time. By 2011, they had begun to make strong recommendations against the use of older-model equipment because of toxic emissions. They introduced emissions scorecards and innovative replacement programs with financial flexibility in mind, making it beneficial to operate newer, clean-diesel engines. These programs also helped fleets meet new GHG-1 federally mandated standards, realize gains in fuel economy of 2.5%, and reduce CO2 emissions.

Between 2016 and 2021, leading industry players continued their mission to help fleets change the way they see the environment. Advanced asset-management strategies helped companies reach environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, while promoting sustainability through shortening asset lifecycles, optimizing vehicle specifications and aligning with the duty cycle as well as geographical locales. New approaches also specified lighter components that allow for longer maintenance intervals, which cut down on the disposal of hazardous waste.

In addition to environmental stewardship, social criteria are becoming part of companies’ ESG strategies. Organizations are operating the newest trucks, which keep motorists safe while helping to attract and retain a greater pool of diverse drivers and other staff. Fleet specification experts work with each company to design new trucks for maximum safety, fuel efficiency, lowest maintenance cost and highest resale values. By focusing on safety proactively, fleets are addressing risks that might otherwise not be evident. They’re looking to save millions of dollars in costs, while simultaneously avoiding damage to their corporate image and brand identity.

Today’s socially responsible organizations further recognize that a more diverse approach to the transportation industry unlocks opportunities for growth, through the advancement and empowerment of a gender-diverse workforce.

Governance is an area that many companies have struggled with in past years. Issues include the complexities of policymaking and distribution of rights and responsibilities among multiple participants in corporations, including directors, managers and shareholders. Fleet experts today are promoting analytics and process transparency, helping clients to meet their legal requirements and satisfy every stakeholder in the process.

Progressive fleet companies are turning to lifecycle asset management, data analytics and other strategies to enable better decision-making. In addition, they offer examples of how policies of inclusion in the workplace can have a positive impact on the business, its employees, customers, and surrounding communities. They believe the long-term success of any business depends on promoting an environment of diverse individuals from all races, ages, genders, education levels and cultural backgrounds. The goal of leading fleet providers is to help the industry govern with integrity, and become as sustainable and socially conscious as possible.

Katerina Jones is vice president of marketing and business development at Fleet Advantage, a provider of truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and lifecycle cost management.