Fleet Horror Stories That Teach: Real Lessons in Fleet Maintenance Management

“If nothing crazy’s happening in your fleet… you’re not paying attention.” – Steve Saltzgiver

From flaming garbage trucks to frozen CNG fleets and mechanics throwing starters across the shop, Steve Saltzgiver has seen it all in his decades-long career managing government and private fleets. In this gripping episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Josh Turley sits down with Steve to dig into unforgettable fleet horror stories—and the critical lessons they offer for anyone managing a fleet today.

Q&A with Steve Saltzgiver: Fixing Fleets, One Disaster at a Time

Q: Steve, you’ve been called “The Fixer of Fleet.” What does that title mean to you?

I’ve spent my career turning around broken fleets—from school districts to states to Coca-Cola. Whether building trucks, selling cars, or overhauling government fleet management systems, my passion has always been getting fleets running safely and efficiently. It’s all about knowing the nuts and bolts and the business side.

Q: Tell us a fleet horror story that taught you a valuable lesson.

One that sticks out is when a Class 6 truck came in for inspection. A street crew member swore he checked everything… until I popped the hood and found a bird’s nest with eggs on the radiator. He never opened the hood. That moment reinforced the importance of doing real inspections—not just checking boxes. Whether you're using spreadsheets or advanced fleet maintenance software, it’s only as good as the people using it.

Q: Have you ever had to make a tough call that went against corporate priorities?

Absolutely. I once grounded an entire CNG garbage truck fleet during a polar vortex. Engines froze mid-route because of a poorly positioned sensor. The CEO wasn’t happy… until I explained the manufacturer defect. We repositioned the sensors, fixed the problem, and avoided more disasters. That’s when having reliable fleet maintenance management software and sticking to your principles pays off.

Q: What was the most dangerous fleet maintenance failure you've experienced?

There was a fatal accident due to bald tires that hadn’t been replaced even after they failed inspection. A fleet maintenance system flagged it, but the issue wasn’t acted on. That tragedy cost millions and cost a manager their job. It was a sobering reminder that maintenance isn’t optional—it’s a matter of life and death.

Q: You’ve dealt with some unique employee situations, too. What’s one that stands out?

A parts clerk once refused to give mechanics parts unless they used the “correct terminology.” One day, a frustrated tech threw a starter at him. Another time, I had to bail out an employee caught shoplifting—wearing our city logo. These are the kinds of challenges no one talks about in vehicle fleet management software demos, but are very real in day-to-day operations.

Key Takeaways for Fleet Professionals

• Inspections matter: Real walkarounds, not pencil-whipped checklists, prevent accidents—and bird nests.

• Don’t skip maintenance: Tire tread depth and brake checks save lives and lawsuits.

• Stand your ground: Sometimes, fleet managers must make unpopular decisions to protect the brand and people.

• Train your team: Poor communication and attitude from parts clerks or mechanics can disrupt your entire fleet management system.

• Document everything: Steve recommends keeping a journal of day-to-day fleet happenings—it’s fuel for future learning and laughs.