How to Build an Intentional Fleet Culture That Drives Results
This article is based on a recent episode of The Fleet Success Show podcast.
Watch the full episode here:
What Is Fleet Culture—and Why Does It Matter?
Fleet culture is the environment, mindset, and behavior shared by your team. It’s how people treat each other, how they solve problems, and how committed they are to the mission. Whether you’re running a government fleet or a private-sector operation, culture directly affects technician productivity, vehicle uptime, stakeholder satisfaction, and employee retention.
In the 200th episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Josh Turley (RTA CEO), Steve Saltzgiver (Fleet Hall of Famer), and Marc Canton (VP of Customer Experience) shared raw, real insights on how to build—and protect—a healthy fleet culture. They didn’t hold back, answering live questions from fleet professionals about everything from accountability and leadership to managing up and making hard decisions.
Why Is Culture So Hard to Change in Fleets?
It’s not the policies or software that hold fleets back—it’s inertia. People are used to doing things a certain way, especially in government fleets. Tenure, union rules, and bureaucracy can create friction that slows down culture change.
But here’s the truth: You can change your fleet’s culture.
As Josh puts it, "Culture isn’t just top-down—it’s intentional. It’s something you build on purpose, not something you inherit." Whether you're a technician, supervisor, or director, you have the power to influence your corner of the fleet.
How to Build an Intentional Culture in Your Fleet
1. Start With Trust
Before you talk performance, build relationships. Learn your people’s names, ask about their families, and show up consistently. Trust is the foundation of accountability.
2. Have Kind Truth Conversations
Accountability doesn’t mean being harsh. It means being honest. Tell the truth with care. Set clear expectations, and check in often. If someone’s underperforming, start small and increase clarity over time.
“The first step to accountability is caring enough to speak up,” said Steve. “Lead with love, but hold the line.”
3. Document Performance
Many fleet leaders say, “I can’t get rid of a problem employee.” But often, they haven’t set clear standards or tracked performance. If you want to hold people accountable, you need data. Use fleet maintenance software like RTA Fleet360 to track KPIs, inspections, wrench time, and PM compliance.
4. Use the Probation Period Wisely
The first 60-90 days matter. It’s your window to evaluate if a new hire is the right fit for your culture—not just the job. Don’t wait a year to act. As Marc said, “It’s easier to change direction now than to clean up damage later.”
5. Start Small—But Start Now
You don’t need permission to lead. Create a great environment in your shop or department. Over time, others will notice. “People start asking, ‘What’s different about your team?’ That’s how culture spreads,” said Josh.
Can Government Fleets Build Intentional Culture?
Yes. And they should.
It’s harder—but not impossible. You’ll need to:
- Understand your policies and HR processes
- Document everything
- Work within the system
- Build trust with HR and leadership
- Create small wins that prove change is working
Steve shared stories of building culture in union-heavy public agencies, even firing people (legally) when necessary. “It takes time, but it’s possible. I’ve done it,” he said.
How Do You Lead Up When You’re Not the Boss?
“You don’t have to be at the top to lead culture—you just need a plan.”
Marc, who spent years managing fleets from the middle, shared this simple framework:
- Make a plan. Define your goals and how you’ll track them.
- Lead by example. Model the behavior you want to see.
- Communicate up. Show your results and share wins with leadership.
- Build credibility. Success gets noticed. Use data to back up your story.
You may not change your whole org, but you can influence your circle—and that ripple spreads.
Final Takeaways for Fleet Leaders
- Start with relationships, not rules
- Culture is built on purpose, not by accident
- The best accountability starts with trust
- You can lead change from anywhere in the org
- Measure what matters and share your results
Bonus: Advice From 200 Episodes of The Fleet Success Show
- Don’t wait for perfect—just start.
- Consistency is everything—put it on the calendar.
- Hard conversations get easier when people know you care.
- Culture eats strategy for breakfast—so make it intentional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is intentional culture in fleet management?
Intentional culture is the environment you create on purpose—not by default. It includes values, behaviors, and expectations that shape how your team works together.
Can government fleets really fire poor performers?
Yes. It takes documentation and process, but government agencies can hold employees accountable with the right support from HR.
How do I improve accountability on my fleet team?
Build trust first. Then set clear expectations, track performance with data, and address issues early with kind truth conversations.
What fleet software helps with culture and accountability?
RTA Fleet360 offers tools like technician performance dashboards, stakeholder satisfaction surveys, inspections tracking, and work order quality control to support a healthy culture and improve team results.