"If you’re a fleet manager, I don’t know how you do it. You’re either given conflicting information, lack of information, or decisions that flip overnight." – Mike Kastner, NTEA
In Episode 166 of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Josh Turley and Marc Canton welcome Mike Kastner, Senior Vice President and lobbyist for the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). The discussion dives into the challenges facing the work truck industry, from supply chain disruptions and evolving electrification mandates to labor shortages and regulatory uncertainty. Mike provides candid insights into navigating changing political landscapes, the complexities of fleet management, and why Work Truck Week remains a must-attend event for industry professionals.
The episode opens with introductions from Josh, Marc, and guest Mike Kastner, who shares his decades-long journey with NTEA. Mike explains NTEA’s core mission: representing manufacturers, distributors, and users of vocational trucks. The conversation explores critical industry topics, including:
- Electrification Challenges:
While light-duty EV adoption has accelerated, Mike stresses the technological and infrastructural hurdles of electrifying heavier work trucks. NTEA’s neutral stance on fuels focuses on availability, capability, and total lifetime cost. - Regulatory Whiplash:
Frequent shifts in government policies—particularly around EV mandates—create uncertainty. Fleet managers face the challenge of making long-term decisions amidst rapidly changing regulations. - Supply Chain & Economic Pressures:
Pandemic-induced disruptions persist, compounded by inflation, material shortages, and potential tariffs (notably the looming 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum). - Labor Shortages in Skilled Trades:
Finding qualified welders and technicians remains difficult. Mike emphasizes the need for renewed investment in vocational education. - Work Truck Week Preview:
Mike highlights the upcoming Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, featuring the Green Truck Summit, new technology showcases, and solutions tailored for fleet professionals.
✅ Key Takeaways:
🔑 Flexibility is essential: Fleet managers must stay adaptable amid shifting policies and technologies.
🔑 Electrification isn’t one-size-fits-all: EV solutions should align with vehicle use cases and infrastructure readiness.
🔑 Supply chain resilience matters: Companies need contingency plans for sourcing materials and components.
🔑 Invest in people: Addressing labor shortages requires prioritizing vocational training and skilled trades.
🔑 Stay informed: Events like Work Truck Week offer critical insights and connections for navigating industry change.
👥 Speaker Bios:
Mike Kastner – Senior Vice President, NTEA
With over three decades at NTEA, Mike leads advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., representing 2,200+ companies. His work focuses on regulatory affairs, fleet management, and promoting the vocational truck industry’s interests across North America.
Josh Turley – CEO, RTA Fleet
Josh brings 20+ years of fleet management experience and leads RTA Fleet’s mission to deliver cutting-edge fleet information systems.
Marc Canton – Fleet Consultant
With nearly 30 years in fleet operations and consulting, Marc specializes in data-driven solutions for federal, state, and corporate fleets.
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#1 PODCAST FOR FLEET PROS
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