Episode 184: Fleet Math Is Sexy (And It Might Just Save Your Job)

Episode Summary

In this no-nonsense, insight-packed episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Josh Turley and Marc Canton dig deep into one of the most misunderstood—and often mishandled—aspects of fleet management: technician staffing.

When the budget axe drops, tech labor is often the first target. But how do you know if you actually have too many (or too few) technicians? The answer lies in smart data usage, AEUs (Asset Equivalent Units), and a whole lot of operational efficiency.

The duo covers everything from proper classification and indirect labor tracking to why your techs should never leave their bay (seriously—stop letting them go to the parts room). They even pull in lessons from UPS legend Ron Turley, who nearly doubled fleet size without hiring a single new technician.

Whether you're struggling with staffing, begging for bays, or just looking to squeeze more efficiency out of your team, this is your playbook.

Key Takeaways

• AEUs > Guesswork: Stop guessing. Asset Equivalent Units give you a data-driven method to determine your tech needs.
• Techs Shouldn’t Wander: Every minute away from the bay is wasted productivity. Preload parts, use tablets, and minimize distractions.
• Indirect Labor = Hidden Cost: Track everything. Clean-up, training, and admin time add up fast and should be in your labor math.
• Don’t Underestimate Training: Time spent training isn't lost—it's leveraged. A better-trained tech is a faster, more efficient one.
• Right-Type, Not Just Right-Size: The right asset or tech mix makes all the difference. You might not need fewer people—just the right ones.
• Use Data to Win Budget Battles: When you can prove staffing needs with numbers, finance has little room to argue.

Speaker Bios

Marc Canton
Head of Product & Consulting, RTA
With a background in consulting and analytics, Marc now leads the design of tomorrow’s fleet management software—one that meets real-world needs in the shop and the boardroom.

Josh Turley
CEO, RTA Fleet
Fleet tech visionary and third-generation leader of RTA, Josh brings a leadership-obsessed mindset to everything he touches. He’s passionate about transforming fleet management through smart technology and empowering people to succeed.

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