Episode 221: The State of Fleet Management: Education, AI, and the Technician Crisis with NAFA’s CEO

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton sits down with Bill Schankel, CEO of NAFA Fleet Management Association, to discuss the evolving landscape of fleet management and the challenges leaders must navigate in the years ahead.

NAFA represents more than 3,500 fleet professionals across government and corporate fleets, making it the largest professional fleet association in the world. Together, Marc and Bill explore how the industry is adapting to rapid change, driven by rising costs, new technologies, workforce challenges, and increasing pressure for data-driven leadership.

Bill also shares NAFA’s initiatives to strengthen the profession, from launching new certification programs to advocating for fleet representation in state legislation.

If you’re a fleet manager, industry supplier, or public sector leader looking to improve fleet performance, strengthen your team, and prepare for the future, this episode delivers practical insights from one of the most influential voices in fleet management today.

Key Takeaways:

• Why fleet education and professional certification (CAFM) are becoming more critical than ever
• How AI, predictive maintenance, and data platforms are reshaping fleet operations
  The growing technician shortage and how the industry must respond
• Why collaboration across fleet organizations is key to solving industry-wide challenges
• How NAFA’s regional networks, awards programs, and community forums help fleets learn from each other
• What fleet leaders should expect at NAFA’s Institute & Expo (I&E), the industry’s largest fleet management event

Speaker Bios

Marc Canton
VP of Product & Consultant, RTA Fleet
Marc Canton serves as Vice President of Product and a fleet consultant at RTA Fleet, the Fleet Success Company. With deep experience working alongside public sector and commercial fleet organizations, Marc focuses on helping fleets improve operational efficiency, right-size vehicle inventories, and leverage data to make smarter decisions. As host of the Fleet Success Show, he regularly interviews industry leaders and practitioners to share practical strategies that help fleet professionals solve real-world challenges.

 Bill Schankel 
CEO, NAFA Fleet Management Association 
Bill Schankel is the Chief Executive Officer of NAFA Fleet Management Association, the world’s largest professional organization for fleet managers. NAFA serves more than 3,500 members across North America, representing government fleets, corporate fleets, and supplier partners across a wide range of industries including public safety, utilities, transit, delivery, and more. 

Additional Resources

Looking to take the first step in your fleet career journey? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here. 

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers. Request a demo today. 

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