Integrating Technology in Fleet Management

Andrew J. Thompson, an accomplished and award-winning leader, excels in both public and private sectors. A prominent figure in leadership, mentoring, coaching, and public speaking, he boasts an impressive history of guiding high-performance teams in challenging global contexts. His expertise spans organizational leadership, personnel development, operations, logistics, and administration. Currently, Thompson serves as the Director of Fleet Management at Ben E. Keith Beverages.

Please share with our readers about your career journey and your current roles and responsibilities.

As the Director of Fleet Management at Ben E. Keith Beverages, I tackle daily challenges at our Texas headquarters. Guiding a proficient and dedicated team, we navigate the intricacies of the fleet industry while distributing equipment and products across the state in support of our customers. My role encompasses the comprehensive management of our assets, such as trucks, trailers, and forklifts. Our expansive fleet includes leased vehicles for sales teams and a variety of equipment requiring continual upkeep. In a typical month, we cover nearly two million miles and use around 130,000 gallons of fuel, emphasizing the importance of efficient fleet management. My career journey is multifaceted, beginning with 24 years in the U.S. military (Navy and Marine Corps).  My military experience included a background in aviation maintenance and logistics.   After retiring from the military in 2015, I explored different roles in small businesses, including a tech startup and leadership positions in a Fortune 100 technology incubator. Over the last two and a half years, I've proudly served as the Director of Fleet Management at Ben E. Keith Beverages, contributing to the operations of our company.

Can you share some of the challenges that you have observed on the industry?

The fleet industry grapples with substantial challenges, primarily rooted in economic factors.The current 40-year high inflation rate constrains our purchasing power, impacting our ability to acquire and refresh fleet assets, including trucks, forklifts, and essential equipment. 

Supply chain complexities further compound these challenges, making the acquisition of replacement and repair components, as well as new equipment from original equipment manufacturers, a more cumbersome process. Additionally, labor market constraints pose a significant hurdle, as sourcing skilled and motivated personnel remains a formidable task.We've dedicated significant efforts to developing our workforce and attracting qualified talent, recognizing their pivotal role in managing maintenance, repairs, and day-to-day operations. In essence, economic constraints, supply chain intricacies, and labor market demands are the primary challenges we've encountered over the past two and a half years.

“We recognize the need to digitize our systems, automate tasks, and enable better anticipation of maintenance issues. These technological upgrades will provide advanced decision support tools, empowering us to make informed choices regarding lifecycle costs, replenishment, and other critical facets of fleet management.”

Can you share some of the strategies or initiatives you have implemented to improve and optimize fleet operations?

We've taken several initiatives to address the ongoing challenges. Firstly, we prioritize effective communication and coordination within our fleet leadership team, fostering open dialogue to identify and resolve challenges promptly. Secondly, we continuously refine our business processes, diligently managing our budget and exploring cost-saving measures due to the high overhead associated with fleet management. Lastly, we're embracing new technologies to enhance efficiency. We recognize the need to digitize our systems, automate tasks, and enable better anticipation of maintenance issues. These technological upgrades will provide advanced decision support tools, empowering us to make informed choices regarding lifecycle costs, replenishment, and other critical facets of fleet management.

What are some ways in which you leverage technology for enhancing regulatory compliance and enhancing fleet safety?

The introduction of technology into our decision-making processes has been a game-changer for us. This enables us to anticipate potential maintenance issues before they even occur. Ensuring regulatory compliance, particularly DOT compliance, is crucial to our operations, and we strive to uphold it to the highest extent possible. Technology helps us predict and forecast. This technology-driven approach empowers us to be more efficient, proactive, and focused on prevention rather than simply reacting to problems as they arise.

What would be your piece of advice to your fellow peers?

I would advise my fellow peers to inspire and motivate one another. In the fleet management and transportation sectors, we play a crucial role in sustaining the nation's economy by ensuring the timely delivery of goods and services to customers across the country. It's important to recognize and appreciate the dedicated individuals who make this possible. Providing words of encouragement and reminding them of the significance of their work can go a long way in fostering a sense of pride and recognition in this honorable profession.