Episode 166: Mandates, Mayhem, and Managing Fleets: What Keeps Fleet Managers Up at Night, with Special Guest Mike Kastner from NTEA

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.