Strange but True
Automotive Fleet has collected these “Strange but True” stories from fleet managers, drivers, and fleet management companies. Do you have a strange, but true story? Something so incredible it couldn’t have been made up? Share your stories with Automotive Fleet. E-mail: Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com.
Conscientious Vehicle Thief
fleet manager drove an office pool vehicle. After one weekend, the manager discovered the keys to the vehicle were missing from her desk and the vehicle was gone. She filed a police report reporting it stolen.
Two and a half years later, she received a phone call from the police. The company vehicle had been found on the flatbed of a truck taking vehicles to the dump. Apparently, the truck had been stopped for an overloading citation. The truck driver stated he had found the vehicle on the side of the road. When no one claimed it for two weeks, he took the vehicle.
When the vehicle was returned to the fleet manager, she found it had been driven only 55 miles after being stolen and someone — presumably the thief — had installed brand new tires and changed the oil and oil filter.
Angry Ex-Employee Lashes Out
When one company disbanded one of its divisions, the division’s senior managers nearly forgot about the company’s 41 vehicles.
One employee had been utilizing her company-provided vehicle for personal use. The employee became eternally "unavailable," dodging company officials, while reportedly on planes or out of town. Finally, the fleet manager called a tow truck service and arranged for the vehicle to be picked up at the employee’s house in the middle of the night.
The towing company did not arrive until early the next morning, coincidentally while the fleet manager was speaking to the employee on the telephone. When the employee realized the car was being retrieved, she became so angry she ran into her garage and got a bucket of paint. The fleet manager recovered a two-tone colored vehicle.
More Operations

Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026
Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.
Read More →
The Future of Fleet + What’s Changing Right Now | AF News Recap
Could developments overseas offer a preview of what’s coming for U.S. fleets? This week, we’re looking at the future of AI, autonomy, and electrification, plus Ford Pro’s new certified pre-owned program, smarter vehicle offboarding, and a new way for fleets to manage toll expenses.
Read More →
How to Handle Vehicle Offboarding
What do fleet managers need to do when a driver leaves?
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
U.S. Bank Adds Verra Mobility Toll Management to Voyager Fleet Platform
The integration allows U.S. Bank Voyager fleet customers to manage toll payments and violations alongside fuel, EV charging and maintenance expenses.
Read More →
ADAS Prevents Crashes. But Repairs Cost More | AF News Recap
ADAS-equipped vehicles may crash less often, but they can cost more when they do. This week, we’re breaking down what that tradeoff means for fleets, plus Subaru’s first Forester Wilderness Hybrid, Nissan’s new e-POWER Rogue, and why Calstart has become Catalyst Mobility.
Read More →
Moventum Fleet Management Names Mark Iorillo Head of Sales
Iorillo brings nearly 20 years of fleet management and sales experience to the role, including previous positions at Element Fleet Management, CEI, Donlen and Ryder.
Read More →
Fleet Has a Talent Pipeline Problem. What Comes Next? | AF News Recap
Where will fleet’s next generation of leaders come from? This week, we’re looking at the industry’s talent pipeline, what certification can add to a fleet career, how to build an award-worthy track record, and the return of Automotive Fleet’s Personal Use Survey.
Read More →
Smith System Launches Driver Risk Management Program
Fleets have more driver data than ever, but identifying risky behavior doesn't necessarily correct it. Smith System's new Driver Risk Management program combines monitoring, training, and follow-up coaching to help fleets connect risk signals with driver intervention.
Read More →