Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Strange but True

These “Strange but True” stories were sent to Automotive Fleet by fleet managers, drivers, and fleet management companies. 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.

June 2, 2009
2 min to read


Troublesome Fuel Card

Many years ago, a fleet manager for a major communications company received a call from a driver who needed a new fuel card because his old one "just quit working."  The fleet manager made arrangements for a replacement card.

Ad Loading...

The manager received another call from the same driver a few weeks later, stating his new card no longer worked. The driver assured the fleet manager nothing out of the ordinary was happening and the card was kept in the truck until needed.

Ad Loading...

Once more, a replacement card was ordered. A short while later, the driver called again with the same issue. This continued for almost a year, while the fleet manager tried to identify the problem.

Finally, an extensive investigation discovered the windshield wiper motor was located next to the glove box in the driver's truck. Apparently, when the driver put the card in the box, it was next to the motor. Every time he turned the wipers on, the magnetic field from the motor erased the card. The longer the driver went without using the wipers, the longer his card worked.

Parked Moose?

One driver called her fleet manager to report she had damage on the hood of her vehicle. She said, "I know this sounds strange, but a moose has been hanging around my house and has become very friendly with my family."

One freezing cold winter day, the driver parked her vehicle as usual outside her house. The still-warm engine enticed the moose, who sat on the hood to warm himself.

The driver said it was hilarious to see the moose perched on her vehicle and  she just didn't have the heart to chase it away.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Operations

Amalgamation of fleet operating costs for 2026
Operations•by Chris Brown•November 1, 2026

Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility

Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
Operations•October 29, 2026

The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations

This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.

Read More →
A picture of a transparent catalytic converter with blue text and the Automotive Fleet logo on the top.
Operations•October 29, 2026

How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft

A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 26, 2026

Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap

Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.

Read More →
A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Chevin 2026 Buyes Guide cover
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
An overhead image of a freeway system with no vehicles
Sponsored•by Shelley Mika•October 13, 2026

What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?

EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.

Read More →
A Cox Fleet technician working on the left with the rear view of a military man saluting a flag on the right
Operations•October 8, 2026

How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles

Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A transparent toll background with the Automotive Fleet logo and Neology logo on top.
Operations•October 5, 2026

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 →