Strange... but True Stories Requested
TORRANCE, CA - Do you have a story that's so strange, it's hard to believe? Perhaps something that happened to a driver or a bizarre call you got from the road? Send it over to Automotive Fleet!
TORRANCE, CA -Automotive Fleet needs more of your "Strange but True" fleet stories!
Do you have a story that's so strange, it's hard to believe? Perhaps something that happened to a driver or a bizarre call you got from the road? An old story is copied below. Take a look, and send over one of your own.
"A couple of winters ago, a top executive called one fleet manager and said his radiator had blown up. After a great deal of trouble, the fleet manager was able to get a tow truck and tow the vehicle to the dealer, only to find out there was nothing wrong with it. The executive had apparently stopped over a steaming manhole cover. To save the executive's pride, the fleet manager simply told him the problem had been fixed." - May 1995 Automotive Fleet.
All stories will be completely anonymous, company and driver/fleet manager names will not be shared, as in the example above. E-mail your stories to Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com.
More Operations

Turn Fleet Data Into Smarter Decisions
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Read More →
Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →
How NOV Uses Telematics to Improve Fleet Safety Across 160 Locations
James Victory of NOV discusses how the company manages fleet safety, maintenance, and telematics across more than 150 locations supporting oilfield operations throughout the U.S.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Steven Santostasi
This edition of the Fleet Meets series features Steven Santostasi, the current TSP channel manager for Ford Pro.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: Assembling the Crew
Meet Gabriel, Matthew, and Angel — the team helping bring this soap box derby build to life.
Read More →
BBL Fleet Acquires Velcor Leasing Corporation
BBL Fleet expanded its footprint in the fleet management industry with the acquisition of Velcor Leasing Corporation of Madison through a stock purchase agreement finalized Feb. 27, 2026.
Read More →
Lytx Introduces New AI Fleet Technologies at Protect 2026
The company introduced new AI-driven fleet safety and operations technologies during its annual user conference.
Read More →
Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →From Waffle House to AI: Fleet Trends You Need to Know
In this AF news recap, host Faith Howell covers how Waffle House stepped up during disaster response and new AI tech on the market.
Read More →