Utility Fleet Professional Podcast

Inside ATSSA 2025 - How Royal Truck is Advancing Highway Safety

In this special edition of Under the UFP Hood, host Kurt Moreland, Associate Publisher of Utility Fleet Professional, sits down with Ashley Matyas of Royal Truck & Equipment on the floor of ATSSA 2025. Together, they discuss the critical role of attenuator trucks in protecting highway workers, Royal Truck’s decades-long commitment to innovation in road safety, and how strategic partnerships are shaping the future of traffic control. Ashley also highlights the company’s wide range of safety vehicles, their nationwide presence, and how shows like ATSSA drive product development. Recorded live from a light-duty truck basket, this episode offers a grounded and insightful look into the companies building America’s work zone safety.

 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Royal Truck & Equipment manufactures a wide array of highway safety vehicles, including attenuator trucks featuring the iconic yellow Scorpion.

• The company produces 300–400 attenuator trucks annually and is part of the larger Alamo Group, which allows for nationwide support and distribution.

• Partnerships, such as with Traffic Devices, help ensure compliance with increasing regulatory standards while offering flexibility like Metro attenuators for urban use.

• ATSSA remains a vital show for connecting with safety professionals, sharing ideas, and sparking innovation.

• Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, and Royal’s mission is to protect both equipment and lives on the road.

• Ashley encourages donations to the ATSSA Foundation, which honors fallen roadway workers.

 

#HighwaySafety #WorkZoneProtection #UtilityFleet #AttenuatorTrucks #TrafficControl #FleetInnovation

Under The UFP Hood - Digging Deeper - Brianne Somers on the Evolution of The Utility Expo

In this special edition of Under the UFP Hood, Kurt Moreland of Utility Fleet Professional sits down with Brianne Somers, Show Director of The Utility Expo, live from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers headquarters in Milwaukee. Bree shares exclusive insights about the upcoming 2025 Utility Expo in Louisville, including what’s new, how the show has grown, and why it remains the top event for utility professionals. From 100-foot aerial lifts to the legendary digging zone, Bree talks about what makes this demo-focused show unlike any other. Tune in for practical tips, behind-the-scenes stories—including her surprise engagement at a past show—and why registering early is key for attendees.

 

Visit them - https://www.theutilityexpo.com/

 

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Utility Expo 2025 will be the biggest yet, featuring over 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space and hundreds of indoor and outdoor exhibitors.

• The Louisville venue is undergoing major renovations, with exciting new buildings expected for the 2027 show.

• Aerial lifts, digging competitions, and live demos set Utility Expo apart from traditional trade shows.

• Bree shared practical tips for attendees: register early, wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks, and stay hydrated.

• The show’s location and partnerships (with Louisville and the FAA) play a vital role in its ongoing success.

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❓ 5 Questions & Answers:

 

1. What makes Utility Expo different from other trade shows?

Utility Expo is a hands-on demo show featuring outdoor digging areas, aerial lifts, and interactive exhibits. Attendees can see and operate equipment in real-world conditions.

 

2. Where is Utility Expo held and why?

It’s held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, chosen for its size, accessibility, and willingness to support ground-engaging exhibits—a rarity among venues.

 

3. How big is the 2025 Utility Expo expected to be?

Over 1.5 million square feet of space and more exhibitors than ever before, surpassing even the 2023 show.

 

4. What are Brianne’s top tips for attendees?

Register and book hotels early, bring multiple pairs of shoes, stay hydrated, bring snacks, and use the free shuttle service from downtown hotels.

 

5. What is Brianne’s most memorable Utility Expo story?

In 2019, her now-husband proposed to her at the show during one of the hottest weeks on record—making it a personally unforgettable event.

 

#UtilityExpo2025 #UtilitySafety #FleetProfessionals #LiveDemos #UtilityEquipment #TradeShowTips #AEM #UtilityExpo

UFP Deep Dive: Hydraulic Hose Failures: The Hidden Risks in Utility Fleets

Hydraulic hoses might not be the first thing you think about in utility fleet maintenance, but when they fail, the consequences can be severe. In this episode, we take a deep dive into an insightful article by Jim Olson and Craig Ries from Terex Utilities, uncovering the critical safety risks, common causes of hose failures, and practical maintenance tips that can prevent costly downtime. From hydraulic oil hazards to electrocution risks and emergency response steps, this episode is packed with essential knowledge for anyone working with bucket trucks, digger derricks, and other fleet vehicles. Don’t overlook these unsung heroes of the industry—your safety and productivity depend on them!

 

Read the article here: https://utilityfleetprofessional.com/blog/extending-the-life-of-hydraulic-hoses/

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Risks: How hydraulic hose failures can lead to burns, leaks, fires, and even electrocution hazards.
• The Root Causes of Failures: Heat exposure, UV damage, improper installation, and wear and tear.
• Inspection Best Practices: Daily walkarounds, manufacturer-recommended checks, and safety tips for detecting leaks.
• Emergency Response: Steps to safely shut down oil flow and handle hydraulic failures in different situations.
• Future of Hydraulic Hose Maintenance: Innovations in materials, inspections, and training that could improve safety and reliability.

#UtilityFleets #FleetMaintenance #HydraulicSafety #WorkplaceSafety #TerexUtilities #BucketTruckSafety #DiggerDerricks #PreventiveMaintenance

Under The UFP Hood - Building a Resilient Safety Culture: Insights from Caterpillar Safety Services with Kelly Scott

Dive into the latest episode of Under the UFP Hood as host Kurt Moreland explores how Caterpillar Safety Services is revolutionizing safety culture in the utility and pipeline industries. Joined by Kelly Scott, a safety services specialist, they unpack the methodologies and tools used to enhance leadership, foster a resilient safety culture, and bridge generational gaps in the workforce. This episode offers actionable insights on leveraging technology and leadership to create proactive, safety-focused organizations. Don’t miss the inspiring journey of Caterpillar Safety Services and its mission to transform workplace safety from the ground up.

 

Visit Them to find out more: https://www.cat.com/en_US/support/safetyservices.html

 

Key Takeaways:

1. Learn how Caterpillar Safety Services operationalizes safety through leadership and ownership.

2. Discover the four pillars of building a resilient safety culture: system, mindset, leadership, and ownership.

3. Explore the importance of training and cultural integration alongside safety technology deployment.

4. Understand the role of leadership in setting the tone for a safety-first mindset across all levels.

5. Gain insights into how generational collaboration can influence safety practices.

 

#SafetyCulture #UtilitySafety #LeadershipInAction #WorkplaceResilience #CaterpillarSafety

 

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This podcast is sponsored by Tallman Equipment Company Inc. If you are looking for some of the best tools for lineman, visit Tallman Equipment Website today!

Under the UFP Hood - From Reactive to Proactive - How AI is Transforming Fleet Maintenance

In this episode of Under the UFP Hood, Kurt Moreland dives into the evolving world of fleet management with Zach Searcy, Senior Fleet Content Manager at Fleetio. They discuss how cutting-edge technologies are transforming fleet operations, from predictive analytics and telematics to streamlined maintenance solutions. Discover how utility fleets can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance safety while addressing challenges like supply chain disruptions and evolving maintenance needs. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted celebrity story and holiday wishes from the team!

 

Check out Fleetio - https://www.fleetio.com/

 

Key Takeaways:

 

•The Importance of Preventative Maintenance: Staying ahead of repairs minimizes downtime and keeps workers safe.

•Leveraging Data and AI: Predictive analytics can forecast potential issues, enabling preemptive action.

•Simplified Maintenance: Tools like Fleetio provide centralized dashboards and real-time communication for seamless operations.

•Adapting to Supply Chain Issues: Flexible inventory management and planning thresholds reduce disruptions.

•Future of Fleet Management: Integration of telematics, GPS, and AI will continue to shape the industry.

 

#FleetManagement #UtilityFleets #PredictiveMaintenance #FleetTech #UtilitySafety  #UtilityFleetProfessional

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This podcast is sponsored by Tallman Equipment Company Inc. If you are looking for some of the best tools for lineman, visit Tallman Equipment Website today!

Under The UFP Hood - The Future of Fleet Management - AI's Role in Accident Prevention - Stefan Heck, founder and CEO of Nauto

Join Kurt Moreland, associate publisher of Utility Fleet Professional, as he sits down with Stefan Heck, founder and CEO of Nauto, to explore how AI technology is transforming safety in the commercial fleet industry. Stefan shares insights into how AI can predict and prevent accidents by detecting risks like driver distraction and drowsiness. Learn how fleets can reduce collisions by up to 60% through real-time driver feedback, improving safety and operational efficiency. Discover the benefits of integrating AI with fleet management, including a collaboration with Stellantis' Ram trucks.

Nauto is an AI-powered driver and fleet safety platform that helps predict and prevent accidents by analyzing driver behavior and road risks. Trusted by leading fleets across industries, Nauto offers real-time coaching and collision reduction technology to enhance fleet safety. Learn more about their innovative solutions at Nauto.com.

Key Takeaways:

• AI technology reduces fleet collisions by 60% by predicting risks in real-time.
• Driver distraction is the leading cause of accidents, and is responsible for about 68% of fleet collisions losses.
• AI systems provide real-time coaching to drivers, alerting them of imminent risks.
• Partnerships with major brands like Stellantis enhance fleet safety through seamless technology integration.

#FleetManagement #AIFleetSafety #CommercialFleet #UtilityVehicles #DriverSafety #WorkTruck #AccidentPrevention #NautoTech #Stellantis #RamTrucks #FleetTech #AIInnovation

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This podcast is sponsored by Tallman Equipment Company Inc. If you are looking for some of the best tools for lineman, visit Tallman Equipment Website today!

Under the UFP Hood - AI & Technology in Fleet Management - Erin Gilchrist, IntelliShift

Join host Kurt Moreland and guest Erin Gilchrist, Fleet Evangelist at IntelliShift, as they delve into the world of AI and technology in fleet management. In this episode, they discuss the challenges faced by utility fleets and explore how AI can help increase driving safety culture, improve maintenance processes, and enhance overall fleet sustainability.

Key Topics:

• The role of AI in fleet management
• Improving driving safety culture
• Enhancing maintenance processes
• Leveraging technology for sustainability
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) and their importance
• Overcoming challenges and best practices in fleet management

About the Guest:

Erin Gilchrist is the Fleet Evangelist at IntelliShift, a leading provider of next-generation fleet intelligence platforms. With extensive experience in fleet management, Erin brings a unique perspective to the conversation.

Visit them here: https://intellishift.com/

#fleetmanagement #AI #technology #sustainability #safety #efficiency #utilityfleet #transportation #logistics #podcast #industryinsights #innovation

 

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This podcast is sponsored by Tallman Equipment Company Inc. If you are looking for some of the best tools for lineman, visit Tallman Equipment Website today!

Under The UFP Hood - Unlocking SEMA - A Fleet Manager's Guide to Hidden Gems & Industry Insights

In this episode of the Utility Fleet Professional (UFP) Podcast, Kurt Moreland, Associate Publisher of UFP, dives into an often-overlooked event that should be on every fleet manager's radar—the SEMA Show. Held annually in Las Vegas, SEMA offers a treasure trove of products and solutions for fleet managers, especially those in the western United States. Kurt shares his insights from attending the show for over a decade, highlighting everything from specialized off-road gear and shop maintenance tools to unexpected celebrity encounters with racing legends like Richard Petty. Whether you're passionate about vehicles or simply looking to expand your fleet's capabilities, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating SEMA, including practical travel tips for making the most of your visit.

 

Visit SEMA - https://www.semashow.com/attendee?mode=IndNight

#FleetManagement #UtilityFleet #SEMAShow #FleetSolutions #VehicleMaintenance #LasVegasEvents #RichardPetty #OffRoadGear #CommercialTrucks #TravelTips #UtilityExpo #FleetInnovation

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This podcast is sponsored by Tallman Equipment Company Inc. If you are looking for some of the best tools for lineman, visit Tallman Equipment Website today!