In this episode, The Fleet Success Show tackles one of the most underappreciated yet critical foundations of fleet operations: asset class coding.

Marc Canton and fleet consultant Scott Rood dive deep into why classifying vehicles and equipment correctly isn’t just a box-checking exercise—it’s essential for accurate lifecycle analysis, utilization tracking, budget forecasting, and replacement planning. Scott shares his decades of experience—from Air Force maintenance manager to fleet consultant—and breaks down how government, private, and utility fleets can create meaningful, data-driven class codes that drive real ROI.

They debunk common pitfalls like “over-granular” coding, explain the dangers of poor asset grouping, and explore real-world examples from excavators to electric vehicles. Whether you're a fleet veteran or new to the game, this episode gives you practical, actionable advice for transforming your fleet's data accuracy and long-term strategy.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Proper Class Coding is Foundational: Without it, replacement planning, cost analysis, and utilization thresholds are fundamentally flawed.
• Avoid Both Over- and Under-Graining: Overcoding every asset is as bad as lumping too many together—find the “just right” level of detail.
• Fuel Type Matters: A gas-powered truck and its electric twin are not the same class. Different performance, costs, and data outputs demand different classifications.
• Use Available Systems: Tools like NAFA and APWA’s classification systems are free and highly effective.
• Context-Driven Coding: A landscaping fleet needs different granularity than a government fleet. Don’t copy-paste your structure—tailor it to your operation.
• It's Not One and Done: Class codes need to be reviewed and refined over time as your fleet and tech evolve.
  

Marc Canton
Head of Product at RTA, Mark brings over 30 years of fleet management experience across public and private sectors. Known for simplifying complex processes, he's passionate about helping fleets leverage software to drive better decisions.

Scott Rood
Fleet consultant and former USAF Vehicle Maintenance Manager, Scott has seen it all—from government agencies to utilities to international consulting. A go-to expert on class coding and lifecycle analysis, Scott brings clarity to complex fleet structures.

#FleetSuccess #FleetData #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #ClassCoding #FleetLifecycle #FleetManagementSoftware #VehicleFleetMaintenance #FleetUtilization #GovernmentFleetSoftware #FleetOperations

This isn’t just about Baja — it’s a powerful metaphor for running a successful fleet operation. The challenges of off-roading mirror the pressures of leading a fleet: stay alert, communicate with clarity, never leave anyone behind, and always prepare for the unexpected. Whether you’re managing vehicles or navigating career challenges, the desert teaches resilience, strategy, and soul-refreshing perspective.

• Overcommunicate Clarity: Just like convoy radio protocols, great leadership requires repeating key messages until everyone is aligned.
• Fatigue is a Liability: Leaders must recognize when to rest — pushing through without recovery risks the entire operation.
• The Map is Not the Terrain: Real-world execution often deviates from plans; adaptability is non-negotiable.
• Prepare for the Worst: Risk management isn't just smart — it's survival. Always carry the metaphorical "U-bolts."
• Team Number One: In leadership and fleet operations, there are no silos. If one person fails, everyone does.
• Rediscover Joy: Off-roading reminds us to reconnect with childlike wonder. Leaders need soul-refreshing hobbies too.
  

Josh Turley
CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company, Josh is passionate about building leaders and advancing fleet success through strategy, software, and soul. He’s a hands-on adventurer who brings real-world experience into boardroom lessons.

Marc Canton
Fleet Success advocate, co-host, and operational expert with a gift for bringing out deep insights in light-hearted conversation. Marc’s background in enterprise leadership makes him the perfect mirror for Josh’s reflections.

These aren’t just entertaining tales. Each story is packed with critical lessons in leadership, accountability, and the hard realities of managing complex fleets. Whether it's dealing with rogue employees, taking responsibility for costly mistakes, or standing firm under executive pressure, this episode delivers powerful insights for fleet professionals at every level.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to make it to the Fleet Hall of Fame, this episode is the playbook.

• Documentation Matters: Journaling your daily fleet experiences can preserve valuable lessons and build your leadership credibility.
• Check Under the Hood: Always verify vehicle inspections—those “minor oversights” could be bird nests… or worse.
• Own Your Mistakes: Taking accountability can turn a career-defining moment into a career-building one.
• Culture and Leadership: Toxic leadership can drive great employees away. Sometimes walking away leads to bigger opportunities.
• Fleet Safety is Life or Death: Bald tires and missed inspections aren’t just maintenance issues—they can be fatal.
• Fleets Burn (Literally): Garbage trucks, turbochargers, and hoppers go up in flames more often than you'd think.
• Reputation Follows the Logo: Employees driving city vehicles to strip clubs? That’s a PR nightmare waiting to happen.

Fleet Hall of Famer. Nicknamed "The Fixer of Fleet" by Government Fleet Magazine. With decades of experience across city, state, transit, and private fleets, Steve has transformed underperforming operations into high-functioning successes. He’s been a state director, built trucks, sold cars, and led with integrity through high-stakes challenges.

CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. Fleet tech veteran and strategic storyteller. Josh brings deep insight into operations, leadership, and scaling sustainable fleet systems, along with a passion for mentoring the next generation of fleet professionals.