C&D World session preview: Key strategies for effective fleet maintenance

At C&D World 2025, March 11-14 in Dallas, industry professionals will have the opportunity to expand their expertise in construction and demolition (C&D) recycling through a series of dynamic educational sessions.

In a session titled “Key Strategies for Effective Fleet Maintenance,” March 13 from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Central, Chad Abell, vice president of operations, Coastal Waste & Recycling; Tom Milani, CEO, Michael Brothers Hauling; Allen Burns, president, Richard S. Burns & Company Inc.; and Dave Kutschinski, vice president of fleet and maintenance, Waste Pro USA, will share proven strategies to enhance the efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness of fleet management.

To provide a preview of this insightful discussion, Construction & Demolition Recycling spoke with Abell about what attendees can expect to learn from the session.

Construction & Demolition Recycling (C&DR): What are some key strategies for effective fleet management?

Chad Abell (CA): Key strategies for effective fleet management include utilizing an effective preventative maintenance and inventory tracking system, maintaining effective supplier relationships and providing ample training for technicians.

C&DR: What are some of the challenges and opportunities fleet managers face when it comes to fleet safety and productivity?

CA: Fleet managers can face challenges such as training staff and conducting effective behavioral assessments for technicians to ensure shop safety, understanding Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration scoring and implementing corrective measures and working in a highly regulated environment.

C&DR: How have fleets evolved over the years, and what trends do you foresee in the future?

CA: Fleets have evolved via the implementation of new technologies and changing government regulations, particularly in emissions systems.

C&DR: What are some fleet management best practices you have learned throughout your career?

CA: Some best practices I’ve learned throughout my career include organizing the shop efficiently and maintaining a preventative maintenance schedule and quality control.

C&DR: What can attendees expect to learn from this session?

CA: Attendees can expect to learn about many aspects of fleet management, including advances in fleet safety technologies, best management practices for an effective fleet program, asset management and safe operations both in the shop and on the road.

A proper fleet maintenance program integrates all these elements. A weak link in any of these areas can lead to a significant failure in the overall process.