Featured Leader: Michael Quimby on Helping Fleets Stay Ahead of Rising Costs and Technician Shortages

The transportation and logistics sector is under increasing strain. Fleets across North America are grappling with rising equipment costs, a critical shortage of technicians, and supply chain instability. Yet even amid these challenges, smart fleet operators are finding ways to stay ahead.

In a recent interview with Fleet Management Weekly, Michael Quimby, COO of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, shared a data-backed, proactive strategy designed to help fleets reduce cost pressure and improve performance.

Leadership Rooted in Experience

Michael Quimby has built a career across some of the industry's biggest names, including Ryder, GE, and Element. Today, he brings that experience to Kooner, leading operations across 26 U.S. states and Canada. His approach is hands-on, data-driven, and focused on what matters most: helping clients maintain reliable fleets with lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Fleet Technician Shortages: Why Labor Strategy Is Now a Competitive Advantage

One of the most pressing issues in fleet management is the growing shortage of skilled technicians. As technical programs shrink and older workers retire, demand is outpacing supply. "Technicians are the lifeblood of a fleet," Quimby says. "Without them, even the best-maintained vehicles end up off the road."

Kooner is tackling this challenge head-on with long-term investments in workforce development. The company partners with trade schools, offers paid mentorships, and provides in-the-field training to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world performance. This emphasis on recruiting and developing talent is already paying off, reducing service delays and improving uptime across client fleets.

Preparing for the Cost Impact of Tariffs On Fleets

Escalating tariffs on imported parts and equipment are reshaping procurement strategies. While many fleet operators feel the squeeze, Kooner’s clients are benefiting from early planning and smarter sourcing. "Higher parts costs are inevitable," Quimby warns. "But that doesn’t mean you have to absorb the full impact."

Kooner helps clients lock in supplier contracts, stock high-use components, and avoid the trap of deferring maintenance. As Quimby notes, delayed maintenance might look like savings now, but it typically leads to unexpected downtime, emergency repairs, and expensive operational disruptions later.

A Practical Six-Point Resilience Strategy for Fleets

Based on years of operational data and client feedback, Kooner Fleet Management recommends a six-point plan for navigating today’s market:

1. Strengthen supplier relationships to secure better pricing and dependable delivery.

2. Maintain consistent preventative maintenance to minimize breakdown risk and prolong asset life.

3. Optimize inventory by identifying and stocking high-turnover parts.

4. Leverage telematics for visibility into fuel usage, wear and tear, and service alerts.

5. Reevaluate vehicle life cycles to ensure cost-effective replacements and avoid overextending assets.

6. Monitor regulatory changes and update compliance policies in advance of enforcement.

With these pillars in place, fleets gain control over major cost drivers and reduce the volatility that can impact everything from delivery timelines to driver satisfaction.

Turning Fleet Data Into Operational Decisions

Kooner’s technology stack helps make this strategy actionable. Its platform provides real-time reporting across critical metrics: vehicle health, maintenance schedules, technician response times, and parts availability. That level of visibility empowers operations teams to act fast and make informed decisions.

This is more than just tracking vehicles on a map. It’s about turning data into proactive decisions that improve efficiency, reduce cost per mile, and boost uptime.

Scaling Without Losing Client Focus

Kooner’s growth has been rapid, but not at the expense of service quality. As Quimby explains, "We’ve structured our teams to ensure every client—from regional carriers to Fortune 500 fleets—gets personalized support and 24/7 access."

That support includes transparent KPIs, flexible reporting dashboards, and dedicated account managers who understand each client’s unique fleet challenges. It’s a scalable model built on accountability and proactive service.

The Road Ahead

Fleet operators today are navigating more complexity than ever before. But with the right strategy and support, those pressures can become opportunities. Whether it's preparing for parts inflation, closing the technician gap, or modernizing maintenance workflows, Kooner Fleet Management is helping clients reduce friction, improve performance, and drive smarter.

As Michael Quimby puts it, "You can’t control the market, but you can control how your fleet responds. That’s where we come in."

Looking to protect your fleet from rising costs and labor shortages?

Connect with Kooner Fleet Management Solutions today and see how a proactive partner can help your operation grow more resilient, efficient, and cost-effective.