As Canadian businesses navigate a year defined by economic uncertainty and shifting expectations, fleet leaders are confronting new and evolving pressures. Rising operating costs, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions are pushing companies to rethink how they run their operations—especially in industries where every delay can impact customer trust, safety, and bottom lines.

Yet, amid these challenges, Canadian fleet operators are rising to the occasion. Instead of standing still, they’re embracing innovative, data-driven tools designed specifically for Canada’s unique conditions. The fleets that are thriving are leveraging these digital solutions to stay ahead—all while seeing tangible benefits across all provinces and territories.

Here’s how they’re turning challenges into competitive advantages:

1. Controlling costs and accelerating revenue with real-time visibility

In today’s economic landscape, Canadian fleets are facing mounting pressure to manage costs and mitigate risks as fuel fluctuates and demand remains unpredictable. To stay competitive, leading fleets are prioritizing fuel efficiency and asset management as critical strategies for operational resilience.

• Optimizing fuel efficiency: As fuel prices rise and fall, data becomes a powerful asset for controlling costs. Gordon Food Service leveraged targeted fuel monitoring strategies to conserve 2.6 million litres of fuel, saving C$3.5 million by the end of 2024. This level of visibility not only drives cost savings but also enables smarter routing and idle time reduction.

• Improving asset management: Proactive maintenance is a key lever for reducing operational expenses. Sterling Crane Canada is a prime example of a company using data to monitor asset health and reduce downtime. By streamlining maintenance processes, they saved C$1.5 million in on-road equipment costs and C$2.9 million in off-road assets — underscoring how data-driven asset management protects long-term operational value.

• Accelerating revenue cycles: For some fleets, optimizing internal processes is revealing hidden revenue opportunities. Certarus reduced invoicing times by 23% through workflow automation, unlocking C$40 million in previously delayed revenue annually. Data-driven processes are proving to be more than a cost-control mechanism—they’re revenue accelerators.

2. Ensuring connectivity in remote and rural regions

Canada’s expansive geography presents distinct challenges for fleets operating in remote or rural areas. For industries like oil and gas, forestry, and mining, maintaining reliable communication and visibility is essential to keeping workers safe and operations on track.

• Mitigating lone worker risks: In regions where cellular coverage is unreliable, emergency communication tools are vital. Small’s Expediting Services, based in Whitehorse, YT, implemented satellite-enabled panic buttons to provide a direct line to dispatch, ensuring drivers can signal for help regardless of coverage gaps. “If something goes wrong and our drivers are out of coverage, they can use the panic button to instantly notify us, no matter where they are,” says Shawn Hamilton, Vice President and CFO of Small’s.

• Maintaining operational visibility: Satellite solutions that provide regular location updates via satellite can significantly reduce blind spots, ensuring continuous connectivity even in remote areas. “Before, we’d lose visibility the moment vehicles left cellular zones,” said Hamilton. “Now, we can monitor location every 15 minutes, even deep in the field. It gives our dispatchers real-time peace of mind and lets us better support our drivers during long, isolated shifts.”

• Enhancing customer communication: With plug-and-play solutions that seamlessly switch between cellular and satellite, fleets can deliver accurate ETAs and real-time updates that keep customers informed and expectations managed. “We were up and running fast—no need for specialists or downtime,” said Hamilton, emphasizing the simplicity of deploying a satellite solution.

3. Prioritizing driver safety and retention amid labour challenges

With driver shortages and regulatory pressures mounting, Canadian fleets are rethinking how they support and retain their workforce. By investing in AI-powered tools and data-driven safety programs, operators are not only reducing risk and meeting regulatory standards—they’re also creating a more rewarding and efficient work environment for drivers.

• Improving daily operations: At Sterling Crane Canada, implementing Connected Workflows helped streamline routine processes and reduce administrative burdens. The result? Over 10,000 hours of technician labour time recovered and C$1.6 million in reduced driver downtime annually—all while boosting Hours of Service (HOS) compliance and allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.

• Fostering a culture of recognition: Companies like Sobeys are turning real-time safety metrics into performance incentives. By tracking behaviours such as harsh braking and speeding, they’re able to recognize and reward top-performing drivers with high safety scores—promoting safer driving habits and increasing job satisfaction.

• Enhancing safety and compliance: In response to growing regulatory scrutiny, more Canadian fleets are adopting rigorous safety programs. GardaWorld Security implemented AI Dash Cams to monitor and improve driver behaviour. Their investment led to a 74% drop in speeding, 67% fewer close-following incidents, and a 25% reduction in rolling stops—a clear sign that visibility and accountability can dramatically improve safety outcomes.

4. Making long-term, scalable investments

In an unpredictable market, Canadian fleets are zeroing in on adaptable solutions that can scale with evolving operational demands:

• Streamlining cross-border compliance: For companies like Loblaw, managing cross-border operations efficiently is crucial. By implementing Connected Workflows, they developed a custom CTPAT compliance form that streamlines data entry for drivers while maintaining audit readiness. “Now [our drivers] can automatically submit the load ID, truck numbers, seal photos, and locations through the Driver App,” said Stephanie McEachern, Sr. Analyst, Transport Maintenance at Loblaw. “And I can pull a monthly report of all CTPAT forms to identify any gaps, save us time, and prepare for any future audits.”

• Accessing real-time data: Sterling Crane Canada’s investment in a unified data platform has proven to be a game changer for decision-making. “We’re able to get accurate, instant data whenever we need it.” said Marco Goodridge, Maintenance Manager at Sterling Crane Canada. “The experience has been amazing for all of us.”

• Driving operational impact: For Sobeys, investing in connected systems isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about driving measurable business value. “What we’re accomplishing is not only exciting and innovative, but it’s driving real value and impacting the bottom line,” said Jody Fitzpatrick, Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain

By investing in scalable, data-driven solutions, Canadian fleets are transforming today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities—positioning themselves to not only withstand uncertainty but to thrive despite it.

Ready to explore how your fleet can maximize operational visibility, safety, and efficiency? Schedule a demo to see how connected operations can drive real impact—or log in to unlock more value from your existing Samsara platform.