Sean M. Lyden

Sean M. Lyden is the editor of Utility Fleet Professional magazine.

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The State of Self-Driving Trucks

September 19, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Fleet Profiles

A few years ago, most media headlines said that robots would rule the roads. It was not a matter of if but when. And that time was imminent. But the media hype has since cooled, and OEMs have pushed out production timelines. Yet a handful of companies in the autonomous truck sector are quietly moving […]

How Will AI Impact Your Fleet Operations?

September 19, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Special Focus

Artificial intelligence is reshaping fleet management – whether you notice it or not – to improve operations, enhance safety and reduce costs. But if you’re not consistently following all the latest developments in AI, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and left behind. So, what’s the current state of AI in fleet? What capabilities can we […]

8 ChatGPT Prompts to Boost Productivity, Improve Your Effectiveness

September 19, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Editor’s Perspective

Consider this: What if you could generate comprehensive reports, craft persuasive proposal drafts and analyze complex data sets in seconds instead of hours? That’s just scratching the surface of what these tools bring to your fingertips. Fleet professionals who learn to use them will significantly boost productivity, freeing up valuable time for strategic thinking and […]

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The Long and Winding – Yet ‘Inevitable’ – Road to Electrification

July 14, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Fleet Profiles

The road to electrification for the heavy-duty truck industry will be long and challenging but ultimately inevitable, Navistar CEO Mathias Carlbaum told a group of 175 utility fleet professionals in June. Speaking at the 71st Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, Carlbaum outlined a vision for the next decade and beyond, highlighting key […]

What’s New in Utility Construction Equipment in 2024?

July 14, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Special Focus

New utility construction equipment hitting the market in 2024 aims to boost productivity, fuel efficiency and operator comfort for crews working on projects ranging from laying pipelines to installing cables. Major manufacturers including Vermeer, Caterpillar, Volvo CE, CASE and John Deere are rolling out upgraded models with enhanced technology, improved hydraulics and redesigned cabs. So, […]

If You Missed the 71st EUFMC, Here Are the Highlights

July 14, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Editor’s Perspective

The Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference saw record-breaking attendance at its 2024 event held June 2-5 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Over 500 industry professionals gathered for the annual event. A total of 175 fleet representatives attended, including over 50 new members and eight new companies. They were joined by more than 360 attendees from nearly 100 […]

6 Takeaways from the 2024 Green Truck Summit

May 11, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Fleet Profiles

Over 800 fleet professionals and industry representatives attended the daylong Green Truck Summit – part of NTEA’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis – on March 5 to assess the current landscape and path forward for electrification. So, what is the outlook for electric trucks? In a nutshell, truck manufacturers are still investing heavily in new […]

What’s New in All-Terrain Utility Vehicles in 2024?

May 11, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Equipment

All-terrain utility vehicles (ATUVs) allow utility crews to go where four-wheel-drive pickups and other conventional vehicles cannot. These machines come in various models; some can transport people and heavy equipment over rugged, hilly terrain, while others have amphibious capabilities for crossing deep water. So, what’s the latest in the ATUV market to enhance the safety […]

When Fleet Management Becomes Change Management

May 11, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Editor’s Perspective

Whether electrifying your fleet, rolling out new software or restructuring your department, you’ll encounter resistance from within and outside your team. So, how do you win over those people to make the transition as smooth as possible? Put these six change management principles into practice. 1. Clearly communicate the vision, rationale and benefits of the […]

Fleet Electrification Plans Face Reality Check Amid EV Slowdown

March 1, 2024 | Sean M. Lyden | Fleet Profiles

Last year’s NTEA Work Truck Week was a parade of new electric vehicle launches. But if recent news is a sign, the bullishness toward EVs might be more subdued at this year’s show in Indianapolis in March. The Sudden Downshift Until a couple of months ago, the EV market looked unstoppable. EV sales reached their […]