By Eric Anderson, Union Leasing Vice President of Customer Service and Strategic Services & Dale Jewell, Union Leasing Senior Manager, Fleet Maintenance
April 15, 2026
There’s something special about opening day at the NAFA Institute and Expo. This year’s theme, “Amplify Your Drive,” couldn’t be more fitting. As the Union Leasing team walked through the educational sessions, it didn’t just feel like a conference; it felt like a homecoming. Familiar faces, continued conversations, and a shared sense that, no matter how large the industry seems, fleet is still a close-knit community.
That’s one of the things we value most about this space. People show up for each other. They share what they’re seeing and what they’re experiencing. And this year, a common thread ran through so many conversations and sessions: Support, education, and investing in people and processes.
But underneath all of that is something even more fundamental: connection. Helping people find the right partners. Helping organizations make sense of complexity. Helping fleet managers connect the dots. And that’s really what fleet concierge is all about.
Connecting the Dots in a Complex Environment
Fleet today has evolved. Between shifting market dynamics, supply constraints, and external influences, there’s a lot happening at once. A concierge mindset means staying tuned into what’s happening around your fleet, not just within it.
Take the cost of fuel, for example. There’s a lot happening right now, especially with geopolitics, and naturally, the question becomes: how does that impact your fleet? The national average is approximately $4.16 per gallon, with projections pointing to a near-term increase through April, potentially reaching around $4.30 per gallon.
In addition to seasonal trends, geopolitical developments in the Middle East are adding to the uncertainty. In particular, the Strait of Hormuz remains a key variable that could influence fuel pricing through the summer, given its critical role in global oil supply.
Regional dynamics play an important role, as well:
The West Coast is expected to remain the highest-cost region.- A planned refinery closure in the Los Angeles area this spring may add further upward pressure.
- The Gulf Coast and Midwest are expected to continue offering the lowest fuel prices.
- Prices are expected to ease modestly through May and June, though they will likely remain elevated compared to historical norms.
These dynamics are creating cost pressures; knowing how to navigate them is where the right support makes a difference.
The Role of Fleet Concierge
Fleet can be complex, especially if your leaders don’t work in it every day. And when challenges arise, it matters to have people you can depend on. Events like NAFA provide valuable opportunities to connect and learn. But when that access isn’t there, it becomes even more important to have the right partner, one that is committed to your business.
It’s about helping you understand what’s going on. It’s about connecting the dots. And it’s about being there to help you move forward. Even in a small, close-knit industry, challenges can quickly become complex. The right partner helps you navigate them. It’s about sharing knowledge, staying ahead of trends, and helping others succeed as efficiently as possible. That’s what fleet concierge means to us at Union Leasing.
To find out how Union Leasing can help you and your fleet connect the dots, click here.
