What fleet operators are focusing on as economic pressures mount

Fleet and mobility leaders across North America are prioritizing cost control and operational stability as they navigate economic uncertainty, according to a new report from Element Fleet Management.

Element’s 2026 Market Pulse Report found 78 per cent of fleet leaders identified cost savings as their top priority this year, while more than half said tariffs and other economic factors are having a moderate to significant impact on their operations.

The findings suggest fleet operators have shifted away from the reactive decision-making that characterized the post-pandemic years and are instead focused on improving efficiency and controlling costs.

“Clients are operating in an environment where every decision must deliver measurable value,” said David Madrigal, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer at Element. “They’re focused on reducing total cost of ownership while maintaining performance.”

The report found half of respondents expect to maintain their current fleet size, reflecting what Element described as a stability-first approach.

At the same time, organizations continue to invest selectively in technologies that could improve efficiency. More than half of respondents said they are exploring artificial intelligence and digital tools, primarily to improve safety and reduce costs.

Fleet electrification remains a longer-term priority. One in five (19 per cent) of respondents said they are in the early stages of transitioning to electric vehicles, while 31 per cent are exploring or using alternative mobility solutions such as short-term rentals.

“For most organizations, progress isn’t about making bold, immediate shifts,” said Avninder Buttar, senior vice-president and head of electrification at Element. “It’s about taking practical steps that align with operational realities.”