Fleet management has evolved from a purely operational function to a strategic exercise demanding real-time decision-making. Safety, maintenance, fuel, regulations, service levels, and driver shortages are all part of an equation that today’s leaders must balance as costs rise and technology constantly evolves.

In this context, Samsara presented the second annual edition of “100 Fleet Operators to Watch in 2026 ,” a recognition that highlights executives who are raising the bar in sectors such as transportation, construction, utilities, logistics, and field services . These are the people responsible for complex systems—from delivery trucks and heavy machinery to emergency vehicles—whose work often goes unnoticed because, when executed correctly, it simply allows everything to function.

Among the recognized profiles are Scott Amox ( Glazer’s Beer & Beverage ), Otis Anderson ( Jordan Carriers ), Raudel Arriaga ( Blue Rhino ), Reed Aubin (Sobeys), Alfredo Enríquez ( Transportadora San Juan Jr. ), Craig Rhoades (American Electric Power) and Steven Roberts (Deseret Transportation), among other leaders ( see full list ), responsible for critical operations.

Mexico gains presence on global list!

Eric Peñalver, deputy director of Grupo Express del Norte , was recognized from Mexico. He oversees cross-border and regional transportation operations. According to Samsara, his work focuses on strengthening fleet coordination, service reliability, and operational efficiency within a growing logistics network, contributing to maintaining solid standards in the movement of goods.

Julio Encinas, Director of Strategic Development, Quality and Engineering at Mexlog , was also recognized for driving operational improvements in a high-turnover freight transportation network. The award highlights his management’s efforts to strengthen coordination, visibility, and execution from dispatch to delivery, achieving significant reductions in emergency detection times and component theft incidents, while reinforcing safety and reliability standards in logistics operations.

Alfredo Enríquez, General Manager / Operations of Transportadora San Juan Jr. , was recognized by Samsara in the 2026 list for his leadership in operational management, strengthening efficiency, safety and service quality in a growing transportation network.

Also from Mexico, Samsara Hernán Guerra, Chief Information Officer of Trayecto , was recognized for driving digital transformation in fleet and cargo operations, incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning and connected technology directly into vehicles to strengthen the visibility, efficiency and reliability of the movement of goods.

He was also recognized by Samsara Raúl Monroy Otero, Deputy Director General of TMS , for his leadership in operational safety and technological modernization, establishing clear goals for the reduction of accidents and strengthening the recruitment of operators, including the incorporation of more women in a context of talent shortage in the sector.

AI, from reactive to preventive

When renowned executives were asked about the biggest change the industry will face in the next three years, one theme was consistent: artificial intelligence (AI) is ceasing to be a complementary tool and becoming a structural part of the operation.

The leaders indicated they are moving toward preventative models, relying on solutions that not only analyze what happened but also guide the next steps to reduce risks and avoid disruptions. They are also seeking to consolidate technological platforms to spend less time managing isolated tools and more time monitoring operations.

However, they agreed that AI does not replace human judgment. It can identify patterns and alert to risks, but it doesn’t replace the experience of those who know their drivers, routes, and daily operations. The fleets that perform best are those that combine technological efficiency with operational knowledge.

In Mexico, new solutions for asset recovery

Alongside this global recognition, Samsara announced in Mexico its new generation of smart trackers: Asset Tag and Asset Tag XS , designed to strengthen the visibility and recovery of critical assets in physical operations.

The announcement comes at a time when cargo theft continues to pose a structural risk to the industry. According to the Mexican Association of Private Security and Satellite Industry Companies (Amesis), 71% of thefts reported in 2025 involved the use of signal jammers , reflecting a technological evolution in criminal methods.

The new devices incorporate artificial intelligence to detect assets at risk in real time, even in environments where traditional GPS signals are blocked. They generate automatic alerts when equipment becomes separated from its vehicle outside a reliable geofence and provide context about the last known location and associated vehicle, facilitating more efficient recovery decisions.

Asset Tag is designed for small tools and equipment and offers up to six years of maintenance-free battery life, 50% more than the previous generation. The ultra-compact Asset Tag XS allows you to track high-value hand tools, specialized gauges, or medical equipment, with up to three years of battery life and flexible mounting options.

In an environment where asset security and operational efficiency are crucial for competitiveness, the digitization and traceability of physical assets are becoming a strategic element to strengthen the resilience of transport and logistics in Mexico.

(Main image source: Samsara Global )

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