A new global study by Castrol reveals that just under a quarter of commercial fleets worldwide are “Future-Fit” — a designation for fleets that outperform their peers across four core dimensions: operational efficiency, carbon reduction, digitization, and maintenance.
The Future-Fit Fleet report draws on insights more than 1,500 fleet managers and executives across 24 countries and eight industries, offering one of the most comprehensive snapshots yet of how commercial fleets are adapting to rapid technological and environmental change.
A Four-Dimensional Benchmark
The research defines a “Future-Fit Fleet” as one that excels across four areas:
- Operational Efficiency: Through tactics like route optimization and fuel-saving tech, these fleets average 9 miles per gallon—compared to 7 MPG for others.
- Carbon Reduction: 40% of Future-Fit Fleets have formal carbon reduction strategies, quadruple the rate of others.
- Digitization: Investment in technologies like GPS tracking and AI-powered analytics is 39% higher than average.
- Maintenance: With a proactive approach, these fleets see three fewer hours of downtime per vehicle each month.
These differences add up: Future-Fit Fleets travel up to 2.8 million more miles annually on the same fuel as non-Future-Fit fleets—equivalent to circling the globe 117 extra times.
Barriers and Opportunities
Despite the benefits, most fleets are still falling behind. Only 23% of respondents qualified as Future-Fit. Cost was a common barrier, particularly when it came to adopting low-emission technologies and predictive maintenance systems.
Many respondents also reported taking a reactive approach to emissions regulations. Only 17% had formal decarbonization strategies in place, and more than half lacked confidence in their ability to electrify due to infrastructure challenges.
“Fleet managers are being pulled in multiple directions—reduce costs, meet emissions targets, and deliver on-time performance,” said Michelle Jou, CEO of Castrol, in the report’s forward. “But this research shows that those who embrace digital tools and proactive sustainability plans are reaping real benefits.”
The report suggests that 2026 could be a tipping point, especially for digital adoption. Respondents plan significant increases in technologies like AI-powered safety systems, intelligent fuel management, and financial planning software.
Castrol, which also launched its Fleetmasters content platform alongside the report, encourages fleet managers to assess their own performance using its online Future-Fit Fleet assessment tool.
“This isn’t about tomorrow’s tech—it’s about the practices that leading fleets are already using today,” Jou said.
Download the full Future-Fit Fleet study today.
