EnerSys

Jeremy Cordray, Vice President of Global Transportation at EnerSys, emphasizes uptime as a strategic priority, championing disciplined maintenance and total cost of ownership to build resilient fleets that balance efficiency, service reliability, and sustainability in a changing industry.

In today’s global transportation environment, efficiency and resilience are no longer competing priorities. They are deeply connected. My experience across complex supply chains has reinforced a critical truth: the fleets that outperform over time are not those that simply minimize upfront costs, but those that optimize total cost of ownership through disciplined maintenance, strategic asset management, and a relentless focus on uptime.

Uptime as a Strategic Priority

For fleet operators, uptime is the foundation of performance. Every moment a vehicle is out of service due to preventable issues directly impacts revenue, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Despite this, maintenance is still too often treated as a reactive necessity rather than a strategic advantage.

Leading fleets are shifting this mindset. A proactive maintenance approach built on inspection routines, predictive diagnostics, and lifecycle planning allows operators to prevent failures before they occur. This reduces unplanned downtime, stabilizes operating costs, and extends the usable life of assets.

Uptime is not achieved by chance. It is the result of consistent execution, strong processes, and a commitment to maintaining equipment at the highest standard.

Looking Beyond Purchase Price

One of the most important shifts in transportation today is the growing recognition of total cost of ownership. Decisions about vehicles, components, and service models must be evaluated across their full lifecycle, not just the initial purchase price.

Total cost of ownership includes acquisition cost, maintenance requirements, downtime risk, operational efficiency, and residual value. When viewed through this lens, the lowest upfront cost option often proves to be more expensive over time. Equipment that requires frequent repairs or introduces service disruptions erodes profitability quickly.

Organizations that consistently perform well take a long-term view. They invest in reliability, durability, and serviceability. They standardize maintenance practices and measure performance rigorously. Over time, these decisions drive meaningful improvements in uptime and overall cost efficiency.

The Role of Outsourcing in TCO

Another important consideration in managing total cost of ownership is the role of outsourcing. Not every fleet is best positioned to handle all aspects of maintenance and asset management internally.

“We achieve resilience and efficiency by treating uptime as a strategic priority investing in disciplined maintenance asset management and total cost of ownership to drive lasting fleet performance.”

Strategic outsourcing can provide access to specialized expertise, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and scalable service networks. When executed effectively, it allows fleets to reduce overhead, improve service consistency, and focus internal resources on core operational priorities.

The key is alignment. Outsourcing partners must be measured against clear performance metrics tied to uptime, response time, and cost control. When the right partnerships are in place, outsourcing becomes a powerful tool for improving both operational performance and financial outcomes.

Managing Complexity in a Changing Industry

The transportation industry continues to evolve rapidly. Increasing customer expectations, tighter delivery windows, and more complex operating environments are placing new demands on fleets.

In this context, visibility and data are essential. Modern fleet operations rely on real time insights into equipment condition, service history, and performance trends. These tools enable better decision making and allow organizations to shift from reactive maintenance to predictive planning.

However, technology alone does not solve the problem. It must be paired with disciplined execution, trained personnel, and a clear strategy focused on uptime and long-term value.

Balancing Cost, Service, and Sustainability

Fleet leaders today are asked to balance cost control, service excellence, and sustainability. The reality is that these priorities are closely linked.

A well-maintained fleet operates more efficiently, consumes fewer resources, and delivers more consistent service. Reduced downtime means fewer disruptions and less waste. Extending the life of assets reduces the need for premature replacement.

By focusing on maintenance and total cost of ownership, organizations can achieve cost efficiency and sustainability at the same time while improving service reliability.

Leadership in a Dynamic Environment

Effective leadership in today’s transportation environment requires clarity, accountability, and adaptability. The most successful leaders establish a culture where uptime and maintenance excellence are viewed as critical drivers of success.

They invest in people, ensuring teams are properly trained and equipped. They rely on data to guide decisions rather than assumptions. And they remain flexible, adjusting strategies as market conditions and technologies evolve.

Consistency in execution is often the difference between average and high performing fleets.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those building a career in transportation and logistics, it is important to understand the entire operation, not just individual functions. Maintenance, asset strategy, financial performance, and customer service are all interconnected.

Focus on the factors that drive uptime. Pay attention to the details that influence reliability and performance. Over time, these seemingly small improvements create significant competitive advantage.

Final Thought

The future of transportation will be shaped by organizations that understand reliability is built through intentional action. By prioritizing proper maintenance, adopting a total cost of ownership mindset, and leveraging the right mix of internal capabilities and external partners, fleets can achieve the resilience and efficiency required to succeed in a demanding and evolving industry.