Vehicles don’t crash, people do.
As fleet managers our job is to ensure company drivers always have everything they need to do their job well and return to their families safe and sound. This means managing vehicles as well as drivers.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about roles and responsibilities of a fleet manager, including daily routine, skills, and qualifications required.
I will also share what kind of salary you can expect starting out and how to stand out from other candidates when applying for fleet manager roles.
What is a Fleet Manager?
A fleet manager runs a company’s vehicles. They control all aspects of the fleet’s operation. This includes maintenance, buying new vehicles, and managing drivers. They ensure efficient and safe operations by ensuring driver and vehicle well-being.
How? By making sure the vehicles are fit for driving, the drivers have the right tech, and are not overworked, etc. They ensure compliance with regulations and laws such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
Fleet managers also work on strategies to decarbonize company fleets and improve fuel efficiency.
Responsibilities of a Fleet Manager
1. Vehicle Management
- The fleet manager buys and sells vehicles.
- They handle licensing, insurance, and registration.
- Oversee maintenance schedules and repairs.
- Track vehicle location and performance.
- Plan routes for efficiency and manage fuel costs.
2. Driver Management
- The fleet manager hires, trains, and manages drivers.
- They conduct thorough background checks on potential drivers.
- They also invest in driver training programs.
- Ensure compliance with regulations such as Hours of Service (HOS) and rules set by the FMCSA.
- Work with drivers to reduce aggressive driving behaviours, infractions, and accidents.
3. Company Reporting
- The fleet manager reports directly to upper management.
- They provide data on fleet costs, performance, accidents, insurance claims, etc.
- Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and driver performance to improve fleet performance.
- Based on this data, they create fleet budgets, develop and implement fleet strategies.
How to Be a Good Fleet Manager
To be a good fleet manager, you need to be able to manage a fleet of vehicles and drivers efficiently and safely. This means having a good understanding of vehicles, regulations, and fleet systems. You also need to be able to communicate effectively with a diverse team of drivers, mechanics, and management.
In short, fleet manager has to juggle many tasks, decide quickly, and keep the fleet running smoothly and drivers safe.
Over my decade long career, quick decision making and communication skills have been the most important qualities for me.
You need to be emphathetic to your team’s problems and at the same time, be able to make tough decisions when needed.
Qualities of a Good Fleet Manager
Over my 11 years of experience as a fleet manager, here are the top qualities I have found helpful for the job:
- Communication: Effectively convey information to drivers, mechanics, and management.
- Leadership: Guide and motivate the team.
- Analysis: Use data to identify recurring problems.
- Problem-solving: Quickly address issues with vehicles, drivers, and logistics. Need to multi task.
- Time management: Balance schedules and priorities to meet deadlines.
- Technical knowledge: Understand vehicles, regulations, and fleet systems.
- Adaptability: Adjust to new situations, market demands, and technologies.
- Decision-making: Make informed choices under pressure.
- Organization: Manage fleet documents, records, and assignments efficiently.
- Accountability: Ensure compliance with safety standards and company policies.
Qualifications Needed for a Fleet Manager
To become a fleet manager, you’ll need a combination of education, transportation experience, and Leadership skills. A logistics or accounting degree is helpful. You should also have a valid CDL, clean driving record, ASE certification and knowledge of OSHA and DOT regulations.
Fleet managers are responsible for managing personnel and drivers, and they need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. They also need to be good decision-makers and able to lead a team towards a common goal.
Fleet managers should also have good time management and scheduling skills, and be able to multi-task.
How Much Do Fleet Managers Make?
According to data from Indeed (a job portal), the salary for a fleet manager in the United States can vary widely, but the majority of salaries fall between $53,500 and $91,000 per year. The top 10% of earners make around $117,000 annually. This aligns with what I have seen in my career as a fleet manager.
The highest paying cities for fleet managers include Houston, TX, Portland, OR, St. Louis, MO, New York, NY, and Tampa, FL.
Some of the top paying companies for fleet managers include: Solar Turbines, Amazon, and Pratt & Whitney.
And the top paying industries for fleet managers include:
- Information Technology
- Energy, Mining & Utilities
- Aerospace & Defense
- Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services
- Manufacturing
Is Fleet Manager a Stressful Job?
Yes, fleet management is a stressful job because fleet managers face information overload, communication difficulties, strict compliance requirements and tight deadlines.
Fleet managers have to handle large amounts of data, track industry standards, communicate with drivers across wide areas to meet targets while ensuring regulatory compliance (such as ELD devices and HOS requirements).
Despite these pressures, most of us find the role rewarding. The pay and benefits are good and with software like telematics and GPS, the job is becoming easier.
Above all, it is very rewarding to see outcomes of the work we do - every accident prevented via training or tech investment is multiple lives saved.
We also get a fair opportunity to make our fleets more sustainable and eco-friendly, cut fuel costs, and increase profits for the business - which in turn means a secure livelihood for hundreds of families.