Vehicle fleet management is a critical business process that involves managing commercial vehicles to ensure they are operable and safe. Fleet management is crucial to helping businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. Businesses rely on fleet technicians to maintain commercial vehicles so that operations can go on as planned.

NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, New York, offers automotive academic programs to aspiring automotive repair experts who wish to pursue roles in fleet management. Here, we explore what vehicle fleet management is and the different roles automotive technicians can fill.

More About Fleet Management

Fleet management is an umbrella term used to describe the many actions and processes that come with operating a fleet (five or more vehicles). Almost every company or organization that utilizes vehicles to provide a service relies on fleet management. The most common industries that use fleet management include:

• Food delivery
• Utility companies
• Construction
• Public transportation
• Package delivery
• Emergency services

Fleet management serves as a solution for managing several commercial vehicles. It is a widely used business strategy because it can help businesses remain in compliance with state and federal regulations, locate and track company vehicles, improve fleet and driver safety, and more.

What Is a Fleet Technician?

A major component of fleet management is maintenance. To carry out maintenance of commercial vehicles, rather than outsource services, businesses hire fleet technicians. A fleet technician is like a mechanic employed by a repair shop or dealership. The major difference is that the fleet mechanic is employed by a service provider and is responsible for maintaining a specific set of commercial cars or trucks.

The core duties of a fleet technician specialist will vary, depending on the employer and the type of fleet, but usually include:

• Diagnosing and repairing vehicles and equipment, including engines, transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and climate control systems
• Performing routine maintenance, such as oil changes and lubrication
• Observing safety and warning indicators, and maintaining safety standards
• Preparing and maintaining records of work performed, including time, materials, and parts used
• Scheduling and coordinating vehicle maintenance and repair based on business operations
• Analyzing and interpreting technical data to troubleshoot issues
• Creating repair and maintenance plans
• Communicating with fleet managers regarding fleet performance and reporting on any issues that may occur
• Traveling to drivers’ locations to make remote repairs
• Keeping up with trends affecting the automotive industry

Opportunities for Career Advancement

The career outlook for fleet technicians will vary depending on their career aspirations and personal goals. Fleet mechanics who wish to remain with their current employer can progress toward the position of fleet manager. In this role, professionals are responsible for overseeing all fleet maintenance operations and responsible for other service technicians.

Fleet technicians can choose to pivot their expertise and work with other machinery that requires frequent servicing, such as aircraft. An aircraft service tech is responsible for maintaining aircraft to keep them safe and efficient. With experience, individuals in this role can advance to lead mechanic, lead inspector, or shop supervisor.

Fleet technicians who aspire to be a part of the vehicle design process can learn to become auto engineers. In this role, professionals develop new systems or improve existing technologies for vehicles, while relying heavily on their experiences as fleet technicians.

Fleet technicians who choose to pivot their career paths may need additional training, depending on the role or industry they wish to pursue.

Learn How to Become a Fleet Technician at NYADI

Employers prefer to hire fleet technicians with extensive training. Based in Jamaica, NY, NYADI offers training programs to prepare students for various roles in the automotive industry, including fleet technician. Our programs include:

• Automotive Technology degree program
• Automotive and Diesel Technology degree program
• Automotive Service Technology certificate program
• Truck and Diesel Service Technology certificate program
• Collision Repair Technology certificate program

In addition to high-quality automotive-focused education, we are pleased to offer financial aid opportunities to students who qualify.

Contact an admissions representative to learn more about our hands-on training programs and begin the process of enrollment.