Managing a fleet of vehicles and their drivers is a complex task. Not only does it require automotive and technical ability, but it also demands organization, communication skills, and leadership. Though challenging, this career path can be highly rewarding with excellent pay and pride in your work. At NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, New York, we offer automotive academic programs, including automotive and diesel technology, to prepare you for careers in the auto industry. Here, we explore a common fleet manager job description and the qualities you will need to thrive in this role.

What Is Fleet Management?

Many organizations, from trucking companies and farms to schools and municipal governments, rely on a fleet of vehicles for day-to-day operations. Fleet managers are the professionals who keep these vehicles coordinated. They are responsible for every aspect of the fleet, ensuring that business runs smoothly, safely, and on schedule without preventable complications. Their role is vital and involves balancing multiple duties, which may include:

• Purchasing or leasing new fleet vehicles
• Arranging routine maintenance and repairs
• Ordering necessary parts and supplies
• Disposing of totaled or unwanted vehicles
• Tracking driver activity and retention
• Ensuring employee safety
• Handling inspections from the DoT and OSHA

Traits of a Fleet Manager Job Description

Being a fleet manager is highly rewarding, but also challenging. Managers are required to juggle a range of responsibilities, each demanding its own skill set. Many individuals can develop the knowledge and technical ability necessary to work as a fleet manager. However, people with the following qualities will stand out above the rest:

Vehicle Maintenance Expertise

Vehicle maintenance and repairs are a central part of a fleet manager’s duties. As such, they must be able to understand the requirements for all kinds of vehicles, including traditional gas, diesel, electric, and hybrid, while managing parts inventory for each. The better a fleet manager understands vehicles, the more effectively they can do their job.

Organizing and Multitasking

Fleet managers must be able to switch rapidly between their different responsibilities. They must also be ready to coordinate a large number of vehicles and drivers, often across multiple locations, to minimize downtime and maximize profits. As a result, keeping track of time and small details is key to staying organized without allowing vital information to slip through the cracks.

Leadership and Decision-Making

Fleet managers don’t only keep track of their drivers and vehicles—they must also make day-to-day decisions on a variety of topics, including employment, vehicle purchasing and replacements, customer satisfaction, and more. When unexpected problems arise, they must respond quickly with effective solutions. This requires quick thinking and the ability to earn respect as a leader.

Communication

While solving problems, fleet managers also coordinate with others. They may discuss repairs with mechanics, vehicle specifications with vendors, instructions with employees, or budgeting with upper management. They also interact with customers on a regular basis. In these situations, communication skills can make the difference between a mediocre fleet manager and an excellent one.

Technology Familiarity

Many modern companies use sophisticated software for recordkeeping, analysis, and other tasks. Vehicles also are constantly evolving with new innovations. Fleet managers must be comfortable using these tools and be able to leverage them effectively for maximum benefit. They must also keep up with technologies that constantly change, ensuring they never fall behind.

Why Work as a Fleet Manager?

Logistical roles like fleet managers fill essential roles in all kinds of business and there are many benefits to working in them. They include:

Strong Job Outlook

The importance of fleet managers only increases as e-commerce becomes more dominant, requiring well-run fleets to deliver the goods and services consumers order. As such, skilled managers are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a rapid 19% growth in the employment of logistical professionals over the next decade. With such a need, individuals entering the industry can look forward to lots of open positions and excellent job security.

Competitive Salary

The specialized work is also rewarded with good pay and benefits. The average fleet manager’s salary in New York is $82,609 per year. Fleet managers may also receive overtime compensation and will gain skills that can help them advance to other positions.

Why Choose NYADI?

When entering a challenging occupation such as fleet manager, the right educational institution makes a difference. A mechanic school like NYADI offers the resources to help students develop the skills and qualities they’ll need to thrive. We provide career services after graduation to offer additional support.

NYADI believes that better opportunities should be available to anyone. We accept financial aid, to ease the financial burden and allow students to focus on their studies. If students have not graduated from high school, we also offer free assistance toward completing a GED (General Education Diploma) via our Ability to Benefit program, helping them take that first step toward a fulfilling new career.

Learn Fleet Manager Skills at NYADI

If you aspire to become a fleet manager, set yourself up for success at NYADI. Our high-quality training programs in Jamaica, NY, are tailored to support students in developing the necessary skills for their future careers. To learn more about fleet manager job descriptions or our admissions requirements, contact an admissions representative today.