Fleet managers play an important role in the transportation industry, helping to ensure that vehicles are safe and that companies run efficiently. These professionals can work in a variety of different job environments throughout the United States. Learn more about fleet management in this blog post from NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, NY.

What Is a Fleet Manager?

A fleet manager is an automotive industry professional who is responsible for overseeing a group of vehicles on behalf of a company or organization. Their job duties typically include:

• Recordkeeping: A fleet manager must maintain accurate information and service logs on all the vehicles under their care. They may use dash cam or analytics technology to monitor vehicle routes and track performance over time.
• Scheduling: Fleet managers need to ensure that each vehicle is assigned to the correct driver. To ensure a company’s vehicles are safe and reliable, they create schedules for regular maintenance and inspection. They also may help plan vehicle routes.
• Acquisition and disposal: As companies grow, a fleet manager may need to facilitate the purchase of new vehicles. Once a vehicle reaches the end of its usable life, fleet managers arrange for its sale or disposal.
• Inspection and repair: A fleet manager may run diagnostic checks before a vehicle goes into the field and inspect vehicles that have been returned to a fleet garage. They also may perform repairs when needed or delegate repair work to technicians.
• Budgeting: Fleet managers must control maintenance costs and budget for long-term expenses such as vehicle replacement.

Fleet managers sometimes are referred to as fleet maintenance supervisors.

Where Fleet Managers Work

Organizations of all sizes need logistical experts who can oversee their vehicle fleets. You may find fleet management job opportunities in the following environments:

• Trucking industry: Regional and national trucking companies hire fleet managers to keep their tractor-trailers in good working order, ensuring efficient operations and timely deliveries.
• Vehicle dealerships: A car dealership may have a dedicated fleet manager to keep track of vehicles for sale and lease, manage test driving, and record inventory.
• State and local government: Many municipal governments and transportation authorities have a wide range of vehicles that they need to maintain and oversee, such as city buses, garbage trucks, construction vehicles, and snowplows.

Fleet managers also can work at car rental agencies and taxi companies.

Good Qualities for Fleet Management

If you’re considering a career in fleet management, it helps to know the qualities that employers are seeking. A fleet manager should have the following skills:

• Engine maintenance and repair: First and foremost, fleet managers need to know how to maintain the vehicles under their care. While fleet managers will typically need expertise in diesel engines, in some work environments such as car rental agencies, they may primarily work with gasoline engines.
• Organization: A fleet manager needs to have excellent attention to detail. They may be keeping track of hundreds of vehicles, so they will need a good system for staying organized.
• Effective communication: Fleet managers might be responsible for coordinating logistics among multiple offices and vehicle yards, so good written and verbal communication will help them be successful.

Some fleet management roles will require college-level educational experience, such as a certificate or a two-year degree.

Get the Right Training

To get hands-on, career-focused automotive education and learn from experienced instructors, choose NYADI The College of Transportation Technology. Located in Jamaica, NY, and serving students in the surrounding area, we offer academic programs including:

• Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Automotive Technology
• Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Automotive and Diesel Technology
• Certificate in Automotive Service Technology
• Certificate in Collision Repair Technology
• Certificate in Truck and Diesel Service Technology

With one-on-one academic support and career services to help students prepare for life after graduation, NYADI The College of Transportation Technology is the perfect place to prepare for a job in fleet management. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, and our staff members are available to help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more about our programs, contact an admissions representative today.