When you get your items safely delivered on time, you can thank the fleet manager who made it happen. Put simply, a fleet manager is a logistics expert who works in the transportation industry.
These logistics specialists are in charge of managing every detail, regarding company vehicles and their drivers.
In addition to their main duties of buying and maintaining vehicles that are used for deliveries, fleet managers have several other jobs. Here are five of their many responsibilities, along the qualities needed to be a good fleet manager.
1. Records Accurate Information on Fleets
One of the main responsibilities of a fleet manager is to record and maintain correct data regarding everything pertaining to a fleet.
In other words, a fleet manager keeps a detailed history for every vehicle in his or her fleet. An example is a fleet manager looking up the date of the last oil change for a specific vehicle. This entails having well-kept records.
2. Analyzes Recorded Data
Fleet managers examine recorded data. They extrapolate possible problems from this information, besides reroute vehicles or change a travel schedule when needed.
As a result, drivers don't waste travel time because they use routes with less traffic or road hazards.
3. Chooses the Right Vehicles
Another basic job is selecting the most appropriate vehicles. Fleet managers also determine the best way to finance a fleet.
Once their vehicles have reached their maximum use and are ready to be resold, a fleet manager knows how to get the best price possible. Thus, they also serves as negotiators.
4. Sets Up Maintenance Schedules
Fleet managers are responsible for vehicle maintenance. They make sure their vehicles are in excellent shape for performing their various functions.
Consider how it's critical for their vehicles to be able to successfully deliver products and/or services at a minimal cost.
To ensure the vehicles in their fleets are properly maintained, fleet managers set up a maintenance schedule. Usually, vehicle maintenance is performed by a service department.
It can also be done using an external auto-service business. Furthermore, an auto-service center can be a source for supplying spare parts when needed.
5. Establishes Situational Procedures for Possible Problems and Scenarios
Fleet managers understand how a variety of issues can prevent their fleets from delivering goods and services on time. That's why they have to devise situational plans when problems arise.
For instance, a good fleet manager will have detailed plans of action for conditions, such as vehicle breakdowns, traffic crashes, failed inspections and other incidents that may occur while a fleet is traveling to its destination.
Other Responsibilities
- Creates and manages fleet policies.
- Assigns vehicles to drivers.
- Manages accident reports.
- Uses GPS systems that find where vehicles are located—This makes it easier to track vehicles or locate them if they're lost or stolen. GPS systems help managers take the steps needed when there are delays in deliveries.
- Uses devices for monitoring their drivers' driving patterns, such as speeding and excess braking.
- Looks for ways to reduce costs and increase profits, in addition to finding means for getting better fuel efficiency.
- Complies with all the laws and regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Basic Qualities of a Good Fleet Manager
- There are certain basic requirements for becoming a fleet manager, such as having at least two years of driving experience as a delivery driver.
- They should have at least two years of experience in a logistics role, along with experience working in the transportation industry.
- Fleet managers need to be detailed oriented and be good at problem-solving as well as possess outstanding interpersonal skills.
- They should have exceptional analytical abilities and organizational skills.
- They need be knowledgeable in computer applications.
Other Considerations
- The fleet management industry continues to grow. In fact, by 2022, this market is expected to have grown up to a rate that's 5 percent higher from 2016.
- Since there are different types of fleets, the kind of fleet your business has plays a huge role in deciding a fleet management program.
- A small business is one, such as a plumbing, landscape or gift delivery service. On the other hand, a large business can be taxi, rental and moving company that has at least 500 employees.
- Using a dependable fleet management company can mean lowered costs and higher returns. As a result, your business can grow because it gets a reputation for delivering goods on time. Another benefit is better employee satisfaction.
If you're looking for a high-quality fleet management company, look no further than Wilmar, Inc. Contact us for more information.
Sources:
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/fleet-management-market
