What to look for in a good fleet manager?

2022-01-24T23:00:00.000Z

The profile of the fleet manager is essential for efficient freight transport. But what does this person do, and what are his duties? Here we highlight:

Vehicle financing and purchasing: This professional is responsible for making decisions about which cars to purchase for the company. He or she also has a significant say in the quantity and distribution based on the company's business and objectives. For example, a company that transports animals will not be able to buy the same vehicles as a company that transports dangerous goods. In addition, at the end of the vehicles' useful life, this person is responsible for reselling them in order to recover part of the investment.
Organization and management of drivers: Drivers are an essential part of a logistics company. Therefore, the fleet manager has to make sure that the drivers have the right driving skills. If not, they can cause delays in deliveries or mechanical problems, as well as additional costs such as traffic fines.

Keeping the vehicles in good condition: The fleet manager is responsible for ensuring that the cars are in good condition throughout their life. This is done by maintaining the trucks and vans, ensuring that they are efficient for as long as possible. Some companies have their own mechanical centers, but if not, this professional must look for a reliable workshop. This will allow the company to continue using these vehicles for a longer period of time.
Logistic services: The fleet manager is responsible for optimizing the management of the vehicles by means of telematics systems. This way, he has control over the number of active drivers, vehicles on the road, mileage or fuel.

What characteristics should I look for in a fleet manager?

All these functions show that the right person must have certain characteristics. For example, they must be organized because they will need to coordinate the activity of the entire fleet. They also need to have good communication skills, as their message needs to be conveyed to the rest of the staff.

He or she must also have negotiation skills in order to always get the most out of a sale or purchase. Finally, he must be able to process large numbers and analyze data without missing any details of the transactions.

In summary, a good fleet manager must have these skills to be able to perform the functions described above. In this way, he or she will be able to master all aspects and be a reliable person throughout the company's organization.