3 Responsibilities that the best fleet managers will perform well
At its core, fleet management covers the practices of organising, overseeing and recording the different aspects of a fleet. The duties of a fleet manager are varied, but often include establishing regular vehicle maintenance schedules, cost-saving policies and new driver training programmes.
Depending on the size of the firm and the industry in which it operates, fleet management practices often vary more as the management aspects become more specific.
Fleet managers have several responsibilities that they must bear in mind when implementing their company’s fleet management programme. Here we look at 3 of the key responsibilities that only the best fleet managers will perform exceptionally well.
- Recording fleet information
Fleet managers are required to record and maintain accurate data and information on every aspect of their fleet. Although this may sound like a simple task, it is actually very tedious and can come with many challenges. Quality fleet managers with years of experience in the field, however, will be able to perform this effectively.
Fleet managers need to keep very detailed maintenance histories for all vehicles in their fleet. This is because there may be instances where they need to find the exact date of a specific vehicle’s last oil change. There is hence a need for them to possess well-kept records as they can be converted into imperative records for upper management to understand.
- Mitigating all associated risks of the organisation
Fleet managers need to assess, mitigate and manage risks at every level of the organisation. The programmes that they implement need to include advanced screening policies for all drivers.
Furthermore, good fleet managers will rigorously keep enforcing training programmes and safe-driving policies. This helps them to lower the risk of traffic incidents involving its fleet vehicles.
An effective fleet management programme will have a detailed plan of action for situations involving on-road accidents. These may include failed inspections, vehicle breakdowns, on-road accidents and traffic crashes. Quality fleet managers will go the extra mile in establishing situational procedures and processes for the different scenarios and circumstances that the fleet may encounter.
- Analysing fleet data
Fleet managers are often required to analyse recorded fleet information, extrapolate issues from the information and consequently recommend solutions.
Quality fleet managers will be able to view the common routes that their vehicles take and identify the best routes or travel schedules. This helps to decrease idle times and avoid heavy traffic.
By limiting inefficient business practices such as excessive idling or out-of-the-way travel routes, fleet managers can decrease fuel consumption and improve their efficiency and productivity.
Essentially, the role of a fleet manager is not easy due to the constantly changing nature of the field. However, with years of acquired expertise and skills, many find themselves able to perform the above tasks exceptionally well. It is also good to note that the best fleet managers are able to boost the overall performance of their company.
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