4 Habits of Successful Fleet Managers

Fleet managers do a lot. They manage and maintain all of the vehicles in their fleet. Drivers, dispatchers, and other team members look to them for direction and leadership. Safety, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and success all rest on their shoulders.

With all of these responsibilities, keeping up with the job is essential. If you want to work as a fleet manager or are looking to improve your qualifications, here are four habits of successful fleet managers.

4 habits of successful fleet managers

1. Set clear expectations

Everyone on your team depends on you to set the standards for your fleet. Your fleet policies and procedures should be clearly expressed both verbally and in writing. They should also be repeated regularly to keep them fresh in everyone’s minds.

Create documentation, training resources, and regular seminars that cover your fleet expectations. Be explicit about acceptable driving behaviors, employee conduct, and fleet monitoring tools. The higher the standard you hold your fleet to, the more effective and safe they will be.

2. Be proactive

When fleet managers are reactive, they quickly lose control of every part of their fleets. Instead, focus on preparation. Schedule regular maintenance for your vehicles to prevent major issues with easily avoided causes. Use driver training and telematics solutions to eliminate dangerous driving rather than dealing with the results. Stay on top of everything under your control so that your budget, operations, and employees only add to your success.

3. Stay up-to-date on industry news

Technology, regulations, and expectations change quickly in the fleet world. If you want to keep your fleet compliant and competitive, you have to know what is happening now and in the near future. Reading news sites and blogs can help you stay prepared for potential shifts. But don’t stop there. You should also get involved with the fleet community to get advice and warnings that might not make it to publication.

4. Operate digitally

Today, fleets can’t survive without going digital. Maintaining ELD Mandate compliance, for example, is impossible without electronically logging driver hours. You should also equip your fleet vehicles with telematics devices that can gather the data you need. With this information, you can back your decisions with solid numbers and data. From safety to budgeting, your telematics is critical to successful fleet management.

How do you keep your fleet thriving? Share below!