What Does a Fleet Manager Do? Roles & Duties

Managing a fleet is far more than just keeping the vehicles operational. It is a tough job that includes logistics, problem-solving, and managerial skills. Fleet managers are the core of the entire transportation and delivery system. They help companies meet deadlines, minimize expenditure, and optimize resource utilization. 

However, what does a fleet manager do after all?

This blog will tell you about the major roles, duties, and challenges faced within the outlined scope of the job. By the end, you will be able to understand the role of fleet managers in the business ecosystem.

A fleet manager is an employee responsible for the vehicles of a company and makes sure they work without problems. They can be found in transportation and delivery businesses, construction and engineering firms, and even public service organizations.

Their main goal is to manage fleets while optimizing costs and productivity to the highest possible level.

Fleet managers do not just manage transportation equipment. They also supervise drivers, fuel, repairs, and even relevant policies and legislations.

Below are the main roles they play:

1. Vehicle Management

Fleet managers are responsible for controlling the entire fleet, including vehicles in operation. One of the core duties is to ensure that all vehicles are operational and in reasonably good condition.

They prepare the entire maintenance plan, monitor all the repairs, and make sure that all issues concerning the vehicle performance are taken care of.

2. Cost Control

Managing all the costs, like vehicle maintenance costs, delivery charges, etc, is challenging. Fleet managers try to save money through cheaper aid services and vessels, more economical driving routes, and other methods.

3. Driver Supervision

Fleet managers are in charge of recruiting their staff, training, and assessing their driving personnel, whom they must guide on safe and economical driving practices.

4. Compliance

There are many rules for fleet management from other business areas. Fleet managers enroll the vehicles and drivers with basic operator requirements such as certificates, permits, inspection qualifications, and driver credentials.

Below, we have a list of the things that are done day to day by fleet managers:

1. Scheduling Maintenance

Fleet managers arrange operations to maintain their vehicles. They set a maintenance calendar, check vehicle schedule progress and cooperate with the maintenance parts to deal with the problems on time before they become a serious disturbance to the operation.

2. Monitoring Fuel Usage

One of the main expenses of a fleet is fueling. Managers need to monitor fuel spending and try to come up with more efficient ways to use it. They use monitoring systems to identify patterns and take action to mitigate overuse.

3. Administering Fleet Software

A fleet management software enables the manager to follow the vehicles' positions and routes and to collect information on several other parameters. Fleet managers utilize these systems daily to guarantee good order and make relevant choices.

4. Conveyance Scheduling

The fleet manager manages the calendars, checks that the deliveries are done in the right time frame, and reacts when things go wrong.

5. Emergencies

Accidents and breakages can happen at any moment. The fleet manager is responsible for running these emergencies, such as sending out spare parts, responding swiftly by implementing appropriate repairs, or planning automatic response systems. Also, explore how GPS Tracking Software can be used in Emergencies.

1. Organizational Skills

Supervision of vehicles, their drivers and schedules demands good organizational skills.

2. Decision Making

When there is a breakdown or a weather-related delay, it's essential to act fast and implement successful solutions.

3. Communication

In managing a fleet, they cooperate with drivers, mechanics, customers, and vendors. Communication must be in a sound manner from all parties involved to ensure everything runs as expected.

4. Problem Solving

A great deal of unexpected problems can occur in fleet management. A capable fleet manager knows how to solve problems without hampering other operations.

5. Technical Knowledge

A fleet manager should have technical skills to understand any IT-related issues. This will lead to an involvement in performance monitoring and overall knowledge of the operations.

Below are some of the problems fleet managers deal with daily and what they do to solve these issues.

1. Increased Fuel Costs

They are often unpredictable and can limit a company’s budget, which makes it difficult for managers to cope with this issue. One of the most common methods that tackle fuel prices is choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle and optimizing the routes.

2. Vehicle Downtime

Managing maintenance and repair schedules is difficult but effective. Maintenance of fleet vehicles, responding to repairs, and other activities are done to minimize the amount of time during which the vehicles cannot be used.

3. Driver Shortages

It can be particularly tough to find skilled drivers who can meet the expectations of fleet managers. Fleet managers put more effort into retaining existing drivers through training, competitive payments, and job satisfaction initiatives.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Compliance laws regarding fleet managers are constantly changing. Fleet managers need to keep up to date with the changes in regulation so that they can help their company stay compliant.

5. Data Overload

Modern fleet tracking software enables the manager to receive plenty of data. The manager’s biggest difficulty is sorting through the information to find what is useful and can be utilized to improve operations.

Efficiency in fleet management can improve any business that depends on transportation services, which is why fleet tracking is vital. Proper handling of fleets can lead to:

• Reduced Costs: The business saves money through better fuel consumption, fewer repairs, and optimized operations.
• Improved Safety: Proper maintenance and driver training reduce the risks of an accident occurring.
• Timely Deliveries: Customer satisfaction is increased as a result of products being delivered on time due to a managed fleet.
• Conservational Benefits: Using environmentally friendly vehicles and optimized fuel usage mitigates the carbon emissions of the fleet.

Every professionally qualified fleet manager makes sure all these benefits are optimized.

Technological advancement is a major contributor to the improvement of fleet operations today. Here are some of the tools that fleet managers work with.

1. GPS Tracking

GPS systems allow for the tracking of vehicles in real time, which aids in optimizing routes and monitoring the driving habits of the vehicle operator.

2. Fleet Management Software

The fleet management software automates decision-making by storing critical information regarding fuel consumption, maintenance, and driver logs.

3. Telematics

Telematics allows managers to foretell problems and cut costs by collecting speed, fuel consumption, and engine health data from vehicles.

4. Mobile Apps

Driver and managerial apps enhance communication by making it easier to send out route, repair, or delivery notifications to ensure all parties remain updated. Check out our GPS tracking app for better fleet management and stay updated!

The uncontrolled movement of business organizations would not be achievable without fleet managers.

They manage various tasks like vehicle upkeep, cost saving, and driver supervision simultaneously. Their work is made easier with the introduction of GPS trackers and fleet software like Lumyri, which increases accuracy and efficiency in fleet operations.

Lumyri takes great pride in partnering with fleet managers and providing tools that simplify even the dullest of tasks. 

Fleet management does not have to be so complex, and with the right tools, it can be much more efficient. Contact us, and let us help transform the way you manage fleets.