Are you or someone you know interested in a career as a fleet manager? Because it’s a unique industry, getting there may be a little confusing, so we’ve come up with some great ways to get started:
Choose a Degree
If you don’t yet have a Bachelor’s Degree, it’s a good idea to get one – especially in a field that could greatly help you as a fleet manager. Some majors to consider are:
- Business: You’ll discover how to run a business and oversee employees, which is a great way to start your management career.
- Finance: Learning how to handle money flow, taxes, and weighing options when it comes to purchasing are all helpful in the fleet industry.
- Accounting: Understanding how costs are allocated and what elements affect revenue will help you get a better grasp on management.
- Risk Management: Because there are many drivers and vehicles involved in fleet management, being aware of safety issues and risks is important.
- Law: A law degree can help you understand the elements of legislation and how they impact the way a fleet operates.
Polish Your Skills
Not sure what kinds of skills a fleet manager needs? It’s always a good idea to have the following:
- Written skills, so you can communicate clearly with clients, suppliers, and employees.
- Math skills, so you can determine budgets, fleet fuel card allocations, and other financial aspects.
- People skills, so you can build strong relationships with employees and explain contracts to clients.
- Time-management skills, so you can determine the best delivery routes, vehicle maintenance, and more.
- Computer skills, so you can stay up to date on how to manage reports and vehicle diagnostics.
Get Some Experience
Like every other industry, you need experience before you can become the manager of a fleet. Start by taking an entry-level job at a fleet company (like a customer service representative or a receptionist) where you can be exposed to the ins and outs of how a fleet is run. You can also get some experience by working for companies that deal with fleets, such as a supplier, a fleet fuel card company, or a vehicle maintenance provider.
