The Duties of a Fleet Manager: What You Can Expect

Fleet Manager

May 25, 2022

Learn about the key responsibilities, skills, requirements, skills, and duties of a fleet manager and what you can expect in the role.

One of the main responsibilities of a truck driver is to make sure items are delivered on time and safely. But they aren’t the only ones who bear the weight of that responsibility. Fleet managers may be behind the scenes, but they put in a lot of work to make it happen. In short, a fleet manager is a logistics specialist or expert in the transportation industry. Fleet managers are responsible for managing every large and small detail of their team of drivers and the company’s vehicles.

On top of their primary duties of buying and maintaining delivery trucks, fleet managers have many other responsibilities. Below, you’ll find five of their countless duties and some qualities that make for good fleet managers.

Continue reading to learn more.

 

 

5 Duties of a Fleet Manager

 

The duties of a fleet manager vary from one to the next, but, generally speaking, they are tasked with the following duties:

 

Correctly Record Fleet Information — One of the biggest things a fleet manager is in charge of is recording and maintaining accurate data regarding all of the details of a fleet. For example, a fleet manager will keep a detailed history of every vehicle in their fleet, including information such as the last oil change for each truck, etc. Managers must be extremely detail-oriented and diligent in their record keeping.

 

Analyze Recorded Data — Fleet managers must examine and analyze recorded information. They work to predict any possible problem from this data, provide reroutes, and change travel schedules whenever necessary. Thanks to this help from their managers, less time is wasted because drivers can take a route with fewer hazards and less traffic.

 

Establish Situational Practices and Procedures for Possible Issues — An unfortunate reality that drivers and fleet managers face is that there are countless problems that can prevent goods and services from being delivered on time. Managers must have a game plan in place for when these issues arise.

For example, managers will have a detailed plan on the next steps for when issues like truck breakdowns, traffic, failed inspection, accidents, and other incidents that could occur while a truck is en route.

 

Select the Best Vehicles — Another typical job of fleet managers is choosing the right vehicles for your team and finding the best way to finance them. After the fleet vehicles have reached maximum use and are ready to be offloaded, a fleet manager will know the best price point and serve as a negotiator.

 

Manages Vehicle Maintenance Schedules — Fleet managers are in charge of truck maintenance. They are responsible for making sure the vehicles are in great shape to perform necessary functions. They are also responsible for making sure fleet vehicles can successfully deliver services and products at the lowest cost possible.

Managers must ensure their trucks are properly maintained, set up maintenance schedules, and make sure vehicle maintenance is completed by a service department or an external auto-service business. Additionally, managers may need to find an auto service center to supply spare parts when necessary.

 

 

More Responsibilities and Duties of a Fleet Manager

 

  • Recruit high-quality drivers that are responsible and reliable. 
  • Assign trucks to drivers.
  • Handle drivers’ schedules.
  • Create, manage, and implement policies for their fleet.
  • Manage accident reports.
  • Use monitoring devices for their drivers’ driving techniques and patterns, such as excessive braking or speeding.
  • Have a thorough understanding of the business and budget accordingly.
  • Manage team and ensure they adhere to their strict schedules.
  • Handle escalated customer service issues.
  • Use GPS systems to locate trucks.
  • Find ways to increase profits and reduce costs.
  • Comply with all regulations and laws set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  • Develop strategies for improving fuel efficiency.

 

 

Standard Qualities and Skills of a Good Fleet Manager

 

Fleet managers must have excellent operational experience and skills to handle their primary tasks, which can include:

 

  • Have related work experience in the transportation industry, such as two years of driving as a delivery driver and at least two years of past experience in a logistics role, etc.
  • Have a degree in accounting or logistics or equivalent experience. 
  • Be good at solving problems in a timely manner.
  • Have good problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset.
  • Possess exceptional interpersonal skills for both internal and external relationships.
  • Be detail-oriented and have fantastic written and verbal skills.
  • Have excellent organizational skills and analytical abilities.
  • Be compassionate, understanding, and empathetic towards their fleet.
  • Possess business management skills.
  • Competent in computer applications, software, and programs.
  • Prioritize the safety, health, and wellness of their drivers.

 

 

Want to Be an Awesome Fleet Manager? Equip Your Trucks with EpicVue!

 

While it’s not on the mandatory list of duties of a fleet manager, equipping your fleet with EpicVue is a great way to let your team know you care!

EpicVue specializes in outfitting trucks with premium in-cab satellite televisions. We offer your crew members a bit of home and familiarity on the road. It allows them to relax and watch TV in the comfort of their own trucks. 

This gesture will show your team appreciation, and in return, many managers receive loyalty, and commitment, making these benefits well worth the small investment! Whether you are a part of a fleet or are an owner-operator, EpicVue is a fantastic addition to your truck.

EpicVue allows you to kick back, relax, and catch up on the latest games, favorite shows, or news on the road. The comforts of home are hard to come by on the road, but you can stay connected and get a taste of home, regardless of where you are, with our satellite TV.

Watching TV during your time away from loved ones can help offset the overwhelming feelings of isolation and loneliness. Not only that, but it is also a great way for drivers to relax during mandatory rest and recovery time. With over 180 premium challenges, truck drivers are sure to find something to watch, regardless of their preferences.

If you want to reduce the expensive and tedious recruitment and retention cycle, contact our team to learn more today!

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5 Steps to Developing a Truck Fleet Management Strategy

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Quality truck fleet management with a good strategy is a vital element for success in the trucking industry. These systems are necessary for communication, and processes are sure to succeed. There’s no doubt that the best semi-truck fleet teams are those that are effectively and efficiently managed, making a great fleet manager worth their weight in gold — and then some!  But what is it exactly that makes a fleet manager great? It all comes down to a solid fleet management strategy and reliable semi-fleet processes. In fact, these are essential to finding both short- and long-term success. If you’re in charge of a semi-truck fleet and are looking to build a fail-proof truck fleet management strategy, you’re in the right place. We’re here to give you some tried-and-true tips and tricks for developing a solid plan. With a little hard work and the right strategy, you will surely see increased profits, fleet growth, and a happier, healthier, and more productive crew. Keep scrolling to learn more.

5 Things to Consider When Developing Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

If you want to develop a quality truck fleet management strategy, make sure to consider the following:
  1. Invest in a Fleet Management System — You could be the most experienced and focused manager, but you will still have difficulties staying organized and productive without a quality truck fleet management system in place. Managers of old used to rely on elaborate systems involving paper spreadsheets, filing cabinets, and more to run their business, but there are simpler ways to get the job done. Join the digital age by digitizing your workflow and operations; you’ll find that processes are optimized, and your team’s performance is improved! A good system will allow you to keep track of the best routes, maintenance schedules, driver and vehicle efficiency, automating various tasks (such as routing and scheduling deliveries, billing and invoicing, sending jobs to drivers, etc.) and more so you can maximize the potential of your fleet.
  2. Find Ways to Cut Maintenance Costs — It’s no secret that the economy is in an exciting place right now. Inflation is on the rise, and maintenance costs are not exempt. A solid semi-truck fleet manager must prioritize finding ways to reduce costs. Taking a defensive, preventive approach to maintenance is key. Improving fleet efficiency and ensuring that your rigs and necessary equipment are in tip-top shape and ready to go can help you stay ahead of maintenance issues. Consider utilizing a good fleet management system that can tell you about the vehicles’ engines and other diagnostic features to help extend the life of your trucks. These tools can help you quickly identify any problems with your trucks and avoid issues down the road when they become more serious, thus cutting maintenance costs. Another way to reduce maintenance costs is to base your trucks’ service schedule on accurate engine usage hours instead of an arbitrary calendar. This helps to eliminate unnecessary repairs and potential hours and revenue lost, allowing you to make the most of your fleet while still taking great care of them.
  3. Find Ways to Save Money on Fuel — As a fleet manager, it almost always comes down to budget. And one of the biggest portions (we’re talking between 50% and 65%) of overall operating costs is dedicated to fueling costs. As mentioned above, having a good management system and GPS tracking in place can help you develop an excellent management strategy. You’ll be able to monitor your drivers’ driving performance, habits, and behavior and monitor fuel usage, which directly affects fuel consumption. By tracking and analyzing this information, you’ll be alerted to issues sooner than you may have been otherwise. Moreover, tracking this info will keep you apprised of any safety concerns, such as aggressive driving. Addressing these issues will help you reduce operational costs associated with your fuel budget.
  4. Perfect and Optimize Your Drivers’ Routes — Customers and clients demand quick and on-time deliveries, so taking the perfect and optimal route is absolutely crucial. Your business’ reputation counts on it! Inaccurate arrival time estimates, delays, and inefficient routes will only lead to frustration. Hiccups and issues along the way are bound to happen and are an inevitable part of any industry, including trucking. But, by automating customer notifications and other processes, fleet managers can experience a lot less stress, allowing them to spend time and put their focus elsewhere.
  5. Prioritize Your Drivers’ Health and Wellness — One of the biggest parts of developing a good truck fleet management strategy is prioritizing your team’s health and wellness. Feeling isolated on the road comes with being a truck driver; it’s part of the territory. So fleet managers who promote a healthy work-life balance and positive mental health are typically much more successful.

Here are some ways managers can prioritize employees’ health:

Include EpicVue in Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

Developing a truck fleet management strategy is essential to the success of your business, and EpicVue is here to help make it happen. EpicVue will outfit your fleet with premium in-cab television so your drivers can enjoy a bit of home on the road and catch up on their favorite shows. Contact EpicVue today to learn more.