One career path that might be of particular interest to students with a talent for multitasking and good communication skills, however, is becoming a fleet manager. Although the title might not be familiar to many of those who haven’t already worked in trucking or transportation, it’s an essential role within the industry, helping companies manage large fleets of vehicles while keeping costs down and maximizing profit.
Read on to find out more about what’s involved in being a fleet manager and how you can get started on this career path.
Fleet Managers Help Purchase, Sell, and Maintain Vehicles
One of the major parts of a fleet manager’s job is, of course, managing a fleet of vehicles. If a new vehicle is needed to meet demand, then fleet managers often make the decision about whether to purchase or lease, weighing the options to see which is more cost-effective for the company. They will then be in charge of arranging a lease or purchase for the lowest possible price. For purchased vehicles that are no longer required, the fleet manager will generally be in charge of reselling the vehicle to recoup as much of the company’s investment as possible.
Fleet managers who have graduated from dispatcher schools also play an important role in keeping a company’s fleet of vehicles in top condition, setting up maintenance schedules in order to limit the amount of repairs that will be required, maximize vehicles’ fuel efficiency, and keep drivers safe.
Fleet Managers Also Work With Drivers, Records, and Data
Fleet managers don’t only deal with vehicles, but also with the employees who drive them. They’re often in charge of recruiting quality drivers to the company, developing their schedules in an efficient and profit-maximizing way, managing them so that they adhere to those schedules, and monitoring their driving habits.
Fleet managers also keep all of the necessary records to show that a business is in compliance with all applicable regulations, register and license the vehicles in a company’s fleet, and stay up-to-date on inspections.
Traits That Will Help You Become a Fleet Manager after Dispatch Training
Through dispatch training, students can familiarize themselves with the industry-standard software they’ll be using as fleet managers, as well as the general standards, policies, and practices in place in the trucking and transportation industry. This can give students a big advantage when working their way up to a fleet manager position, which usually requires some combination of education and hands-on experience in the industry.
Some important qualities for a good fleet dispatcher to have include: high attention to detail, an analytical mindset, an aptitude for multitasking, good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to problem-solve and use good judgement in fast-paced situations. If you possess some or all of these qualities, then becoming a fleet manager could be a great career option for you.
Are you interested in beginning a career in trucking and transportation?
Contact Automotive Training Centres to learn more about dispatch training in Montreal.
