Have you ever driven past a fleet of trucks and thought, “I wonder what those are for?” You’re not alone; not many people know a fleet manager supervises those vehicles.
It’s not a profession that’s highly advertised in today’s society. In fact, only a few colleges have courses on the subject.
So how do you get into truck fleet management if you were interested in the position? We’ll break down all you need to know.
What Does a Truck Fleet Manager Do?
A fleet manager is responsible for the logistical processes involving delivery trucks. That means they have a hand in:
- Maintenance scheduling
- Recruiting drivers
- Ensuring delivery contracts are fulfilled
- Monitor expenses without limiting product quality
Although it’s a job that involves trucks, it’s more than meets the eye. You need to have excellent communicative and analytical skills to become a successful fleet manager.
Becoming a Fleet Manager
Unlike law or medical school, which is very specific, fleet management has no precise discipline that needs to be followed. Instead, there are several hats that you should have a general understanding of, such as:
- Accounting
- IT systems
- Risk management
- Government laws
You can acquire knowledge about any of these subjects from academic courses. The education for fleet managers usually ranges around a bachelor’s degree. However, you can become one with an associate’s degree, high school diploma, or GED.
After completing your educational requirements, your next step should be to land an internship or entry-level career in a related field. It will help you learn more in-depth information about the industry.
Excelling as a Fleet Manager
When you start working in fleet operations, on-the-job training is likely because of the job’s speed. However, with a few fleet management tips, you’ll be able to get the hang of things in no time.
Various truck fleet management certifications are available for anyone looking to excel as a fleet manager. For example, you can get your Class CDL license to operate commercial vehicles.
You can also get a National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) certification to prove how adept you are at all things fleet management. It’s the easiest way to progress in your career.
How Much Do Fleet Managers Make?
On average, fleet managers make between $65,000 and $110,000 annually. Your salary depends on your location, years of experience, and the number of qualifications you have.
So if you want to increase the amount of money, you’ll make, taking the necessary strides to get there is essential. Apply for positions once they become available.
Is Truck Fleet Management Right for You?
Truck fleet management is not for everyone but is it the career choice for you? Maybe you weren’t sure about what you wanted to do out of college. Or perhaps you’re looking for a new career that challenges you.
Whatever the reason, making the switch to fleet management is something only you know if you can handle. If you think you’re ready, review our guide and step into a field of endless possibilities.
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