10 Mistakes Fleet Managers Make

Fleet managers have many responsibilities and very busy work lives. As a result, sometimes they make mistakes – as we all do once in awhile. Unfortunately, some of the mistakes fleet managers could make have consequences on a business. The Guide to Federal Fleet Management explains that “monitoring and controlling all fleet-related factors consumes considerable time and requires sound administrative abilities”, a job that falls on the fleet manager.

With lots of pressure and accountability, fleet managers could accidently make mistakes that they don’t even know they are making. That is why it is so important for fleet managers to be aware of what the common mistakes are in their line of work so that they can take actions to prevent making those mistakes themselves.

Here are ten of the most common mistakes made by fleet managers:

1. Failure to use fleet fuel cards. These cards are designed to help the fleet manager save money on fuel and fleet maintenance, who doesn’t want to save money? At the same time, they aid in tracking and monitoring of fuel expenses for accurate bookkeeping. Saving time is very important for fleet managers.

2. Unclear communication. As a fleet manager it is your responsibility to communicate what you need to the team. By delegating tasks and communicating clearly to your team, you will keep your fleet running smoothly and successfully, making clear communication a big part of a fleet manager’s job

3. Relying too much on one manufacturer. It is definitely important to develop strong working relationships with select manufacturers. This allows you to get better treatment for your loyalty as well as better prices and deals. However, you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket. You never know when communication and working relationships may break down and you don’t want to be left in the lurch, so fostering relationships with multiple manufacturers, giving you a backup plan if anything goes awry.

4. Failure to properly oversee operations. As a fleet manager, you must be aware of what is happening at each and every level of the organization. This means that you should receive regular reports about everything from schedule times to outsourced work. Fleet managers who fail to keep connected could end up falling behind, or worse

5. Being “on” all the time. Although it is your job to oversee all operations, you are still human and need a break sometimes. Make sure that you schedule downtime away from the office so that you are always fresh and on top of things when you are working. We all need a break from time to time.

6. Allowing employee unhappiness to fester. It is important in all businesses to maintain a positive working environment. As a fleet manager it is your job to work out problems that employees are having and to nip them in the bud. Regular team meetings that allow everyone to air their grievances will go a long way towards fostering a positive and productive workplace.

7. Trying to make everyone happy. You should give voice to everyone in your team but you also have to realize that you can’t always please the entire group. You have to be a leader, strong in your convictions and able to manage others with a firm but gentle hand. Keep in mind, no one person can please everyone!

8. Focusing only on your own industry. It is important to be broadly aware of what is happening across multiple industries. We live in a global world today, so all positions require a global perspective. Stay abreast of current news in relevant industries including the oil industry, renewable resource development and various trades. Also make sure that you participate in professional development courses to broaden your grasp on changes within your industry. Staying sharp in knowledge across a number of industries will help you be a better fleet manager.

9. Being too humble. As a fleet manager it is your job to report to senior company management about the work that you are doing. If you are too humble in this then they may not see the effort that you are putting in for a job well done, and you may be overlooked for raises and promotions. Properly prepare reports and memos that show upper management where you’ve been successful in your job. It’s okay to brag a little bit!

10. Failure to innovate. Come to the job each day with an eye towards finding creative solutions to all problems. Consider it your priority to find new approaches to your business. This eye on innovation will keep you fresh in your job as a fleet manager, and will also fulfill creative needs. Also, creative and critical thinking work the brain in a good way!

Are you a fleet manager? What hurdles have you overcome professionally? Let us know in the comments below!