The second day of NAFA I&E 2019 was host to more educational sessions that appealed to a broad variety of topics pertinent to fleet management, including how autonomous vehicles may impact the fleet industry, procurement's relationship with fleet, and reducing fleets exposure to fraud.
Fleet managers should be looking beyond current best practices and toward the steps that they can take to evolve their operations. Technology will play a key role in advancing past current best practices.
An integrated master plan can not only identify often missed best practices and goals, but also ensure continuity and focus. Without this fundamental tool, a fleet may unknowingly confine itself to constant struggle, frustration, and chasing mediocre results.
There is a difference between a well-managed fleet and a best-in-class fleet. A “best-in-class fleet” is one that represents the top-tier performance level in its specific industry segment.
A great global fleet manager is a strategic thinker and visionary who has the ability to develop and communicate this vision. There isn’t a single trait that epitomizes a great global fleet manager; rather, it is a multitude of traits interacting with one another.
Fleet managers have to deal with other department managers who may not be team players or who have egos the size of a Class 8 truck. As a result, there are the inevitable fleet-related interdepartmental conflicts, typically driven by the challenge of balancing HR/driver requirements versus finance/accounting department requirements, which are often at odds with one another. Some criticize this involvement of “non-fleet” managers, rather than seeking ways to partner with them.
Fleet management metrics are not a new phenomenon, but has gained increased emphasis in recent years. Senior management and sourcing groups are demanding the use of metrics to measure the performance of the fleet and its suppliers. In addition, tight budgets and high expectations by management make metrics a crucial element to maintaining a cost-efficient fleet.
Not all arbitration agreements are created equal. Fleet managers must understand the limits of these agreements to properly implement them.
It’s not in any study book; you won’t earn a certificate to verify your status from any NAFA test. You may not even realize how you are finally recognized and honored to join that special group known as professional fleet managers.
Experts share their advice on how fleet managers can most effectively manage an upfit “crisis” and get things back on track.