In the current scenario where many companies are more interested in the service provided by fleet management firms and fleet service agents, there is a huge scope for graduates and post graduates who aspire to have a career in fleet management. Today companies are even planning to outsource fleet management services.

Fleet management

Fleet management is basically the planning, organizing and controlling of vehicle fleet owned by companies. It includes handling commercial vehicles for transportation. The fundamental functions of fleet management is financing and maintaining various means of transportation. It also includes driver management, fuel, health and safety management of drivers and other staffs.

Companies don’t want to take risk associated with investing and maintaining vehicles. Thus they depend on the service of organizations which provides fleet management to these companies. The trend of depending on fleet management service providers is increasing in India and many other neighboring countries. Therefore the scope for people who are looking forward to grab a job in this particular sector is very high. Fleet management institutions provide services to big companies, government agencies, non profit organizations and service organizations.

Fleet managers

Fleet managers are the back bone of fleet management service providing institutions. They are responsible to maintain and administrate the various functions related to fleet management. Fleet managers might have to deal with the maintenance of thousand of vehicles per day.

Fleet managers have to direct administrative staffs and assign different work to them. They are also responsible to maintain database on the daily transactions related to vehicles, prepare budgets for the smooth functioning of the firm as per requirement, purchase vehicle or even purchase lease of vehicles. Moreover they have to be involved in each and every minute work related to vehicles from purchasing to maintaining, repairing, replacing and last but not the least disposal of the vehicles too. They also have to negotiate with insurers and deal with insurance related issues.

Fleet managers are also responsible to conduct seminars and presentations to staffs to make them understand about the proper objective, vision and strategies of the company. The mangers should also look into providing training to the staff for better performance, risk management and other safety measures.

Education Qualification

The companies recruiting fleet managers have their own recruitment policies but it is noticed that many companies prefer graduates in science, marketing and technical field. The most preferred qualification is master in business administration (MBA) with B Tech.

Graduates with experience get the privilege to be appointed in higher post. Most of the time the employer will prefer a person with handful experience as it is much risk free and easy for the employer. Training for experienced person is least required. People who are well skilled in maintenance, administration and supervisory are also preferred. Other qualification and skill that a recruiter will look for in any applicant is his/her knowledge in auto rental and leasing programs. Moreover strong will power, interpersonal skills and communication skills with leadership quality is also required.

Even though experienced persons are given higher preference. There is nothing like, someone who is inexperienced will not get a job in this domain. There are many companies which recruit graduates and post graduates, basically B Tech graduates as trainees.

Future scope for fleet managers

Once you have been appointed in any company which deals with fleet management and administration. There is scope for further growth. The posts like administrative director (fleet), transportation directors, senior manager, senior supervisor and health and safety manager is always open for a person with good talent and who can showcase excellent performance as fleet manager. The scope for fleet managers doesn’t end in India. There is immense requirement in overseas for fleet manager, fleet executive and fleet technicians as well.

Job Profile of Fleet managers

The fleet manages has to basically administrate 10 to 20 subordinates with different responsibilities and role. They have to work both in the office and in the field as well. Fleet manger has to check each and every requirement necessary to deliver standard services. They also have to ensure that the service is delivered at time.

Remuneration for fleet managers

Remuneration for fleet managers is very high. It depends on the experience and qualification they posses. Experience fleet managers are paid more than 10 to 20 lakhs per annum. Freshers and trainees are paid much less. Their payment comes around Rs. 2 to 5 lakhs per annum. Moreover there is a post called fleet executive, graduates in the technical field can also apply for this post. The remuneration paid is around Rs. 2 to 3 lakhs per annum.

Fleet management is a perfect career for people who are interested in maintaining vehicles. As the job profile described earlier makes it clear that it is responsible job. Some one who is keen to face challenges and looking for a quick growth can definitely adopt fleet management as a career.

There are many private institutions which provide training for fleet managers and fleet executive. People who are looking to build a career in fleet management can join these training centers and enhance their talents. The basic requirement of any person to enter into this industry is confidence with negotiation and leadership skill.

The growing culture of companies, government agencies and non government agencies in adopting the service provide by fleet management firms is rapidly growing in India. This is the right time to enter into this segment and build a career. At this present age there are many jobs available in the fleet management industry such as business development manager, business manager, accounting executive, field sales executive, account manager, senior maintenance controller, product and application specialist, Fleet controller, fleet technician, transport coordinator and transport administrator. It should be reminded that there are immense opportunities in foreign countries for fleet managers and fleet executives as well.

As a growing industry, once you enter the sector you can find many opportunities open for you to improve your skills. The basic thing is that someone has to take the right decision at the right time. Selecting right career of your choice is up to you, as far as fleet management is concerned, it is an excellent industry with immense opportunities for you to grow and build a better career.