What does a Fleet Manager do?

A Fleet Manager has a wide range of responsibilities, covering everything from managing the day-to-day operations of a vehicle fleet to maintenance, performance monitoring, and implementing fleet-related strategies.

In the past, vehicles were managed manually with paper and phone calls, while today's Fleet Managers use a Fleet Management system, such as ABAX, to make real-time decisions and optimise fleet performance.

Digitalisation has led to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved sustainability. A Fleet Manager can now focus more on long-term planning and cost control. This technological advancement benefits businesses, society, and the environment.

Responsibilities of a Fleet Manager

A Fleet Manager assesses whether a company has sufficient and optimal assets to maximise the profitable use of vehicles. By managing these tasks, a Fleet Manager contributes to optimising fleet operations, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

The responsibilities may include:

• Administration such as registrations, insurance, and inspections.

• A Fleet Manager is expected to ensure their fleet operates according to regulations.

• Cost control, such as fuel, repairs, and insurance.

• Driver Management, which can involve hiring and training drivers or monitoring driving behaviour in conjunction with working time management and safety procedures.

• Route planning to optimise routes and working hours.

• Driver monitoring to optimise work efficiency and track driver locations.

• Reporting to other parts of the company and authorities.

• Purchasing and leasing vehicles.

• Maintenance schedules and the status of vehicles.

• Evaluating and approving cost-effective maintenance and repairs to minimise vehicle downtime.

• Tracking and monitoring tools and equipment to ensure resources are used correctly. Tracking equipment and assets also largely involves theft protection and maintenance.

Ensuring driver wellbeing is part of the responsibility

Monitoring working hours is a critical part of Fleet Management. With better working hours and more efficient throughput, the workforce becomes more satisfied.

The overall satisfaction of drivers is crucial for promoting sustainability, efficiency, and continued productivity. Given the shortage of drivers, it is essential to create good working conditions for them.

Forrester's analysis of hybrid work showed that 72 percent of the Fleet Management companies surveyed were working with a hybrid model regarding the workplace, where drivers could work from both the office and home.

For drivers, this could mean they can park their vehicles at home instead of at the workplace, saving them time and helping them balance their personal lives.

What does a Fleet Manager earn?

A Fleet Manager's salary can vary depending on the industry, the size of the company and fleet, the country, and the level of experience. In the UK, the average annual salary for a Fleet Manager is around £38,000, with a salary range of £32,000 to £45,000.

In Sweden for example, the average annual salary is approximately 740,000 SEK. Salaries can range from 285,000 to 800,000 SEK depending on experience and job responsibilities. And in Norway, the salary is about the same. A Fleet Manager earns an average of around 680,000 NOK per year, with salaries ranging from 575,000 to 800,000 NOK.

These salaries reflect the extensive responsibilities and expertise required to take on the role of a Fleet Manager.

Many Fleet Managers are planning for electric vehicles

According to consultancy and analysis firm McKinsey, today's Fleet Managers struggle to balance cost savings and environmental considerations in their strategies. They face internal and external pressures and are considering greener business models to reduce costs and carbon emissions and adapt to the growing demand for environmentally friendly transport.

Changing purchasing strategies and replacing an entire fleet with electric vehicles may be seen as a long-term investment today, but the rapid pace of technological development leaves many uncertain about risks such as autonomous vehicles, lifespan, and resale value, which impact cost calculations. However, costs are dropping quickly, and demands are increasing.

To successfully navigate this transition, Fleet Managers should develop a comprehensive plan that includes analysing current operations, strategy development, testing, and pilot projects focusing on vehicles, infrastructure, and fleet management.

Examples of strategies might include aggressive emission targets or focusing on profitable short routes.