New Fleet Manager? Here’s Your Ultimate First-Year Survival Guide

Starting your first fleet management job can feel like drinking from a firehose. From navigating procurement processes to managing technicians and building leadership trust—it’s a lot.

We sat down with fleet industry veterans Sara Burnam and Facundo Tassara from RTA: The Fleet Success Company to deliver battle-tested advice for new fleet managers.

This Q&A covers top mistakes to avoid, practical advice on leading your team, and how to use data and industry connections to level up quickly.

Q&A: Fleet Management Tips for First-Time Managers

❓Q: I just became a fleet manager. Where should I begin?

Sara Burnam: Get involved and absorb everything. Listen to The Fleet Success Show, read the Fleet Success Playbook, join NAFA, and attend events. Fleet is a highly collaborative industry—most of my best professional connections started by just showing up and asking questions.

Facundo Tassara: Same here. I read every industry magazine I could get my hands on—on vacations, at the beach, you name it. I went to conferences, networked, and built relationships. Learning never stops in this role.

❓Q: Are certifications like CAFM really worth it?

Sara: Absolutely. Earning my Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) credential helped me land a director-level job. It's one of the top certifications listed on Monster.com and can boost salaries by 27%. It's a commitment, but it pays off.

Facundo: I started my CAFM journey in 2012... and just re-enrolled in 2025. [laughs] Learn from my mistake—don’t wait!

❓Q: How can I earn credibility with my team?

Facundo: Two words: listen first. When I started as a new fleet manager, a tech told me straight-up, “You better prove why you got this job.” Instead of reacting, I listened. Eventually, he told me he was enjoying work again—for the first time in years.

Sara: Don’t change everything on day one. Pick quick wins your team wants and implement those first to build trust.

❓Q: What leadership strategy works best in fleet?

Sara: Involve your people. If you’re rolling out telematics or a new fleet management system, bring in your drivers and technicians early. Let them test the tools. When they feel involved, adoption is easier.

Facundo: Talk to your internal customers. Interview department heads and operators. They’ll tell you what’s broken—and what needs fixing—faster than any report.

❓Q: How do I use data to manage my fleet better?

Sara: Great fleet managers know their KPIs—like vehicle count, fuel consumption, and work order breakdown. Data helps you make informed decisions and advocate for more staff or resources.

Facundo: But context matters. Don’t just benchmark against other cities—benchmark against yourself. Every fleet operates under different conditions.

❓Q: What are the biggest first-year mistakes to avoid?

Sara: Don’t fall for snake oil salesmen. If someone promises 10% fuel savings from a magic device—test it first. Pilot new tech and always ask peers if they’ve used it.

Facundo: Learn procurement fast. Know your purchasing cycles, who's involved, and how to secure funding. If you don't, you risk losing budget dollars—or making poor vendor decisions.

❓Q: What’s the one thing you wish you’d done sooner?

Sara: Apply for the 100 Best Fleets. I waited 5 years out of fear I wouldn’t place. But it's not about winning—it's about benchmarking your progress and discovering where to improve.

Facundo: Master the procurement process early. It affects everything—from vehicle availability to budget timelines. Not understanding it almost tripped me up more than once.

📌 Bonus Tips for First-Year Fleet Managers:

• Build your internal network – Know your procurement lead, city manager, public works director. You’ll need their support.

• Know your elevator pitch – Be ready to drop quick stats (e.g., # of assets, % EVs, # of work orders) when you run into leadership.

• Expect the unexpected – Crashes, HR issues, downtime... fleet is never boring.

• Call a friend – Don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the industry. The fleet community is generous and always willing to help.

📣 Final Words of Wisdom:

“You're not as smart as everyone in the room combined. Tap into your team. Listen. Ask questions. That's where your best ideas will come from.”
– Facundo Tassara, Fleet Success Manager at RTA

💬 Need help or mentorship? Reach out to Sara Burnam or Facundo Tassara on LinkedIn. Whether you're an RTA customer or not, they’re happy to help you succeed.