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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.