New to Fleet Management? Here’s Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know
Welcome to the fleet world! You probably didn’t dream about becoming a fleet manager as a kid. No one asked 10-year-old you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and heard, “A CAFM-certified, data-driven leader of municipal assets!” But here you are—and you’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
Let’s break it all down.
❓I just became a fleet manager. What should I be doing first?
Short answer: Don’t panic.
Longer answer: Realize that most people in your shoes didn’t plan this either. You’re in good company.
Start by identifying your strengths and your gaps. Did you come from the shop floor? You probably know the mechanical side, but need help with budgeting, reporting, and leadership. Did you come from IT or accounting? You likely understand spreadsheets but have no idea what VMRS codes are or why air brakes on a Camry are… not a thing. (True story. Listen to Episode 171 of The Fleet Success Show for that gem.)
Whatever your background, step one is awareness, and step two is filling the gap—which brings us to...
❓Is there training for this? Or do I just fake it 'til I make it?
Because no one goes to school for fleet management, finding the right training and resources is essential to your success as a new fleet manager.
There’s plenty of training—and no, you don’t have to go back to college (unless you really want to).
🏆 Top certifications for new fleet managers:
- CAFM (Certified Automotive Fleet Manager) – Offered by NAFA, this one covers it all: finance, asset management, maintenance, fuel, and more.
- CPFP (Certified Public Fleet Professional) – More focused on public sector fleets.
- VMRS 101 – Learn the coding language of fleet maintenance.
These programs give you a fleet-focused education that actually applies to your job (read: no world history classes).
Other great resources to help you find your feet as a new fleet manager include:
- The Fleet Success Playbook, a free book written by our fleet experts that will give you insights into the four pillars that make up fleet success.
- The Fleet Success Show, our weekly podcast that covers every fleet topic, from fleet availability and right-sizing, to leadership, to EVs and beyond.
- RTA LinkedIn, where we share updates, information, and resources geared at helping you master the art of fleet management. And make sure you follow our fleet experts like Steve Saltzgiver, Tony Yankovich, Scott Rood, Facundo Tassara, Sara Burnam, Marc Canton, Nathan Schafer, and Josh Turley (of course).
❓What if I’m not “technical”? Will the techs respect me?
Not at first. Kidding. (Kind of.)
Here’s the thing: credibility is earned—not by pretending you know everything, but by being curious and humble. Shadow a technician. Ask them to explain what they’re doing and why. No, you don’t have to become a mechanic, but if you’re managing a shop, you need to understand what’s happening in it.
You’re not there to turn wrenches—you’re there to remove roadblocks so your team can.
❓How do I get better at managing people?
Two words: Intentional Culture.
At RTA, we preach that leadership isn’t just about being the boss. It’s about coaching, communication, and creating a culture where people actually want to do good work.
Here’s what helps:
- Read leadership books. Seriously—grab one during lunch.
- Attend conferences and webinars.
- Join a networking group like NAFA or APWA.
- Listen to podcasts (like The Fleet Success Show) for free leadership gold.
Also: don’t just lead from your desk. Walk the floor. Ask questions. Be human.
❓Do I need to be a numbers wizard now?
Kinda, yeah.
As a fleet manager, you touch more business disciplines than most managers: finance, HR, logistics, safety, procurement—you name it. So yes, understanding cost accounting, chargeback rates, and utilization metrics matters. But don’t stress. You’ll learn.
Start with:
- CAFM’s financial and asset management modules
- Free webinars or short courses on Excel, data analysis, or budgeting
- Lean on your finance team—just speak their “love language” (data)
❓Is there a “cheat sheet” for fleet success?
Funny you should ask! We literally wrote the book on it: The Fleet Success Playbook.
It covers the four pillars of modern fleet management:
- Stakeholder Satisfaction
- Intentional Culture
- Resource Efficiency
- Risk Management
Think of it as your fleet survival guide—minus the mosquitoes and camping stove.
❓How do I connect with other fleet managers?
Glad you asked. Fleet is one of the most collaborative industries out there. Seriously, people love to share what works (and what doesn’t).
Here’s how to network:
- Go to local NAFA or APWA chapter meetings
- Attend FleetCon or NAFA I&E
- Say hi to your neighbor fleet managers (yes, even in that city)
- Come to Connect 2025 in Las Vegas this September!
📢 BONUS: Don’t Miss Connect 2025!
Whether you’re new to fleet or just want to stop faking it in meetings, Connect 2025 is the event for you. Get real-world training, network with fellow fleet pros, and hear from the experts who’ve been there and done that.
🗓️ September 22–26, 2025
📍 Las Vegas, NV
🎯 Info: RTAfleeet.com/connect
Final Thoughts
You didn’t choose the fleet life. But now that you’re here? You’ve got an opportunity to lead one of the most critical, complex, and impactful operations in any organization.
Get educated. Stay humble. Ask questions. And don’t forget to walk the shop floor.
We’ll be rooting for you—every mile of the way.