Let’s face it—everyone needs help from time to time.
Yes, even fleet managers. Especially fleet managers.
And while you can ask your mom, or your friend, or your neighbor for help around the house or with your personal car, you’re going to need someone with a bit more practical, hands-on experience when it comes to your fleet.
If you’re still on the fence about hiring a fleet consultant at all, here are some of the reasons why you should consider it:
It’s hard to evaluate your own fleet since you’re so deep into the day-to-day. A consultant doesn’t have that kind of connection to your fleet and can provide a more objective view. It also gives consultants a bit more authority when it comes to your stakeholders.
According to RTA fleet consultant and former fleet manager Scott Rood, "Sometimes the fleet managers know what to do, but the higher-ups don’t want to listen. They need validation." A consultant’s role, then, is not just to make recommendations but to validate the fleet manager’s concerns in a way that leadership takes seriously.
Yes, yes, we know, consultants do audits. We hear it all the time. But that’s not all they do—don’t get us wrong, audits are insanely helpful, but there’s so much more to consulting than that.
If you pick the right consultant, they should come with hands-on experience leading actual fleets, along with years partnering with them as a consultant. From small fleets to massive ones, from light-duty fleets to heavy duty fleets, consultants should have experience with pretty much everything.
And with their years in the mud as fleet managers, they’ll have been there, and done that, with pretty much every challenge that you’re currently facing. They know how to get out of the muck since they’ve done it before.
Finding the right consultant requires looking at both qualifications and interpersonal skills. Building a good rapport with the consultant is essential since the process involves honest feedback, trust, and collaborative problem-solving. Here are some key traits to look for:
A strong fleet consultant should have a proven track record across various projects. For example, Scott Rood’s career spans decades and includes roles in military, public, and private sectors, giving him a comprehensive perspective. The more diverse the consultant’s background, the better they can adapt solutions to different organizational contexts.
A consultant’s ability to win over the team can determine the success of the project. Rood highlighted the need to "win them over" to show that they’re there to help, not replace anyone’s role. This approach, as he said, "helps everything go smoothly from there."
Fleet managers should ensure their consultant provides actionable recommendations. Rood emphasized that his goal is to leave clients with “implementable recommendations that you can take immediately and start working on to improve your fleet.” Look for consultants who offer clear, practical advice that can be realistically implemented, rather than vague or overly theoretical suggestions.
Recommendations and reviews from peers can be incredibly useful. If possible, ask for references or case studies from similar organizations the consultant has worked with.
Engaging a fleet consultant can be a major investment, so maximizing the value from the partnership is essential. Rood suggests that fleet managers keep an open mind and be ready for honest assessments of their operations. Consultants are there to dig deep into data, review KPIs, and may recommend uncomfortable changes. But as Rood shared, “Once you can communicate that… everything starts to go smooth.”
Additionally, fleet managers can support a consultant’s work by preparing data and reports that highlight areas of concern. Open lines of communication and regular check-ins can keep the project aligned with expectations and deliver impactful results.
For fleet managers looking to elevate their operations, hiring a fleet consultant can offer invaluable insights and help overcome long-standing challenges. By finding a consultant who brings expertise, clear communication, and actionable recommendations, fleet managers can not only achieve immediate results but also create a lasting impact on their fleet operations. A great consultant can help a fleet manager tell their story effectively, “to be able to use words, but also use graphs and charts and data… so that you can sell your position and convince other people to, hey, line up behind the cause.”
Think you’re ready to talk to a consultant to get a better idea of how they can help? Schedule a consultation with our team today and learn more.