The fleet manager plays a central role in the company when it comes to the management, safety and cost-effectiveness of the vehicle fleet.
What is a fleet manager?
A fleet manager is responsible for the organization and management of a company’s entire fleet . This involves not only managing the vehicles, but also strategic decisions, economic efficiency, legal requirements and fleet safety. In larger companies, the position is often independent; in smaller companies, it is often taken over by other departments.
Tasks of a fleet manager
The tasks of a fleet manager are varied and range from operational activities to strategic decisions:
- Procurement, management and decommissioning of vehicles
- Planning and monitoring maintenance, inspections and vehicle tests (e.g. UVV)
- Cost management and optimization of profitability
- Contract management (leasing, insurance, maintenance contracts)
- Organization of driver instruction and training
- Ensuring compliance with legal regulations (e.g. driving license checks)
Liability of the fleet manager
The liability of a fleet manager is a key issue. They are responsible for ensuring that all regulations and safety standards are complied with. In certain circumstances, they can be held liable for violations – for example, if:
- Vehicles are not roadworthy
- no regular UVV inspection is carried out
- Driving license checks were not documented
- Accidents caused by poor organization or negligence
Rights and duties of a fleet manager
- Rights: access to vehicle-relevant data, decision-making authority regarding vehicle selection and deployment, authority to issue instructions to drivers
- Duties: Compliance with all legal regulations, documentation of safety-relevant processes, communication with insurers and authorities
Why is the fleet manager so important?
A well-organized fleet has a direct impact on the efficiency, safety and profitability of a company. The fleet manager helps to minimize risks, control costs and reliably implement legal requirements.
Conclusion
The fleet manager is a key position in the company with extensive tasks, clear duties and potential liability. To successfully fill this responsible role, specialist knowledge, organizational talent and the targeted use of fleet management software are essential.
