Fleet Managers are an integral part of the operations of any transportation company. They work in a fast paced, exciting and challenging environment. Continue reading to learn more about the Fleet Manager position at Bison Transport!

Fleet Managers are responsible for the overall performance of Drivers on their fleet. Their primary focus is to optimize utilization of Drivers and trucks within their respective fleet ensuring our Drivers, customers and company expectations are met. Fleet Managers have a lead role in training, development and supervision to ensure that Bison's goals and interests are achieved. They are key players in building and maintaining relationships between our Drivers and various departments within Bison.

What does a typical day look like for a Fleet Manager?

Relationship Management – A considerable portion of a Fleet Manager’s day is spent building and maintaining relationships with Drivers. In light of the Driver shortage, it is critical we retain our Drivers. Fleet Managers have substantial influence over Driver retention levels. Building professional relationships that foster open communication and trust can improve a Drivers work experience, often leading to retention.

Administrative – Fleet Managers are responsible for overseeing Driver compensation and ensuring their compliance is up-to-date.

Operational – A Fleet Manager’s top priority is managing utilization of Drivers and trucks on their fleet. They are responsible for scheduling any preventative maintenance on their trucks to ensure the highest possible utilization. Fleet Managers also monitor Driver schedules to confirm they will arrive on time to their destinations. They have considerable control and impact on Bison’s Level of Service rates. Fleet Managers work together with Drivers to avoid and work through any possible delays that arise while on the road to prevent a late delivery.

What skills and characteristics are required to be a successful Fleet Manager?

Patience – Fleet Managers must accept and tolerate delays and uncertainty. There are many factors that come into play in the operations of a transportation company. Although it is a fast paced position, sometimes there are factors out of a Fleet Managers control and they must remain patient and work towards finding a viable solution.

Multi-Tasking – They must balance and prioritize a variety of tasks under tight timelines.

Good Listener – Fleet Managers need to be active listeners because transportation issues are often complex and hard to understand. A good listener can absorb all the information and quickly identify the nature of the problem.

Problem Solver – It is a Fleet Manager's responsibility to find creative and efficient solutions to expected problems that are common in transportation.

Organized – Organization is critical for Fleet Managers to ensure all of their duties and responsibilities are completed in a timely manner. Fleet Managers work in an environment where time is critical.

Confident – Effective Fleet Managers need to have confidence in their decision-making ability. They are leaders and are required to explain to others the reasoning behind their decisions.

Strong Communicator – Fleet Managers constantly communicate with Drivers, dispatchers, customer service reps, shop managers and many others. It is essential they have the ability to effectively communicate in a variety of ways including: in-person, via email and over the phone.

What is the most difficult challenge Fleet Managers face?

Fleet Managers work under very tight timelines. They are forced to make decisions on the fly, but must evaluate many alternatives and not rush to poor decisions. To highlight with an example; if a Driver breaks down on-route to a customer it may put the load in jeopardy of arriving late. Fleet Managers are forced to quickly find a way to prevent a late arrival. They constantly battle against the pressure of time, but must balance and spend the appropriate amount of time evaluating and selecting the best course of action for our business and Drivers.

What is the typical progression to a Fleet Manager position and thereafter?

Why YOU should apply to be a Fleet Manager at Bison!

It is a fast-paced position that is different every day. No two issues are alike in the transportation industry and it’s your responsibility to find creative ways to solve them in the most efficient way possible.

Fleet Managers work in a team environment. They constantly communicate with dispatchers, planners, and Drivers to solve various issues.

The efforts of Fleet Managers are highly visible on the financial success of Bison. The position is performance driven. Fleet Managers find it rewarding knowing their contributions in the workplace are important and meaningful to Bison.

Working as a Fleet Manager is an excellent way to get intermediate management experience that can help in the progression of your career.

Are you seeking an environment that encourages learning and growth? Are you a leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills? Are you ready to make a direct impact on the continued growth and success of a leading transportation company? If your answer is yes - please submit an online application by visiting us here!