Four Critical Areas For Fleet Managers
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 Not too long ago, I sat in a roomful of a few dozen fleet professionals – fleet managers and service providers alike – and asked them to identify the major issues facing the industry. More precisely, I asked them to talk about, from a personal level, the headache-inducing and stress-manufacturing problems, concerns, and opportunities they faced now and in the near future. Boy, what an earful I got! If I weren’t a "glass half-full" guy, I’d be more than a bit overwhelmed right now trying to figure out how NAFA could help resolve their issues.
After a few hours of conversation (this is not a shy group) we were able to identify four primary critical subject areas in which fleet managers were feeling pinched:
- Cost-cutting. Everything is being scrutinized and scrubbed to make sure every possible penny is saved. Fleet managers are asked to find savings year-over-year, so new, innovative solutions are required.
- Safety. More and more attention is being paid to the need have an active safety program, including policies on distracted driving. Fleet managers are struggling with how to change driver behavior so that their improved driving can have a positive impact on their employer’s bottom line.
- Technology. Rapidly changing vehicle technology is one thing, but fleet managers also have to be well-versed in myriad other products, systems, and technologies that can make them more efficient and provide better service.
- Professional Development. Never has it been more important for fleet professionals to dispel the myth they are "grease monkeys" and prove they are well-rounded and well-schooled in many critical business areas.
If you agree with this list and are personally dealing with any of these areas, I encourage you to attend NAFA’s 2013 Institute & Expo, from April 23-26, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This year’s I&E is focusing entirely on the four areas shown above, with at least a half dozen sessions on each, such as:
- Cost Savings That Dazzle
- Using Remarketing Trends to Predict The Future
- Finding The Right Truck For Your Job
- Are You Prepared For The Future of Fleet Fueling
- A Safety Culture Leads to Success
- Best-In-Class Safety Programs
- Using Driving Training & Crash Analysis To Manage Fleet Risks
- Breakthrough Technologies & Future Trends For Fleet Telematics
- Make Better Decisions Through The Power of Technology
- The Next Generation of Mobile Computing – Tablets & Beyond
- Dealing With Diversity – Embracing Gender, Generational & Ethnic Differences
- Improve Your Presentation Skills – Know Your Subject, Your Audience & Yourself
- Getting To The Top – How Fleet Managers Can Gain Access to Executive-Level Decision-Makers
As you can see, we are tailoring this year’s I&E sessions to deliver the critical, strategic information and direction you need to bring even more value to your employer. If you come out of any of these sessions with just one idea that saves money for your employer, makes your fleet safer, improves your efficiency, or makes you a better manager, you will have spent your time and money wisely in Atlantic City. And I can guarantee you’ll get at least one idea!
You can find out more about I&E 2013 at www.nafainstitute.org. I encourage you to register early to save some money for your employer!
Sincerely,
Phil
P.S. Getting to Atlantic City couldn’t be much easier: it’s a veritable "trains, planes, and automobile" city! Atlantic City International Airport, which is just 10 minutes outside of AC, has direct flights from Detroit, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, and Myrtle Beach. There are also easy connecting flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Ft. Lauderdale (see image below). Also, Philadelphia International Airport is just an hour outside of AC. Once you land in Philly, you can take the train directly to the AC Convention Center (convenient!) or hop on the exclusive, NAFA-sponsored shuttle bus (affectionately dubbed "The Party Bus") for an easy ride to the Boardwalk. Check out the "Hotel & Travel" tab on www.nafainstitute.org for details.
   
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