NAFA Fleet Management Association's new Beyond Fleet campaign seeks to gain executive level recognition for fleet managers, educate fleet managers on their value and worth to their employers and equip fleet managers with the tools they need to sell and promote themselves to their employers.


When NAFA surveyed fleet managers in the U.S. and Canada on how they viewed the role of fleet in their organization, the survey showed a problem that has been long plagued the fleet management industry - a lack of respect in the business world.

Roughly 400 fleet managers participated in the survey, which asked questions about their job responsibilities and how they perceived fleet was viewed within their organization. Overwhelmingly, respondents said the fleet manager position was rarely understood and often failed to get the recognition it deserved in the business community. Respondents pointed out that their job responsibilities included everything from data collection to lifecycle cost analysis; from fuel management to integrating sustainability programs; and from vehicle acquisition to vehicle remarketing. Essentially, fleet managers literally keep businesses moving.

"Beyond Fleet will be one of the most significant member benefits we've ever offered at NAFA," says NAFA Executive Director Phillip E. Russo. "We have crafted a digital suite of tools at www.BeyondFleet.com featuring presentations and template letters for fleet managers to utilize and show their employer they are more than just the 'car guy' or 'car gal'.

"Beyond Fleet will be an all-out marketing, communications, and public relations blitz by NAFA to spread the word about the importance and value of professional fleet managers," explained Russo. "Beyond Fleet will demonstrate that a fleet manager's value to his or her employer is, indeed, beyond fleet."