Fleet Manager Interview Questions

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How familiar are you with EPA regulations pertaining to diesel exhaust fluid and gas emissions in fleet trucks? See answer
What are proper practices for keeping records for fleet trucks and maintaining compliance with state and federal laws? See answer
As a fleet manager, do you consistently use GPS tracking for your vehicles? See answer
In your experience, how did you reduce unnecessary overhead spending for fleet owners and previous employers? See answer
A supplier disagrees with your conditions on a vehicle maintenance proposal. How would you handle this? See answer
Are you furthering your education by taking any classes or any educational programs out there?
We are proud of our history of compliance and the fact we have not been required to pay federal penalties. How do you stay up-to-date with laws, such as EPA regulations?
Tell me about the software you use for record-keeping and scheduling vehicle maintenance.
There is increasing rivalry among some of your drivers, and it’s starting to have a negative impact on their performance. How would you handle it?
In your previous job, what were the areas you enjoyed?
Do you have any personal qualities that make you an efficient fleet manager? Please explain your answer.
Tell me about the things that challenge you as a fleet manager.
Some of the drivers are demotivated. Describe a strategy you would use to increase motivation and engagement among them.
How do you make sure you handle registrations, licensing and inspections on time?
Tell me about your experience in training new drivers.
Describe the fleets you’ve handled in the past.
What is your approach to implementing policy changes?
We want to improve driver compliance with our protocols. What strategy would you recommend?

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6 Fleet Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

How familiar are you with EPA regulations pertaining to diesel exhaust fluid and gas emissions in fleet trucks?

A:

The EPA requires all fleet owners to use diesel exhaust fluid and selective catalytic reduction technology to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Fleet managers maintain the fleet trucks as part of their job. Knowledge of the EPA regulations is necessary to maintain the fleet trucks properly and avoid federal penalties for violations and a failure to control harmful gas emissions. You want a fleet manager who possesses this knowledge.

What to look for in an answer:

Advanced understanding of EPA regulations
Experience with maintaining fleet trucks according to federal regulations
Mitigation of risks for fleet truck owners

Example:

In my experience, fleet trucks require 2.5 gallons of diesel exhaust fluid for every 800 miles traveled to control harmful nitrous oxide gas emissions.

Q:

What are proper practices for keeping records for fleet trucks and maintaining compliance with state and federal laws?

A:

Testing the knowledge of the candidate about recordkeeping protocol determines if he or she understands applicable laws. The fleet manager must maintain thorough records for each fleet vehicle owned by the company. The manager registers and obtains a license for each vehicle and schedules inspections. You want a fleet manager who understands the processes and maintains accurate records for each vehicle. Maintaining compliance helps your company avoid federal penalties.

What to look for in an answer:

Knowledge of DOT regulations for fleet trucks
Extensive experience as a fleet manager
Experience updating registration, licenses and vehicle fleet inspections

Example:

As a fleet manager, I purchased, registered and obtained licenses for fleet vehicles. I scheduled vehicle inspections and maintained thorough records for all vehicles.

Q:

As a fleet manager, do you consistently use GPS tracking for your vehicles?

A:

GPS tracking devices give fleet managers more information when evaluating and monitoring their drivers. The devices create a log of all the drivers’ travels and the start and stop time of their trips. The manager determines if the drivers are following FMCSA regulations, following their assigned routes, and completing tasks in a timely manner. Your company needs a fleet manager who retains qualified and skilled drivers that won’t present liabilities.

What to look for in an answer:

Knowledge of FMCSA and DOT regulations
Advanced knowledge of GPS tracking devices for fleet trucks
Knowledge of driver evaluation practices

Example:

Yes, in my experience, GPS trackers help mitigate risks and liabilities. The devices assisted my efforts to keep drivers safe and reduce accidents.

Q:

In your experience, how did you reduce unnecessary overhead spending for fleet owners and previous employers?

A:

Fleet managers must find new ways to maximize the company’s profits and minimize overhead costs. Hiring a fleet manager helps you gain a manager with knowledge of these practices. Testing the candidate’s knowledge of accounting practices for fleet companies determines if the candidate has the right qualifications for the position. A tactic used to manage costs is to use data mining to find patterns of unnecessary company spending and waste.

What to look for in an answer:

Experience with fleet company profits and losses
Advanced accounting and cost-reduction skills
Efficient management of the company’s expenses

Example:

While working with fleet owners, I collected critical data and assessed records for patterns showing where cuts were possible and created a savings plan.

Q:

Are you furthering your education by taking classes or any educational programs out there?

A:

The standard qualifications for fleet managers is a minimum of an associate’s degree and five years of experience. Continuing education programs update the fleet manager’s knowledge of practices, regulations and the law. Discussing the possibility of the programs determines if candidates are ambitious and want to complete their job to the best of their abilities. You want a fleet manager who wants to continue to improve his/her skills.

What to look for in an answer:

Better understanding of laws, practices and regulations
Dedication to his/her career
Advanced skills set

Example:

I like to stay educated as it lets me complete the job more efficiently. I also avoid violations for emerging regulations and laws.

Q:

A supplier disagrees with your conditions on a vehicle maintenance proposal. How would you handle this?

A:

Fleet managers should be able to handle supplier negotiations competently. An employer can use this question to identify job applicants with suitable negotiation and problem-solving skills. An efficient fleet manager candidate should offer a viable negotiation strategy to reach an agreement with the supplier.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

Ability to connect with a stakeholder, even during a disagreement
Communication, negotiation, leadership and problem-solving skills
Confidence in negotiation skills

An example answer to this question can look like this:

Example:

"I would use my active listening skills to understand my supplier's concerns as well as their other interests in relation to the fleet maintenance project. Then, I would use my integrative negotiation skills to find a mutually acceptable solution that improves my relationship with my supplier."

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