Flatbed Trucking Jobs: Navigating the Road as a Fleet Manager at PGT Trucking

In the vast landscape of flatbed trucking logistics, where every mile counts and every delivery is a promise, the role of a Fleet Manager stands at the crossroads of efficiency and reliability. At PGT Trucking, the Fleet Manager is the liaison between our corporate office, our Proud Professional drivers, and our clients. But what are their daily tasks? And what qualities make them excel?

What Does a Fleet Manager Do?

Whether in the office, visiting a company terminal, or meeting with drivers, the day of a PGT Fleet Manager starts with a meticulous check of reports. From there it’s check-in — following up on calls and emails and coordinating with drivers and customers.

Throughout the day this communication remains a constant, while other tasks may include:

• Finding loads 
• Matching load difficulty with driver skillset
• Setting transportation expectations with drivers
• Ensuring PGT safety and securement standards are met
• Relaying real-time information to a driver on traffic delays, vehicle breakdowns, project updates, or delivery issues
• Managing issues as they arise on the driver or client side

Core Responsibilities

One of the core responsibilities of a Fleet Manager in flatbed trucking logistics is the allocation of available loads to drivers, ensuring each driver maximizes their earnings while maintaining efficiency and adherence to safety standards. From seasoned professionals to new drivers transitioning from dry van to flatbed trucking jobs, the Fleet Manager is tasked with preparing and guiding them for success at PGT Trucking in the specialized field of flatbed transport. This involves finding suitable flatbed loads, communicating expectations unique to this niche, and providing necessary support to ensure a seamless integration into the demands of flatbed trucking operations.

Other tasks include:

• Analyzing available loads to prioritize coverage and to determine which loads will contribute to a driver’s total revenue earned.
• Securing, organizing, and assigning loads to drivers in a manner designed to maximize efficiency and quality of performance. 
• Providing appropriate routing directions and scheduling instructions for pick-ups and deliveries, as needed. 
• Advising terminals and customer service of scheduling problems (pick-up and delivery).
• Helping drivers maintain profitable and efficient lanes, thereby avoiding deadhead mileage.
• Instructing guides, supervising, motivating, and evaluating drivers and driver trainees regarding the daily performance of their assigned duties in a manner consistent with PGT policies and procedures. 
• Making recommendations to management with respect to driver’s performance.
• Maintaining and reviewing total and per driver shipping revenues earned on a daily basis.
• Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships across PGT departments and employees, as well as all PGT customers.

Qualities of a Fleet Manager

The role of a Fleet Manager demands a unique blend of qualities, including:

• Adaptability
  • In the fast-paced and ever-evolving logistics industry, adaptability is paramount. As a Fleet Manager, the ability to navigate through unforeseen challenges, shifting priorities, and industry changes ensures that operations run seamlessly. 
• Communication Skills
  • Effective communication is the key to efficiency. A Fleet Manager must convey instructions clearly to drivers, collaborate with various stakeholders, and provide timely updates. In case of any discrepancies or issues, the Fleet Manager steps in as the problem-solver, bridging the gap between drivers and customers to ensure a swift resolution.
• Attention to Detail
  • From monitoring vehicle maintenance schedules to overseeing route planning and cargo management, attention to detail is crucial for ensuring compliance, preventing errors, and optimizing operational processes. It is the bedrock upon which reliability and safety are built.
• Teamwork
  • A Fleet Manager is at the helm of a collaborative effort that involves drivers, dispatchers, maintenance teams, and various other departments. The ability to foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation ensures that everyone works cohesively toward common goals.
• Ability to Multitask
  • Whether it’s coordinating schedules, addressing unexpected issues, or managing paperwork, the ability to multitask efficiently is essential. 
• Organizational Skills
  • Whether maintaining accurate records or optimizing routes and schedules, a Fleet Manager with strong organizational skills can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and contribute to the overall success and safety of the operation. 

• Relationship Management 
  • A PGT Fleet Manager excels at building strong relationships with drivers and customers, fostering trust, loyalty, and mutual growth.

Being a Fleet Manager at PGT Trucking is more than just a job — it’s a career filled with purpose, growth, and challenges. It requires individuals who are not only adept at navigating the intricacies of flatbed trucking logistics but also passionate about ensuring the success and safety of every driver and every delivery. With adaptability, communication, attention to detail, and teamwork as their guidance, Fleet Managers at PGT Trucking are the driving force behind our tagline: Safety Is Everyone’s Job – All The Time.

Join The Future Of Flatbed as a Fleet Manager

PGT fosters a culture of learning, exploration, and innovation, offering rewarding careers and  professional development opportunities. We believe that our people are our best asset, and we invest in their future, continuing to attract and develop new talent to lead us to the Future of Flatbed. Join our team as a Fleet Manager and apply today!