MENU
SEARCHMore than half of respondents in Government Fleet’s biennial Industry Handbook survey plan to retire in less than 10 years. Breaking down the data and identifying succession plans.
More than half of survey respondents — approximately 59% — plan to retire in less than 10 years.
Photo: Government Fleet/Canva
Retirement is in the near future for numerous public sector fleet managers, and succession plans are underway across many fleet operations.
Fleet managers shared their retirement and succession plans in Government Fleet’s biennial Industry Handbook survey. Here’s a look at how the results broke down.
More than half of survey respondents — approximately 59% — plan to retire in less than 10 years. This is in line with what generation the respondents identify with. That portion of the survey revealed that the vast majority of respondents — about 91% — identify with either Generation X or the Baby Boomers.
About 41% of respondents plan to remain in the industry for 10 years or more before retiring.
When asked whether they plan to stay at their current agency until they retire or leave the industry, just over two-thirds of respondents said they do. Approximately 15% of respondents said they do not, and 18% said they are unsure.
Most respondents have some sort of succession plan in place. Around 70% of respondents either have a succession plan already in place or in progress. The other 30% of respondents do not have a succession plan in place.
When compared to the retirement plan responses, the succession plan totals suggest that those who are less than 10 years away from retirement are likely to have a succession plan in place or in process.
About a third of survey respondents believe their successor currently works in their operation, while another third of respondents are unsure, and the final third of respondents do not believe their successor is currently employed within their operation.
About a third of survey respondents believe their successor currently works in their operation, while another third of respondents are unsure, and the final third of respondents do not believe their successor is currently employed within their operation.
Photo: Government Fleet
Government Fleet asked survey respondents what their succession plans consist of. For this response, respondents could choose multiple options listed. This is what they said:
Actively train someone currently on staff to take over: 49.21%.
Plan to stay for a period of time after retirement starts to train him/her: 25.40%.
Provide a detailed written list of job responsibilities, contacts, advice, etc.: 36.51%.
Plan to work as a contract employee for the agency after retirement: 11.11%.
None: 26.98%.
Other: 9.52%.
Additionally, some respondents listed administration turnover and the political climate as reasons why staff members may not want to move into higher roles.
In June and July 2023, Government Fleet magazine solicited responses to a biennial survey from its readership, receiving 81 qualified responses from a diverse group of public fleet professionals.
The information and analysis above come from this opt-in survey.
Want to participate in our next survey? Government Fleet is teaming up with Work Truck and Automotive Fleet to conduct a salary survey for fleet managers to determine the average salary for a fleet management position in both commercial and public sector fleets. The deadline for responses is Jan. 31, 2024.
The order, secured through Pierce dealer MacQueen, marks the department’s move from commercial chassis pumpers to Pierce custom fire apparatus designed to meet the operational demands of Minnesota’s largest city.
Read More →
As public fleets navigate rapid change through AI, telematics, and increasing operational pressures, Larry Campbell believes the fundamentals of leadership matter more than ever. The longtime fleet leader reflects on accountability, integrity, and why earning trust remains the foundation of a successful fleet operation.
Read More →
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Read More →
Through the RoadFlex mobile app, drivers can access their assigned cards, view recent transaction activity, and upload receipts directly from their mobile devices.
Read More →
A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.
Read More →
The new X-Tier machines bring together advanced electrified drivetrain technology, intelligent machine controls, and optional operator awareness features.
Read More →
At look at where to find good talent, what fleets are doing to incentivize those techs to stay within the fleet, and what promotion looks like for a technician within the public sector.
Read More →
Samsara introduced three AI-powered public sector solutions focused on road condition monitoring, waste service verification, and student ridership management for government agencies and school districts.
Read More →
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This whitepaper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →
