Industry Associations: The Heartbeat of Fleet Management

If you've ever been to a fleet management industry event, you've probably noticed very quickly that the energy among attendees is palpable.

Fleet professionals and other industry decision-makers gather to discuss industry trends, bounce ideas off each other, and find solutions to problems they're facing within their operations.

Industry associations serve as a meeting of the minds.

Ask a longtime fleet manager how they got to where they are today and they'll likely mention an industry association of some kind. On a local level, it can be easy to feel forgotten. Fleet management teams often work behind the scenes to keep their communities running.

Navigating Similar Challenges Together

But get together with a group of people tasked with the same daily responsiblities and you'll quickly realize there is a large collective of people dealing with the same hurdles and navigating the same new and emerging technologies. Fleet management associations are crucial.

"We all have similar problems and everyone has their specialties. Being a member of a professional fleet organization gives you access to those folks that have knowledge in areas you aren’t as well versed in. Why reinvent the wheel? Put out a call to your fellow fleet managers and let them help you become better," Fairfield, California, Fleet Division Manager and MEMA NorCal Chairperson David Renschler, CPFP, said.

Sometimes, these associations can help fleet professionals find better ways to approach industry hurdles.

"Often, we as managers can get overwhelmed but the numerous obstacles like tech shortages, parts availability, and vehicle ordering lead times just to name a few. It is good to have support from those who are experiencing the same challenges and that your are not alone against the world," said Scott McIver, CPFP, CAFS, fleet manager for the city of Greenville, South Carolina, and Southeast Governmental Fleet Management Association (SGFMA) member.

Industry associations can also be especially helpful when figuring out new regulations and mandates that affect fleets, like the California Advanced Clean Fleets regulation.

"Understanding the regulations and administrative requirements is imperative to minimize the workload, and sharing information quickly amongst government fleets is the best tool we have available," Santa Clara County Fleet Manager and MEMA NorCal Vice Chairperson David Worthington said.

There's no question that technology is vastly improving daily processes in fleet management. But learning how to use it can be overwhelming. This is just one way these associations can help.

"The pace at which technology is improving in this world requires people to be on top of their game to keep up with the new technologies and products. Participating in industry associations allows professionals to get up-to-date information on new products and technologies via webinars, meetings, and tradeshows," said Agile Fleet Senior Client Success Manager and National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) member Kathy Wellik, CAFM. 

Connecting with Minorities in Fleet

Some industry associations exist to bring together people with similar life experiences working in fleet who may feel underrepresented in the industry. Black Fleet Network (BFN) is one such organization.

The nonprofit is "motivated by a mission to create greater equity within all facets of the fleet industry, for professionals and students who are Black, African American, or of Black African descent," BFN Founder and CEO Exavious (ZĀ) Farley told Government Fleet.

Groups like this are critical in helping move the needle forward in fleet.

"BFN can reach into the center of the equity questions that face both our urban and rural areas and the intricacies and intimacy of the specific need. BFN is a voice for those who may not have access to capital or the tools to help move this industry and this country to innovations at the grass roots levels," Principle Holdings CEO, Fleet Consultant, and BFN Member Tim Fitzgerald said.

Another association working to create a platform for minorities in fleet is Women in Fleet Management (WIFM). Members represent fleets and fleet management solutions in both the public and private sectors.

The group is meant to "provide a resource for women fleet leaders that encourages personal and career fulfillment through mentoring, fleet expertise sharing, fleet and business community involvement, and networking," according to the Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association (AFLA) website.

The Importance of In-Person Gatherings

Fleet industry associations often have networking and educational events, which can be an invaluable tool for fleet managers to continue learning, so they can better their operations. 

"Industry association events are essential to the success of an organization. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Industry organization events provide the continued education that is required for the high performing fleet manager," said Matthew Case, CEM, Manatee County, Florida, Fleet Division Manager.

Case is a regional representative for the Florida Association of Government Fleet Administrators (FLAGFA), an active member of the American Public Works Association (APWA), and sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP). He enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with fleet professionals both in the public and private sectors.

"I have found it beneficial as a public fleet manager to be exposed to both public and private associations. I have had great success in my career networking with fellow public and private sector fleet managers, it also has helped Manatee County government fleet attain national/global recognition and attention from the AEMP Fleet Masters Awards we received in 2020 and 2023," Case added.

We've gathered a list of fleet management associations — both specific to public sector fleet managers and the fleet management industry as a whole — to help you find the right group for you. These groups are listed in alphabetical order below. If we missed any, please comment below and let us know!

It's important to note that some associations allow fleet management teams in their entirety to become members, while others require single-person memberships.

Regional and National Public Sector Fleet Industry Associations

American Public Works Association (APWA) - Association of public works agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to promoting professional excellence and public awareness across all aspects of public works

Florida Association of Governmental Fleet Administrators (FLAGFA) - Organization of local government fleet management professionals in the U.S. representing most cities, counties, and state agencies within Florida

FleetPros - Public fleet association serving fleet professionals through education, networking, and resources; spanning five states including: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah

Munipical Equipment Maintenance Association (MEMA) - Association of public sector fleet professionals dedicated to improving the quality of service within the industry. Three regional chapters: NorCal, SoCal, and Ohio

Municipal Fleet Managers Association (MFMA) - Organization dedicated to creating a space for municipal fleet managers to communicate, promoting cost-effective fleet management policies, procedures, and techniques through technical and managerial education

National Alliance of State and University Fleets (NASUF) - Originally founded as NCSFA, this organization is dedicated to supporting fleet administrators from state governments and universities

Public Fleet Managers Association (PFMA) - Association created to provide networking, assistance, and training to public sector fleet managers; initially called Pacific Northwest Public Fleet Managers Association but member organizations now represent agencies from across the U.S.

Public Fleet Supervisors Association (PFSA) - Organization which provides a meeting ground for public employees whose principal responsibility is the management and/or supervision of the acquisition, repair, and maintenance of a motor vehicle fleet. Private organizations, businesses, and others may, at the discretion of the regular membership, participate in these activities, without the privilege of voting on policy or procedures. Serves the greater San Francisco Bay area and Northern California

Southeast Governmental Fleet Management Association (SGFMA) - Association that serves professional public fleet managers, with the goal of providing training sessions and networking opportunities to members throughout the year. Initially created for South Carolina fleets, but expanded to include the entire Southeast

General Fleet Management Industry Associations

Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) - Organization representing fleet professionals who work in construction, government, utilities, energy, mining, and any other industry that requires the effective deployment of heavy equipment

Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association (AFLA) - Organization that promotes growth, expansion, and professionalism within the fleet industry by providing education, research, technical standards, representation and advancement of member interests

Black Fleet Network (BFN) - Organization of professionals driving the fleet industry forward, comprised of people from diverse backgrounds and the shared experience of being Black within the professional context. Includes fleet directors, logistics pros, insurance mavens, technologists, students, suppliers, EV specialists, entrepreneurs, public works leaders, telematics experts, sales managers, and more

National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) - Association of individuals who manage the vehicular fleet and mobility responsibilities for their employers, both public and private. Provides industry certification programs, education, advocacy, and more

Women in Fleet Management (WIFM) - Membership program open to all corporate fleet professionals dedicated to supporting women in fleet

A Look at Government Fleet's Resources for Fleet Managers

Government Fleet, the most trusted industry resource for news, training, and information, has an array of resources to help fleet managers.

Attend the Government Fleet Expo & Conference

The Government Fleet Expo & Conference, more commonly known as GFX, is the largest annual conference for public fleets in the nation. With a lineup of dozens of educational sessions led by your peers, an exhibit hall with over 100 vendors, and endless networking opportunities, GFX is the must-attend event for public sector fleet professionals.

The event has continued to grow over the years, with the addition of the Police Fleet Conference (PFC) track in 2023, and the newly-announced Public Transit Conference (PTC) track in 2024.

This year, GFX will be hosted in Louisville, Kentucky, May 7-10. When you register for the Full Conference Fleet Pass, the all-access pass for government fleet professionals, you'll have access to all of the networking and educational opportunities offered on Days 1-3.

Connect on FleetSHARE

Government Fleet has a forum dedicated to public sector fleet professionals called FleetSHARE. On this private forum, only for qualified public sector fleet employees, you can ask questions and brainstorm ideas with your peers.

You can find out more about FleetSHARE, and how to register by clicking here.

Gain Knowledge About Common Problems and Solutions within Public Sector Fleet Management with Government Fleet Magazine

Government Fleet magazine features articles about trends in the industry, as well as highlights ways to solve common problems within public sector fleets. Qualified public sector fleet employees and vendors may receive a free print and digital magazine subscription.

You can find out how to subscribe here.

Stay Up to Date on Industry Trends & News with Government-Fleet.com

With daily news and articles dedicated to the public sector fleet industry, Government-Fleet.com is the top resource for government fleet professionals. Check out what's going on with fleets across the U.S. and parts of Canada, read about new products and vehicles available for your fleet, and more.

Subscribe to Our Enewsletters

One of the best ways to keep up with the latest happenings in the industry is through Government Fleet's various enewsletters.

Personalize your subscription to receive what's relevant to you, including our biweekly enewsletter with news and articles about the industry, our bi-monthly police fleet enewsletter, our weekly top news roundup, and information about various Bobit events.

Click here to subscribe to our enewsletter.

Check in on the Pulse of Public Fleet with the Biennial Industry Handbook

Every two years, Government Fleet releases its industry handbook, complete with analyses of surveys completed by you, to get a gauge on what's going on in public sector fleets. This includes a look at salaries, retirement and succession planning, general fleet operations, budgets, and more.

Check out the most recent industry handbook here.