Applications for the Leading Fleets award are now open. Government fleets are encouraged to submit an application for the new award recognizing operations that are performing at a high level in fleet innovation and leadership. The award is sponsored by Ford Motor Company and Property Room. Applications, which can be found here, are due March 14.

Each year, Government Fleet magazine will name 50 Leading Fleets, with the top 20 being ranked. Additionally, there will be winners for No. 1 overall fleet, No. 1 small fleet (499 or fewer assets), No. 1 mid-size fleet (500-999 assets), and No. 1 large fleet (1,000 or more assets).

The judges for this award will be former managers of No. 1 ranked fleets (awarded by Government Fleet) including John Hunt, CPFP, fleet manager, City of Portland, Ore.; Sam Lamerato, CPFP, fleet superintendent for the City of Troy, Mich.; and Dave Seavey, CAFM, director of fleet operations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and former fleet management division director for the City of Seattle.

Criteria for the award will include, but not be limited to:

• How an operation prioritizes and exhibits leadership within their team, with customers, within their community and within the overall fleet community.

• How an operation ensures competitiveness and efficiency.

• The future vision of the operation and leadership steps taken to get there.

• How an operation addresses and overcomes it biggest challenges.

The recipients of these new awards and the Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award will be announced at GFX — the industry's annual event produced by Government Fleet magazine. Winners will be featured in Government Fleet magazine's special awards issue.

"These awards are unique to the industry, and we look forward to learning about the achievements of outstanding fleet organizations and individuals across the U.S. and in Canada," said Eric Bearly, GF publisher.

To apply, click here.