Deadline extended!
If you've been on the fence about submitting an entry for one of Government Fleet's awards, 2026 is the year to do it. If you're a returning submitter, then we're excited to have you back.
Each award is prestigious in its own right, but they are also meant to help you as a fleet leader and fleet team. Many of our fleets use the awards to gauge how far they have come and where improvements can be made. When you're completing a submission, it provides space to reflect on the past year's challenges while looking ahead to identify what still needs to be done.
However, the awards also provide recognition as a leader in the public-sector fleet industry. Even if you’re not sure your work “rises” to an award, submit anyway. Strong entries often come from fleets that solved practical problems, improved a process, stretched a budget, or built consistency over time, not just headline-grabbing initiatives.
Here's what to know about each individual award category:
The Leading Fleets
The Leading Fleets Award recognizes operations that excel in fleet innovation and leadership. The award is sponsored by Ford Pro, and applications are due by Friday, March 13, 2026. Government Fleet magazine and the American Public Works Association will name 50 Leading Fleets, with the top 20 being ranked. Additionally, winners will be announced for the 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 award is judged by fleet managers from former No. 1 operations and a representative from APWA.
Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year
Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year. This award, sponsored by Element Fleet, recognizes an individual who has excelled in managing a fleet operation over the past year. The last day to submit nominations is Friday, February 14.
Any industry professional can nominate a fleet manager for this award, including fleet employees, suppliers, and consultants. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Qualified nominees will need to complete an essay questionnaire for judges, and a group of public sector fleet managers from across the country will judge the award. Applications are due by Friday, March 13, 2026.
Police Fleet Innovators
Government Fleet is proud to announce the Police Fleet Innovators Award, sponsored by Setina Manufacturing. This award is open to fleet operations teams that have developed innovative solutions to common problems in law enforcement fleets.
This is an organizational award, so the entire fleet team will be considered and named for the Police Fleet Innovators Award.
Multiple fleets will be selected as winners for this non-ranked award. Applications are due by Friday, March 13, 2026.
Hall of Fame + Legendary Lifetime Achievement Award
The Public Fleet Hall of Fame, produced by Government Fleet and the American Public Works Association, has members who are recognized industry leaders and pioneers who have contributed significantly to the public fleet management profession.
Eligible nominees must have at least 20 years of experience in public fleet management, but do not have to be currently working in a public fleet to be nominated. The Legendary Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to one exceptional Hall of Fame member. Submissions are due by Friday, March 20, 2026.
