The fleet management industry has such a diverse range people and roles, and everyone has a unique story of their journey in our industry. This month we talk to Andrew Douglas, Coordinator Fleet and Depot Support – Baw Baw Shire Council. Andrew has recently been appointed to the
IPWEA FLEET Council helping to provide guidance in best practice plant & vehicle management and to support the IPWEA Fleet program.
FLEET intouch: How did you get started in fleet and plant, and what was your first job in the industry?
Andrew Douglas: I was working as an operational manager and the company I worked for entered an alliance which involved transferring their existing fleet to the alliance with an ongoing role to manage it. As I had a well-known interest in cars and had been involved in racing, rallying, etc, I was asked if I would be interested in taking on the new fleet management role.
Having a mechanical background and suitable qualifications, working in plant maintenance, workshops and construction, the move to the fleet management role was a logical one, allowing me to further enhance my interest in cars and the further expansion to mobile plant and equipment.
FI: Tell us about your role and the kind of fleet and plant you manage.
AD: I am responsible for delivering the operational and maintenance requirements for the Baw Baw Shire Council’s fleet of passenger, light and heavy commercial vehicles, including and all mobile plant and equipment. This role also incorporates managing the Fleet Workshop, which completes repairs and servicing of Council plant and equipment. In conjunction with my team, we strategically plan the maintenance, update and replacement of the council’s fleet.
The fleet comprises:
FI: What’s the favourite part of your job?
AD: Introducing new technology, plant and equipment. Especially the researching, trialling and evaluating components of the process. Also, managing the workshop and the challenges it brings in fault-finding and returning plant and equipment back to life.
FI: What are some of the biggest challenges you see facing fleet professionals this year and beyond?
AD: Currently, the challenges I believe are in the areas of: finance, employment, growth, procurement /disposal, operational WHS, technology, regulation and service providers.
Many of the above challenges are ongoing, with the following responsibilities over the long term: chain of responsibility, grey fleet, vehicle design and propulsion, autonomous technology and passenger vehicle ownership.
FI: How do you think the fleet department can make sure it has buy-in and support from the rest of the organisation?
AD: The organisation needs a comprehensive fleet policy that is fully supported and provides a sound basis for management of the fleet. Added to this, a consultation process that looks at the individual business unit needs, but still provides a cost-effective WOL solution.
FI: If you weren’t in the fleet industry, what would you be doing?
AD: Probably working in a contract or asset management role within one of the service utilities or government agencies.