Committee News
Gerald V. Byington, CPFP
Outgoing Chair, Fleet Management Committee
This year began with some continuing challenges for fleet. Persistent supply chain issues have severely delayed vehicle orders, sometimes for months instead of days. We also face difficulty obtaining and retaining qualified technicians to maintain our equipment and are having to extend service life. Through these adversities the Fleet Management Committee (FMC) is dedicated to sharing new ways to adapt, improvise, and overcome these challenges through writing articles as well as presenting our certificate program annually at the Snow Conference and for the first time at PWX in Chicago. In the past year, public works professionals have been faced with extreme weather events, from wildfires to flooding. Our upcoming Click, Listen & Learn on September 18 will discuss fleet’s role in disaster response and recovery. Our presenters have recently experienced wildfires, flooding, and an unexpected ice event in their communities. Register today.
We have enjoyed collaborating with other committees on new and exciting projects, one of which is the EV Roadmap, which we look forward to rolling out this fall. The committee has partnered with members of the Workforce Development Committee to help create a Fleet Career Lattice to launch in early 2026 in the new APWA CareerZone. This collaborative effort is designed to highlight clear career paths, training and advancement opportunities, and support growth within the profession. Stay tuned for updates as we work to finalize and share this resource in the new APWA CareerZone!
Fleet services is key to keeping the whole of public works operating smoothly. We provide essential services to those who provide critical services to the citizens in our communities. Neither is more valuable than the other but without each other we do not add much value. Working together as one team with a common goal is how we remain relevant. The Fleet Management Committee remains dedicated to being ready and resilient, initiative-taking, and adaptive to the ever-developing technological and economic world we live in. If you are interested in joining our knowledge team, email the Fleet Management Committee.
Live Programs
Fleet’s Critical Role in Disaster Response and Recovery
September 18
Is your fleet team prepared to serve your community when disaster strikes? This live virtual program will equip fleet professionals with critical knowledge needed to effectively support emergency operations during a wide range of disaster scenarios, including floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and ice storms. Industry experts will discuss their firsthand experiences and share lessons learned from the front lines.
Public Fleet Management Certificate
September 24–October 2
This virtual eight-hour program is designed for new, seasoned, and aspiring fleet managers. Learn from the experts who developed the program, which will provide an overview of the many skills and areas of knowledge fleet managers need to be successful, including organization structures, communication, procurement, purchasing, finance, and fleet operations.
New Resources
Coming soon! Keep your eyes open for the APWA EV Roadmap for Fleet Managers. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re in the process of transitioning to EVs, this roadmap will help guide you in answering questions like, “Where do I start?,” “Who do I need to have on my team?,” “What are the resources for a successful transitions?”
Check out the new Onboarding Toolbox developed by the Workforce Development Committee! This toolbox provides templates, checklists, and best practices to help teams create a smooth and consistent onboarding experience for new employees. It’s designed to support managers in welcoming new staff, setting clear expectations, and building early engagement.
Call for Fleet Videos!
We’re building out our new CareerZone portal and would love to feature real-world perspectives. If you already have a “Day in the Life” video highlighting careers in fleet—especially for a fleet manager, fleet services supervisor, or fleet technician—we’d love to showcase it.
If you have related videos or know of someone who does, please email education@apwa.org.
Trending Resources
Public Works Benchmarks: Fleet
APWA conducted a pilot benchmarking survey in 2022 of 150 agencies across the United States. This document presents a detailed overview of key metrics pertaining to public works fleets, providing insights into the operational dynamics and resource utilization within these organizations.
Solid Waste Summit
While there is heavy emphasis in the solid waste industry on regulations, and reduce, reuse, and recycle, we often do not focus on the trucks and people that make responsible solid waste management possible. The Solid Waste Summit highlights innovative ways to maintain a healthy fleet and limit downtime. Participants will gain insight into effective transition planning to an alternative fuels fleet, considering the increasing number of rising electric and gas options.
Developing Strategies To Deal With Longer Vehicle Equipment Replacement Lead Times
Vehicle/equipment replacement lead times continue to be years, and we don’t know when or if they will ever return to pre-Covid timeframes. Changing our perspective and seeing these extended wait times as opportunities instead of challenges can improve your fleet and ensure you are at the forefront of your customer’s needs.
Certified Public Fleet Professional Spotlight
Name: Keith Nicolson
Title: Facilities and Fleet Manager
Agency: City of Eugene
Location of agency: Eugene, Oregon
Size of population served: Approximately 178,000
How long have you been in public works?
I have worked in local government and public works since 2001.
Why did you pursue an APWA certification?
I was looking to advance my career as a fleet manager. Looking at the available certification options, I felt the CPFP certification provided the best options to meet my needs. The certification process challenged my knowledge and highlighted areas that I still needed to focus on.
How has earning your certification benefited you either personally or professionally?
I credit obtaining my CPFP certification with my current and prior career advancements. Holding this credential demonstrates my commitment to my profession and peers while also demonstrating to leadership my experience in areas such as fleet management, budgeting, procurement, asset management, sustainability, and operations.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
I was born in England and have lived in six different countries.
Learn more about how you can earn your Certified Public Fleet Professional certification.
