From the many personal calls on various car fleet managers and my association with them at conventions and industry meetings, one point seems quite evident. That is the large degree of dispersion in the abilities of these individuals assigned to control a major expense item-the company fleet-for their particular organization.

Not only do I find their titles ranging over quite a latitude but their interests are similarly spread over a number of areas. Often they have another purchasing function; or are involved with the company traffic or accounting departments. All too often the subject of true maintenance and automotive service along with the other necessary topical subjects fails to arouse an understanding or vital interest that an expert fleet manager should possess.

Fleet management is quite different from the day to day purchasing functions for the usual business or corporate type fleet; similarly, even though freight is handled by vehicles, the average full-time traffic manager can hardly be expected to be receptive to the many-depth duties of fleet administration.

Today's professional fleet manager has a difficult enough task in reporting to top management on the closely scrutinized cost analysis of his fleet operation. He must also be completely knowledgeable on the new models, resale values, leasing, and ever changing service requirements for his cars. In addition the human factor of sales management influencing his decisions is a constant threat to continued economical operative procedure. Salesmen may rightly be called 'kings' in a company operation but it is often another matter to make the expense allowances reflect the true cost to the company for his transportation. The responsibility for a large capital investment, insurance claims, and the individual effort to promote safety among the high mileage cars, make good fleet administration a tough job.

One of the best ways I can think of for any interested fleet man to improve himself would be to attend and participate in the National Assn. of Fleet Administrators Annual Conference in Detroit, March 9, 10 and 11. In this issue we are carrying a full agenda of the conference. From talking personally with its dynamic chairman, Lee Westberg, of Gerber Products, I can underscore the value of the exchange of information that is available to any interested and qualified fleet manager. It appears to be the finest program ever conducted by NAFA, with the promise of capable chairmen conducting vital sessions on almost every phase of fleet management.

I urge every fleet man to examine his schedule and request that his management approve his attendance. His company will benefit to full measure.