Last week, I attended the Public Fleet Advisors Fleet Management Training Seminar at the Greenville Public Works Facility in Greenville, South Carolina. It was a full day of education, discussion, and perspective, and I left with a deeper respect for the fleet professionals who keep their organizations running.
Although I wasn’t there as a fleet manager, the experience reinforced how critical it is for every fleet leader to truly understand their numbers. The day was led by two legends in the field, Sam P. Lamerato, CPFP, and Larry W. Campbell, CPFP, with additional insight from Scott McIver, CPFP, CAFM, who manages Greenville’s fleet.
If you’ve never attended one of these classes, you’re missing out on more than just training. You’re missing a chance to rethink how you run your operation, from daily metrics to long-term strategy.
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
Sam and Larry brought decades of hands-on public fleet experience to the classroom. Their approach wasn’t theoretical. It was grounded in what works, what fails, and what separates great fleets from the rest.
We covered topics like ethics, fleet management best practices, asset management, and labor rate competitiveness. Every discussion came back to one central theme: you can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Numbers tell the story, technician direct and indirect time, fleet availability, downtime percentages, cost per mile, and Vehicle Equivalency Units (VEUs). Those metrics aren’t just paperwork; they are the pulse of your operation. When you track and understand them, you gain control over productivity, efficiency, and resource planning. When you don’t, you’re guessing.
WHY KNOWING YOUR NUMBERS MATTERS
Throughout the day, Sam and Larry emphasized that successful fleet management is built on accurate data. Knowing your metrics allows you to:
- Identify inefficiencies before they become costly problems
- Support budget requests with hard evidence
- Benchmark performance against other agencies
- Make informed decisions on replacement cycles, staffing, and maintenance strategies
Larry made a statement that stuck with me: “Thinking long term minimizes the frequency of future urgent responses.” That line hit home. Whether you manage a city fleet, county department, or state agency, that mindset applies everywhere. Planning, documenting, and measuring now prevents the firefighting that drains teams later.
INSIDE GREENVILLE’S PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY
At the end of the day, Scott McIver gave our group a full tour of the Greenville Public Works facility he manages, and it was nothing short of impressive.
The facility is about eight years old and operates with an efficiency most fleets would envy. They utilize a NAPA IBS (Integrated Business Solutions) model for parts, which means they effectively have their own parts store inside the building. Technicians always have what they need on hand, reducing downtime and wait times.
Their intake process is just as refined. Vehicles enter through a dedicated drive-thru bay, where two writers are assigned to ensure every unit gets a work order before it even hits the floor. It’s a simple practice that guarantees traceability and eliminates confusion later in the process.
Cleanliness and organization are clearly part of their culture. The epoxy-coated floors gleamed, and staff were actually cleaning them with machines during our visit, part of their regular routine done multiple times each week. The entire space was bright and open, with plenty of natural light. You could feel the pride in how the facility was maintained, and it showed in how smoothly everything operated.
A REFRESHER FOR EVERY FLEET MANAGER
Even though I attended as an observer, this class reminded me how vital it is for fleet professionals to step away from the day-to-day and refocus on fundamentals. Between managing repairs, budgets, and staff, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.
Training like this brings that focus back. It’s not just about learning new techniques, it’s about validation, benchmarking, and finding areas of improvement you might not see in your own shop.
It also creates a sense of community. Sitting in a room full of people who face the same challenges builds relationships and sparks ideas that carry beyond the classroom. Everyone in attendance was there to learn, share, and grow.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND A PUBLIC FLEET ADVISORS CLASS
If you manage a fleet, whether small or large, municipal or county, I can’t recommend this class enough. You’ll leave with practical knowledge, a renewed sense of direction, and a better understanding of how to use your data to strengthen your operation.
The investment in time and travel pays for itself quickly in insights and efficiency. Sam, Larry, and the entire Public Fleet Advisors team have dedicated their careers to helping public fleets succeed, and it shows in every part of the training.
You can learn more about upcoming sessions or register directly at their website
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Fleet data is not optional, it’s the foundation of smart decision-making.
- Benchmarking performance builds credibility and confidence in your operation.
- Long-term thinking reduces the chaos of constant urgent issues.
- Clean, organized facilities reflect a culture of pride and professionalism.
- Continuous education connects you to ideas and people who make your fleet stronger.
