By being part of an organization that helps to educate, connect and promote what you do, you can grow to become a better fleet manager, maintenance provider or operations manager.
Regardless of what business you are in, it is probably a good idea to join an association of like-minded professionals. The fleet management industry is no different. We’ve compiled a list of national and international associations that you might be interested in joining.
NAFA Fleet Management Association
The NAFA Fleet Management Association is considered by most to be the premier organization for fleet-related professionals. They cater to a diverse array of locations, interests as well as job roles.
From their website: "NAFA propels the fleet and mobility profession through its world-class certification, education, advocacy, and peer-networking programs, and is an essential element of success for individuals involved in the profession."
Municipal Fleet Managers Association
As you might infer from the name, this association, often referred to as MFMA, is designed for fleet managers who have involvement in a government-related role, whether that be on a national, regional or local level.
From their website: "Our intent is to promote cost effective fleet management policies, procedures and techniques among our members through technical and managerial education and training."
Public Fleet Managers Association
Like the MFMA, the Public Fleet Managers Association (PFMA) is specifically for public fleet managers, and initially served the Pacific Northwest. The current membership comprises "approximately 100 member organizations representing a cross section of all public fleets…throughout Washington, Oregon, Canada, California, Alaska and agencies throughout the US."
Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association
The Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) is a forum dedicated to improving communication between sellers, buyers, fleet managers, lending institutions, fleet management companies, used vehicle marketers, and allied automotive service companies.
Automotive Service Groups
For those of you who are in the Automotive Service Industry, we have some trade organizations for you as well. Here are a few that you might be interested in.
Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association
The Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA) is an "alliance of automotive professionals responsible for standards that deliver peace of mind to the motorist." Formed in 1992, the organization is now responsible for managing the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), which "provides thousands of repair and maintenance standards and vehicle conditions that have been established by industry experts over the last 25 years."
Automotive Service Association
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is an international organization that "advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services." ASA is actively in tune with political legislation and includes a wide variety of owners and managers of automotive service companies.
Editor’s note: This blog post was originally posted in June 2013 and has been updated for accuracy and relevancy.
