Presentations, panel discussions, case study analyses, and teamwork competitions are all part of PFMI’s programs.

THE PRIVATE FLEET Management Institute (PFMI) and the Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) Class of 2024 registrations are now open.

PFMI 2023 reached an all-time attendance record with 125 registered attendees representing several dozen NPTC fleets and allied member companies. The day-long CTP Exam Prep Workshop held immediately before PFMI drew 121 attendees, also a record. A total of 139 people graduated from the Certified Transportation Professional Class of 2023 graduated, the highest number in the program’s 30-year history. J.J. Keller & Associates Inc. sponsored the program.

The 2024 PFMI will take place at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida, from January 13-17. It will provide a “graduate level” training program that focuses on five core disciplines of fleet management: safety, operations, finance, human resources, and equipment and maintenance.

More than a dozen institute expert faculty provide a rigorous learning environment in which attendees are exposed to a series of presentations, roundtable discussions, structured networking activities, case study analyses, and group teamwork competitions.

What are the benefits graduates and their companies can expect to gain from this intensive program?

Mari Roberts, CTP, past Chair of the NPTC Institute Board of Governors, current NPTC Board officer/secretary, and VP of transportation at Frito-Lay, who has more than 15 years as PFMI expert faculty member and CTP promoter, added: “Transportation expertise now carries a higher premium within corporations because transportation itself is a major priority and commands laser-like focus. I think most people have realized how critical our drivers and the trucking industry are to keep America’s supply chains moving. I appreciate the collaboration, benchmarking, and camaraderie shared amongst my peers and friends in the industry as we all continue to make our businesses more efficient and our collective highways safer. The networking power of CTPs is just incredible.”

NPTC Institute Board Chair Mike Schwersenska, CTP, is general manager of Brakebush Transportation Inc., a former NPTC Board of Director chair, and graduate of the CTP Class of 2015. “CTPs feel they belong to something truly special,” he said. “Some think of it as ‘The Club.’ The ROI from the experience was extraordinary. Based on what I learned at the institute alone, our company was able to save around $4 million within a few years. By coming back to NPTC events every year thereafter, and with my CTP connections, we continued to achieve great overall improvements and savings.”

“The week in Orlando was long and grueling for PFMI, but it was exactly what was needed,” said Brad O’Leary, CTP, operations & safety supervisor at Orgill Inc. “From the way the classes were laid out and presented in an open discussion, to ‘forcing’ everyone to network with new breakfast table and class groups every day, and even the curveball on our presentations bringing even more people together to share ideas, perspective, and knowledge, truly was an amazing program. The experience is one I will take with me for the rest of my career.”

Taylor Furgalack, CTP, fleet operations manager at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, added: “The amount of knowledge I gained from PFMI far surpassed all my expectations. I enjoyed learning fleet topics from industry professionals. Although the CTP exam is challenging, it is the culmination of a truly engaging learning opportunity and a chance to earn the credential of Certified Transportation Professional.”

Erica Forté, CTP, manager-fleet administration at Aaron’s Inc., said: “I had no idea what to expect. I learned so much in just a short period of time and made great connections. When I returned home, I started seeing things from a different perspective. I was amazed at the knowledge that I obtained and was able to apply to my current role. I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering testing for the CTP exam to go for it! You will learn things you did not know and enhance skills you already have. This was truly a wonderful experience!”

Join “The Club” by attending PFMI in January and graduating with the CTP Class of 2024.

From left to right: Chuck Amen, CTP, Hillyard Inc.; Arvin Zabalerio, CTP, Pepsi Beverages Co. and CTP Top Graduate, Class of 2023; Jeff Ferrell, CTP, J. J. Keller & Associates Inc.; Josh Fisher, FleetOwner editor-in-chief. Photo: NPTC