When it comes to managing a fleet there are many different things that need to be taken care of; expenses to control, staff, to deal with and vehicles to maintain. There truly is little room for error, because even the slightest problem can end up costing the company money. If you want to ensure that you stay in budget and keep the business running as smoothly as possible then as a fleet manager, it is vital that you ensure that the fleet works efficiently.
Trackershop takes a look at the number of ways in which you can achieve this, including address any maintenance issues, manage your fuel and tire costs, reduce your paperwork and invest in new technology that can assist you in making sure that your fleet is more efficient.
Preventative maintenance
The key to a truly efficient fleet is ensuring that all of your vehicles are on the road, and this means ensuring that they are fit to be there. Preventative maintenance is a way in which you can address any minor issues that occur with your vehicles before they become major ones that can lead to your vehicle being off the road. Preventative maintenance allows you to work out a schedule for routine services on your vehicles in advance so that you can carry out the work when it is most convenient. Performing maintenance on a regular basis should save you operation time and can even allow you to keep a better track of the part usage you have as a business.
Better routes
Better routes mean more efficient deliveries and more efficient use of fuel so buy GPS tracker systems for all your fleet. This will allow you to plot the most efficient routes for your fleet, this is especially important when you make timed deliveries. Not only will you be able to take into account rush hour traffic, but also any road maintenance that is taking place and also keep an eye out for road traffic incidents that may slow your drivers down. In the event of this occurring, you will be able to propose alternative routes that are as efficient as possible, taking into account any obstacles. Better routes mean more economical fuel consumption and less general wear and tear on your vehicles.
Driver communication
Communication is vital in business, and when your drivers are out on the road it is vitally important that you can communicate with them and they with you. Ensure that you have lines of communication that can be used so that you can advise your drivers of any alternatives they may need to make to their route and that they can inform you if they are in traffic that is going to delay their deliveries. With the right communications in place, you can keep your customer informed of any changes. Whilst customers do not appreciate delays they do understand that they can occur, and being kept in the loop goes a long way to keeping them happy.
Driver accountability
GPS fleet trackers can also improve the accountability of your drivers. The data that you can collect from them will show you if your drivers have been driving in a manner that is inappropriate – for example, speeding. It will also show you if there is any unusual activity such as your driver taking longer than normal to complete. This will allow you to see where the business is potentially less efficient than it should be so that you can look for ways of improving.
Improving driver efficiency is not just the responsibility of your drivers themselves. As a fleet manager, you should be doing all that you can to ensure they have what they need to be efficient.
