Boost your fleet efficiency – 6 proven strategies
With a vast array of technology, services, and facilities available, fleet performance can be significantly enhanced. However, it’s crucial to understand the organization’s real needs and current performance standards to identify worthwhile investments. As businesses evolve, market developments and legislative changes are inevitable.
Keeping the following six strategies in mind ensures that any new techniques adopted will positively impact the fleet’s overall effectiveness.
Set your goals and objectives
What are your goals for your fleet? Are your plans to minimise cost, increase safety, or boost productivity overall? Clarify your objectives and you’ll be better placed to develop strategies designed to achieve those goals specifically.
Create the policy
Outline and verify the framework of the plan, including the provision of vehicles, from fully covered company cars to the use of privately owned cars for business purposes; vehicle categories corresponding to employee rank, the degree of allowed driver choice, and the criteria for replacement based on duration and mileage.
Select the best vehicles for your requirements
Not every vehicle is the same. It’s crucial to pick the right ones for your specific business requirements. Think about things like how much they can carry, their fuel efficiency, and the cost of upkeep when making your choice.
Manage fuel expenses
Monitoring your fleet’s fuel usage can lead to cost savings. Managers can monitor drivers’ whereabouts using GPS and ensure they take fuel efficient routes. Opting for fuel cards offered by fleet management providers such as radius.com, makes it easier to handle fuel expenses, covering only fuel and vehicle-related purchases. These cards let you oversee expenses, track usage, and settle payments later through a weekly invoice. When used with GPS and analytics, fuel cards can identify savings opportunities and track fuel consumption, addressing factors like idling, speed, and driving habits to boost efficiency and cut costs.
Implement preventive maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is crucial for preventing issues before they become dangerous. Schedule routine checkups and services like oil changes, fluid refills, and wheel and brake inspections to ensure everything is up to date. Preventive maintenance saves money and time, keeping vehicles running smoothly.
A preventive approach helps fleets run efficiently. Fleet managers can enhance vehicle life using remote diagnostic systems to detect issues as they arise. Sensors alert to urgent problems and set service reminders for drivers, such as when it’s time for an oil change.
Keep yourself updated about industry trends and emerging technologies
The fleet industry is always evolving, so staying updated is crucial! Become a member of an industry association, tour fleet industry podcasts, attend relevant conferences and trade shows when you can, and read trade publications and blogs to stay informed about vehicle technology.
As you explore the latest in fleet technology, embrace new developments with confidence. Alternative fuels, once considered unlikely, might now be practical and affordable for your fleet.
Similarly, having accurate data on your vehicles allows for informed decisions regarding investment returns. Investing in cloud-based fleet management software can propel your fleet into the future, providing better visibility and actionable insights compared to traditional paper methods.
