Running a commercial vehicle fleet can be costly and burdensome. Fortunately, there are lots of ways in which the process can be simplified, saving the organisation time and money, while boosting efficiencies, driver competences, and vehicle safety. Here are just five tips to optimise the management of a vehicle fleet.
1. Monitor fuel usage
Optimising fuel efficiency is one of the most important considerations when it comes to managing a vehicle fleet. The cost of fuel is prone to fluctuation, which equals uncertainty for businesses. Employing fleet management solutions and GPS tracking systems can help fleet managers get a better idea of where inefficiencies are occurring and identify where cost savings can be made.
2. Introduce route optimisation
Related to maximising fuel efficiency is optimising the routes your drivers take. Fleet management systems can be introduced to provide real-time locations and accurate arrival times, as well as flagging any unexpected issues that can lead to delays. If the fleet carries out customer deliveries, ensuring goods regularly reach their destination on time is a good way to encourage loyalty and goodwill, while maintaining a positive reputation in the industry.
3. Automate driving licence checks
One way in which fleet driver management can be optimised is through automated driving licence checks. Employers are obligated to make sure their drivers have (and maintain) a full, valid licence that covers the type of vehicle(s) they are required to operate. Failure to ensure all drivers working for the company, as employees or contractors, are properly licensed can expose the organisation to legal liability or affect its fleet insurance. Automating the licence checking process can be a time and cost-effective way to meet your driver licensing obligations.
4. Keep track of vehicle maintenance
Fleet vehicles are subject to a lot of wear and tear, meaning that regular maintenance must be carried out and major repair works may be required. There are standards of roadworthiness that vehicles must meet. So, staying on top of maintenance ensures legal compliance, while keeping your drivers and other road-users safe and minimising vehicle downtime. As well as carrying out regular checks, it is important to keep up-to-date records of inspections and faults.
5. Provide regular training
Finally, as a fleet manager, you can optimise operations by conducting regular driver training to cover such areas as manual handling, applicable Road Traffic Acts and driving behaviour, as well as sessions specific to the types of vehicle and equipment your drivers are required to use. Training should also be given anytime there is a change in work practices, such as the introduction of a new vehicle type or incoming rules and regulations. While drivers are usually trained when they are first engaged by a company, ongoing training can help to make sure their skills remain up-to-date and fresh in their minds as they go about their daily operations.
There are many considerations when running a commercial vehicle fleet and lots of potential challenges. Bringing in optimisation measures such as these can help to streamline processes and ensure you keep on top of any issues before they become detrimental to the company’s operations or bottom line.