It’s quite challenging to manage your fleet effectively. Whether you’re running a small or large fleet, you will need the right fleet management tips to get you through.
Today, hundreds of software solutions, technology tools, and car tracking providers claim to help companies effectively manage their fleets. Before purchasing any software, ensure you understand your company’s needs and your fleet’s current performance standards.
Innovative and remarkable fleet management will boost productivity, reduce fuel usage and increase business efficiency. Improving fleet management will also boost customer satisfaction rate due to prompt supply of goods.
So, what can you do to improve your fleet management? Below are seven essential tips to help small businesses improve fleet management:
Table of Contents
1. Create a Fleet Management Strategy
A fleet management strategy will significantly benefit your business. Ensure you create a strategy that reflects and serves your business’s bottom line. Such a strategy should include vehicle evaluation and tracking.
Your fleet management program should also optimize all elements of the fleet to create an effective transition. The strategy should contain essential elements such as:
- Vehicle monitoring
- Purchasing of vehicles
- Setting up KPIs for employees
- Modifying safety rules and regulations
- Getting your team ready for all operational circumstances
- Managing budgets
- Identifying and justifying associated risks
Creating an effective fleet management program means evaluating your business and determining your fleet’s needs, such as regular fleet maintenance. This will go a long way to improve efficiency and optimizing all processes and procedures.
2. Fleet Data Entry
When managing a fleet, recording every detail about the vehicle is essential. These details should also include driver details. Fleet managers are supposed to know all information on the fleet, including which driver handles which car and where the driver is going.
Below are essential details about the driver every fleet manager should know:
- The driver’s name, address, and contact information
- The driving schedules
- Departure and arrival time
- Departure and arrival dates
- Registration number of the vehicle
To keep a record of this information, ensure you record all details in well-maintained logs that the drivers’ sign every day. Include the above information in the logs.
3. Keep a Digital and Physical Record of the Vehicles
It’s necessary to keep a physical and digital record of the vehicles. Below are essential things to document about the cars:
- The vehicle condition and all mechanical issues
- Record the tire conditions and pressure after every shift
- Mileage information before and after the trip
- Write down each vehicle’s common routes
- Record all vehicles maintenance history
- Record oil and tire changes for all vehicles
By keeping a record of the above information, you can easily manage your fleet at all times. You will know when a vehicle needs maintenance, oil change, or tire pressure. Remember also to check the fuel level on each car.
You can also consider different mobile fuel solution services to reduce the time wasted at fuel stations. Check out this article to understand more about the diverse range of fuel solutions.
4. Invest in Advanced Fleet Management Software Tools
With the right fleet management tools, you can easily manage every fleet’s operation without having to struggle. Investing in good software will help you easily track the vehicles and keep an updated report for efficiency. These software tools also allow for both on-site and mobile fleet management.
You can use either a desktop-based or mobile-compatible fleet management system. Today, creators have invented mobile-based applications to help fleet managers handle all types of cars and transportation.
Investing in the best fleet management software will help you meet regulatory requirements. It will also give you complete control of every aspect of running your fleet. Below are other proven benefits:
- Improved vehicle visibility
- Increased profitability
- Enhanced driver and customer satisfaction
- Reduced operational costs
- Improved management of fuel
- Increased accountability
When looking for fleet management software, ensure you chose one that makes your work easier. Start by evaluating your current fleet operational strategies and procedures. This will help you understand what you need and how the software can solve your problems.
Managing traffic can be quite tricky; thus, investing in good-quality fleet management software will make your manager’s job easier. Settle for software with essential features such as route optimization and real-time alerts in case of accidents.
5. Choose Your Team Wisely
The right software and proper procedures will not be helpful if you’re working with the wrong team. Ensure you hire a team of highly qualified and professional individuals.
There are some essential factors to consider when hiring a team to work with. These factors include:
- Valid driver’s licenses.
- Employee performance and work history
- No current alcohol and drug abuse
- The applicants’ driving records
- Valid Department of Transportation’s (DOT) medical card
Before hiring, try to learn everything about each applicant and choose the one that fits your needs. This will help you build the right team to work with.
6. Offer Training Programs for Your Drivers
No one is 100% qualified for any job. Ensure you create regular training programs for your drivers as a refresher. Extra training with clear instructions may suit your drivers.
Sometimes, even highly experienced drivers may require additional training tips. During the training, educate your drivers on different road types, the risks of inattentive driving, road signs, and first aid methods. Start from the basics of safe driving, including wearing seat belts and actions to take after an accident.
Conducting frequent training programs will decrease accident rates, reduce legal problems, and cut down on car repair costs.
7. Invest in a GPS Tracking System
Did you know that 98% of companies that use GPS systems to track their fleet have reported positive benefits? Investing in a GPS tracking system will ensure you get real-time tracking. You can use the system to track the real-time geographic location of any vehicle in your fleet.
Today, GPS systems can also be installed in a mobile phone for effective mobile tracking. The trackers can be used on tracks and other smaller vehicles and are easier to install and use.
Considering Improving Fleet Management? Follow Above Tips
Are you considering improving fleet management? To enhance your company’s fleet management, you must have complete visibility of the vehicles and find a way to communicate with the drivers and other team members in real-time. Effective management strategies paired with the right software will maximize efficiency and improve communication.
For more informative tips, check out other posts on our website.
