Do you own a fleet of commercial vehicles?
Perhaps you run a delivery company and you’ve got tens of vans for that purpose. Or you’re a logistics company with several trucks. Or maybe you’re a regular business with a number of cars for your employees.
Regardless of the purpose of your fleet, one thing is clear: you need to get the most out of it. Assembling a fleet of vehicles costs a lot of money. So, does keeping it running.
In this article, we’re telling you a couple of fleet management mistakes you must avoid when you want to get the most out of your vehicles.
Failing to Stay on Top of Preventative Maintenance
It’s simple, really. If you want to keep a machine running optimally and avoid breakdowns that will cost a lot of money to fix, you have to stay on top of preventative maintenance.
Yet, some fleet owners or managers don’t do this. They wait until a vehicle breaks down before repairing it. This leads to losses because the vehicle will have to spend some time in the repair yard.
Sure, sometimes preventative maintenance means replacing parts that haven’t worn out fully, which can be costly, but in the long-run, you’ll save more.
To make this task easier, outsource to a company that provides fleet services.
Inadequate Insurance
By law, you’re required to purchase auto insurance for your commercial fleet.
Most fleet managers abide by this rule, but they only purchase the minimum insurance. This is a mistake.
It’s advisable to purchase adequate insurance coverage for your fleet. A lot of things can go wrong when your vehicles are out on the open roads: collisions, theft…you name it.
With adequate insurance, you’ll rest easy knowing that your insurers will compensate you for any damage, losses, or liabilities that might arise.
Neglecting Driver Training
The men and women sitting behind the wheel in your vehicles can make or break your business. A machine’s performance is only as good as the competence of the person operating it.
Of course, you hire fleet drivers who’re licensed and experienced. This doesn’t mean they are suited to drive your vehicles forever.
You need to invest in ongoing driver training. After hiring a driver, don’t let get straight to work. Give them training that familiarizes them with your fleet and company policies.
And after onboarding, taking them through periodic training to update their driving knowledge and skills.
Failing to Embrace Fleet Management Technology
Fleet management technology has evolved over the years. Today, there are powerful computer software and mobile applications that make managing your vehicles easier. This technology packs powerful features, from real-time tracking to driver monitoring.
Good fleet management technology will cost you a tidy penny, but that’s no reason to avoid embracing it. It will pay for itself over time.
Avoid These Fleet Management Mistakes
Your fleet of vehicles is one of your business’s biggest assets. You must manage your fleet properly, and one way to do this is to avoid these fleet management mistakes.
Keep reading our blog for more tips and insights.
