Effective fleet management can be stressful and complicated, regardless of the size of the fleet. You must hire and train fleet operators while battling rising fuel costs. Similarly, it would be best if you tracked the movement of your fleet at all times.
The following tips can help you to manage your fleet properly.
Monitor Fuel Spent
Increasing fuel efficiency is essential, particularly since fuel prices are changing wildly. While you have no control over fuel prices, you can reduce the fleet’s fuel consumption.
For example, monitor drivers’ behaviors and discourage speeding or excessive idling. Also, drivers shouldn’t do hard stops or hash accelerations as this can increase fuel consumption.
Track Everything
Continuously monitor the activities of mechanics, drivers, and vehicles. The resulting data can help you optimize the utilization of your fleet and make informed decisions. Here are some metrics that you should monitor:
- Fuel usage: Keep records of fuel type, cost, and quantity. Also, remember to note down all fueling dates.
- Maintenance: Keep track of all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance repairs. Record the dates, parts, cost, and labor.
- Leases and purchases: Pay special attention to warranty details for every vehicle leased or purchased.
- Utilization: Identify who signs out vehicles and record signing out a date and time. Also, note the mileage of each trip.
- Driver performance: Identify the locations, nature, and time of every accident. Know who was present during the accident and the subsequent insurance claim information.
You can get software that can automate the process of fleet tracking.
Use Proper Technology
Every vehicle in the fleet must have proper technology before hitting the road. First, install an electronic logging device that always transmits details about the vehicle.
For example, the electronic logging device can indicate daily mileage and when the vehicle is turned on and off. Such information helps you determine the driver’s behavior while on the road.
Another essential thing is to install GPS tracking systems. The GPS tracking system can deter theft and other problems. The device also helps you know the location of every vehicle at all times. Some GPS systems can even allow you to remotely switch off the vehicle if you think something is off.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Preventive maintenance helps to avoid problems that may waste time and money in the long run. That is because up-to-date vehicles rarely have downtime and emergency repairs. For example, you should do regular safety checks, tire rotations, and oil changes. The maintenance repairs should happen even if the vehicle works perfectly.
Understand the Total Cost of Ownership
Maintenance and operational costs can increase as the vehicle gets older. Always keep an eye on the costs to know when they begin to escalate.
Also, understand the terms of the warranty to know how it affects your total cost of ownership in the long run. And when business is down, you can sell some vehicles to reduce expenses.
Use the Vehicles Properly
Understand the load that every vehicle can carry. A vehicle that handles more load than it should will quickly begin to wear and tear. Drivers and other operators must know each vehicle’s load and operating conditions. It would help if you also controlled the usage frequency since excessive usage can reduce the vehicle’s lifespan.
A common strategy is to create a checklist that operators must follow before any trip. For example, if the vehicle is going to pass through roads covered with ice or snowfall, the tires must have winter protection.
Proper fleet management ultimately boils down to tracking equipment. You can get GPS tracking systems and dashboard cams from PGT Technologies to help manage your fleet. Contact us for more information.
