Five Tips to Become a Better Fleet Manager
Fleet Vehicle Management
Managing a fleet in an ever-changing environment is difficult and time-consuming. Fleet managers oversee complicated fleet operations such as vehicle maintenance schedules, cost reductions, effective driver training, and greater business efficiency daily. Maintaining the safety of your drivers on the road is critical to your company's overall sales and service goals. However, none of this is achievable if your fleet isn't well-maintained or in good working order. Here are five suggestions to help you better manage your fleet.
If you’re looking for reliable fleet services in the Agawam, Massachusetts, area, come see us at V&F Auto Inc. today to find out why we are the number one fleet services provider in the region.
Five Tips for Better Fleet Management
Here are some tips to help you better manage your company’s fleet of vehicles:
Keep an Eye on Fuel Management
Fleet managers can be aware of exactly what is going on and put a stop to it if necessary by monitoring fuel use and prices, as well as vehicle position, in real-time. While fuel prices aren't the highest they've been in a decade, they're still one of the most expensive aspects of fleet operations. Fleet managers who know when, where, and how much fuel their vehicles are using can help their business discover trends and anomalies that will help save money in the long term.
Understand the Value of Preventative Maintenance and Safety
Another crucial issue is fleet maintenance, as it also ensures the safety of your drivers and the general public. Don't put off getting your vehicle serviced until it needs costly repairs. Take a proactive stance and invest in preventative maintenance upfront and pay for preventative maintenance across your entire fleet, as it is less expensive in the long run than paying for significant repairs. Preventive maintenance will also help reduce unplanned downtime and unscheduled maintenance.
Pay Attention to the Total Cost of Ownership
One of the most important fleet management responsibilities is to stay under budget and cut costs. You need to know if you're paying for maintenance too frequently, if your payments are too expensive, or if your fuel usage is low. Compare these expenses to any potential savings from replacing the vehicles and consider your options if applicable. Additionally, keep an eye on your fleet's maintenance costs and try to catch them as soon as they start to rise due to the vehicle's age. You may also look into the manufacturer's warranty coverage and see how it affects the total cost of ownership over time.
Create Better Policies and Procedures
You can automate much of the communication and enforcement that comes with efficient fleet management by documenting clear policies that establish clear expectations for drivers and other employees. You should also inform your drivers about the policies to be aware of them and realize that they must adhere to them. They should also be aware of the upcoming preventive maintenance schedule and other maintenance policies so that all of your drivers know exactly what to do if their vehicle breaks down or they get into an accident.
Partner with a Fleet Services Maintenance Provider
Finally, whenever you encounter a potential problem, try to work with a nearby fleet maintenance provider as they can help you expedite the repairs. It will help your business to reduce downtime and increase client satisfaction. Furthermore, don’t forget to notify your fleet maintenance provider if you have a vehicle in for repairs and you experience an unexpected setback. With successful fleet maintenance solutions, you can reduce downtime, improve customer satisfaction, and increase productivity.The Best Fleet Services in Agawam, Massachusetts
For those who are new to fleet management, it may appear scary or overwhelming. However, whether you manage five or 50 fleet vehicles, utilizing the fleet management tips mentioned above will help your company grow and remain safe while doing so.
At V&F Auto Inc., we pride ourselves on providing Agawam, Massachusetts, customers with consistent and dependable fleet services. Our ASE-Certified Technicians specialize in preventative maintenance and can assist your team in keeping your fleet vehicles safe and sound while on the road. Give us a call, or come see us and schedule a fleet services maintenance appointment with our team of experts today.