The points we were examining in previous posts, regarding how to run a fleet more successfully, have generated useful feedback: people within the industry have posted some quite interesting comments via our social media channels. In light of these comments, this post continues where the original post left off; offering some additional ingredients that will hopefully contribute to your fleet’s recipe for success.
1 – Open-minded Management
Fleet managers and everyone responsible for running a fleet, as already mentioned, are constantly under pressure to get the best possible results at the lowest possible cost. Some managers will, no doubt, investigate new ways of improving their ability to manage effectively, and the performance of their drivers, in order to create an even more successful fleet, while others might be reluctant to test new processes or try-out innovative technologies.
Fleet managers need to be open, in this sense, and keep themselves up to speed with the latest news and tools by attending courses and seminars—being constantly aware of the technology available, which, in keeping with the pace of today’s society, can change rapidly.
2 – A proper Vehicle History Database
This is a reference to paragraph #3, Prevent downtime with efficient maintenance, from my previous post—The formula for an efficient fleet. One commentator made the particularly valid point that a successful fleet would need “a dynamic vehicle repair history database that provides the warranty, and repeat work flags, easily accessible, and meaningful trend analysis”.
In my previous post I mentioned the necessity of efficiently scheduled maintenance and checks, while on other occasions I have stated the importance of having a fleet maintenance system in place, which would inevitably require:
• a person appointed to manage the system
• a clear policy stating just who is responsible for what
• a precise program of maintenance schedules/checks
• written procedures for drivers
• a clear policy stating just who is responsible for what
• a precise program of maintenance schedules/checks
• written procedures for drivers
And, as the commenter said:
• comprehensive documentation for each vehicle including a record of maintenance
• any necessary training the vehicle may require
• a history of breakdowns, and any defections and repairs.
• any necessary training the vehicle may require
• a history of breakdowns, and any defections and repairs.
The last three points would help management in determining ways of developing a maintenance schedule and in building up a stock of replacement parts, as they are needed, as well as predicting and preventing downtime, and improving drivers' training.
3 – Fuel efficient vehicles
Apart from selecting the most appropriate vehicles to cater for your business needs, as stated in my previous article (see paragraph #1, Choose suitable vehicles for your fleet), you also need to ensure vehicles are fuel efficient, and that you have the right fuel card at your disposal. Preferably one that not only delivers the best prices on fuel, but also saves on paperwork, avoids the need to issue cash to drivers, and provides you with real-time information on purchases.
