Fleet managers, and anyone responsible for running fleets, all have to face a similar set of challenges in relation to the most commonly occurring issues.
Here is a short list of, what are probably, the most important challenges fleet managers have to confront and (hopefully) overcome.
#1 - Fleet costs reduction
Cutting fleet costs is a daily challenge for all fleet managers: reducing expenses is taken for granted, as well as delivering a good return on investment year after year. Fleet managers constantly need to research new ways of doing this, as cost cutting does not necessarily mean purchasing something cheaper—the most obvious strategy—but can also involve finding out new ways to save money, such as relocating vehicles, planning more efficient routes, adopting safer driving habits and so on.
#2 - Ever-changing fuel prices
Because fuel prices are constantly changing, it is a very difficult expense with which to allocate a fixed budget. Vehicles that are fuel efficient sometimes have extra servicing and purchasing costs. But again, saving money/cost cutting does not necessarily mean purchasing something cheaper or negotiating discounts, but could also mean switching to a strategy that could guarantee long-term savings—adopting a safer driving style for instance!
#3 - Drivers’safety
Drivers’ safety is paramount, as is the safety of other road users. Having an aggressive driving style exposes companies and drivers to the risk of potential incidents, injuries, fines, downtime, etc., all sources of costs in terms of both human trauma and economic loss. An effective health and safety programme would contribute to a more productive working environment overall for companies whose business depends on driving. And, not forgetting, increased safety leads to savings in both costs and emissions.
#4 - Having a green fleet
Respecting the environment, reducing emissions, having a green fleet and so on, are not easy options in this line of business, primarily, due to the nature of driving itself which necessarily implies the consumption of fuel. But with a safer driving style and a more complete view of where all the fuel is spent, and with better route planning, consumption will decrease along with the emissions...
#5 - Drivers’efficiency
Having drivers that are efficient and reliable is a necessity, as is continuous training, for saving money on fleet costs. A complete fleet management solution is essential for setting out your actions; not only in regards to improving driver efficiency but also in order to address the other 4 points we have touched on in this post.
Fleet managers: do you want to beat these challenges? Then call us!
