Fleet vehicle utilization is an extremely important parameter for companies looking to increase efficiencies and cut the costs of their operation. For some directors, though, this metric is not looked into enough or sufficiently explored when they are looking to minimise costs. The truth is, all activity sectors of a fleet need to be looked into, and assessing global fleet vehicle usage is something that can definitely help a fleet run more efficiently and at optimum cost.
Now, when it comes to fleet vehicle utilization, what are the factors you need to examine in order to get a complete view on vehicle usage and which can later be of use in order to take action?
#1 - Measuring vehicle usage with technology
In order to have a complete view on vehicle usage, first thing you need to do, if you haven’t done so already, is to check the vehicular activity minute after minute and their actual usage. Technology provides an invaluable aid in doing this and can be utilised according to specific needs: it allows users to check for time spent at locations, actual vehicle usage in order to evaluate if some can be used differently or whether there is time available for different scheduling, that routes have been effectively plotted when there is more than one job, and choosing the most efficient option to reach arrival point. If you are able to grasp all this, you’ll appreciate just how much can be done!
#2 - Check job scheduling times
Again, on job scheduling times: the best option would surely be to cross-check the information you are able to get via technology and tracking; but before you do it, is there anything in the organising of jobs for your drivers that you can improve upon and make more efficient? Do drivers know exactly where they need to go so they can easily set off? Is there enough journey time, or is the schedule given unrealistic? Assessing the way you assign jobs or plan for driving might be beneficial per se.
#3 - Verify your maintenance system and approach
Fleet vehicle usage is not only about having a sensible plan and getting the most out of your vehicles, but it’s also about keeping them on the road all the time—minimising any possibility of downtime. Regular maintenance plays a paramount role in this; so if you are adopting reactive maintenance practices or not doing your walkaround checks, you really need to look into this—there are a lot of ways in which you can control and improve your maintenance approach and system (technology is indeed another method).
#4 - Check fleet safety
As it happens with maintenance, practising safety is another aspect that keeps vehicles on the road. If you have a solid safety culture within your company and focus on this indispensable component, you will surely be able to minimise collisions. Check up on the driving style of your team and correct any unsafe action while driving; it can only benefit general vehicle usage rate.
