Proper fleet management is essential for growing businesses. In fact, companies that use fleet management software have 42% fewer safety incidents and reduced fuel costs. In addition, proper fleet management prevents driver fatigue, speeding, and maintenance issues.
If you’re a new business or new to managing a fleet of vehicles, it can truly be an overwhelming experience. However, learning the basics will get you moving in the right direction so you can experience these benefits for yourself.
Keep reading this guide to learn what you need to know about the basics of fleet vehicle management!
Overview of Fleet Management
Fleet management involves coming up with procedures and processes to coordinate company vehicles. Fleets can involve many different vehicles:
- Vans
- Busses
- Trucks
- Cars
- Aircraft
- Boats
As a fleet manager, you’re responsible for the day-to-day care and operations of a fleet of vehicles. You must ensure driver safety and ensure the fleet is operating effectively.
In addition, there are many different daily responsibilities that include:
Effective Employee Management
Effectively managing a fleet of vehicles means you need to have licensed and trained staff. Creating a system that ensures driver safety and retention is key.
Coaching drivers to improve driving habits gives you valuable employees who aren’t a liability. Ultimately this will reduce costs and improve efficiency overall.
The best way to do this is to have a solid training program with software like DriveShield. You’ll be able to track driver behaviors and use training courses and self-coaching tools.
Forming Vehicle Acquisition Strategies
Cars are always in demand, so solid vehicle acquisition strategies are necessary to maintain your fleet. Common strategies include:
- Buying vehicles at auctions
- Trade-ins
- Walk-ins
- Marketing and lead generation
However you decide to acquire business vehicles, you’ll need to employ different strategies. For example, you cannot control which cars are available at auction. In addition, walk-ins may leave you waiting for sellers that don’t show up.
Having both a marketing plan to attract sellers and reputable auctions to attend is best.
Tracking Maintenance and Repairs
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial, so you must have a good plan in place. You need to know which vehicles are not in use due to maintenance. Additionally, regularly scheduling maintenance extends the life of your vehicles, saving you money.
You’ll need regular oil changes, tire checks, and frequent evaluations to catch minor problems early.
Fleet management software is the best way to track maintenance so you always have up-to-date information on all your vehicles.
Finding Reliable Vehicle Storage
Finding the proper vehicle storage for your fleet is also a big part of the job. Improperly stored vehicles can cost you thousands in necessary repairs. Cars kept in harsh weather elements will deteriorate quickly.
Quality storage solutions like commercial metal buildings are solid options for storing vehicles. You’ll be able to customize sizes and insulation options to ensure you get the best storage for your fleet.
Learning the Basics of Managing a Fleet of Vehicles
Learning the basics of managing a fleet of vehicles is a great start, but you’ll need to continue to do your research.
Starting a fleet management system is challenging for any business, even if it just involves a small fleet of vehicles. Be sure to invest in fleet management software and take your time to work out the kinks.
To learn more helpful business tips, visit our blog to read more informative articles!
