Did you know that only 40% of small businesses are turning a profit? If you’re hoping to stay afloat and prosper, you need a game plan that prioritizes efficiency and strong management. When it comes to moving products, fleet managers can play a critical role in a business’s success by streamlining operations.
Keep reading to learn 5 fleet management tips you need to know!
Table of Contents
1. Revise Routes for Efficiency
With carefully chosen routes, you can maximize the lifespan of your vehicles and create more efficient routes. Aim to plan routes that avoid low bridges, construction zones, or other areas that inhibit efficiency.
You can use GPS tracking to gauge mileage and the location of routes. Turn to linxup.com for an easy way to track anything from driver logs to locations. You’ll be able to keep tabs on where fleet vehicles are and use the information to refine your routes.
2. Use Software and Data to Stay Organized
A software fleet management platform offers one of the most efficient ways to stay organized. Better yet, you can provide access to multiple members of your team. This ensures more accountability and collaboration.
With a software program, you can track fuel consumption, mileage, and accident reports. Let drivers enter issues online or follow up on routine maintenance servicing.
You also can track where your fleet vehicles are geographically. This can help you respond to maintenance problems or communicate delays to customers. You’ll also be able to rotate your fleet more effectively.
3. Prioritize Safe Driving Habits
Do you offer training for drivers during onboarding? Don’t stop hammering home the importance of safe driving just because your drivers have been around a while. Offer refresher training modules and let drivers know that you’ll be monitoring their driving behavior.
Sudden speed changes or braking can hurt your vehicles. Drivers who ignore routine maintenance alerts also jeopardize vehicle safety. Incentivize safe driving with small bonuses or other perks.
4. Open the Lines of Communication
Perhaps most of all, a strong rapport and sense of transparency are key to effective fleet management. As a manager, you want to get input from drivers and offer direct feedback.
Schedule in-person meetings with your drivers to offer performance reviews. Ask them if they need a route change to make their work-life balance better. Focus on creating an open line of communication to establish trust.
5. Keep Up With Maintenance
Your fleet vehicles need to be in top shape so you don’t miss any deliveries. That means you need to commit to routine maintenance. Failing to do so means you’ll end up with bigger repairs later.
Stay on top of oil changes and tire rotations. Check axles, transmissions, and brake pads. The last thing you want is for a vehicle to become a danger on the road.
Program maintenance checks into your software platform. And ask your drivers to complete visual maintenance checks before heading out onto the road.
Fleet Managers Can Improve Their Strategies
When fleet managers use data and checklists, they can optimize the performance of their fleet. Focus on regular communication and driver safety. And always look for ways to refine your routes.
For more fleet management tips, check back soon for new articles.