Fleet management is the process of efficiently organizing, tracking, and maintaining your company's fleet of vehicles. Vehicle fleets can range in size from one vehicle to tens of thousands. They are utilized for everything from pizza deliveries to transportation services at large airports. While some companies utilize leased or borrowed assets for their fleet management needs, it doesn't change the fact that effective fleet maintenance is essential for a successful business. In recent years, technological advancements have made improving fleet maintenance much easier than before. Here are four ways you can improve your existing fleet management.
Use GPS Tracking
If you have been utilizing a local mechanic or service provider without tracking capabilities, you may want to consider using a new service that utilizes GPS technology in all of your vehicles. Some service providers may not be equipped with GPS tracking technology, but your company can save money by monitoring the locations of each vehicle in real-time. GPS fleet management solutions are especially useful if you have multiple vehicles working at different shifts or locations. Having this level of visibility will make it easier to track down maintenance issues before they go too far.
Utilize Mobile Software Properly
Utilizing mobile technology is another great way to improve your fleet management methods and security measures. Many companies overlook the power of mobile devices and do not utilize them to their full potential for organizational needs. One benefit that many fleet managers enjoy is the ability to monitor work schedules and hours from a remote location through cloud-based software platforms on an employee's smartphone or tablet. This helps reduce the need for unnecessary paperwork and can keep you in compliance with government regulations. Additionally, many mobile software platforms offer GPS tracking capabilities as well.
Implement a Driver Training Program
One of the most important aspects of fleet management is ensuring that your drivers are properly trained on how to operate the vehicles in your fleet. Not only does this help protect the vehicles from potential damage, but it also keeps your employees safe while driving. A comprehensive driver training program should include a variety of topics such as defensive driving, safe loading and unloading procedures, and vehicle inspection checklists. You can also implement a program that rewards good driving habits with incentives such as gift cards or cash bonuses.
Review Your Maintenance Procedures
Another great way to improve fleet management is to review your fleet maintenance procedures and update them as needed. This includes regular inspections of each vehicle in the fleet, proper disposal techniques for old or damaged vehicles, and regular maintenance appointments such as oil changes. It's important to follow all manufacturer recommendations when performing these tasks so you don't damage any components on your fleet vehicles.
