Easy Tips For Effective Fleet Management

For the modern business, there is a lot of choice for technology, services, and facilities that could improve different aspects of the performance of your fleet of vehicles. These solutions aim to address the different issues which a fleet operator might face. You need to identify those solutions which will be a good investment for your company. To do this, you need a clear understanding of the needs of your organization as well as the performance standards that you are currently attaining. 

In most organizations, the evolution of the business model, developments in the marketplace, and any changes in legislation can mean things are likely to change. By using these tips, you can make sure that any techniques that are adopted will make a good change to the overall performance of your fleet.

Clarity of purpose

You need to know clearly why you are operating a fleet, and which purpose each vehicle or group of vehicles are aiming to fulfill. With a clear purpose, you can make sensible decisions for your fleet. Use fleet management software to monitor your fleet and its use. 

Develop your policy

Establish and confirm the structure of the scheme. This should include how the new vehicles will be provided, from any fully expensed company cars right through to the business use of a privately owned car. You should confirm how vehicle bands will reflect employee status, how much choice drivers will have and when vehicles will be replaced. 

Establish Processes

Develop a process that will support the policy you have developed and that will deliver the outcomes you want. This will include arrangements for drivers to access servicing and maintenance, a method for getting fuel, reporting processes and arrangements for managing driver choice. 

Vehicle selection

When choosing vehicles for a fleet, make sure the vehicles you consider can fulfil the commercial requirement. You should also consider the whole life costs, which should include depreciation, funding, service, maintenance and repairs, replacements, and fuel. 

Communicate

Your drivers, their line managers, and other interested parties should be fully briefed about the role they are required to play in making sure that any fleet requirements are met. Communication must be clear so everyone knows what they need to do. 

Establish measurements

Identify and agree on a series of measurements that will be used to monitor the performance of the fleet. This could include the number of vehicles in each employee grade, mileage, and costs. These measurements can be available at the company, cost center, or vehicle levels. 

Manage performance

When you have your fleet in place, work on improving performance to keep your fleet working at its best. Prioritize the areas where the payback is most significant in complying with legal or organization demands, or in terms of cost-saving. There are a lot of benefits to dealing with performance improvements in a smart way. Managing driver performance is often best left for the line manager, but you could work together to secure the best outcome for everyone.