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Managing a business of any kind or size requires the ability to think critically. Fleet management is one of those jobs that needs a solid plan from the start, along with managing your finances and working with vendors. In addition to selecting the appropriate vehicle, you must consider how you will maintain it in top condition in the future. Certainly, fleet management may appear impossible, particularly if you are new to it. However, that is why we are here: to provide you with advice on how to efficiently manage your fleet while simultaneously reducing expenses.To get the more information check fleetpal.io.
Make sure that each vehicle is maintained.
You wouldn’t believe how many people frequently neglect vehicle maintenance. Although vehicles are indeed built to last, routine maintenance should never be skipped, especially when it comes to your business fleet. There is a reason why vehicle inspections should be performed every six months to a year. However, each fleet vehicle must be examined at least once per month. To be more specific, any vehicle with more than 3,000 to 5,000 miles on it should be checked before being put back on the road. It’s impossible to predict whether a minor issue will eventually result in permanent damage. Regular maintenance can assist in locating concealed issues before they become costly repairs.
Additionally, fleet vehicle maintenance costs can quickly add up. However, your fleet management system will let you know when your vehicles require maintenance. The number of vehicles registered within it determines the amount you must pay. Monthly payments for each vehicle range from $35 to $65 on average. Also, keep in mind that prices can vary by location. Let’s take the scenario in which you owned a total of 20 automobiles and paid $45. Maintenance will cost you roughly $10,800 per year on average. The easy way to figure out your costs is as follows: the fleet’s number of vehicles divided by the average rate divided by one year. You should get a rough idea of how much you’ll have to pay each year from this, so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Make sure every car has the right technology
There is more to fleet management than just getting a bunch of cars, giving each one a driver, and letting them drive on their own. Before being permitted to be driven on the road, each vehicle must be outfitted with the appropriate technology. An ELD is the first device you need to install. The abbreviation “ELD” refers to an electronic logging device that provides you with every detail about the vehicle before, during, and after its use. It will be able to keep track of important metrics like when the car started, how many miles were driven that day, and when it stopped. And that is only the gist of it; it also explains important details like how the vehicle was turned at a particular time. If the driver was careless on the road, this tells you.
You are required to install ELDs in the vehicle because they are also regulated by the government. This device is installed directly into the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system (OBS) when it is placed in your fleet. It stores all of the aforementioned data for future reference. You will be able to review every action that was taken in the car if you combine ELDs with tachographs, which record the car’s speed.
GPS tracking systems are the second piece of technology that needs to be installed.
Stolen goods and other mishaps can be avoided with GPS fleet tracking. Additionally, it is the method by which you monitor each vehicle currently in use. Your GPS system allows you to lock down the entire vehicle if something doesn’t feel right or if you think one of your drivers is doing something that could hurt the business. You can also use GPS fleet tracking software to get real-time data, extend tracking to let you control the vehicle from a distance, and make sure everything is going according to plan. You can even use the software to find areas that need to be improved and save money at the same time.
Conduct a driver screening Fleet management involves more than just the vehicles themselves.
Additionally, you need to know how to screen your drivers correctly. You need people you can rely on to drive your fleet because of this. You’ll need to check their driving record, check if their license is still valid, and even check how well they drive. You’ll have to keep looking if an applicant’s skills aren’t up to your standards. Maintaining insurance can be difficult for high-risk drivers. If they get into an accident, you could also be sued.
It should go without saying that you need to be smart about where your money goes when it comes to something as important as your fleet. Don’t take on more than you can handle. We are aware that every business has its own set of rules, but when it comes to expanding your fleet, you should never go overboard. Maintaining a vehicle becomes more expensive the more you buy. Even for experienced fleet managers, managing all those vehicles can be overwhelming. However, a serious decline in business can result from a lack of vehicles. Take a look at your current fleet before expanding. How many additional vehicles do you believe are required? Which vehicles do you believe are currently unavailable? Before making the investment, you should ask yourself all of these questions.
Don’t forget to rotate the use. Vehicle rotation is something that many new managers overlook. This is in line with the previous maintenance. Another common reason for regular inspection and maintenance is wear and tear. But it won’t be evenly distributed if drivers always play favorites with particular vehicles. This can make you unorganized, increase the cost of repairs, and quickly shorten a car’s lifespan.
