Sound knowledge is important for safe, efficient fleet operations.
With the daily challenges and stresses that come with operating small businesses, it’s easy for a fleet to get out of control, drivers to cause accidents and issues to occur.
That is why good fleet management is as important as managing your other business assets. After all, you rely on your vehicles to get the job done.
Let’s go through some sound practices that may help you keep your small business fleet in top shape.
Table of Contents
Create Policies And Procedures For Safe Driving:
Needless to say, the on-road safety of your vehicle is largely in the hands of your drivers. Therefore, it is important to have the right driver procedures in place.
Make sure that your drivers are fully skilled in handling the vehicles. They should be fully licensed and trained regularly in road safety.
Based on this, your procedures manual should cover the following points:
- Schedule for Vehicle Maintenance and Servicing
- Instructions on the Refuelling
- Reporting Process to be used for Road Incidents.
- Safe driving protocols
By creating a procedures manual for vehicle maintenance, good driving behaviour and other procedures, you can minimize confusion, enhance communication, and protect your drivers and fleet.
Get Your Vehicles Insured:
What if your business van is stolen? What if your small truck is damaged? What if you lose some of your fleet in fire breakout?
You never know when an incident can take place. Vehicles are an expensive investment, especially for a small business. That’s why you can’t afford to skip on commercial fleet insurance.
Commercial fleet insurance can financially protect your vehicles against loss, damage and theft. Look for a commercial fleet insurance quote or small truck insurance quote that meets both your requirements and budget.
Use Fleet Management Software:
Using fleet management software can save on time and hassles. Otherwise, it can be quite cumbersome to manually record the details of every vehicle in spreadsheets.
Fleet management software can automate many aspects, from inspections, maintenance, and repair costs to utilization.
Be Proactive On Maintenance:
Maintenance not only helps keep your vehicles in top shape but also reduces the risk of potential breakdowns.
Without a solid maintenance strategy, your fleet is vulnerable to unexpected breakdown and costly expenses.
Whether you conduct in-house maintenance or have third-party mechanics, carrying out servicing and repairs according to the manufacturer’s guideline is important. If you are doing it on your own, make sure to have a proactive stance on oil changes and tires.
Choose Suitable Drivers and Provide Training:
If possible, be selective in who can drive your vehicles.
A person’s driving record can tell you a lot about their aptitude and attitude to safe driving. Regular fines are a good indicator of lack of regard for road safety. Hire well and provide regular training to your drivers to reinforce the importance of safe driving.
Have Detailed Records:
The efficiency of your fleet relies on planning and documentation. Therefore, make sure you keep detailed records, including true cost of ownership of the fleet.
It not only helps you balance the costs but can also help you find new ways to prevent wasteful spending. Data-driven decisions and metrics are useful for long-term development plans.
Once you get these metrics, you can start implementing processes like preventive maintenance schedules, driver selection and fuel management.
Bottom Line:
So these are some tips for small business owners for efficient fleet management.
Your business vehicles are a critical asset for your business. After all, they are used in delivery, cargo, and shipping.
What do you think? Let us know by commenting below!
Disclaimer:
*Important: Cover may be available subject to meeting insurers underwriting criteria. Some of the covers listed may or may not be available or may have limitations or exclusions. Cover inclusions vary significantly from insurer to insurer. DO NOT rely upon the above. Check your policy schedule carefully for inclusions and exclusions and limitations. Talk to a business insurance broker for more information.
Author Bio:
Romit Malhotra is the brand representative of Smart Business Insurance, a leading Australian insurance broker. A big foodie, he loves to travel the world. Also, a diligent businessman, Romit likes to pen down his thoughts on related topics whenever he finds some free time.
