A Look at How to Overcome Common Fleet Management Concerns
Efficient fleet management techniques aren’t always straightforward when it comes to implementation.
Efficient fleet management techniques aren’t always straightforward when it comes to implementation. Fleet managers often find themselves immersed in time-consuming tasks. Some of these tasks don’t always add value to the company’s bottom line. It’s common for small and mid-sized companies or SMEs to become frustrated by the expense, inefficiency of time, and the potential error from handling tasks improperly. Here is a look at how to overcome common fleet management concerns.
Fleet Management Concern #1: Shortages in Drivers
The demands for freight transport have increased, especially when you think about the pandemic. For a long time, people weren’t leaving their homes, meaning they had more products delivered to them. As a result, the supply and demand for products increased. Also, people began buying things in bulk to ensure they wouldn’t have to venture out too often. Pandemic or not, a need for drivers will always be present. Ways to tackle driver shortages include:
- Ensuring that your company culture is top-notch
- Providing competitive pay
- Offering an incentive that can help brand-new drivers pay for school
- Enhancing your onboarding processes
Concern # 2: High Fuel Costs
Recently, we discussed obvious and not-so-obvious ways that you can improve fuel efficiency. Even the slightest modifications in diesel costs can have a significant impact on your company’s bottom line. Maintenance teams should stay on top of fluctuating fuel usage and look for resolvable and preventable issues.
Concern #3: Determining the Most Cost-Efficient Routes
Route optimization is more complex than finding the shortest path between two points. It also includes the number and location of all the required stops on the route and time windows for deliveries. Software built for dispatching service technicians can track fleet vehicle location and identify the best vehicle to send if there is an urgent call and determine the best route. GPS-centric data can monitor vehicles as well and pinpoint environmental factors that may lead to maintenance repairs.
Concern #4: The Shift to Electric Vehicles
According to Forbes, the trucking industry is going in a different direction and embracing electric vehicles. So, is this technically a concern? Possibly if you’re not unsure if you want to make this change and aware of the pros and cons of electric vehicles. Plus, it can be costly to switch out many diesel-powered semi-trucks. So, what are the pros and drawbacks?
- Pros: low total cost of ownership, an environmentally-conscious image for your company, quieter motors, one pedal operation
- Drawbacks: higher upfront costs, fast-charging vehicles are more expensive, power outage issues, the need to train your team on a new process
The best thing that you can do to improve your fleet is to partner with Middleton & Meads. We’re a comprehensive repair shop that can take care of your transportation needs.
MIDDLETON & MEADS IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR VEHICLE’S NEEDS.
Need to repair your truck or bus? Contact Middleton & Meads today! Middleton & Meads provides high-quality truck and bus repair, service, and fleet management for the Baltimore, MD area. We have over 90 years of experience in the trucking industry and will provide you with customer service like you have never experienced before! If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, give us a call at (410) 752-5588 or visit us online today! For more articles and trucking tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn.