Being a fleet manager, or running a fleet, is a complex job with lots of responsibilities; there is plenty to consider: safety, costs, people management, government regulations and environmental impact. These factors are constant sources of worry for fleet managers. Let´s take a looks at them more closely and see how they can be tackled.
1 – Drivers’, and road users´, safety
Guaranteeing safety for drivers and the public is extremely challenging, but the good news is that most vehicles now have excellent safety features. Vehicle tracking and its alert systems can also help by detecting dangerous driver behaviour. Data, furnished by telematics, will likely be the catalyst for reviewing driver training or planning refresher courses.
2 - Costs controlling
The recent crisis has refocused attention on achieving the highest performance and quality for the lowest possible cost. Tracking also highlight areas where costs can be cut by providing fleet managers with accurate and detailed analysis of working practices.
3 - Hiring the right drivers and communicating with them
Hiring the right staff contributes to a well organised and efficiently run fleet. Drivers not only need to be in possession of the requisite licences but they also need to be reliable and able to learn the safety and maintenance protocols. Once they are hired, mutual communication as well as continuous training is essential to get drivers’ buy-in.
4 - Being green
This is not really that exclusive from fuel economy and cost cutting; it is just one more reason to seek out the most efficient products, vehicles and services; projecting the image of a company that is environmentally aware.
