Trucking companies carry out almost all domestic shipments in our economy. Moreover, with the internet revolutionizing online business, demand for fast and reliable trucking is at an all-time high.
In that respect, proper management of truck fleets is critical. Here are a few tips on what to know about truck fleet management.
Keep High-Quality Records of All Aspects of the Business
Managing a truck fleet involves many vital details, statistics, and information that change by the day. In order to successfully manage a fleet, you should keep records on every aspect of the business, from driver hour logs to maintenance on each vehicle. The data for each shipment quickly adds up, so staying on top of all company data requires proactive recordkeeping.
Make Sure All Vehicles Are Well-Maintained
In order for your drivers to be happy and for your business to thrive, you need to possess the best vehicles for the job. Having an inventory of the highest quality trucks will lead to better efficiency throughout the business.
Whether you are purchasing the trucks straight from the manufacturer or are working with a partner that lets you lease their trucks, you need to ensure that your trucks are in the best working condition. Necessary procedures such as diesel engine maintenance are critical for growing productivity, so do not overlook those steps.
Engage in Risk Management To Protect Your Fleet
Safety is the greatest concern for a successful fleet manager in order to care for the driver’s health as well as the vehicle itself. Managing risk is much easier with proactive planning rather than reactive strategies, so take the time to prevent accidents before they can happen. Some of the best ways to practice risk management include giving employees ongoing safety training, having clear policies on safety risks and procedures, and regularly inspecting vehicles for proper documentation, maintenance, and any hazards or risks.
Use Technology To Cut Costs and Improve Efficiency
As far as recordkeeping and vehicle tracking are concerned, technology is the most valuable resource. Computers allow us to record data in greater detail than ever before, and every successful fleet manager must utilize this technology to its fullest capacity.
For example, one of the most common tasks for every fleet is recording each employee’s Hours of Service (HOS). The best way to do so is by using an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). This not only records hours more efficiently, but it also improves risk management by inhibiting drivers from working to exhaustion.
Using a GPS tracking system also allows for real-time tracking of the vehicle, proof of on-time delivery, and estimated arrival times to be sent to customers. As you can see, technology is one of the most important areas of what to know about truck fleet management.
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