By: Joshua Finley
Fleet managers are responsible for overseeing the entire delivery process. Their jobs entail dozens of responsibilities that all need to be performed well to keep a business running smoothly. These six tips will help you become a more effective, impactful fleet manager and deliver solutions that drive your company forward.
Tip #1: Stay Ahead of Your Fleet With Real-Time Logistics Monitoring
Real-time logistics monitor vehicle health, weather patterns, and even traffic conditions across the country to help managers make strategic decisions. Sensors on trucks can send you automatic warnings when oil levels are low, engine performance drops or there are any other issues on the road. This can help you take a proactive stance toward maintenance that prevents costly damages and downtime.
Additionally, real-time logistics make fleet managers more informed, allowing them to perform their jobs better, manage risks more effectively, and lessen damages and delays.
Tip #2: Understand Cybersecurity Risks in the Trucking Industry
Trucking cybersecurity is vital to a modern fleet’s safety. Many trucking companies don’t see themselves as a target, which is exactly what hackers and scammers are counting on. Learn the risks of trucking cybersecurity and implement effective protections to keep your company safe.
Furthermore, educate your fleet drivers to be on the lookout for strange emails, use secure platforms for business transactions, and always keep your software and hardware up to date.
Tip #3: Implement a Vehicle Maintenance Schedule
A routine maintenance schedule will help you keep a steady stream of trucks on the road, minimize downtime, and lower your operating expenses. Trucks that receive routine maintenance are less likely to break down, so your company can get as much out of its investment as possible.
Furthermore, maintenance helps technicians identify any potential issues with a vehicle. They can suggest proactive measures to prevent costly damages or breakdowns in the future.
Tip #4: Map Out Each Truck’s Lifecycle
Understand how long you intend to have each truck in your fleet before phasing it out. Doing so can help you avoid having too many old vehicles in your fleet, which increases the chance of mechanical issues. You also don’t want to face the massive expense of replacing an entire fleet at once. Be systematic and strategic about when you want to adopt and retire vehicles.
Tip #5: Create Resources for Truck Drivers
Resources like Q&As, guides, educational videos, and email newsletters can help your drivers be more efficient at their jobs. It can also help them tackle common issues they may face, guide them during a challenge on the road, and keep operations running smoothly.
Take note of what questions drivers most commonly ask. And create a collection of guides for new drivers to learn everything they need to about loading and unloading, transportation, safe driving practices, and the like.
Tip #6: Master Fleet Metrics
Use interactive dashboards and fleet logistics software that will help you stay on peak of your trucks. Fleet metrics teach you everything you need to know about your drivers and shipments. From idle times to vehicle status, the right software can open the door to helping you master fleet management.
Metrics are also useful for communicating your needs with partners, clients, suppliers, and stakeholders. Rather than try to express something without figures, you can use real data to illustrate your points, highlight trends, and support your arguments.
Always Keep Learning
Fleet managers who stay on top of trends in the trucking industry are always more innovative and agile than those who don’t. Adopt new technology as you can, and leverage the evolving tools available that help managers do their jobs with less stress and greater precision.
Published by: Khy Talara
