A tough job for anyone in the logistics or shipping industry is managing a fleet of box trucks or sprinter vans. You must ensure that all vehicles are working correctly, all drivers are safe, and all shipments arrive on time and in top condition.
However, there are a few tips that can make your life easier as a fleet manager. Here are four fantastic tips for managing your fleet.
Follow Preventative Maintenance Measures To Save on Costs
To avoid long periods of downtime and costly repairs, the vehicles in your fleet must receive proper maintenance. Some examples of routine maintenance include tire rotations, oil changes, safety inspections, and other mechanical operations.
It doesn’t matter if your oil changes coordinate with a set number of driving miles, an oil life monitor, or a sticker from your last trip. All that matters is that it gets done on a consistent schedule. Mechanics usually only inspect a van’s fluid levels, tire air pressure, and other features during the oil change, so taking your sprinter vans in regularly will help prevent any problems from occurring.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Maintenance Costs To Avoid an Increase
If your vehicles are starting to get older, ensure that they aren’t subject to excessive repair costs. Also, if your vehicle should fail you, having a good understanding of what the warranty covers will impact your costs down the line.
Finally, if it’s too late to save your van, you can sell many of the valuable components inside it on the used market. However, the value of these components will drop quickly, so you need to sell them as soon as you can if your van won’t work.
Go Through an Overview of Each Vehicle’s Usage for Proper Specifications
As a fleet manager, you must know the demands that each vehicle faces on the road. Spending time going through the usage of each van helps you perform this process.
If you underestimate the usage level or load-carrying capacity of a van, it can cause significant problems in the future. Whenever your fleet gets a replacement vehicle, spec it properly so its operating conditions will boost productivity.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly To Ensure Everything Is Running Smoothly
Fleet managers often overlook the importance of monitoring tire pressure when it comes to increasing efficiency. Every vehicle needs tires with enough air pressure to handle the vehicle, reduce wear on the tire, and lower mileage.
These components all contribute to the driver’s safety, the functionality of the van, and the efficiency of your fleet. In addition, the temperature of a tire’s internal air can vary based on the season, so take a closer look to see if it’s affecting tire pressure.
The efficacy of your fleet is the result of proper management and guidance. Now that you know these four fantastic tips for managing your fleet, you should better understand how to streamline your operations.
