A lot is hanging on your shoulders as a fleet manager. There are many moving parts, and the way your drivers perform directly reflects on your company. Expertise is something that develops through time, but in the meantime, some mistakes could be costly in terms of both money and client happiness.
But why does fleet planning often go haywire? To avoid making these mistakes yourself, here are some things to think about when you plan your fleet management strategy:
Developing Intangible Methods
Creating plans that are impossible to carry out is a common mistake for fleet managers. Because there is no feedback mechanism to see where the estimates are falling short, the mistake is amplified. This is not just a waste of time but may also result in employee dissatisfaction and, ultimately, churn. For a strategy to be effective, it must be based on quantifiable, specific objectives and concrete information. Business choices and flexibility can be improved by understanding what works versus what does not.
Avoiding Regular Fleet Maintenance
If your fleet is always on the go, it might be tempting to put off routine maintenance. Negative effects on vehicle performance, fuel economy, and driver safety may result from putting off maintenance and repairs. Thus, always keep up with your fleet’s scheduled maintenance to avoid breakdowns and expensive emergency repairs. The efficiency and whereabouts of your fleet’s vehicles can be monitored with the use of fleet management software from reliable platforms like Webfleet.
Feeling Overwhelmed
Managing a team of people is a demanding task, particularly when a company starts to grow. Knowing how and where to keep business running while juggling many tasks is crucial for any fleet manager looking to succeed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to seek some external assistance in the form of technological tools that help you break down complex problems into manageable chunks. Fleet management software may help you anticipate issues before they arise and take preventative measures. Thanks to a fleet management system, you can find inefficiencies and figure out when to fix them.
Data Misinterpretation
Some fleet managers can be hasty or inexperienced when making important choices, causing them to rely on partial or inaccurate information. Data may be misinterpreted, leading to costly errors that reduce productivity and earnings. But, with the right tools, it’s possible to make sense of massive amounts of data and get clear, actionable insights. Fleet technology that is hard to understand makes it likely that data won’t be used well and will be misinterpreted.
Having a Communication Gap
An ineffective communication approach is a prevalent mistake for fleet management companies, despite the importance of communication in their roles. When staff are on the road to various task sites or delivery points, you need a reliable way to contact them anytime. When these crucial links are neglected, they may lead to chaos, frustration, and missed connections. The happiness of your clients and customers depends on how quickly and well you can talk to them.
In a nutshell, a more environmentally friendly fleet management strategy can be achieved with extra effort and by avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes.
