7 tips for vehicle fleet management

Managing a vehicle fleet is a big job that’s not always easy. However, if you’re smart about how it’s done, you can expect benefits, including reduced operating costs, greater revenue, happier drivers and, crucially, satisfied customers. Here are some of the key things to consider for optimal management of a vehicle fleet.

Besides the obvious benefits – vehicles that last longer and are safer to drive – regular maintenance can also save you money in the long run. Everything from the age of engine oil to tyre pressure can affect the efficiency of a vehicle, so staying on top of maintenance means your fleet won’t be burning through more fuel than necessary.

By keeping records of things including fuel usage, maintenance, collisions and compliance, you’re able to analyse how the fleet is performing and where the money is being spent. This will allow you to make more informed decisions about spend and what areas need some extra focus.

Incentives are a great way to motivate drivers and reward them for their great work, whether it be for better driving, achieving high fuel efficiency, performing vehicle inspections regularly (if that’s part of their job) or adhering to regulations.

Make sure that your fleet drivers are kept up-to-date on the latest regulations and safety measures, as well as any developments in technology they need to be keyed into. This builds confidence in your team of drivers, and ensures they feel like they’re being kept in the loop with important happenings.

Fleet-management software and telematics to monitor vehicles via GPS technology and on-board diagnostics are important methods of keeping tabs on your fleet, and will ultimately save you time and money in the long run. The investment will also likely be recouped quickly, with automated procedures taking the headache out of the many unpleasant administrative jobs that need doing.

Managing people can be tricky business to wade through, and often requires a tactful approach. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of your drivers so that you can maximise on strong points, and help improve on weak points. It pays to understand different personality types, and have a strategy in place whether a driver is being rewarded or counselled. In any case, have a policy that offers clear guidelines about what to do when dealing with staff.

Fleet associations, like the Australasian Fleet Management Association, are useful for keeping abreast of all the latest industry-wide developments, whether that be through webinars, e-newsletters or regular in-person industry events.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}