Fleet Vehicle Ownership: Keeping Costs Down
August 22, 2016
Managers and owners of businesses that employ a fleet of vehicles face challenges that are not common for other companies. Here are some of those challenges.
- Fuel costs. Fuel prices moderate now and then, but they are far from ever becoming fixed. When you have a fleet of vehicles to help run your business, fuel prices are one of your most important considerations.
- Maintenance of vehicles. Vehicles are machines that break. The cost of ownership multiplies each time a vehicle breaks or needs replacements.
- Safety. It’s not just your vehicles that are at risk; drivers are too, each time they leave the garage.
- Costs vs. productivity. You know you’re in business to make money, but you also have to spend money, particularly if you’re maintaining a fleet.
Rising up to the challenge
Although these challenges are some of the things you should be prepared for even before you open up shop, they seem to take on a new face when they become real. Still, your only choice is to prepare for them. Here are some solutions to such concerns.
- Use fuel-efficient models. The initial cost is always heavy, but better spend a bit more on good and fuel-efficient models that can last longer. With green initiatives putting a pressure on vehicle owners — particularly those that operate fleets — going green with your vehicles is something to look into as well. To keep your vehicles fuel-efficient, do not neglect their maintenance and always know when it is time to upgrade.
- Use software. Fleet maintenance software, such as from Mainpac, will provide you what a simple logbook cannot. And that is timely maintenance reports and scheduling. Software will keep you on top of the maintenance schedules of your fleet no matter how busy you are. As you want your vehicles to stay fuel-efficient and running at top condition, your investment in this software is worth it.
- Training. Always hire drivers with good records. They may not have squeaky clean records, but you should learn to determine which drivers are good for your needs. Send them to training for improved driving techniques.
- Use software for costs. Aside from the maintenance of your vehicles, you should use software for keeping costs in check. If you know exactly where every dollar goes, you’ll end up figuring out ways to save without sacrificing productivity.
Fleet vehicles demand time and good management skills. Use technology to stay ahead of your game.