How To Overcome The Top Five Fleet Challenges

Fleet Managers have a long list of objectives to achieve for their business. These include cost management, improving productivity and generally aiming to drive the business to future success. These objectives come with their own challenges, and it’s how you overcome these obstacles in your business that will set you apart from the rest.

Hino Australia’s Corporate Business Manager, Government, Tom Ayrton, helps manage commercial vehicle fleets all over Australia. On a daily basis he helps to assemble and maintain successful fleets with problem solving and advice backed by years of experience. Tom outlines five common hurdles encountered by fleet managers, and advises on the best ways to overcome them.

1. Fuel costs

While global oil prices are currently at record lows, this situation won’t last forever. Monitoring fuel usage should still be your number one concern as fuel costs can get out of hand very quickly if not controlled. Efficiencies can always be found by teaching good driving behaviour and reinforcing fuel-efficient driving habits like shifting to a higher gear earlier, turning off the engine when loading or unloading and choosing the most efficient route to avoid sitting idle in traffic for extended periods.

2. Changes in the business landscape

With companies like Uber shaking up the ride-sharing business, it’s only a matter of time before these trends move into the logistics space. Companies like Sendle are already challenging traditional supply chain methods through innovative use of the internet and leveraging off the infrastructure of established transport providers. Make sure you keep up with current trends, as staying ahead of the curve will help your business maintain its presence in an ever-evolving landscape.

3. Environmental considerations

Concerns over global warming and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions have never been more apparent. As a typically high-emissions industry, it will reflect well on your company if you are seen as being environmentally conscious. For example, by adopting hybrid technology you can make a positive contribution to the environment in line with the move towards greener energy.

4. Increasing productivity

There are many factors that might diminish your fleet’s productivity, with vehicle downtime and driver downtime being the primary culprits. It is of paramount importance that your drivers are operating in a comfortable and safe environment. Upgrading to new trucks with features like fully-automatic or automated manual transmissions will assist in reducing driver fatigue and make for a more comfortable and productive workplace.

5. Ageing vehicles

Many companies keep their vehicles for about five to seven years before updating with newer trucks. This rate of turnover not only enables you to achieve a better resale value, it also ensures your fleet is taking advantage of the latest in technology, emissions ratings and safety features. If your fleet has an average vehicle age above this you should consider your options, especially with the low interest and finance offers currently available.