The fleet manager’s job is integral to the profitability of any company. The job is complex, multi-faceted and requires a seamless set of processes and tools to manage the fleet efficiently and safely. Effective use of technology and strategic partnerships with fleet management vendors is integral to the success of any fleet management program.
Every step of the fleet management process presents a unique set of issues – from purchasing to compliance. Once a vehicle is purchased, many challenges await the fleet manager. Here are three:
FUEL COSTS: Managing fuel costs is essential to maintaining profitability. Most fleets allocate about 35% of their ongoing operating costs to fuel. Increased gas prices have forced drivers and fleet managers to work toward finding the lowest rates and most economical driving options. These options include various purchasing protocols (i.e., purchasing wholesale, using fuel cards, etc.) and developing driving routes that efficiently utilize every drop of fuel.
SAFETY: Even under the most excellent supervised training, accidents do happen. The fleet manager must have a safety program in place that encompasses many factors from training to maintaining accurate driver files. This not only helps with safety, it ensures that a company meets the next challenge of compliance.
COMPLIANCE: Compliance is key. Non-compliant assets cannot be on the road. Lost time equals lost profits. The challenges keep growing as local, state, and federal authorities enact legislation and impose additional requirements to keep the company’s assets compliant. This is where strategic partnerships with fleet management vendors can help. They focus on keeping track of all the changes while the fleet manager focuses on the day-to-day operation of the fleet.
Fuel costs, safety, and compliance cover just a fraction of the challenges a fleet manager faces every day. Explore how the ABS Fleet Division can help. Contact us today.