5 Easy Ways to Save Money while Improving Business Fleet Efficiency

These days, mobility is, without any doubt, considered one of the highest business priorities. And keeping in mind that the modern market is becoming increasingly competitive and consumers’ patience growing thin, it is easy to understand why translating this idea of mobility into an efficient business fleet capable of moving goods without any delays seems like a very good idea.

However, much like any other critical business facet, maintaining an operational fleet has that elusive point where investing more resources no longer produces improved results and extensive fleets become a liability instead of an asset.

Of course, the solution to this problem can be found in efficient fleet management that will optimize the invested resources without losing any of the required productivity. Let us take a look at a couple of tips that should help you to meet these goals.

Update the vehicles in the fleet

This may sound like a drastic move but keeping in mind that the TCO (total cost of ownership) of the vehicles that are past their prime grows at an exponential rate with each passing year cutting the losses and buying new units does seem like a sensible solution. This way you also get an opportunity to get the vehicles capable of performing more versatile tasks so you can trim the fleet down a bit. If you decide to buy the cars from the manufacturer rather than the dealership, negotiate discounts on multiple purchases or pick the lower-demand models you will also be able to drastically reduce the acquisition expenses.

Use fuel cards to lower the fuel expenses

The fuel costs were always one of the biggest fleet management challenges. These days, when the gasoline market finds itself in a very hectic state, these issues are even more pronounced. So, finding a way to save money on fuel should be one of your highest priorities. One of the solutions can be found in fuel cards that are becoming increasingly popular in countries like Australia where delivery routes can stretch across endless miles and motorway prices tend to drastically vary from the discounted fixed costs you get with these assets. Also, fuel cards practically eliminate fuel fraud, so there’s that.

Establish a thorough maintenance schedule

Of course, this also includes the inspection since your goal is to cut the developing issues at their root. Be sure then to pen down a comprehensive inspection and maintenance schedule that will subject the vehicles to weekly and monthly audits (depending on the system) and start reaching out to experienced vendors to negotiate the time slots and prices for scheduled servicing and unanticipated interventions. Fortunately, the choice of quality repair shops is rock-solid. If we once again use Australia as an example we will see that finding a reliable car service in Woollahra or some other busy area is actually very easy.

Use telematics systems and automation resources

To put it simply, machines and AI are much more capable of performing complex calculations like planning the routes in a manner that will optimize fuel consumption. So, we strongly recommend that you introduce a higher level of automation in your fleet management workflow. Using this novel technology in combination with the latest-gen telematics systems (combination of GPS positioning and comprehensive remote car diagnostics) will encourage responsible driving, give you a complete insight into the current state of your fleet and allow you to trim down the delivery routes to the fullest extent.

Educate drivers about the efficient driving techniques

Speaking of responsible driving, recent estimates say that driving techniques can affect the vehicle’s fuel efficiency by whole 30%. Reckless driving also wears the vehicles down far more quickly. Be sure then to provide the drivers with the following guidelines aimed at preventing such outcomes:

•         Avoid harsh braking, harsh acceleration, and driving at excessive speed
•         Limit the use of ancillary systems like air-conditioning
•         Avoid adding unnecessary weight to the vehicle
•         If possible, the vehicles should be driven at a consistent speed
•         Leave the vehicle in idling state only for the short breaks
•         If possible, stop the vehicle by idling

The telematics systems we have mentioned above can ensure easy compliance with these basic principles.

Use the full fleet insurance

Last but not least, we have to mention the insurance that plays a critical part in mitigating the risks that are associated with running a company. And keeping in mind that a business fleet is one of the most vulnerable assets you want to make sure all of the vehicles you own get comprehensive insurance. Depending on the size of your fleet, however, this may prove to be a considerable expense so do a quick research on the local insurance companies and see if any of these vendors can offer a discounted price for insuring the entire fleet. Keep in mind, though, that also entails shared accidents and repair reports.

We hope these few examples gave you a general idea about the strategies you can use to make your business fleet more efficient while saving money along the way. Granted, we are living in times where being able to respond to customers’ demands as quickly as possible should be one of your greatest priorities. But, in the cases like this more is not always better. On the contrary, the cumbersome and poorly managed fleets can only defeat their purpose. So, use the tips we gave you and put these worries to rest.