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It takes some time and effort for a business to modernise a vehicle fleet. Considerable investments must be made alongside a commitment by the company owners(s). However, their benefits far outweigh the costs, leading to improved profit, reputation and customer service.
Embrace New Apps and Software
Apps and software are invaluable to most businesses these days, and vehicle fleet management is no different. The software helps automate systems, speeds up processes, and even optimises existing procedures. All of this translates into increased profitability and a more sustainable business. Consider transfer station software as a prime example. The time saved checking multiple inbound and outbound materials from one cloud-based system speaks for itself.
Modernise a Vehicle Fleet New Tech
There are always technological improvements in every sector, and shipping, delivery and courier services are no different. A failed delivery in the UK costs a shipping company around £11 each. This isn’t a huge sum alone, but when multiplied, it can hit the margins pretty hard. So, even to ensure deliveries are successful, technological innovations such as drones and robots are in use today. These are a considerable investment but well worth the initial costs.
GPS tracking systems
GPS is not so new these days, but it is highly beneficial. The systems have been vastly improved since it first came out, and your vans will no longer be sent to non-existent roads or over cliffs! In fact, they can also help with real-time issues such as traffic jams and incidents.
Route optimisers
Time is everything when delivering parcels. As you already know, time is money. Excellent drivers know the roads well, but they don’t know every route. Route software can direct your drivers in real-time or help them plan a route before departure, saving time, fuel, and money.
Electronic proof of delivery
Of course, some people claim they didn’t receive a package when, really, they did! This is a fact when operating a fleet. However, you don’t have to stand for it. Of course, mistakes happen. You can use electronic proof-of-delivery systems to check the validity of a customer’s claims.
Drones and robots might seem a little far-fetched, and maybe they are. But they are a huge benefit. For now, though, you can keep tech investments simple but extremely powerful with GPS, route software and eDelivery services. Combined, you have a solid, updated system!
Equip Drivers with Adequate Systems
You can have the best control centre that money can buy. But it’s worthless if you don’t equip drivers with everything they need to interact with technological systems. Of course, any driver needs to be aware of basic tools for vehicle maintenance. Modern systems typically work via a cloud-based interface. So the latest tablets able to connect to your control centre are invaluable. These should be rugged and enforced for heavy-duty use, as one would expect through a fleet.
Invest in Packaging Protection
The last thing you want is a damaged product! As the shipping handler, you are responsible for goods in transit. Of course, there are insurance policies available for reimbursement. But what about irreplaceable goods? A damaged package of high-value damages not only your bottom line but your reputation as a quality and reliable delivery service. Invest in packaging protection technologies, such as climate-controlled vehicles, low friction surfaces and cushioning.
Install Real-Time Route Assistance
The more accurate a delivery time prediction, the more satisfied the customer and the more efficient time is used. Most vehicle fleets use GPS these days, but it isn’t always reliable. A control centre and vehicles will benefit from real-time route assistance software. These packages also use GPS. However, they typically hold a lot more data and up-to-date information than a standard GPS. Traffic jams, closed roads and wrong turns are pretty much eliminated!
Manage Fuel Consumption
Fuel costs money, and aside from wages, is probably the highest cost a vehicle fleet has. Therefore, it is safe to assume that you want to cut the cost of fuel significantly. But how can you do this? There are various methods you can try to manage fuel consumption. The simplest is to optimise delivery routes using software and driver knowledge. However, monitoring how drivers use their vehicles will also help. This includes smooth acceleration and braking, for example.
Modernise a Vehicle Fleet with Alt Fuels
Trucks are responsible for around 25% of global CO2 emissions. So, fuel is a major concern these days. Modern companies feel the pressure to go green and reduce carbon emissions, but they also must invest in new and costly technologies, for fear of a declining reputation.
Biochemical fuels
There are many biochemical fuels in use on the roads today. While they aren’t available from fuel stations, there are companies that supply fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil. These kinds of fuels reduce the impact of waste on the environment and produce zero emissions.
Low-pollution fossil fuels
Petrol is the main source of fuel for the vast majority of vehicles on the roads today. However, there are alternative fossil fuels you can consider. Some of the most popular fuels available to reduce pollution today include biodiesel, liquified natural gas, and liquified petroleum gas.
Hydrogen as a fuel
Hydrogen has been in use as a non-polluting fuel for a while now, and is used in hybrid vehicles such as Toyotas. When hydrogen is mixed with oxygen it creates energy. This is almost zero polluting, and the only thing this process emits is water vapour from the vehicle exhaust.
Monitor the Drivers
As mentioned above, driver monitoring can help with fuel management. But it is also highly beneficial for other reasons too. Drivers who know their routes, habits and time management are being monitored, are less likely to engage in behaviours that cost the company money. With a system in place, you can maximise the efficiency of your fleet. This directly impacts most of the above issues such as better use of a vehicle, resulting in time and money savings.
Manage Compliance Issues
Every company in every sector is beholden to compliance issues. Compliance is something that a business must take seriously because it’s where the fines and penalties come in. As a small or medium business, you may not be able to withstand the financial pressure of multiple penalties. If you are subject to many compliance fines, it could be an indicator that something is wrong. This means your fleet and company will benefit from modernisation methods in shipping.
Include Comprehensive Maintenance
Road safety is one of the more critical parts of managing a modern vehicle fleet. If you are a fleet owner and operator, you are directly responsible for whatever happens concerning your vehicles. Maintenance checks must be carried out before every departure for maximum safety. Although you can’t account for the many variables on the road, at least you can confidently show you did all you could. Perform simple FLOWER checks and specialist maintenance of vans and trucks.
Manage Driver Workflow
Drivers are just like any other employee and must be managed accordingly. The roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined and work assigned as such. Workflow plays a critical role in any modern business. However, it is more crucial when dealing with fleet drivers. For instance, driving is well known for requiring focus, attention and energy. Too much work or driving hours can impact the cognitive function of a driver, leading to potential incidents.
Modernise a Vehicle Fleet with Video Telematics
Telematics can be an excellent tool for assessing how well a driver uses their vehicle. Many insurance companies require it as a means of investigation. Over 12,000 vans are involved in crashes each year in the UK, and video telematics can help your company in various ways:
- Video telematics can help drivers avoid risky behaviour when on the roads.
- After an accident, a video system can help investigators reconstruct what happened.
- Safer driving and onboard systems can potentially lower your insurance premiums.
- You can gather metrics such as fuel consumption, driver data and routes taken.
- Drivers are more likely to stick to company policies when there is video onboard.
Installing video telematics is like having a guardian angel over the shoulder of drivers. Should something happen, there is solid and indisputable evidence to support what employees say.
Switch to Electric Vehicles
Of course, one of the most polarising arguments in the world of vehicle fleet management today is electric vehicles. EVs are controversial, and many companies feel pressured to use them. However, they are costly to purchase despite the potential fuel savings. That being said, the non-polluting benefits enhance a company’s reputation among supporters of sustainability, even though there is a high pollution cost of manufacture. So, it comes down to personal choice!
Summary
Using new apps and software will help modernise a vehicle fleet at your business. Alternative fuels are also a major topic these days, and the cost of conversion could be worth it in the end. EVs are seen as a very modern way for fleets to carry themselves forward with low emissions.
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