Hundreds of different industries use vehicles in their day-to-day operations. Service-based industries such as plumbers, pest control technicians, and roofers rely on company vans and trucks to haul equipment from place to place.
Sales-based jobs in industries like oil, gas, and even retail management supply sales teams with company vehicles. That gets them to their next on-site appointment without wear and tear on their personal vehicle. Delivery companies build their entire business around their vehicles.
Whether you have one vehicle or one hundred of them, you have a business fleet. And that fleet needs the right management. Managing that fleet of vehicles is "fleet maintenance management" and it's a vital part of your bottom line.
Understanding Fleet Maintenance Management
Fleet maintenance management entails all the work requires to keep your business vehicles operating and on the road. If it has to do with your business vehicles, it falls under the fleet maintenance management umbrella. These tasks are usually overseen by a fleet manager.
This persona may be on-site of the business or work for a fleet management company. The duties of a fleet manager include a variety of areas, such as:
- Acquiring new vehicles. Many businesses need specialized vehicles that may not be easy to find on the market. Fleet managers can help locate the right vehicles at the right price. That way the business is gets what it needs without overpaying. Finding the right work vehicles can actually help reduce fleet costs, as covered by Work Truck Online. Paying attention to weight and condition of the vehicle is just the beginning of making a smart fleet purchase.
- Selling old vehicles. When the time comes to upgrade a vehicle, your fleet manager can help sell or otherwise dispose of the old vehicle. This can be a cost-saving measure. It also allows the business to upgrade their vehicles regularly.
- Ensuring vehicles retain their value. Proper maintenance and repairs can help a vehicle retain it's value, even over a long term period. That can help a business recover some of the costs associated with the initial purchase.
- Scheduling preventative vehicle maintenance. Preventative maintenance can lower the operational costs of the vehicle. A fleet manager will make sure vehicles are getting the service checks that help prevent problems from occurring. They will also keep records of all service appointments.
- Scheduling and following up on vehicle repairs. No matter how much preventative maintenance you do, though, repairs are an inevitable part of fleet maintenance. A manager can ensure the repairs happen through a reputable shop and follow up to ensure satisfaction.
- Ensuring vehicles meet specific safety standards. Some industries require that vehicles meet certain safety standards. That might include specific safety equipment, signage, or training. A fleet manager can oversee all this.
- Maintaining license plates and titles. Vehicles require a lot of paperwork. Fleet management teams will renew license plates on time and correctly track the title and registration of the vehicle.
Fleet maintenance management is the process of overseeing all this work. The bigger the fleet, the more there is to manage. How well you maintain the fleet can have a direct impact on your bottom line, too. That's why choosing the right fleet maintenance manager is vital to your business.
How Fleet Maintenance Management Impacts Your Business
Lowers Operational Costs
One of the biggest impacts of good fleet maintenance management is reducing your operational costs. Fleet managers can help you locate vehicles that are a good buy, ensuring your company isn't overpaying for the equipment it needs.
They will also help reduce the costs associated with repairs and maintenance. They'll do this with preventative service appointments and making deals with vendors. This can make maintaining a fleet a lot more affordable for your company.
Reduces Employee Down Time
When your vehicles are in the shop, your employees aren't able to get their jobs done. Employee downtime can cost your company a lot of money. They aren't out servicing customers, creating invoices, or building your company's brand.
Every minute your vehicles are out of commission, your business is losing money. Reducing that downtime has a direct, positive impact on your bottom line.
Replaces Vehicles at the Right Time - Fleet Roadside Assistance
The longer your vehicles are on the road, the less they are going to cost you to operate in the long run. If you are replacing your vehicles too often, you are spending too much on your fleet.
Fleet maintenance allows you to expand the life of your fleet and keep them going for longer. Good fleet management isn't about keeping a bad vehicle running a little longer, though. It's about making sure your team has the best vehicle for the job while still being within your operational budget.
Fleet Financials reports that many companies attempt to keep vehicles on the road "far past their optimum economic life, which can result in excessive maintenance costs, increased fuel costs as the vehicles decrease in fuel economy, and reduced utilization." A fleet manager can help identify the right replacement time.
Helps Retain Vehicle Resale Value
When your company can sell a vehicle it no longer needs, that's money right back into your fleet budget. The more you can sell it for, the more money you have for the next vehicle without dipping into your profit margins. Fleet maintenance management is ideal for retaining the value of a vehicle.
Because the fleet manager tracks service and repair work and keep all the vehicle's records in order, it's much easier for your company to sell a used fleet vehicle for top dollar in the future.
Protects the Company's Reputation
Your fleet has an impact on your company's reputation. A broken-down fleet vehicle on the side of the road can have a negative impact on a company's reputation. It's even worse if a faulty vehicle prevents your customers from getting the products or services they need from you.
A good fleet has a positive impact on a company's reputation. That means your customers are more likely to refer your business to their family and friends, giving you more business (and eventually increasing your fleet size!). The Telegraph reported in 2016 that companies should think of their "fleet as the ultimate mobile marketing tool."
Looking for Fleet Maintenance Management for Your Business?
Fleet maintenance management is important for any business that relies on vehicles to get work done. Good fleet management can have a huge impact on your company's bottom line.
If you are looking for a team who can manage your fleet from start to finish, get in touch with the Wilmar team. We offer full-service fleet management so you can concentrate on building your business while we take care of your vehicles. Learn more about our services by contacting our fleet management team today.
