Today, we’re filling you in on some basic yet tried-and-true principles that will pretty much guarantee that you’ll be an effective fleet manager.
Over three decades ago, Stephen R. Covey wowed us all with the best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. In it, he wrote, “Ineffective people live day after day with unused potential.” This goes for people everywhere, in all walks of life, in all kinds of roles and positions.
And the same can be said for fleet managers who oversee complex fleet operations every day. For many, the potential to improve management of their fleets effectively while expanding their bottom line is massive!
But, as a fleet manager, improving your fleet operations and, as a result, improving how you manage your team might feel easier said than done. Thankfully, though, there are a number of things you can do to become an even more successful fleet operator and manager.
These practices and habits, when appropriately applied, can really make a difference in your bottom line, improve the safety of your crew, and will make you highly effective in your role.
Continue reading below to learn more about how fleet managers can become effective and highly successful.
7 Key Elements of a Highly Effective Fleet Manager
- Set Driver Goals and Expectations for Performance — Many fleets incentivize their drivers to do well. Between exhibiting high driving performance, achieving high fuel efficiency, or performing regular vehicle inspections, there are many ways to acknowledge and reward your fleet.
While an incentive program may not work for all fleets, an effective fleet manager always holds their drivers to a certain performance standard. Create actionable goals for your team that will inspire them to drive safer and more responsibly.
- Set Guidelines for Buying and Selling Your Trucks — Speaking of making life easier, setting and following guidelines for purchasing and selling your fleet vehicles will make your life much easier! Consistency is key.
Aim to optimize your vehicle replacement process by dedicating time to look into bulk purchasing and researching the best time/mileage to sell your trucks. Doing this will help your company keep from losing a significant amount of money.
- Document Digitally — Welcome to the 21st century, where ditching the file folders and going digital is what’s expected. Keep everything digital so you can access all of your invoices, receipts, work orders, employee record, photos, product manuals, and more on the road.
- Act! Don’t React — When it comes to the safety of your fleet, act; do not react. There are many distractions and safety hazards on the road, so it’s wise to get ahead of any potential issues before they can occur. Waiting for a near miss or an accident could result in your company, your drivers, and you paying dearly.
Invest in your team’s safety with hands-free devices, in-cab cameras, and driver behavior monitoring systems. The alternative is always going to be a lot more expensive. Being proactive protects your drivers and others on the road.
- Measure What Matters — Keeping track of your team’s metrics is essential. Not only does it measure progress, but it can also help you stay on top of your fleet operations. Don’t waste your time measuring things that don’t matter. Instead, stay focused on data that directly impacts your fleet.
- Make Truck Maintenance Easy and Accessible — When mandatory processes are made easier for your employees, people are more likely to follow through. You can make the lives of your drivers much better by making routine vehicle service, maintenance, inspections, and reporting as easy and accessible as possible.
Giving up the clipboards and outdated methods and upgrading to a mobile accessible cloud-based fleet management software with automated features, such as service reminders, are vital to keeping your trucks working well and your drivers as happy as possible. Not to mention it simplifies the process in an impactful way!
- Continue Your Education — We’re not saying you need to go back to formal school. But it is important to continue to grow, stretch yourself, and learn more about the industry. Because the fleet industry is constantly changing, it’s crucial that fleet managers stay up to date.
While change can be difficult for people, adopting new methods and technology can keep you and your drivers relevant. Alternative fuel and vehicle technology were once seen as impossible, ridiculous, and unnecessary.
Today, these improvements are totally doable, cost-effective, and increasingly common within large vehicle fleets. Don’t be afraid to embrace change and take steps forward in this ever-changing world.
In this age of advanced technology and information, all the support you need to be an expert in fleet management is right at your fingertips.
Want to Be an Effective Fleet Manager? Equip Your Fleet with EpicVue!
Every effective fleet manager takes special concern over the work-life balance of their crew. One of the best ways to find balance and let your team know you care is to equip your trucks with EpicVue.
EpicVue specializes in outfitting your trucks with premium in-cab satellite television. We offer your team a bit of the comfort of home on the road. It allows them to kick back, relax, and watch TV in their own trucks.
This practical gesture not only lets your drivers rest and alleviate stress, but it also shows your drivers appreciation. In return, you’re more likely to receive loyalty and commitment, making these benefits well worth the small investment!
EpicVue allows your team to catch up on the latest games, favorite shows, or news even while they’re on the road. The comforts of home are hard to come by during long hauls, but your drivers can get a piece of home, regardless of where they are, with our premium satellite TV.
Watching TV while away from loved ones can help offset the heavy feelings of loneliness and isolation. Not only that, but it is also the perfect way for your crew to relax during mandatory rest and recovery time. With more than 180 premium challenges, your drivers will find something to watch, regardless of their preferences.
Contact us to learn more today!
