7 Key Elements of an Effective Fleet Manager

Fleet Manager

Jul 21, 2022

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

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.
  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.
  1. 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!

 

  1. 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!

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5 Steps to Developing a Truck Fleet Management Strategy

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Quality truck fleet management with a good strategy is a vital element for success in the trucking industry. These systems are necessary for communication, and processes are sure to succeed. There’s no doubt that the best semi-truck fleet teams are those that are effectively and efficiently managed, making a great fleet manager worth their weight in gold — and then some!  But what is it exactly that makes a fleet manager great? It all comes down to a solid fleet management strategy and reliable semi-fleet processes. In fact, these are essential to finding both short- and long-term success. If you’re in charge of a semi-truck fleet and are looking to build a fail-proof truck fleet management strategy, you’re in the right place. We’re here to give you some tried-and-true tips and tricks for developing a solid plan. With a little hard work and the right strategy, you will surely see increased profits, fleet growth, and a happier, healthier, and more productive crew. Keep scrolling to learn more.

5 Things to Consider When Developing Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

If you want to develop a quality truck fleet management strategy, make sure to consider the following:
  1. Invest in a Fleet Management System — You could be the most experienced and focused manager, but you will still have difficulties staying organized and productive without a quality truck fleet management system in place. Managers of old used to rely on elaborate systems involving paper spreadsheets, filing cabinets, and more to run their business, but there are simpler ways to get the job done. Join the digital age by digitizing your workflow and operations; you’ll find that processes are optimized, and your team’s performance is improved! A good system will allow you to keep track of the best routes, maintenance schedules, driver and vehicle efficiency, automating various tasks (such as routing and scheduling deliveries, billing and invoicing, sending jobs to drivers, etc.) and more so you can maximize the potential of your fleet.
  2. Find Ways to Cut Maintenance Costs — It’s no secret that the economy is in an exciting place right now. Inflation is on the rise, and maintenance costs are not exempt. A solid semi-truck fleet manager must prioritize finding ways to reduce costs. Taking a defensive, preventive approach to maintenance is key. Improving fleet efficiency and ensuring that your rigs and necessary equipment are in tip-top shape and ready to go can help you stay ahead of maintenance issues. Consider utilizing a good fleet management system that can tell you about the vehicles’ engines and other diagnostic features to help extend the life of your trucks. These tools can help you quickly identify any problems with your trucks and avoid issues down the road when they become more serious, thus cutting maintenance costs. Another way to reduce maintenance costs is to base your trucks’ service schedule on accurate engine usage hours instead of an arbitrary calendar. This helps to eliminate unnecessary repairs and potential hours and revenue lost, allowing you to make the most of your fleet while still taking great care of them.
  3. Find Ways to Save Money on Fuel — As a fleet manager, it almost always comes down to budget. And one of the biggest portions (we’re talking between 50% and 65%) of overall operating costs is dedicated to fueling costs. As mentioned above, having a good management system and GPS tracking in place can help you develop an excellent management strategy. You’ll be able to monitor your drivers’ driving performance, habits, and behavior and monitor fuel usage, which directly affects fuel consumption. By tracking and analyzing this information, you’ll be alerted to issues sooner than you may have been otherwise. Moreover, tracking this info will keep you apprised of any safety concerns, such as aggressive driving. Addressing these issues will help you reduce operational costs associated with your fuel budget.
  4. Perfect and Optimize Your Drivers’ Routes — Customers and clients demand quick and on-time deliveries, so taking the perfect and optimal route is absolutely crucial. Your business’ reputation counts on it! Inaccurate arrival time estimates, delays, and inefficient routes will only lead to frustration. Hiccups and issues along the way are bound to happen and are an inevitable part of any industry, including trucking. But, by automating customer notifications and other processes, fleet managers can experience a lot less stress, allowing them to spend time and put their focus elsewhere.
  5. Prioritize Your Drivers’ Health and Wellness — One of the biggest parts of developing a good truck fleet management strategy is prioritizing your team’s health and wellness. Feeling isolated on the road comes with being a truck driver; it’s part of the territory. So fleet managers who promote a healthy work-life balance and positive mental health are typically much more successful.

Here are some ways managers can prioritize employees’ health:

Include EpicVue in Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

Developing a truck fleet management strategy is essential to the success of your business, and EpicVue is here to help make it happen. EpicVue will outfit your fleet with premium in-cab television so your drivers can enjoy a bit of home on the road and catch up on their favorite shows. Contact EpicVue today to learn more.