Fleet management involves businesses operating vehicles so their business can function and operate successfully. Managing a fleet includes both securing the purchase or hire of vehicles, the maintenance of the vehicles, insurance, compliance and, in some cases, the safe disposal of vehicles. It is essential, therefore, that individuals and companies who operate a fleet management service understand their responsibilities and can successfully navigate the challenges.

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Vehicle routes

Whatever the size of the fleet, there will inevitably be different areas to consider depending on various things, including the size of the vehicle, the best route for the vehicle both in terms of efficiency and also the safety and driving conditions.

Fuel

As part of running a successful fleet management operation, business owners need to be able to calculate the running costs of each vehicle. This can be difficult to estimate, without knowing the exact price of oil and also consumer demand. For example, no-one could have predicted the demand in delivery services that were required in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

One way businesses can help manage their fuel costs is to look at supplying their drivers with fuel cards. There are many advantages to this, including being able to track fuel expenditure and access loyalty scheme discounts and offers. Those in charge of fleet management can calculate what is the best fuel card scheme for them if they click here for info on fuel cards.

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Safety

Ensuring all vehicles are up-to-date with the legal road safety requirements, have regular maintenance and that drivers are trained in safe driving behaviours are key for any fleet management service. The safety of drivers also needs to be taken into consideration, as well as ensuring they are aware of the rules surrounding entering and returning from Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Environment

Anyone in charge of fleet management, should be aware of not only the requirements of meeting environmental guidelines and regulations, but also be aware of how they can improve their organisation’s carbon footprint and invest in vehicles and systems that will help them both reach and exceed these goals.

Admin

There is a lot of admin involved in running fleet management. Jobs need to allocated and recorded, clients need to be communicated with and the upkeep of the vehicles needs to be monitored. This requires strong organisational skills and a certain level of accountancy to ensure the fleet is working efficiently for the business. In addition, data protection laws need to be adhered to and records kept up-to-date and stored correctly.

Management should also be aware of any changes to the law. For example, headlines are reporting goods have been stuck in transit as a result of Brexit and customers have been complaining of extortionate delivery costs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55757931

Communication

Communication with drivers is key to running a successful fleet management business. Whether it is to relay changes to routes, or for drivers to update their estimated arrival times.