The Logistics of Running Your Fleet (Part One)

The fleet manager’s role is a complex and often under-appreciated one. The uneducated might think it’s merely a matter of purchasing vehicles and letting the drivers get on with it, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Running a fleet properly and efficiently requires juggling a wide range of factors. - See more at: http://www.fueltek.co.uk/the-logistics-of-running-your-fleet-part-one/#sthash.UGk99lCX.dpuf Need Identification The very first step is naturally to identify and quantify the needs of your business. You have to know what purpose the fleet is to fulfil, so you can choose the appropriate vehicles for the job. For example, if you’re looking mainly at cargo transportation, you need to know what type/s of cargo you’ll be transporting, any specific restrictions or needs of that cargo (refrigeration, for example), the quantities to be moved, how far it is to travel, when and how often. From this information, you’ll be able to identify the appropriate vehicles for your fleet. Again, there’s a lot to consider; think about not only the capacity of the vehicle but also its efficiency, suitability for the terrain to be covered (for example, will it be able to travel narrow country roads?), the availability of spare parts and ease of repair and maintenance. This process should be regularly revisited to ensure that your fleet remains appropriate to your business needs. Acquisition You should have a robust acquisitions policy to ensure that costs in this area are carefully controlled. This doesn’t simply relate to the acquisition of the vehicles themselves, but also to spare parts and other necessities. Consider whether you can purchase frequently needed parts in bulk; this can offer savings both in costs and repair turnaround times. This can be assisted by ensuring a level of conformity within your fleet; using the same manufacturer means that you have more common parts, which can help to streamline the acquisitions process immensely. - See more at: http://www.fueltek.co.uk/the-logistics-of-running-your-fleet-part-one/#sthash.UGk99lCX.dpuf

For more information on The Logistics of Running Your Fleet (Part One) talk to Fueltek Ltd