Running a fleet business is no mean feat. You have got to be constantly on your toes, and take actions as swiftly as possible to ensure optimal results.
A single misstep could result in:
Most fleet managers recognize this and, thus, proactively think on their feet while making decisions at the right place and the right time.
With all this being said, there is one essential aspect of fleet management that is systemically overlooked, that is – a solid preventive maintenance program.
This may have got you thinking – what exactly is a preventive maintenance program?
According to Government Fleet –
Preventive maintenance (PM) consists of scheduled servicing, inspections, and vehicle repairs to prevent potential problems and maximize vehicle availability. It is used in fleet management to proactively avoid or reduce vehicle breakdowns and is based on time, mileage, engine hours, or gallons of fuel used.
Some of the actions that are part of preventive maintenance include:
Simple enough, isn’t it? And yet, most fleet managers do not take adequate steps to build a preventive maintenance program that is truly effective.
Not having a regular maintenance program can prove disastrous for your fleet business, whereas a good preventive maintenance program can help your business scale to new heights.
Here are some reasons why it is absolutely essential for your fleet business to have a preventive maintenance program:
1. Reduced operational costs
Every business, no matter the industry, seeks to do one thing – lower their costs. In the fleet management business, one incurs significant costs in daily operations, which can become a pain point for many.
How fleet PM can help:
2. Higher safety standards
Let’s face it; fleet management is a risky business. There are plenty of things that can go wrong if due diligence is not taken. Therefore, the safety of all involved must be a top priority for anyone in the fleet business.
How fleet PM can help:
3. Reduced liability risks
The fleet business is subject to plenty of regulatory oversight, which is in a way necessary to make sure that adequate safety standards are followed.
How fleet PM can help:
4. Reduced costs on repairs
Operational costs are one thing, and repair costs are quite another. An organization’s costs on repairs can vary widely depending on the kind of repairs needed, but one thing is for certain – the lesser you have to shell out, the better.
How fleet PM can help:
5. Better for the environment
The logistics industry has been taking a lot of steps to reduce its carbon footprint. There is a lot that can be done by organizations through proactive decision making that puts the environment first.
How fleet PM can help:
6. Happier clients
Your business essentially boils down to this – keeping your customers happy and coming back for more. This can be done in a myriad of ways, which gets better with experience and with great customer-centric thinking.
How fleet PM can help:
In conclusion
As I mentioned at the start, running a fleet business sure isn’t easy. There are a ton of things to manage, which can end up being stressful. However, like most other successful businesses, it is about making the right decisions keeping the long term horizon always in mind.
Preventive maintenance is not something that can be implemented overnight. It requires a strong foundation that is built on dedication and a clear vision for the future.
Today, there are plenty of resources to learn the best practices followed in the fleet industry. You can download apps, visit their websites, or read books to learn from the best and implement it even better.
You may make mistakes at first, sure, but that is precisely how you learn and grow.
So put your game face on, and get ready to turn your fleet business into a roaring success!