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How to Minimise Uncertainty When Managing a Fleet of Trucks
If there’s anyone who knows what it feels like to encounter extreme uncertainty, it’s someone who suddenly finds themselves in charge of a trucking fleet. If you’ve been feeling the same way lately, you shouldn’t worry too much, because every process has a learning curve. Given the profitably of properly managing a fleet, the pursuit of gaining expertise in this field is well worthwhile. Of course, everyone must start somewhere, so try to remember that there are plenty of other novice fleet owners out there who may be experiencing the same doubts and concerns. With that said, here are 5 ways you can minimize all forms of uncertainty while managing your fleet.
These ways or tips apply to both small and large fleets. The first tip we cover is to weigh up the benefits of fleet insurance over going the traditional one policy for each vehicle on the road. The fleet vehicle policy should work out cheaper, but it is not always the case. As such, do check both the single policy insurance option and the fleet insurance option before making your final decision.
Obtain Proper Fleet Insurance
If you’re still at the basic level of planning and obtaining the necessary components to launch your fleet with confidence, the very first component you should take care of is fleet insurance. Don’t rush to get the first policy you find either, as there are many options and factors to be considered in this industry. Speaking to a few different representatives and receiving multiple quotes are the best ways to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money. You can compare quotes and features for numerous policies simultaneously on this quote comparison website, which gives impartial advice as it is not associated with any insurance company.
Use Fleet Tracking Software
Being concerned about the total value of your fleet is completely normal, as you’re responsible for quite a financial burden in terms of the cost of each truck. To truly feel comfortable, you’ll need to know where every truck is at all times. Compare fleet tracking systems and choose one that suits your needs and preferences. In addition, you can use the ELD system to keep track of hours of service, records of duty status, and much more. Nevertheless, don’t forget to click to visit the website and learn more about this.
Provide Thorough Driver Orientation
Even though you might feel as though you’ve taken every step necessary to protect your fleet, there’s always a possibility that the mistake of a driver could cause a mishap. Thus, it’s imperative to make sure your drivers are on the same page as you regarding safety policies and operational procedures. A thorough driver orientation will achieve this and give you the assurance that your drivers are well-trained.
Only Purchase Brand New Trucks
Ensuring top-notch mechanical reliability is another measure that should be taken to reduce the likelihood of encountering unforeseen issues. While some used trucks can be just as reliable as their new counterparts, owning a truck that has minimal wear and tear is the best approach for reducing the chances of dealing with repair expenses in the near future. As a rule of thumb, all your trucks should undergo a Department of Transportation (DoT) inspection before purchase and again before long trips.
Schedule Frequent Maintenance & Routine Inspections
Even if you’re buying new trucks, there’s always a chance that an object on the road or a nasty bump could rattle something around or bend it, leading to premature mechanical problems. Then, there’s also the odd chance that the truck could have defective parts that begin to fail faster than expected. Conducting routine inspections ensures that you’ll discover such issues before they become huge problems, while frequently maintaining fluid levels and other important areas of vehicle upkeep will help you postpone repair costs for as long as possible.
Everything Will Be Fine
Ultimately, as long as you have great fleet insurance, there’s really nothing to worry about in terms of personal liability. If you do your research and heed the 5 tips given above, you shouldn’t encounter too many significant challenges. After the initial phase of learning and adjustment, you should find that fleet management becomes a breeze when you’re using the right tools, platforms, and provisions.
