From banks to plumbing companies to school districts, all fleet managers have to supervise complex business fleet operations daily. Whether you have 5 cars or 100, managing your fleet involves organizing, recording, routine maintenance, and supervising all aspects of your company cars. Add to that you have employees to hire and train.  

With everything else you have going on at the office, we understand the complexities of managing your business fleet. These daily tasks are why many business owners and fleet managers opt to outsource fleet management tasks. Butler Automotive Management talks about how to better manage your fleet and operations. 

 

#1: Create A Complete Fleet Management Program 

You have to start with a comprehensive and well-executed vehicle management plan for your company. This will be the baseline for extending the life of your fleet and can significantly impact any business’ bottom line. 

Once you’ve created a fleet management program, you’ll also want to make sure all current and new employees are aware of what the program entails.  

BAM provides services of experienced fleet managers to help your internal management team. Our guidance helps you focus on other portions of business operations, saving you time and money. Call our experts today!

 

#2: Hire A Great Team  

Once you have a plan in place for your fleet vehicles, you can then focus on hiring a great team of highly qualified drivers. Having a good team in place is a key part of keeping your fleet in check.  

During the hiring process for commercial drives, make sure to check that the driver has:  

• A valid driving license with the appropriate classifications to drive your cars 
• A valid Department of Transportation’s (DOT) medical card 
• If operating trucks, a valid commercial driving license (CDL) 
• Pass a certified pre-employment drug and alcohol screening 
• Medical fitness and mental potential to operate vehicles safely 
• Check their past driving record, experience and look for a history of steady employment 

 

Of course, the experience required for a driver will differ for each company. It’s not just hiring the best team; you’ll also be able to execute a more effective ongoing driver training program.  

 

 

#3: Keep on Top of All Records 

Like you keep good hiring records, you’ll also need to maintain company critical vehicle management records. This includes setting up regular maintenance schedules and knowing all details for each and every vehicle on your lot.  

As part of your fleet management program, keep a log that your drivers can sign daily. We care about the environment and your time so skip the stack of papers. With digital records, it is easy to find any report you need fast. You can use software like ours to know which drivers have driven which cars, where they have been via the GPS tracker, and mileage tracking from when they started and returned the vehicle.  

These records will help you as a fleet manager, you may have to set up regular vehicle maintenance schedules, and when you choose BAM fleet be automatically notified on which cars need maintenance in real-time.  

We’ll help you stay on top of your daily operations including delivery and route optimization plans, mobile oil changes, and more. Contact us to see how we can help your internal fleet management team!  

 

 

#4: Train Your Team, Then Train Some More 

Everyone has off days, but when your team gets more experience and training you can minimize those and better potential customer impressions of your team while on the road.  

Providing your team with clear instructions for different road conditions, locations, and correct weak driving skills. Ongoing training programs also help your drivers stay up to date with new transportation industry trends as well as changes to your internal company standards.  

We recommend you implement fleet-wide safety rules that are mandatory for your drivers to follow such as set consequences for using phones or distracted driving. Any changes to company policy should also be signed to ensure the driver’s understanding. 

As a fleet manager, you should have more screening and properly train on safe-driving policies to minimize accident risk, lower fleet repair costs, and higher insurance rates and legal fees. 

 

#5 Check Your Fleet Insurance Policies 

As your company evolves, there will also be changes to most fleet insurance policies each year. Consider an annual review to assess your current policy; this will help you evaluate claims and proactively take steps to minimize future insurance costs. 

You must have a clear idea about the changes that may occur in your insurance policy if you add more vehicles or drivers to your fleet. 

We can connect you with top local commercial insurance agents to help adapt to your changing insurance needs and work with many insurance providers to help you maximize costs. 

 

#6 Go with GPS  

You have to track your fleet, and software can help! 

Fleet tracking systems like ours that use global positioning systems (GPS) now help managers to track the exact location of any vehicle, any time.  Installing GPS trackers in your company cars will not only help with better management of the fleet but also help lower operating costs.  

By tracking your fleet and drivers in real–time, employees don’t need to call you with an update on their location or when jobs are done. GPS trackers also give fleet managers a chance to check on driving patterns. If they are taking an inefficient route, you can correct them with additional training quickly. Should one of your cars ever be missing or get stolen, the location can be found quickly with the GPS.   

Butler Automotive Management can install the GPS trackers for your company fleet. Get a quote from our GPS installation team to manage your fleet!
 

#7 Remember to Take Time for Your Car Care 

Training your team is important and your daily operations are key to success, but remember your fleet vehicles. They also need routine care. We know you’re busy, but you have to take care of the people and your vehicles.   

You can reduce operational costs and profits when you improve fleet management visibility and safety. This focus also impacts overall driver satisfaction.  

Developing company-wide maintenance schedules for your fleet vehicles helps focus on driver safety, manage fleet operations risks, and reduce spending on car repairs. Your fleet maintenance program is a proactive way to manage your business.  

BAM Fleet helps manage and maintain the overall condition of your vehicles; we’ll come to you for routine maintenance, emergencies, and help you with avoiding any major car issues that may come up. We focus on keeping you working and come to you after hours or whatever schedule is convenient for your fleet so you can get the job done during business hours.  

Our Experience Supports Your Team 

Better service starts with Butler. Our local fleet management pros help manage your fleets and your time better. Call us today for outstanding service throughout Tampa Bay!