Can a fleet manager reduce annual operating costs by 20% in a few years?
Answering this question does not seem easy at first glance:
-By professionalism in vehicle and driver management,
-By creating and encouraging technical expertise in every subject,
-By making little daily decisions taken careless purposeful,
-Meeting with customers and suppliers and resolving problems, if any,
-Developing cooperation in a way that shares responsibilities.
Is this success achievable?
The importance of fleet management:
Behind salaries and benefits, fleet-related costs are generally one of the largest expenses at any readymix company. It makes sense, then, that fleet manager is one of the most important roles for a business with a mobile workforce.
It’s their responsibility to ensure fleet vehicles are well maintained and ready for use and that the drivers are driving safely and in compliance with regulations.
Fleet managers wear many hats and likely have multiple titles and duties. They work with critical employees across the business and their duties and titles can differ depending on the industry, vehicle types and company size.
Fleet managers play a vital role in maintaining a healthy bottom line because they are responsible for one of the business’s most important cost centers.
Following the day-to-day operating costs may be more challenging task among the others.
Balancing different tasks:
From deploying technicians more effectively and calculating more efficient routes to promoting positive customer interactions, fleet managers must be able to balance changing roles and responsibilities and stay cool under pressure.
It is not essential for fleet managers to know exactly how to overhaul hydraulic brakes or repair a leaky valve, but understanding what they need to solve the problems (i.e. cost and downtime) helps minimize negative impacts on business and profitability.
A skillful fleet manager can quickly adapt assess potential downtime and quickly reorganize or reassign jobs while minimizing disruption to vehicle operations when vehicles or workers are unavailable.
Vehicle park:
Another important task of the fleet manager apart from operations can be managing the vehicle park. Mixer trucks, pump trucks and other bulk trailers and dump trucks can be included in this group.
In most large ready-mixed concrete companies, the operation and management of the vehicle park is now considered as a whole, and the responsibility is given to an engineer who is specialized in this field.
-Is the vehicle park created in proportion to the work in terms of quantity?
-Is a make or buy strategy implemented?
-Is the formation of the vehicle park suitable for optimal usage demands?
-Is there a standardization in the vehicle park?
-Is the vehicle park consisting of different types and models?
-Is the regeneration timing of the vehicles fit for purpose?
A successful fleet professional is able to lead and coach not only the fleet team, but also drivers and multiple management levels. He is able to inspire a team toward a common purpose or vision.
A fleet manager with the following qualities and skills will have a better chance at success:
-Having technical knowledge relevant to the industry.
-Keeping up with changes and trends.
-Familiar with regulations for commercial vehicles and drivers.-
-Knowing the business priorities and helps solve problems to drive cost reductions.
-Understanding vehicle maintenance, repair implications and driver safety best practices.
-Managing multitasking and shifting priorities effectively.
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hemen ara