Life in logistics is so much better when things are running smoothly! But this doesn’t just happen by chance. There’s a huge range of things to think about, from safety to legal compliance, operational efficiency to O Licences, people to profitability.
And whether you’re a transport manager, a driver, or working in the back office, everyone has a role to play. Here is a quick overview of some key factors that will help your fleet to run smoothly.
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Training
Everything starts with effective training. It enables people to understand how they can help and gives them the skills and motivation to do the best possible job.
- Implement a regular, ongoing training schedule – annual Driver CPC, Transport Manager refreshers etc.
- Choose carefully. The right subjects and the right training provider will help you to maximise compliance, efficiency and safety
- Consider Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT), so everyone can understand their role in fleet efficiency
- Good training delivers a great return on investment
Forward Planning
As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Whatever your role in the fleet, take time to plan ahead.
- Regular, scheduled vehicle maintenance will reduce costs in the long run and help avoid unexpected downtime
- Think about staffing levels to cover holidays and seasonal or contractual peaks. Temps can fill last-minute needs but also anticipated peaks and troughs
- Training can usually be slotted in neatly around operational needs when planned in advance
- Do you have a formal business continuity / crisis management plan?
Cost Management
A focus on profitability is good news for all. It brings job security, keeps investors happy, and offers opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Harness the power of data. Telematics, route planning, invoicing… Explore and understand the messages that are in your data
- Focus on fuel efficiency – there are so many opportunities to save. Consider fuel cards, aero, FED training, driver incentives
- Vehicle selection is vital. Van or LGV, urban or trunking
– do you have the right combination for the work you do? Time to go electric? - Everyone has an interest in cost management
– so involve everyone!
Risk Management
Good risk management isn’t just about avoiding negative outcomes, it can help your business and team to identify opportunities.
- Your people may be brilliant, but they are also a source of risk. Regular checks are vital, for example, driving licences, eyesight, PPE, mental wellbeing
- Vehicles need frequent checks and proper maintenance. A daily walk around check should be routine and regular servicing. Consider ‘gate checks’ before they hit the road
- Transport Manager CPC and refreshers cover legal, financial, technical risks and more
- Good record keeping and certification are essential
Staffing
Your people are the heart of your business. Great systems and processes will help you to run a smooth, efficient fleet – but it’s the people who deliver.
- Invest in attracting, training and retaining a great team of permanent staff
- Understand the real cost of different staffing models. Temps add flexibility and can reduce overall costs. Treat agency staff as you would your own people
- Understand your legal obligations. Disputes can cause damage to finances and reputation
- Use incentives to promote high standards
If It Goes Wrong
Even in the best run fleet, things will go wrong from time to time. We hope it’s never too serious for you, but if they do, how you deal with it makes all the difference.
- Take time to review what happened, gather data, adapt and learn for the future
- Co-operate fully with any authorities that may become involved
- There may be an opportunity for remedial training for staff, for example post-collision training
- Any impact may go beyond just the business.
Think about the people – your customers, your staff and the general public
DISCLAIMER:
The details in this poster are for information only. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Driver Hire Group Services Ltd, its associated companies and franchisees accept no liability for any errors or omissions.