Good Fleet Maintenance: Three Suggestions

A slowly expanding truck fleet is one sign that your company is selling more products to existing and new customers. This can mean more tasks and work to keep it all working; functioning with just a single truck takes care, and an entire fleet can get out of hand if you're not careful. Streamlining maintenance with these recommendations and suggestions makes management easier.

Get Fleet Software

The old days where you could keep mile logs and scheduled trips on a few pieces of paper are long gone. With many trucks, it's just as important that you know where they are and tougher to track them. Fleet software will create order that gives you vital details without consuming too much time. How?

Software can enable you to track every truck's location; even if you're unable to reach a driver, the GPS feature of popular trucking software will pinpoint their whereabouts. That can be communicated to customers wondering where their shipments are. Software can make logging miles and scheduling tune-ups and oil changes easier too. More than that, solid trucking software can analyze information and help you identify fleet issues needing attention. If you see a trucker has long passed their maximum road hours without a logged break, the system may flag those records for you so you can contact them and ask why. 

Seek Mechanics Who Provide More Services

You may have a personal mechanic that you like, but as the fleet grows, you need a mechanic or auto shop that can service multiple trucks, and do so fast. You may specifically seek out those who offer enhanced service. For instance, it's better for your fleet to have a mechanic who can do same day repairs or travel out to your trucks when there are problems. It's also smart to seek out mechanics who can remind you about scheduled vehicle tasks each truck will need. You're keeping your own records, but having those reminders is useful.

Provide Additional Training

A fleet is about more than making drop-offs; your truckers should be able to troubleshoot their own vehicles a bit. They already have licenses for truck operation, but you might consider some training sessions periodically to increase their knowledge of their trucks and how to monitor them for possible trouble. For example, you may train on changing flat tires or recognizing engine trouble. Your drivers can help you with fleet maintenance if they have the knowledge.

Taking care of any fleet depends on attention to the vehicles and preparation for both good and bad days. These pointers enable trucks to work well and fully support your larger business. Contact a service, like Service Pros Auto Center, for more help.