When running a fleet, you need to make sure that it runs as efficiently as possible. This means that you need to ensure that your drivers are reliable, your routes optimal and your overhead low. All of this can be achieved with proper fleet management. Now, fleet management depends on two things – the fleet manager and the fleet management software. Picking both of these two things is a story for another time. Today, we’re going to focus on the top six reasons why your business definitely needs better fleet management. Here are some of the most compelling arguments to support this claim.

1. It improves operational costs

The first thing you need to keep in mind is the fact that fleet management costs money but brings incredible returns. First, you have to hire a seasoned fleet manager, as well as invest in a proper fleet management software.

Then, you get to reap perks of greater fuel managements, seeing as how your drivers will always have optimal routes. Other than this, the likelihood that your employees will be able to steal from you (fuel or anything else) and the likelihood that they will do personal runs on company time (and fuel) drops significantly.

2. Greater safety

Another important factor worth weighing in is the greater safety that comes with optimal fleet management. First of all, by tracking driver behavior, you get to eliminate reckless drivers or, at very least, warn them in order to make them more careful. Countless car accidents were prevented by careful fleet managers warning reckless drivers over the radio or replacing them before they can do any damage. Remember that this way, you’re not just saving yourself from fees and unnecessary repairs, you’re also protecting the lives of other traffic participants.

3. Better vehicle maintenance

Another thing that affects safety is proactive vehicle maintenance. Once you start keeping records and keeping track of your vehicles, it will be easier to organize some proactive maintenance sessions. Moreover, if a fleet manager is also talking to their drivers, they will be able to notice potential malfunctions, find the right car parts online and order them proactively. This way, you have them on stock and have the privilege of just replacing them and getting the vehicle back on the street, as soon as possible.

4. Industry-based perks

Let’s assume that you are not in the industry where the delivery is just one of the aspects, but you are, indeed, dealing in this as your primary service. Let’s say that you own delivery trucks and rent out your services. In this scenario, it is one of the jobs of your fleet managers to organize return tours.

Think about it, having a load to deliver from point A to point B (A being your original spot and B being the target destination) is the most common scenario. If you manage to find another deal at point B and deliver it somewhere while returning, we’re talking about pure profit. Your vehicle needs to return, either way, now, it’s making money while doing so.

5. Better customer service

Another amazing benefit of fleet management is the fact that it drastically improves your customer support and customer service. For starters, you will have a far better idea of when they can expect the delivery, which will allow you to be far more precise when making promises to your customers. Also, if they call to inquire about the late shipment, you will be able to inform them of the exact whereabouts, as well as the adjusted time of arrival. The more you know, the more reliable you are.

6. Increased security

Last, but not least important, is the aspect of security. Stolen and mishandled cargo, the same as stolen vehicles, can be identified and found a lot more easily when you properly handle your fleet management. Just bear in mind that security is a major issue and that being able to diagnose the problem might make your entire business a lot safer. Trucks and cars used in the delivery system are valuable assets and need to be protected at all times.

The fact that you know exactly where all your vehicles and drivers are, which routes are the most effective and which of your drivers are the most efficient will provide you with loads of operational efficiency. You get to reduce the overhead of your business, improve your maintenance efforts and subtly oversee your entire staff in one go. It really doesn’t get any better than that. Sure, there’s more to running an efficient delivery system, but these six tips are definitely a great start.