Putting Together A Fleet Of Vehicles For Your Business: Key Things To Consider

If your business has reached a point where it may be beneficial to put together a fleet of vehicles, it is important to research all the steps involved. Although starting your own fleet may seem like a straightforward process, it may be a bit more complicated than just having one or two vehicles. Therefore, as soon as you have the necessary financing to fund each vehicle purchase, it may be helpful to have a list of key points that can activate your initial fleet and help you scale it up later on. With that said, we have prepared some practical tips that you won’t want to overlook when it comes to putting together your first fleet of vehicles.

Fleet Insurance

Getting a good deal on your insurance is always a top concern when you are purchasing an automobile. However, it is even more important when you are looking to insure an entire fleet. Keep in mind that you can usually get a significant discount on fleet insurance for a multi-vehicle fleet. It may be useful to explore different comparison platforms, where you can receive quotes and compare policies from multiple fleet insurance providers. Take your time to learn more about the coverage limits and terms of each prospective policy so that you can make an informed decision that is not based only on price.

Fleet Tracking Software

It is crucial to have a complete overview of your fleet so that you can easily track vehicles and drivers, optimise routes, and collect useful information. This software from FleetGO registers all movement and vehicle activity by keeping a log of all trips, distances travelled, and time spent. GPS fleet tracking can also help you increase productivity and improve utilisation, as you will have access to detailed insights into time spending and a 24/7 live interactive map. Analysis of current and historical route data will also allow you to identify patterns, enhance performance, and improve driver safety.

Driver Hiring

You will need to learn about effective driver screening and hiring practices to ensure that you are leaving the right people in charge of your vehicles. When starting out, it may be tempting to hire the first competent-looking drivers that come to you. Nevertheless, it is important to be selective during this stage, as it will be more difficult to deal with the consequences of hiring a bad driver than it will be to wait until you find the right people. Hiring drivers should be a rigorous and meticulous process, which should involve examining a prospective candidate’s accident record, equipment operated, criminal record, and most importantly driving experience.

Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is another critical factor, as ensuring your vehicles are in top condition will help prevent accidents and increase safety. Remember that the only way to minimise the chance of something going wrong is to schedule maintenance according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. It may also be beneficial to have a budget allocated to cover repairs and maintenance ahead of time. This way, if a sudden fleet-related mishap happens, you will be prepared to handle it financially. Accident management may also involve driver safety training and potentially disciplinary action after an at-fault incident.