Running a business can be hard work at times, especially if you’re into delivering merchandise, fast food and even providing a supply for grocery stores. This is where having a fleet comes in handy. A fleet is your company’s own personal group of vehicles that’s used for all sorts of things. However, a lot of business owners, specifically newer ones, aren’t sure whether or not it’s worth investing in one. Here’s why every business needs a fleet and the benefits of having one.
You Can See Lower Costs
To some, managing a fleet might seem like one of the most expensive investments you have to make. After all, the main goal of every business is to earn as much money as possible while paying less at the same time. So, how exactly does having a fleet accomplish this? Well, it’s rather simple. You install the proper fleet management equipment ahead of time. Fleet management is a lot more than keeping track of where each vehicle is going. It’s also about driver safety as well. Here’s a quick list of the necessary equipment for fleet management:
- GPS tracking systems to prevent theft and employees from slacking
- Dash cams, which allow the driver to see every angle of their vehicle
- Communication tools, like long-range walkie talkies and instant messaging apps
Another piece of technology that’s essential for every fleet is an ELD. An ELD is the abbreviation for electronic logging device. This handy piece of technology is connected right into a vehicle’s on-board diagnostics, which is basically the car’s mainframe. The ELD records everything that happens with the vehicle. This includes the mileage driven, the time of operation, the date of use and even when the driver is being careless. In fact, there are ELD mandates every business fleet must follow, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to have these. You can also use an hours of service (HOS) compliance solution to prevent your fleet from making violations.
It Improves Driver Safety
The vehicles aren’t the only ones that need protection. Your drivers need to be kept from harm as well. The technology mentioned above is how you can keep your trusted employees safe on the road. The road is one of the most unpredictable places in the world, so it pays to be prepared for any scenarios. As a result, it reduces liability and cuts down on insurance costs. Disengaged drivers can be one of the obvious signs of a toxic workplace, so keep in mind that some ebbs and flows in driver patterns can be signs of other problems as well.
Your Consumer Retention Rate is Given a Boost
You, your employees, and the business aren’t the only ones who benefit from having a fleet. Your consumers also benefit from the fleet as well. Each business fleet is also managed by consumers via a virtual portal. This portal is what allows them to track their deliveries in real-time with just a few clicks or taps on a device. Having this kind of security is what’ll ultimately keep customers satisfied and gives you an edge against your competition.
