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Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Truck Fleet

Written by Jimmy Rustling

In today’s world, fleet drivers are more important than ever before. Without them, supply chains would collapse, companies would go bust, and customers would never receive their products. Essentially, it would be chaos.

With this in mind, it makes sense why fleet managers are constantly investing in their truck drivers and their strategies. By doing this, their fleets can perform better and be more efficient, which ultimately benefits everyone.

So, if you’re the truck fleet manager – such as one that transports heavy trailers throughout the country – it’s essential that you use the following tips and tricks. This way, you will be able to take your fleet to the next level and ultimately keep your drivers safe and happy.

1. Use a drop and hook strategy

As a fleet manager, you’ve more than likely heard of drop and hook trucking before. In case you haven’t, here’s what it is:

Drop and hook trucking is when a truck driver drops a container off at the designated spot. From there, the driver will then attach a new container (that is either empty or loaded) to the back of their truck – all from the same location.

The drop and hook load process is a great way to maximize efficiency and make life easier for your fleet. Here are some of the reasons why it’s an excellent strategy to use:

  • On-time deliveries: Your fleet drivers will be able to arrive at (and leave) drop-off spots much more quickly than they usually would. In turn, this also means there’s a lower risk of you picking up fines for missed delivery windows!
  • Improved reputation with vendors and clients: Better performance levels mean better reputation. Plus, you’ll be more likely to receive contract offers due to excellent service levels.
  • Less physical effort: Due to the nature of drop and hook trucking, drivers don’t have to stress or worry about physically unloading or packing containers, as they’re already prepared prior to arrival.

With that covered, it’s highly recommended that you adopt a drop and hook strategy moving forward. Remember, supply chains are under extreme pressure, and this is one of the best ways you can reduce that pressure and speed up operations.

2. Implement positive driving habits to reduce fuel costs

Since the start of 2022, fuel costs around the world have sadly skyrocketed. This has impacted everyday people and companies – no one has managed to dodge the impact. Because of this, many companies are currently focusing on the driving habits of their fleet.

Primarily, this includes reducing harsh braking and harsh accelerating – which are two of the biggest causes of fuel consumption.

By training your fleet to drive in an eco-friendlier (and safer) manner, you will be able to reduce fuel costs. This is especially important for any cross-country drop-offs that you have scheduled in.

3. Collect monthly feedback from drivers

Nobody knows their truck better than the driver, which is why it’s important to collect monthly feedback from each individual member of your fleet. From the feedback you collect, you will then be able to make the right changes, whether conducting more vehicle safety checks or providing drivers with longer breaks during journeys.

Plus, collecting feedback shows that you care about your drivers and don’t simply view them as a number. When drivers feel cared for, they’re more likely to perform better!

Ideally, you should collect feedback in digital form. Surveys and questionnaires can be sent to your fleet via email or SMS.

4. Allow drivers to use their own devices

Modern truck driving is all about technology. Now, GPS apps and driver analytics are a big part of day-to-day operations – in fact, it’s incredibly rare for a fleet not to use some form of technology.

However, technology – from hardware to software – can be expensive. In addition to this, it can also be very expensive to train drivers to use this technology. Therefore, the best solution (more often than not) is to allow your fleet to use their own devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets.

They can install GPS tracking solution apps on their devices that enable them to reach destinations as quickly and efficiently as possible. Also, fleet managers can then analyze the metrics from journeys, such as overall journey times and stoppages, which allows them to provide drivers with high-quality feedback.

So, providing your drivers have their own tech devices that are up-to-standard, then you should allow them to use them. However, drivers must be instructed to carry charging cables (and charging bricks) with them during their shifts to ensure that their devices don’t run out of charge.

5. Conduct regular maintenance checks

When it comes to managing a fleet and improving performance levels, nothing is more important than regular maintenance checks across all your assets, from trucks to small delivery vans.

Maintenance checks ensure that vehicles are kept in the best possible condition. When problems are spotted – such as loose brake pads or worn tires – they can be quickly fixed.

In the long run, this will help to save you money while boosting the well-being of your employees.

Ideally, maintenance checks should be conducted at the beginning or end of each month. Drivers should also be present at maintenance checks to inform engineers and mechanics about their vehicle’s performance over recent weeks.

6. Communicate with your fleet during journeys

In-house communication is key – particularly during long journeys.

Drivers should be regularly contacted by management or phoneline agents to ensure that their journeys are running smoothly and no interruptions have taken place.

Also, when there are weather warnings or road incidents, drivers should be informed immediately to re-route ahead of time.

Conclusion

By using the tips and tricks above, you will be able to improve your fleet whilst creating a long-term model that benefits your drivers and the management team. The implementation of technology is especially important, as this will provide you with a platform to analyze data and make improvements to individual driver performance levels.

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About the author

Jimmy Rustling

Born at an early age, Jimmy Rustling has found solace and comfort knowing that his humble actions have made this multiverse a better place for every man, woman and child ever known to exist. Dr. Jimmy Rustling has won many awards for excellence in writing including fourteen Peabody awards and a handful of Pulitzer Prizes. When Jimmies are not being Rustled the kind Dr. enjoys being an amazing husband to his beautiful, soulmate; Anastasia, a Russian mail order bride of almost 2 months. Dr. Rustling also spends 12-15 hours each day teaching their adopted 8-year-old Syrian refugee daughter how to read and write.