Halloween isn’t the only time fleet managers have nightmares. Many of them don’t go away even when the last tricks and treats have been handed out. But with help from technology like GPS Trackit’s fleet management solution, you can take action to solve five of these most common nightmares—and sleep better every night.
Bad Customer Reviews
Nothing is worse than getting bad reviews from your customers—especially if those customers are angry and vocal about it. But don’t despair; there are ways to turn even the worst customer reviews into an opportunity to improve your business. First, take a deep breath and try to see the situation from the customer’s perspective. Second, reach out to the customer directly and try to resolve the issue. Third, use what you’ve learned from this experience to prevent similar problems in the future. GPS Trackit’s fleet management solution gives you much more information about your vehicles’ locations. Accurate time estimates send you on the way to taking bad reviews off the nightmares for fleet managers list.
Driver shortages
Driver shortages are becoming more and more common as the labor market gets tighter and tighter. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for dealing with driver shortages before they happen. First, talk to your drivers and find out what their needs are so that you can better retain them. Second, develop relationships with driver training schools and other fleets so that you can access trained drivers when needed. Finally, use technology to your advantage by implementing things like fleet management software that can help you serve more customers with fewer drivers. By being proactive, you can avoid being caught off guard by a driver shortage.
Wasted fuel
Wasted fuel is one of the biggest nightmares for fleet managers (and the environment!)—but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of things you can do to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing productivity or efficiency. One simple way to reduce fuel consumption is by making sure your vehicles are well-maintained and running at peak performance levels. You can also implement things like route optimization software that can help you plan more efficient routes for your drivers. And finally, consider using alternative fuels such as propane or natural gas—they’re often cheaper than gasoline and just as effective. By taking steps to reduce fuel consumption, you can save your fleet money and help protect the environment at the same time.
Out-of-control costs
It’s no secret that operating a fleet can be expensive—but it doesn’t have to be one of those recurring fleet manager nightmares. There are plenty of ways to cut costs without cutting corners or sacrificing quality or safety. One way to cut costs is by consolidating vendors to get volume discounts on things like fuel, tires, and maintenance services. Another way to cut costs is by using technology wisely. For example, route optimization software can help you save on fuel costs by planning more efficient routes for your drivers. Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate with suppliers. They may be open to giving you a better deal given how intensely competitive it is in this sector.
Lack of information about crew location
As a fleet manager, one of your most important responsibilities is keeping track of your drivers’ whereabouts. But that can be difficult if you don’t have the right tools in place. GPS tracking devices are an essential tool for any fleet manager. They not only allow you to see where your drivers are at all times, but they also give you valuable data about things like driver behavior and vehicle maintenance issues. If you’re not already using GPS tracking devices in your fleet, now is the time to start. They could make all the difference in keeping your drivers safe and sound.
Managing a fleet is no easy task—there are a lot of moving parts (literally!) and potential problems just waiting to happen. You can avoid the most common nightmares for fleet managers by being prepared. We can help with that. Schedule a free demo with one of GPS Trackit’s experienced Fleet Advisors.