To be an effective fleet manager requires more than a general awareness of the vehicles you are in charge of and the drivers who take them on the road every day.
Being successful in this important role also means being on top of safety protocols, knowing how each vehicle is being used at all times and communicating clearly and regularly with your drivers. These tips will help fleet managers improve their effectiveness on the job:
Make Sure Drivers are Well-Trained in Safety
As you hire new drivers for your fleet, take your time in checking references and doing any pertinent background checks. All new hires should also be put through a thorough safety course in order to train them on the importance of safe driving habits as well as to educate them on your company’s rules and regulations. Then, throughout the year, offer training updates for everyone, as well as retraining for anyone who gets a ticket or into a fender bender while driving one of your company’s fleet vehicles.
Use Software to Better Manage the Fleet Drivers
Highly effective fleet managers must be aware of where each vehicle is at all times, as well as how things are going with the drivers. While this may seem like it would require a crystal ball or for you to somehow be in multiple places at once, innovative software can assist with this task. Fleet management software and cameras help fleet managers to reduce costs associated with fuel, insurance and maintenance as well as monitoring routing efficiency, and unauthorized vehicle use. By using this type of equipment, fleet managers can effectively keep an eye on what is going on in each of the vehicles at all times and know that each driver is where he or she is supposed to be, which in turn will help the fleet system run as smoothly and safely as possible.
Be a Great Communicator
Each of your drivers probably has a different personality and levels of experience. Effectively communicating with your fleet drivers can be challenging because so often you are trying to reach drivers who are out on the road. Trying to email or text busy drivers may be difficult at times, but as a fleet manager, it is vital that you stay in regular contact with your team. Check in with each driver and ask how he or she would prefer to be reached while they are on the road—some might like a quick text while others want you to call them when they aren’t on the road. Keeping everyone in the loop on policy changes, vehicle maintenance checklists and other important topics is also key. Make it a point to send out emails with this information on a regular basis and schedule meetings to field questions and any issues from your drivers.
Effective Management Leads to Company Success
To be as successful at your job as possible, it is vital to do much more than have a daily schedule of where the vehicles are going. Take the time to hire only the best drivers, and provide them with consistent and thorough training. Use fleet management software to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, increase routing efficiency and driver safety, and prevent accidents. Finally, work at improving your communication skills in order to listen to and learn from drivers so you can be a more effective fleet manager.
