A quality fleet of vehicles doesn’t have to be made up of one type of vehicle only. You may need a delivery van for transporting your goods to clients and to partnering businesses.
You may also have a smaller car for small runs or a larger box truck for heavier items. Each vehicle can be incorporated into your business with a paint job and signage; the tips below can keep your fleet readily available.
Buy A Vehicle That Is Easy To Repair
Check the dealerships in your area. If you have a Chevrolet dealership down the road and a Ford dealership in the next town, you can make your business life easier by buying the best Chevrolet vehicles you can afford.
While reliable mechanics can be found outside the dealership, you’re less likely to be stuck waiting for parts if you take your vehicles to the dealership for regular maintenance and repairs.
Carefully review your logo size and shape to make sure it works with your chosen vehicle line. If your logo is too large to fit on the side of your new vans because the door tracks get in the way, consider a perforated window wrap that can be used to show off your business without needing to be affixed to the metal of your vehicle.
Set Up A Maintenance Schedule
Set up a yearly schedule to address vehicle improvements and regular maintenance. For example, a quarterly oil change schedule, regardless of mileage, is a great way to prevent damage and avoid expensive repairs.
Yearly checks on brakes and tires will also be beneficial. If your vehicle will be stored outside and you’re located in or near a desert, invest in windshield protection and consider adding tire covers. Of course, you will want cameras focused on your vehicles. If you can add security fencing around your fleet, do so.
Of course, the safety and security of your employees are key. In addition to regular oil changes and engine maintenance, work with the nearby dealership to make sure that your brakes and drive train are checked regularly.
If your fleet vehicles need to provide additional cooling or haul especially heavy loads, regular checks of the refrigeration units and hydraulics will also need to be included in your maintenance checks.
Train Your Employees, Track Your Vehicles
Accidents will happen. You may have an employee get hit by another driver who is completely at fault. Regardless of who is responsible, you are now dealing with a damaged, out-of-commission vehicle. Create a checklist for your driver.
For example, you may want to create a starting ritual. As soon as your employee gets in the vehicle, they might
- check the mileage
- check the gas gauge
- review the oil change date
- look for warning lights
- weekly photographs of conditions inside and outside of the vehicle
Each time they stop and idle, include a check of the temperature gauge.
Provide employees with a spot for receipts. If your state doesn’t have laws against texting and driving, create a company policy that reflects this. Finally, for businesses that hire people mainly to drive, make sure your policy includes very specific reporting requirements.
If your driver gets a serious moving violation or a DUI, they need to tell HR to avoid risks to your business insurance.
Search Nationwide For Additional Vehicles
When it’s time to add to your fleet or bring on a specialty vehicle, access to custom car shipping can offer you access to specific fleet improvements from across the nation. Do make sure that your intended seller is comfortable with shipping a vehicle and able to work with your chosen shipping company. It’s recommended to get price for auto shipping in advance. This way, you can get an accurate estimate of what it will cost to bring the vehicle to your location.
Buying a vehicle unseen or from across the country can be worrying. To avoid costly losses, check the dealership flag. If you trust your local dealership and their mechanic, get the vehicle you’re considering buying dropped off at a dealership under the same flag for an inspection.
If the seller refuses, keep shopping. The inspection fee you pay for the vehicle you don’t buy can be money well spent.
Your fleet will always take management. However, you can avoid big financial shocks with consistent purchases and regular maintenance. Engaged employees with defined regulations on handling company vehicles can be your partners in maintaining a safe, useful fleet.
