4 common mistakes fleet managers sometimes make

Fleet management is a notoriously demanding job, one that requires a mix of logistical finesse, maintenance expertise, and personnel management. With that in mind, even the day-to-day challenges of fleet management can be quite complex, which means that even seasoned fleet managers can stumble into certain pitfalls that can impact the efficiency and profitability of their operations. So this week here on the blog here at TankSafe, we thought we’d take a quick moment to explore 4 common mistakes fleet managers sometimes make, and how you can avoid them yourself!

Preventative maintenance lapses

You don’t need us to tell you that preventative maintenance is a cornerstone of effective fleet management – it ensures that vehicles are in top working condition, and minimises the risk of unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Annoyingly, even temporary lapses in keeping preventative maintenance schedules up to date can have surprisingly big consequences – potentially leading to increased downtime, higher repair costs, and a reduction in the overall lifespan of the fleet. For that reason alone, it’s crucial to ensure that you’ve established (and you’re adhering to) a rigorous maintenance schedule, regularly checking and servicing vehicles to catch issues before they become major problems.

Poor route planning

Fuel costs are one of the largest expenses for any fleet, which makes making efficient route planning absolutely vital. Poor route planning can lead to unnecessary fuel consumption, increased wear and tear on vehicles, and wasted time. Happily, there are a variety of ways you can help to mitigate or sidestep these issues.

For example, utilising GPS and route planning software can help in designing the most fuel-efficient paths. Plus, you can save yourself additional time and money by being able to adapt to changing conditions and new challenges on-the fly, such as by monitoring traffic conditions and re-routing drivers as needed. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce fuel costs and improve overall fleet efficiency.

Insufficient driver training

This is an obvious one, but we still have to say it for the sake of full transparency. After all, insufficient driver training can lead to higher accident rates, increased wear and tear on vehicles, and non-compliance with regulations. To avoid that, it’s always worth double-checking that that drivers possess the appropriate qualifications for the vehicles they are operating.

Regular training programmes is one way to do this, helping to driving skills, enhance safety awareness, and ensure adherence to company policies. (And of course, it’s not enough just to implement them – you’ll also need to make sure that attendance is appropriately enforced!) Comprehensive driver training not only boosts safety, but also ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations, which can also protect you from the risk of costly fines and legal issues.

Inaccurate reporting

Now we get a bit more into the nitty-gritty of things – let’s talk about data. Accurate data is essential for making informed decisions regarding costs and labour optimisation. Inaccurate reporting can lead to misguided strategies, inefficiencies, and financial losses. That means one universal priority should always be to have the right equipment and procedures in place to ensure data accuracy. This includes using reliable tracking and reporting tools to monitor vehicle performance, fuel usage, and maintenance schedules. With precise data at your disposal, you’ll be able to analyse trends, identify areas for improvement, and make decisions that enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of your fleet.

Inadequate protection for fuel

Fuel is one of the most significant form of expenses for any fleet, and what’s more, it’s a resource that is particularly vulnerable to theft and loss. While some of this risk comes from external threats (like intruders onto your premises), by far the more common issue is “skimming” – the term typically used to refer to fuel being stolen in small amounts, typically by company employees taking it for personal use.

If you suspect one of your own team of skimming fuel, there are right ways to approach it and wrong ways to approach it. We’ve detailed both in our handy blog post about employees and fuel theft, so it’s a good one to read if you’re in a similar situation!

It’s always a good idea to take measures to protect your fuel either way – and that’s exactly where we come in here at TankSafe. Our TankSafe Optimum can be particularly useful for helping to prevent fuel spills – as well as giving you complete protection against fuel theft.  

You can read more about how TankSafe Optimum works, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at TankSafe if you have any further questions about the best ways to protect your fuel in 2024. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!