\u201cOne of the top causes for lost vehicle productivity is mainly due to mechanical issues on older vehicles due to the increased volume of breakdowns, using the wrong vehicle for assigned application, and lack of preventive maintenance history. While other less frequent and obvious items contribute to poor vehicle productivity, these represent a large percentage of the problem,\u201d said Jeremy Green, sales & marketing manager for Union Leasing.<\/p>\n
Agreeing was Nate Niese, director, national client partnerships for Mike Albert. Niese added that \u201caging fleet vehicles that are well-worn in appearance and prone to breakdowns, run the risk of missing customer appointments, underdelivering on customer service, and tarnishing the company\u2019s image.\u201d<\/p>\n
An aging fleet can significantly impact vehicle productivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlder vehicles are usually near or at the peak of their lifecycle and require ongoing maintenance, making them challenging to operate as efficiently,\u201d said Todd Elmore, corporate rental manager for Enterprise Truck Rental.<\/p>\n
One top cause of lost vehicle productivity is unplanned maintenance<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a fleet operator, you can plan accordingly for vehicles cycling in\/out of your fleet and for routine maintenance, but nothing can disrupt a fleet\u2019s productivity faster than significant unforeseen downtime,\u201d said Ed Powell, manager, Business Intelligence and Analytics for ARI.<\/p>\n These situations can be amplified when the fleet manager doesn\u2019t have a contingency plan in place.<\/p>\n \u201cThe contingency plan should address over-the-road repairs as well as relationships with vendors to help provide replacement vehicles if the equipment needs to be down for an extended time,\u201d said Dan Klebba, general manager of PacLease Grand Prairie and Fort Worth, Texas. \u201cFor this reason, many fleets shifted their mindset from owning their equipment to embracing more full-service leases in their fleet.\u201d<\/p>\n Keeping up with proper preventive maintenance and complying with company vehicle cycling policy can help reduce the likelihood of significant repairs or risk of breakdowns.<\/p>\n \u201cMobile maintenance is another option if the fleet operates out of a centralized location. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, could be scheduled when the driver is not using the vehicle instead of having the driver use part of their day to take the vehicle in for service. Outsourced or automated solutions for items like hours of service reporting can also help drivers be more efficient in their work,\u201d said Lawrence Liu, senior fleet consultant for Merchants Fleet.<\/p>\n Companies often do not have a strategic plan for replacing aging vehicles in their fleet.<\/p>\n \u201cInstead, fleets keep vehicles beyond their productive life and run them into the ground. This usually results in rising maintenance and repair costs, a higher risk of breakdowns and downtime, and diminished reliability and safety. On top of that, newer vehicles are overused to compensate for the downtime of older vehicles, accelerating the wear and tear on newer vehicles,\u201d Niese said.<\/p>\n Overall, unscheduled vehicle downtime is a massive drain on vehicle productivity, and it can often be attributed to lax maintenance schedules, driver error, or driver non-compliance.<\/p>\n \u201cFleet managers must ensure that daily safety inspections are being completed appropriately, and they are following up on issues noted. Another issue is idling, and while it isn\u2019t always avoidable, it should be minimized whenever possible. Idling wastes fuel, time, and puts extra hours on vehicles increasing the maintenance frequency. Ensure you\u2019re tracking maintenance in terms of hours, and not miles, specifically in high-idle situations,\u201d said James Brand, product manager for LeasePlan USA.<\/p>\n Another issue that is often a drain on productivity is when vehicles are under- or over-spec\u2019ed<\/a> for their intended job function.<\/p>\n \u201cIf a vehicle is under-spec\u2019ed, it may not be capable of effectively performing its intended role within the fleet. Conversely, if vehicles are over-spec\u2019ed, they may not be able to complete tasks efficiently, resulting in potentially costly complications,\u201d Powell added.<\/p>\n Niese agreed, noting, \u201cif a vehicle is not specified correctly to meet the demands of the job, the vehicle will likely be overtaxed. Or, if the vehicle is more than is needed for the job, it may incur excess fuel and other operating costs.\u201d<\/p>\n At its least, improper truck specifications can lead to poor performance and fuel economy.<\/p>\n \u201cAt most, improper specifications may lead to unplanned mechanical failures and safety risks. Overloading a chassis may result in mechanical failures, drivability issues making it challenging to maneuver, stop and accelerate the asset, and risk of regulatory non-compliance,\u201d said Alec Walker, senior data strategist for Donlen.<\/p>\n One issue is related to vehicle assignment and overall upfits.<\/p>\n \u201cDrivers assigned to the incorrect vehicle for job applications or one that is not upfitted correctly<\/a> can result in excess vehicle downtime due to extra maintenance work or the job not being completed efficiently,\u201d said Saad Ahmad, consultant, strategic consulting services, Element Fleet Management.<\/p>\n The seasonality of a business and the speed at which a business is awarded new projects are also significant productivity factors.<\/p>\n \u201cFor example, if a business is in its off-season and not able to secure as many projects, they may not be utilizing their vehicles as frequently as they typically would,\u201d said Elmore of Enterprise Truck Rental.<\/p>\n Much like driver productivity, it is equally important to ensure vehicles are compliant and on the road.<\/p>\n \u201cLost vehicle productivity may commonly occur from improper specifications, non-compliance, unmanaged downtime, and driver downtime,\u201d Walker said.<\/p>\n For work trucks and vocational trucks, limiting downtime is critical to ensuring productivity.<\/p>\n \u201cDowntime can be a much bigger factor for companies that rely on larger trucks. You can usually get a rental car for most passenger vehicles, but large trucks (especially with custom upfit) are harder to find an appropriate replacement,\u201d Walker added.<\/p>\n In some areas and with certain truck types, driver demand may outweigh driver availability.<\/p>\n \u201cThis can occur with specialty assets and trucks requiring certain licensing. Where a company cannot fill this driver role or where that driver has been grounded, vehicle productivity may be lost,\u201d Walker said.<\/p>\n Joshua Swanberg, fleet partnership team lead for Element Fleet Management, added this final concern: Idle assets are not generating revenue for the business.<\/p>\n \u201cRemarket idle units<\/a> them or find a way to put them to use,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Photo: Gettyimages.com\/Olivier Le Moal<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n While there are clearly many challenges to ensuring a productive fleet truck, there are many ways a fleet manager can help improve overall productivity with a little planning and a lot of patience.<\/p>\n Creating a policy and procedure for scenarios the drivers encounter will minimize downtime and ensure compliance<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cA properly executed telematics program will enable the fleet manager to see their whole fleet ecosystem and make informed decisions. Daily vehicle inspections can identify problems with a vehicle before it goes out on the road,\u201d said Green of Union Leasing.<\/p>\n And make sure your plan fits your fleet needs.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving the right fleet plan, including the type of vehicle, how long to operate, and the ideal time to replace has an enormous impact on productivity. As vehicles age or experience downtime related to maintenance or accidents, having a plan to minimize the time in the shop plays a big part of an effective fleet plan,\u201d said Frank Thurman, VP of operations for Enterprise Fleet Management.<\/p>\n Telematics is one of the best ways to track and manage the productivity of your truck fleet.<\/p>\n \u201cTelematics gives fleet managers valuable insights into driver routes, vehicle utilization, and risky driver behaviors that could increase the likelihood of non-preventative maintenance and more downtime,\u201d said Liu of Merchants Fleet.<\/p>\n Connected vehicle data allows fleet managers to act immediately when they see any signs of driver \u201cabuse\u201d or negligence.<\/p>\n \u201cBy tracking this data and picking out any information ahead of time, fleet managers will be able to identify events before they become productivity issues,\u201d said Brand of LeasePlan USA.<\/p>\n Vehicles do not have an unlimited useful life. Instead of running them into the ground, the more cost-effective and safer solution is to implement a vehicle replacement strategy.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the help of fleet lifecycle experts, fleet managers can forecast the optimal time to remarket each vehicle and budget for its replacement. By identifying a specific mileage band for each aging vehicle that pinpoints when it should be cycled out of the fleet, fleet managers can decrease operating costs and prevent downtime,\u201d said Niese of Mike Albert.<\/p>\n Predictive and regular vehicle maintenance can improve performance, lower fuel costs, fend off major repairs and downtime, and help retain a higher resale value, Niese added.<\/p>\n Another tip to help minimize unforeseen downtime is to adhere to the recommended preventive maintenance (PM) schedules<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cSuccessfully minimizing PM variability is among the most effective ways to improve reliability and maximize productivity. Regularly completing minor PMs such as oil changes, brake services, and more dramatically reduces the occurrence of costly, more significant component failures. It is also important to keep in mind that your PM strategy needs to extend beyond the vehicle itself to include upfit components and equipment as well,\u201d said Powell of ARI.<\/p>\n In terms of optimizing vehicle specifications, it may seem obvious, but it must be repeated: ensure each unit is appropriately spec\u2019ed<\/a> for its intended job function.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll need a comprehensive understanding of the role each vehicle plays within your business, and this insight will help you determine the ideal specification \u2014 both vehicle model and upfitting \u2014 to maximize productivity. You\u2019ll also be able to pinpoint the optimal replacement intervals for your fleet. One best practice is to keep vehicles in service long enough to space out capital expenditures, then cycle them out right before operating costs begin to rise,\u201d Powell added.<\/p>\n Vehicle age has a huge impact on downtime.<\/p>\n \u201cReplace vehicles on time to optimize the life of the vehicle in addition to increasing vehicle utilization. Downsize the fleet if not all vehicles are required,\u201d said Swanberg of Element Fleet Management.<\/p>\n Elmore of Enterprise agreed, adding, \u201cTo minimize lost vehicle productivity, fleet managers should also equip drivers with new vehicles that operate more efficiently and have less wear and tear.\u201d<\/p>\n Know the vehicle application and understand the operating terrain and environment.<\/p>\n \u201cKnow the maintenance environment and replacement options for when that asset is grounded. \u00a0Obtain feedback from the owner, operator, or driver \u2014 those closest to the truck and job. And use a specification checklist to ensure that asset is built to the specifications to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity,\u201d said Walker of Donlen.<\/p>\n Walker also noted the value of a third-party to help.<\/p>\n \u201cConsider utilizing a third party to manage regulatory compliance or use automated tools and technology to be alerted of upcoming compliance regulations, what services are needed, when, and where a driver may take a vehicle can save on time and effort while keeping the asset compliant and on the road,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n From fleet management companies to leasing providers and other transportation-related companies, don\u2019t forget to lean on your industry partners and suppliers for help and advice.<\/p>\n A productive truck is just one element to a productive fleet. Make sure your fleet manager and drivers are as productive as possible as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0by Lauren Fletcher<\/a><\/p>\n Source: https:\/\/www.truckinginfo.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The audit is a key tool to know the overall status and provide the analysis, the assessment, the advice, the suggestions and the actions to take in order to cut costs and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the fleet. We propose the following fleet management audit.<\/p>\n Photo: Gettyimages.com\/SiberianArt Fleet trucks are tools to accomplish the job. If they aren\u2019t working, the fleet isn\u2019t working. If they aren\u2019t running efficiently, the fleet isn\u2019t running productively. Top Causes of Lost Vehicle Productivity There are several causes of lost vehicle productivity, but one of the top problems is age-related. \u201cOne of the top causes…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11373,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[325],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11371"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11371"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11371\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11374,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11371\/revisions\/11374"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"](\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/work-truck-online\/content\/article\/2020-10\/20201007-meter-getty-__-720x516-s.jpg\")
Top Tips to Increase Vehicle Productivity<\/h2>\n
CUT COTS OF THE FLEET WITH OUR AUDIT PROGRAM<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nFLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"