{"id":4892,"date":"2020-04-01T17:00:51","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T15:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=4892"},"modified":"2020-04-01T17:00:51","modified_gmt":"2020-04-01T15:00:51","slug":"advice-for-fleets-during-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2020\/04\/01\/advice-for-fleets-during-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Advice for Fleets During the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ideas of sanitation lend themselves to a much broader idea echoed by many fleet management company professionals: being proactive as much as possible.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

First and foremost, as the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a> continues to impact how we perform work duties,\u00a0fleets must implement proper sanitation policies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur first priority is the health and safety of our people, our clients, our partners and of course, drivers,\u201d said Steven Jastrow, VP of strategic consulting and\u00a0analytics for Element Fleet Management. \u201cOne of the most important things we\u2019re all hearing is the importance of keeping clean to stopping the spread of the virus \u2014 so we immediately looked to share best practices in that regard with drivers.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Widespread implementation of hygienic best practices for fleet professionals and their drivers is an elemental step, not only for the safety of their drivers and entire company, but the general public. Also important is recognizing shelter-in-place mandates, wherever they are being applied, and \u201csocial distancing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn terms of prevention and safety tips for fleet personnel, it goes without saying everyone should adhere to the guidelines published by the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,\u201d said Bob White, president of ARI. \u201cAdditionally, fleet personnel should also obey any restrictions or guidelines – such as shelter in place mandates and social distancing recommendations – currently in place for the region in which they operate. Beyond that, we\u2019re strongly encouraging drivers to take additional precautions to further limit the spread of the COVID-19.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Other fleet management professionals elaborated on the necessity of maintaining stringent sanitation policies, exploring the details of this of what is necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSanitize frequently touched surfaces within the vehicles on a regular basis. Wear gloves when possible outside of your vehicle, especially when fueling the vehicle. Pumps, keypads and other surfaces are frequently touched and have not been sanitized. Wherever possible use contactless payment methods to avoid touching keypads or pens to sign,\u201d said Carolyn Edwards, SVP of Client Success, LeasePlan USA.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Coffey, senior VP of sales & consulting, Merchants Fleet, expanded on practicing smart sanitation practices and other important aspects of addressing COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen drivers get home or finish their shift, they should thoroughly wipe down their vehicles with disinfectant wipes, change their clothes, and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,\u201d said Coffey of Merchants Fleet. \u201cIf they are on the road and don\u2019t have access to soap and water during their shift, they should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. If they are turning in vehicles and picking up new ones, wiping down and cleaning out vehicles isn\u2019t just a courtesy \u2013 it\u2019s a health measure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With regards to cleaning solutions, White of ARI suggested being mindful of what is being used on assets and where they are being applied, so as to not accidentally damage any part of the vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important to keep in mind, bleach or alcohol-based cleaners should not be used on leather surfaces and avoid getting water or other liquids near electronics,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

These ideas of sanitation lend themselves to a much broader idea echoed by many fleet management company professionals: being proactive as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne best practice we recommend to clients during any time of crisis is to develop a clear action plan: think proactively, know what you are going to do, and act proactively,\u201d said Coffey of Merchants Fleet. \u201cIt is also important to keep channels of communication open with drivers. In situations like these, there is no such thing as over-communication. And communications should be transparent \u2013 know what you know, know what you don\u2019t know, and don\u2019t be afraid to say \u2018I don\u2019t know.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

One way to be proactive is to consider the needs of your assets. While health and safety for personnel is a top priority, fleets still cannot neglect vehicle needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn terms of best practices, now may be a good time to undertake a tool and equipment audit on trucks; the benefit is lighter loads and improved fuel economy when drivers go back to work,\u201d said Jastrow of\u00a0 Element Fleet Management. \u201cIt\u2019s also a good time to do visual inspections for safety issues\u00a0 – check lights and plates, etc. and address any deferred maintenance and PM compliance on idled vehicles. In terms of safety, we suggest that when possible, a vehicle be left to sit for 72 hours if picking up or changing drivers, given that the estimated lifespan of the virus is 72 hours on surfaces.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

by Andy Lundin<\/a><\/p>\n

Source:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.automotive-fleet.com<\/a><\/p>\n

FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Fleet management is the use of a set of vehicles in order to provide services to a third-party, or to perform a task for our organization, in the most efficient and productive manner with a determined level of service and cost.<\/p>\n

Fleet management activities are shown in the following graph 1:<\/p>\n

\"fleet<\/p>\n

Graph 1: fleet management activities<\/p>\n

The proposal audit analyses and assesses all fleet management activities shown in the graph 1, and its main goals are:<\/p>\n