The fleet business will succeed when the following guiding principles are put in place:
- Fleet Management companies must have a clear cut Fleet Management Policy. This function must not be outsourced. It is the rules and regulations that guide fleet operations. The policy will provide clear directions in terms of fleet management, fleet management responsibilities, mode of financing, direction on maintenance, driver management and self drive policy, insurance, de-fleeting and re-fleeting. It will facilitate and encourage accountability, monitoring of usage, cost and other internal control as well as serving as a management tool for better decisions.
- Driver recruitment must be done by Human Resources in conjunction with the Head of fleet Management Department for proper assessment of the candidate.
- Before hiring a driver a thorough background check must be carried out on him, All relevant information about him must be obtained and documented.
- Driver assessment and training should not only focus on driving skill, but driver’s attitude, knowledge and understanding of how they can manage driving risk
- The unique value of each driver must be identified and resourcefully managed. Identified weaknesses must be addressed
- Drivers must be continuously assessed, at least once in a year to identify change in driving style, abilities, attitude or impact of change in task. The assessment should be used to identify the training needs of the drivers.
- The fleet managers should have close affinity with his drivers and should know them by their names. Drivers must be respected
- A Fleet company should establish a fleet acquisition committee, comprises of Procurement team, Fleet Management team and the end user (Customer)
- Depending on operational and financial objective of your company, Equipment Leasing present the best option in financing a fleet acquisition. A combination of Finance and operating leases could be of great value for management of the vehicles, especially where full maintenance is offered in an operating lease arrangement.
- Fleet Management must not be done manually, an up to date fleet management information system (FMIS) must be put in place. Your fleet management information system must allow you to easily draw off useful information and report at the touch of a button. Your FMIS should enable you with capacity for Easy reporting, Keeping track of equipment, Getting the most of your fleet, Replacement Modeling, On the desk or on the move( Best to have a remote server that will enable you draw report anywhere on internet), What is the fleet going to cost next year?, Reminders and Driver efficiency.
- A cost effective maintenance plan must be put in place. It might be cost saving to outsource fleet maintenance. In-house maintenance, although required, must be reduced to the barest minimum. Put the responsibility for repairs and maintenance decision in the hands of fully informed, technically qualified maintenance professionals. Utilise network of repaired facilities that are quality- rated to help ensure right service at the right place. Have a clear cost of spare parts and service charge. Ensure that you have a contract with non- dealer workshops, specifying repair days and penalties for delay. Keep your eyes on return jobs as they can increase cost. Enhance preventive maintenance.
- Good Safety management programme must be in place to reduce and manage accident
- A comprehensive Fleet Insurance must be taken seriously either during real-time or down time when the vehicle is not in use (at mechanic workshop)
- Fleet Managers should negotiate large volume rebate by contracting directly with fuel card providers.
We shall be pleased to provide a wholesale application of these models into your fleet operations, they will assist in the area of fleet management, administration, control, cost management, driver management, re-fleet and de-fleet management and enhance your bottom –line. Contact ELAN today for implementation of core fleet duties. 08023176691, 08023179048, info@elannigeria.org, elan_nigeria.@yahoo.com