Category: Blog

Better Time Management For Fleet Managers Part 2

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Time Management Techniques For Fleet Managers

Yesterday, we addressed how managers can manage their time better using technology and prioritizing in “ Better Time Management For Fleet Managers ”. Today, we will go over other helpful time management techniques fleet managers can use to control their time.

Delegate

If you are fortunate enough to have staff to assist you, you need to make sure you take advantage of them by delegating tasks and authority. Most fleet managers feel that they have to do everything themselves but this is simply not the case. That is a sure-fire way to get stuck working weekends and late nights trying to catch up on your long list of tasks. There is no reason to be involved in every driver call. Your staff can handle many issues without involving you. If there is a problem that needs your attention, your staff can let you know. This way you can attend to the most important work during the day.

Do Not Put Things Off

Although many things are unpleasant, complex and/or difficult, do not put them off. Use a priority system to get all things done even if you are not looking forward to them. When faced with a problem, research the issue and resolve it. Putting something off is not an option.

Keep A Schedule

To improve your productivity, keep a schedule and stick to it. Understand that there are going to be events that will arise to disrupt your schedule and that is okay. Keeping a schedule ensures that you will not be scrambling around trying to accomplish everything that needs to get done. You can keep a schedule in an old-fashioned datebook, on your mobile device or in the computer. Use whatever is easiest for you.

Write It Down

Fleet managers are faced with many issues throughout a day. Whether you use a notebook, computer or mobile device, you can organize your records by writing it down. Many issues may not be high priority; however, you will need to follow up on them. If you do not write it down, you will most likely forget about it.

Better Time Management For Fleet Managers

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Better Time Management for Fleet Managers through Technology and Prioritizing

For fleet managers, they are usually busy with no extra time on their hands. With the internet, mobile devices and cell phones, fleet management has become a 24/7 job. There is no such thing as in their “free time” or “spare time”. This means they have to manage the time they do have.

Since much of a fleet manager’s job is reactive, they are constantly responding to inquiries and reacting to crises. This can often take up the majority of the day without the fleet manager getting to regularly scheduled requirements, forecasting and planning which is also required. The pressure can become unbearable if the fleet manager is unable to manage his or her time.

Technology

One of the best tools for fleet managers to help them better manage their time is a GPS tracking system for fleet management. Having vehicle locations, vehicle histories, automatic notification for issues with drivers’ behaviors and maintenance reminders can help free up fleet managers’ time so they are able to focus on other aspects of the business.

Before GPS tracking systems, fleet managers had to try to keep track of all of their fleet vehicles wherever they were located. This is extremely time consuming and complex. With a GPS tracking system for fleet management, fleet managers can easily access the web based software from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection to see every move their fleet makes.

Prioritize

A good manager knows he or she needs to prioritize activities. Any activity that requires direct interaction should be top priority including senior management interactions, meetings, reporting, communications, and follow-ups.

Remember, every driver with an issue thinks it needs to be addressed immediately. Ask yourself “Will the driver be able to conduct business if I do not respond to him immediately?” If the answer is no, then you need to respond immediately.

True emergencies will require your immediate attention such as accidents and breakdowns. If a driver just has a question about company policy or general vehicle information, that driver can wait until your top priorities are met. Sticking to your priorities can help your day run smoothly.

fleet fuel management systems

Fuel Management Systems: Make Smarter Fuel Purchases

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Make Smarter Fuel Purchases Using Fuel Management Systems

Fuel management systems are a great way to track your fuel purchases and make the smartest decisions regarding fuel purchases. Using a fuel card integration helps business owners and fleet managers understand their fleet expenses better. Using GoFleet’s technology and fuel management systems, you can increase your return on investment significantly.

With GoFleet’s fuel management systems, there is no additional software needed. The fuel management system is an add-on to your GoFleet GPS fleet management software. In addition to managing your fleet, driver behavior, idle time, safety violations and maintenance requirements, fleet managers can also confirm, track and view fuel card purchases each day. The fuel data is processed daily so you always have information that is up to date.

GoFleet’s fuel management systems have a fully customizable dashboard. The dashboard can be set up with customized charts, fuel metrics or notification. Your fleet managers can configure alerts for fuel purchased, fuel usage and inefficient driving practices to keep track of all fuel information. Alerts can be sent by email or be displayed on the dashboard daily, weekly or monthly.

Fleet managers will be able to eliminate driver fuel theft with GoFleet’s fuel management systems. Most business do not realize how much fuel theft is actually occurring before they implement a fuel management system. When employees steal fuel, they are taking money right from your bottom line. If fuel theft is occurring at your business, you will be able to save money immediately upon implementing the fuel management systems by eliminating the theft.

With GoFleet’s fuel management systems, your fleet managers will be able to view the exact location of the merchant and the vehicle at the time of fueling up to ensure your drivers are getting gas at an authorized location. It will also ensure that the drivers are fueling up your fleet vehicle and not their own personal vehicles.

How To Reduce Fuel Consumption In Your Fleet

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Tips on How to Reduce Your Fleet’s Fuel Consumption

Companies with fleet operations would love to reduce fuel costs; however, many do not know where they should start. Check out these tips you can do to reduce your fuel consumption:

Tires

Use a tire monitoring system.
Fleets using automatic tire monitoring systems reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1.4%.

Make sure your wheels and tires are balanced.
When wheels and tires are not properly balanced, it causes vibrations and irregular wear. This wastes energy and increases fuel usage. If you make sure your wheels and tires are balanced, you increase fuel efficiency.

Fuel Purchasing And Usage

Consider a fuel card program.
You should use a fuel card program is your drivers are responsible for fueling up when they are on the road. These programs not only help you control and track fuel purchases, they also offer additional discounts on fuel.

Make sure you review your fuel invoices.
Reviewing fuel invoices is a great way to catch billing errors and identify any unusual purchases. Make sure your employees are held accountable for the fuel they purchase (This can be done easily through a fuel card program as mentioned above).

Implement a GPS fleet management solution

GPS fleet management solutions gather various information about your fleet, driver behaviors, fuel consumption and diagnostics to help you make the best possible decisions about your fleet’s fuel consumption. This information can also be used to reduce fuel consumption by identifying and correcting inefficient activities that increase fuel usage.

Keep track of fuel data.
Make sure you keep track of important fuel data including miles per gallon, fuel consumption, idle times, road speed, and hard breaking. All of which can be monitored easily all in one place using a GPS fleet management solution.

Optimized routing.
When your routes are optimized and efficient, you will use less fuel.

Monitoring idling times.
If you use a GPS fleet management system, you can monitor your drivers idling times. Excessive idling wastes fuel, costing your company money. Alerts can be set up to notify you if a driver is idling for an extended period of time.

Develop A Competitive Advantage: Quality Customer Service

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Quality Customer Service: Develop A Competitive Advantage

In order for your business to survive long-term, you must develop a competitive advantage to differentiate your business from your competitors. There are several ways you can do that. One main way you can develop a competitive advantage is to deliver the highest level of customer service that far surpasses your competition.

Train Your Employees

The first thing you need to do is train your employees. Your training needs to provide your employees with all the tools to do their job to the best of their ability and how to interact with your customers. Make sure you emphasize the importance of your customers and the level of service your customers expect from your business. It is essential you invest in developing and training your employees to deliver the highest quality customer service. Focus on reliability, efficiency, personal service and quality.

Deliver Customer Service

Remember, it is more cost-effective to retain your current customers than it is to attract new ones. To retain your customers, you must offer services and products that are not offered by your competitors. High quality customer service adds more value to your customers because it improves your customers’ overall experience. This makes them feel valued and increases the chance they will become a repeat customer.

It is important that you keep the lines of communication open, provide clear information and great service even after the sales. Customers want their questions, comments and issues dealt with quickly, accurately and competently. When a customer pays for a product or service they want to feel like they are getting the best value for their money and they are receiving the highest level of expertise and knowledge.

Provide each customer with specialized attention. The advice you provide each customer must be accurate and available when your customers need it. After a sale has taken place, make sure the customers are taken care of with the same level of care.

Electronic Tracking Devices Benefit Maintenance Companies

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Maintenance Companies Find Benefits From Electronic Tracking Devices

Maintenance companies find many benefits from using GoFleet’s electronic tracking devices including fuel savings, improved customer service and employee management.

Fuel Savings

Businesses with fleet operations usually have huge fuel costs to consider. Fuel is often the largest fleet expense for maintenance because they spend so much tome in the field. GoFleet’s electronic tracking devices improve route selection, reduce idling times, optimize dispatching and allow managers to reduce the fuel costs dramatically.

Improved Customer Service

When a maintenance company uses GoFleet’s electronic tracking device lets you quickly respond to all of your customers’ needs. Great customer service is a critical part of your long-term success. Since you know where all of your vehicles are located, you are able to reduce the amount of time it takes to respond to your customers. You can provide short service windows, accurate times of arrivals, improved customer dispute resolution and improved efficiency when you service your maintenance customers. Your drivers will arrive on time with efficient routings and you drivers will have a reduced chance of getting lost with turn-by-turn driving directions. In addition, your employee accountability will be improved.

Employee Management

GoFleet’s electronic tracking devices really help your fleet managers manage your drivers easily. Your fleet managers will know the location of your drivers all times. Time will no longer have to be wasted for your drivers to check in. In addition, fleet managers will be able to reduce speeding, improve driver safety and improve driver behaviors will accurate reports for each driver and convenient alerts. These alerts can be set up to be sent if your drivers speed, idle excessively, drive aggressively or deviate from the provided route. Furthermore, your fleet manager can use these tools to improve your fuel efficiency and reduce your liability because the chance of your vehicles being in an accident will be reduced.

For more information about how GoFleet’s electronic tracking devices can help your maintenance company, Contact Us.

Customers Benefit From Global Positioning System Technology

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Global Positioning System Technology Benefits Customers

Companies are finding that Global Positioning System technology does not just benefit fleet management, it also benefits their customers. Many of these companies did not expect their customers to have more customer satisfaction or a better overall reputation.

When a company implements a GPS fleet management solution, they are able to provide more accurate time of arrivals, short time windows, quick dispute resolution, and they are able to take care of their customers in a more efficiently. In addition, the GPS technology helps them serve more customers each day while letting their employees get home as fast as possible.

Accurate Arrival Times

Customers really appreciate being given accurate estimated times of arrival. They will learn that they can trust the time you tell them your employee will arrive at the job site. Unlike many of your competitors, your customers will not be stuck waiting all day for your employee to show up at their location.

Short Time Windows

Since you will know exactly where all your vehicles are at all time, you will be able to provide your customers with short time windows. Instead of telling your customer that your driver will arrive sometime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., you will be able to provide a 30 minute service window. You will have your routes conveniently planned out before your drivers leave for the day.

Quick Dispute Resolution

Your dispatchers will be able to closely monitor all of your drivers’ whereabouts which will enable a fast customer dispute resolution. It can be difficult to resolve disputes without the proper documentation of when your employees were on site. With GPS technology, you will have accurate records of all your service calls.

Efficiency

GPS technology allows you to serve your customers more efficiently. Your dispatchers will be able to send the closest driver to your customer’s location. If your customer calls with an emergency service call, you will be able to get a driver right out to them.

How To Improve Employee Retention

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Employee Retention: How To Improve It

Retaining your good employees does not only save you money, it is good for business. Customers like to deal with the same people when they do business with your company. When you have to hire new employees, you will have to train them, give them time to get accustomed to the job and have them build new relationships with your customers, all which can be costly to your company.

Do you know what your employees think of your company? If you do not, you should take time to find out what they think. Monitoring social media is a good way to see how your employee morale is stacking up.

The most important thing you need to do is be clear about your job expectations. Employees need to know what you expect from them with regard to responsibilities, work hours and pay. You should have written policies and procedures for your employees to refer to. If any policies or procedures change, make sure all employees are notified of the change via memorandum or email.

All of your employees need to be properly trained for their position. For example, all drivers should be required to attend a basic driving skills course in addition to any specific training for their position. This will improve driver safety and job performance, as well as improve the drivers’ skills.

Keep the lines of communication open with all of your employees throughout their employment. Make sure your employees know that they can come to you with any problems or concerns.

Improving employee retention simply boils down to identifying your employee’s perceptions of your company and their personal experiences while at your company. Creating a great customer experience entails providing clear job expectations, implementing policies and procedures, proper training, and keeping the lines of communication open. This process will create opportunities for your employees that will align with your business goals, improve employee retention and reduce high employee turn-over.

Fleet Managers Survival Guide Part 2

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Part 2 – Fleet Managers Survival Guide

Last week, we addressed some survival tips for fleet managers in the Fleet Managers Survival Guide. In the Fleet Managers Survival Guide Part 2, we will address some additional tips to help fleet managers look for an upside in this down economy and help them manage stress.

With fewer resources available and greater responsibilities, it can be easy for a fleet manager to get overwhelmed and get stressed. This can lead to burnout, health issues and diminished job performance.

Develop Your Leadership Skills

Remember, you are not just managing vehicles, you are managing people. In order to succeed, you must be able to properly lead your team. Fleet managers must become master motivators and team builders. When you are working with fewer resources including staff, funding or equipment, you need to be able to communicate with your team to keep the morale up.

Manage Your Stress

It can be extremely overwhelming when you look at everything you need to get done each day. The best way to approach your tasks is to determine what has to be done right now and just focus on that task. You can only do one thing at a time. If you approach your work in this manner, you can check items off your task list one at a time.

No matter how busy you are, make sure that you make time to exercise and do other activities that make you happy. If you have a family, make sure you find time to spend with them, have dinner at home and attend children’s events. It is important you have a work-life balance. If you do, your mind will be fresh to tackle the challenges you face with your fleet.

Take Advantage Of The Down Economy

Although there are many challenges in a down economy, there are also many upsides. For example, the cost of obtaining funding is historically low. This means that financing and leasing rates are lower, making acquiring new vehicles cheaper.

You just need to be on the lookout for ways to take advantage of the economy. It might be time to refinance your fleet vehicles or short cycle your vehicles to take advantage of the low financing and leasing rates. Make sure you do the proper analysis before you make any decisions to determine what would be the cheapest for your cash flow.

While there may be greater pressure for fleet managers to do more with less, they are not powerless. Fleet managers can take steps to increase their knowledge about the industry, develop their leadership skills, uncover savings that can add profit to their company and reduce stress.

Customers Are Demanding Quality Customer Service

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Quality Customer Service Is In Demand

All companies can benefit from providing excellent customer support. The key to a great customer relationship is actually very simple. You just need to provide a customer service level that shows the customer how important their business is to your company. The line of communication needs to be open and high quality support needs to be available to help address any issues that may arise.

Companies that use GPS fleet tracking systems can use this information to provide the customers with better service in addition to managing drivers and locating vehicles. Customers can be given short service windows and accurate times of arrival. If a driver is late, the GPS tracking system can be used to find out the drivers location and the customer can be informed of a delay before they call in to complain the driver has not shown up.

Your customer service team needs to go the extra mile to provide each customer with telephone assistance and a higher quality of customer service. Depending on the type of business you are running, customers need to be able to easily call your office to track deliveries or service time. The customers will really appreciate having quick access to this information. It shows that you value their relationship.

The company should check in with their customers regularly to make sure they are satisfied with the service they are receiving from your company. They should be updated regularly on current jobs. Furthermore, follow up with the customer to ensure that every issue they have is resolved quickly.

Providing high quality customer service should be a main focus for everyone in the company not just the customer service team. This is a key element that demonstrates the importance of supporting your customers concerns and issues, and your willingness to help resolve them. It shows that you are dedicated to your clients. Following these simple guidelines will help improve your customer service and give your company the competitive advantage you need to get ahead. Remember, you should value your customers because where would your business be without them.