What are the main factors that influence your fleet acquisition decisions?

Fleet acquisition decisions are influenced by factors such as vehicle reliability, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, regulatory compliance, resale value, and alignment with organizational needs. Additionally, considering advancements in technology, environmental impact, and potential for integration with fleet management systems is crucial.

In the perspective of a Humanitarian Fleet Manager at the HALO Trust in Laos, our fleet acquisition decisions prioritize operational needs over standard industry ideas such as resale value. Our primary goal is ensuring vehicles can navigate the challenging terrains essential for UXO clearance. We require robust, heavy-duty vehicles with features like 4WD capability and high ground clearance to handle these conditions effectively. These specific requirements ensure our fleet supports the demanding operational needs of our humanitarian mission, focusing on safety and reliability rather than standard commercial considerations.

Definir o objetivo e aplica??o da frota é imprescindível para a aquisi??o de novos veículos. Uma frota ferramenta de trabalho, como uso em setor do agronegócio, busca resistência, melhor consumo de combustivel como benefício. Já uma frota comercial, busca conforto e versatilidade para estar mais próximo do seu cliente. Procure sempre entender onde irá sua frota e o que ela precisa executar para definir o objetivo de forma clara.

As the Humanitarian Fleet Manager at the HALO Trust in Laos, managing our fleet budget is crucial. Our budget must accommodate the need for durable vehicles that can handle tough terrains and demanding usage. While our funding is limited, we prioritize purchasing reliable vehicles that ensure operational continuity and safety over low-cost options. This approach influences whether we buy or lease vehicles and involves strategic negotiations to maximize the effectiveness of every dollar spent, supporting our critical mission of clearing UXO.

Uma recomenda??o valiosa é o gestor de frota estar próximo do time de compras e do financeiro. Ter esta conex?o permitirá entender se o que o gestor deseja está conectado com as prioridades da companhia do ponto de vista estratégico. Isso pode reduzir o hiato entre o que a frota deseja e a execu??o na hora da aquisi??o. Formatos de incorpora??o, como compra, financiamento ou loca??o necessitam ser discutidos de forma períodica (anualmente, o período recomendado).

Entender o ciclo de vida da frota consiste em analisar de forma minuciosa a desmobiliza??o do ciclo anterior. Como esses veículos foram devolvidos? Estavam em condi??es de seguran?a? O custo face ao tempo de uso está adequado? Essas perguntas auxiliar?o no planejamento e defini??o do ciclo de vida adequado para sua frota.

As the Humanitarian Fleet Manager at the HALO Trust in Laos. Managing fleet compliance presents unique challenges due to the local regulatory environment, which may not align with Western standards. To address this, we operate our own Vehicle Holding Unit (VHU). This allows us to maintain a higher standard of compliance than might be locally mandated, ensuring our vehicles meet rigorous safety, emissions, and operational standards. Our VHU enables us to implement and adhere to strict protocols, significantly enhancing our fleet’s reliability and safety. This approach not only supports our mission-critical operations in UXO clearance but also safeguards our reputation and fulfils the expectations of our international stakeholders.

For the HALO Trust in Laos, practical considerations shape our technology choices due to challenges like inconsistent signal coverage and rugged terrain. While cutting-edge technology is beneficial, our priority is the robustness and reliability of our vehicles. We focus on integrating locally-sourced telematics to enhance operational efficiency and ensure easy maintenance. This approach allows us to maintain high performance in harsh conditions while ensuring support and parts are readily available, keeping our fleet effective and mission-ready.

Managing fleet risks is crucial for the HALO Trust in Laos, where we operate in challenging conditions. We mitigate risks such as theft, vandalism, and accidents by ensuring our vehicles are secure, insured, and equipped with tracking systems, all managed through our own Vehicle Holding Unit (VHU). This facility ensures vehicles are regularly maintained and ready, reducing the risk of breakdowns and operational delays. Our fleet is also adapted to be resilient and flexible, equipped for rapid response to changes and crises. By operating our VHU, we enhance our fleet’s preparedness and recovery capabilities, supporting our mission effectively.

Gest?o de riscos na administra??o da frota, passa principamente pelo trabalho ativo do gestor da frota entender onde os veículos rodam, quais s?o as atividades que executam para identificar se há necessidade de ajustes para mitigar riscos. Em algumas situa??es como por exemplo risco de roubo ou furto, definir políticas recomendando a utiliza??o de estacionamento privado, ou até mesmo a restri??o de circula??o em determinado horário ou local podem ajudar a reduzir a sinistralidade. Riscos como veículos que transportam cargas por exemplo, podem ser mitigados com oferta de acessórios de seguran?a, ou até mesmo boas práticas no carregamento, reduzem acidentes e sinistros.

It is important to recognize the difference between price and cost with fleet acquisitions. Price is what you pay upfront, and cost is what you pay long term. It is important to consider the total cost of ownership for a fleet rather than just the purchase price. Consider fuel, maintenance, downtime, and other soft costs.

Humanitarian Fleet Insight ???? My approach to fleet acquisition is guided by our mission's operational needs. Our vehicles must endure high mileage and rugged terrains daily, making leasing impractical due to mileage limits and penalties. Ownership allows us complete control over maintenance and customization, crucial for our operations. We operate on a 3-week on, 1-week off cycle, enabling efficient maintenance through our Vehicle Health Unit (VHU), ensuring vehicle reliability and safety. Additionally, purchasing vehicles with an approved MOU in Laos provides significant tax exemptions, reducing costs. This strategy ensures our fleet remains robust and mission-ready in the challenging environments we face.

Antes mesmo de adquirir novos veículos, a visita no campo é fundamental pelo gestor de frota. Ir até o front e entender as necessidades irá trazer muito mais eficiência na escolha da frota. Outra dica valiosa é realizar consulta de mercado e test-drive para entender qual o melhor produto para sua frota.