COVID-19 & The Day After for Fleets
While every fleet is different with unique operational challenges to deal with during, and after, COVID-19 there are some trends to take note of. If you’re running a fleet today, we’re seeing operational concerns being top of mind. Where are my vehicles? Who is using them and how? How are they being utilized? Why are my drivers using so much fuel? Okay, that last one is more a compliant than an operational concern but it is still valid. It reminds me of a comedian I heard once talk about his family’s use (abuse) of electricity, which most of us can relate to. He would see these huge electricity bills every month and would go around the house turning things off when they weren’t being used, TV on in an empty room…that kind of thing. After awhile that didn’t seem to make a dent in the bill and he ended up outside the house staring at the electric meter confused and angry, at which point he would yell “I don’t care what you’re doing, but whatever it is…turn it OFF.” The same is true for the fuel bill, and if you don’t know what the driving is doing to justify the cost you’re probably going to be just as angry as the comedian.
While some companies are using fleet management and fleet telematics, some are still running fuel cards only…which are fine, but not enough. A fuel card is a great start, but driving behavior from a good fuel efficient and safe driver versus a wasteful driver won’t show up in a fuel card bill. Fleet management is also good, but there is still more to do…meaning changing driver behavior. If you ride along you may see behaviors that contribute to inefficient fuel use, like idling during deliveries and long stops, hard acceleration and hard stopping. This is where the telematics and driver behavior information provide that data, but that’s just identifying the why…not the “how do I fix it”?
Fixing it requires regular training programs and, even better, option of mobile app-based driver coaching. Sounds fancy and hi-tech, because it is. If you sat next to the driver as the navigator and did this it would have a similar result, up to 67% fuel savings, reduced wear and tear, 12% less miles driven from route optimization, less accidents, and less severe accidents. However, you can’t sit next to every driver and see them driving naturally…you have a business to run. That’s why the fancy driver coaching is necessary, it doesn’t need to take a break or have something better to do. Its only job is to improve the driver’s driving behavior, and just not one driver…all the drivers.
“But fuel is cheap right now,” yep true…but what about tomorrow or the day after that. We’re in a time of transition and it’s a great time to prepare for the day after COVID where delivery orders are coming in again, drivers are busy, vehicles are on the road, and business is good again. You don’t want to be the guy staring at the fuel and repair bill screaming for someone to do something. You’re the one that can do something about it and the right solution partner is all you need (that’s Scope of course).
So, what are you doing to prepare your fleet and your fleet drivers for the day after?
For more information on the benefits of a fleet management and driver coaching solution please visit the Scope Technology website.