Running a fleet business can be challenging, no matter how many vehicles you have. From buying to staying on top of maintenance and safety checks and even keeping your fleet business in top condition. It takes a great deal of energy and time, but most of all, skill. But, if you’re new to running a fleet business in 2022, you likely have no clue where to start. Here is some food for thought to get the ball rolling.
Tip #1 Dabble with Fleet Management Software
Whether you run a small or international fleet business, fleet management software can prove invaluable in most cases. But, with countless options available, picking the right one can be a task in itself. Be sure to do some research around the best fleet management software in the market before investing!
Tip #2 Modernize Your Fleet Operation
Next, consider modernizing your fleet operation with a company like Ridecell. So far, Ridecell has helped modernize thousands of fleet businesses through Fleet IoT Automation. In our day and age, people demand convenience more than anything else. They don’t want to wait two days to hire a car. Instead, they want to catch a ride via their cell phone in a matter of minutes. And that’s just the kind of convenience Ridecell offers.
Tip #3 Keep Your Vehicles in Top Condition
Checking your vehicles and how clean they are is crucial for any fleet business. After all, no one wants to ride in an unclean car, not even right around the block. But, more importantly, keeping your vehicles clean and tidy sets a good impression. It also makes your business look professional to your customers. Then, the cleaner your vehicles, the more likely people are to recommend you to their friends and family.
Obviously, if your fleet is huge and there are too many vehicles for you to clean by yourself, you could always hire a part- or full-time valet team. Then again, if your fleet is small, you could probably manage the valeting on your own and save money.
Tip #4 Have EVERY Vehicle Insured
Though insurance isn’t optional, it’s worth every cent you spend. Having every vehicle in your fleet insured will help protect against unforeseen expenses. For example, having one of your vehicles stolen or broken into overnight. But, picking the right type of insurance for your fleet vehicles isn’t the same as selecting insurance for your own car. Remember that you’ll need a company-wide policy so your employees can drive the vehicles.
Tip #5 Check and Manage Gas Usage
Lastly, gas is the biggest cost involved in running a fleet business. Thus, it’s important that you regularly check and manage gas usage. Some fleet businesses pencil into their customer hire contracts that their vehicles must be returned with a full tank of gas. This isn’t too much to ask considering your customers will drive off the forecourt with a full tank to begin with. Just think of it as replacing something they’ve used.