The fleet industry is forever changing. This is because over
the past 10 years, many fleet managers find themselves transforming into the “green”
fleet management. This type of management basically goes for all industries but
is especially common in the city, state, municipal or non-governmental
industries. The economy has put a restriction on finances which causes fleet
managers to find a way to lower costs. Going green is a great way to tackle
this issue, and it’s better for the environment as well. The big question is:
how do you go green if you’re a fleet manager? We know the common rules:
recycle, reuse, etc. But there are a whole different set of guidelines for
fleet managers. First, sit down and think. Here are a few questions that you should think
of before implementing a GREEN fleet management plan:
1. Is your company
supported?
If your company is ruled by the fleet manager, solely, then
you shouldn’t have any issues. If your company, however, needs a higher
approval, you will need to put together a plan and present it to higher
executives. Luckily, if your executives
are asking for an agency-wide green transformation, the hard work is done. Once
the GREEN initiative is voted, fleet managers can focus on working to gather
GREEN ideas, goals and strategies to help make this transformation solid.
2. How to form GREEN
goals?
Once you have approval to go GREEN with your fleet, it’s
time to set some goals. Here is one of the keys to success. If you define your
goals well, you will most likely succeed. It’s important to set time limits and
follow them. If your company’s main goal is to reduce fuel consumption and
costs, a simple
Fleet GPS tracking program can be implemented. Alternatively,
purchasing smaller vehicles may also be an option if it fits into the budget.
Goals should also be based on the size and complexity of the
fleet. Most fleet managers will realize that going GREEN isn’t always a cookie
cutter solution. Ideas will need to be molded and shaped to fit your needs. It’s important to realize that if your idea
doesn’t work out, it can be modified and re-applied.
Cutting costs in the fleet industry is a necessity in order
for companies to succeed. I highly recommend a good Fleet GPS Tracking program.
This form of assistance can help fleet managers keep control of:
-
Vehicle Performance: Significantly lower fuel
costs by limiting idling time, speeding and other poor driving behaviors,
monitor predictive engine health data, and limit wear and tear by ensuring
targeted maintenance.
-
Risk and Safety: Significantly lower insurance,
claims and workers’ comp costs by monitoring and correcting unsafe behaviors in
real time, and using valuable historical data to identify high-risk drivers or
trends.
-
Compliance and Liability: Reliable, time-saving
tracking and record keeping supports FMCSA requirements, and “accident memory”
to help reconstruct accidents and aid legal efforts.
