Fleet Managers: Go GREEN and Reduce Fuel Costs

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.

Fleet GPS Tracking Program