From everything I am reading, it looks like the supply chain issues that have resulted in truck makers being unable to build and deliver all the trucks fleets want is going to last longer than anyone anticipated. While no one is happy about this situation, there is not much we can do about it.
However, there are some steps fleets can take to make the best of a bad situation.
Analyze asset utilization: Now is a good time to look at how you are using your assets. I am willing to guess that almost every fleet has some vehicles that it is overutilizing while it has others that are being underutilized. Analyzing asset utilization allows you to rationalize how and when assets are used so that you achieve proper utilization rates for each asset.
Evaluate routing: Examine routing to determine if you can make changes that will help with asset utilization or improve operating efficiency. Speak with customers about how their needs have changed to see if there is flexibility in when you pick up or delivery to them. Small changes in routing can lead to efficiency improvements.
See also: The impact of automated route planning
Beef up maintenance: Check the health of all the assets in your fleet and fix any problems you discover. Note assets that are having performance issues and earmark those as the first to be retired when new trucks are delivered to your fleet. Examine the maintenance schedules for each asset and alter them as needed to try to prevent breakdowns on the road. It is better to bring an asset in for maintenance more frequently, even though that takes them out of service, but remember that on-road breakdowns are the costliest and the most time-consuming. It’s better to be proactive with your maintenance than reactive to an on-road breakdown.
So, while it looks like supply chain issues may last throughout 2022 and beyond, there are a few actions fleets can take to ensure they get the most out of their existing assets while improving the efficiency of their operation.
Jane Clark focuses on managing the member services operation at NationaLease as vice president of member services. She works to strengthen member relationships, reduce member costs, and improve collaboration within the NationaLease supporting groups.
