Fleet productivity goes far beyond a simple metric, it is a crucial indicator of the operational success and profitability of the business, but it is also an uninterrupted process that requires analysis, measurement, evaluation and constant improvement.
Having a productive fleet means optimizing the use of vehicles, drivers and resources, ensuring that each operation is carried out efficiently and profitably. To achieve this goal, we share some tips to ensure your operation is as efficient as possible.
What is fleet productivity?
Why worry about fleet productivity?
How to increase fleet productivity?
How to measure fleet productivity?
What is fleet productivity?
The main mission of a fleet is to ensure that services are carried out efficiently, taking into account various aspects, such as meeting deadlines, optimizing routes and properly maintaining vehicles.
Therefore, fleet productivity is a fundamental indicator for the effective management of the operation, as it concerns the ability to carry out its activities effectively, without increasing costs or allocating more resources.
Our instincts lead us to think about working hours and doing more with less, but there is more to consider. A productive fleet is not just about completing daily tasks, but also includes aspects such as:
- Load quantity
- Vehicle efficiency
- Number of maintenance performed
- Maintenance and fuel expenses
- Average idle time
- Speed and distance traveled
All of these factors directly impact customer satisfaction, driver safety and operational efficiency. Therefore, by adopting this approach, it is possible not only to maintain competitiveness in the market, but also ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
Why worry about fleet productivity?
Time and money are precious resources, and when drivers take longer than necessary on their routes, The profitability of the operation is one of the first to be affected. Of course, some things get out of control, but a productive fleet is prepared to overcome these unforeseen events.
To achieve this level of efficiency, it is essential to have an effective control system, which not only manages the time dedicated to each service, but also takes into account the breaks and rest required by drivers.
One way out is spreadsheets, but as we know, are prone to errors and can even consume the team's productivity, which is not the goal here. More advanced systems allow you to monitor the entire progress of the operation, including the working day.
How to increase fleet productivity?
Real-time tracking
Real-time monitoring of operations is the solution to a series of fleet issues. With the help of telemetry, for example, the manager knows he can count on accurate data on driver performance.
In addition to tracking the location and route of vehicles, the system also provides detailed information about the vehicle's status, including data on fuel consumption, activity, idle time and driving style.
As a result, you know if a driver is putting your safety at risk and compromising the useful life of the vehicles, as well as knowing if he is using the best routes available or if there is room for improvement.
The support of indicators is decisive for increasing fleet productivity, as from them it is possible to develop corrective measures, define a maintenance plan and offer personalized training for drivers.
Route optimization and cargo distribution
An essential step when optimizing fleet routes is finding a balance between shortest distance and greatest accessibility.
After all, a route may be shorter, but difficult to access, so the driver would waste a lot more time. Likewise, an easy and short, but dangerous, route can put the professional and the service provided at risk.
It is important to define the best route to be followed according to the needs of the operation, but without losing sight of driver safety and fuel, maintenance and time costs.
Another important aspect is the vehicle's load capacity, which must always be considered to avoid damage, facilitate boarding and disembarking and increase drivers' working time.
Preventive maintenance
Any well-maintained equipment performs its role better and breaks less, and the vehicle fleet is no different. A car review prevents accidents, damages and unforeseen events, helping to maintain productivity and safety.
With vehicles operating in good condition, there is less fuel consumption, fewer parts repairs and better running. For that, It is important to create a schedule for periodic reviews.
This is another task that is made easier with the help of a telemetry system, which keeps a detailed log and sends alerts whenever preventative maintenance is necessary.
Suggested reading: Predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance: what they are, main differences and which is the best choice for your fleet management
Choice of vehicles
Good work needs the right tools. It is no different with the fleet, inadequate vehicles, with low fuel efficiency or constant maintenance can result in delays, expenses and even accidents.
On the other hand, making athe conscious and strategic choice when purchasing new vehicles, such as cars with greater load capacity or more agile for urban stretches, can improve operation efficiency.
It is also essential check the possibility of renewing the fleet. Sometimes, it's more worth buying a new vehicle than insisting on repairing an old one, which constantly breaks down and maintenance costs get out of control, or even evaluate ways to outsource your fleet.
Qualification of employees
Whatever the sector, qualified employees guarantee the quality of the services provided. Therefore, it is important to have a well-trained team with qualified skills.
This also applies to other partnerships, such as reliable suppliers, mechanics and renowned workshops in the market. Give preference to specialized services and quality suppliers, the cost difference will pay off in the long term in terms of profitability and productivity.
Driver training
As time passes, it's natural to become rusty and need to update our skills to keep up with the changes. With this in mind, you can organize regular training with drivers, covering different topics, such as:
- fuel economy
- Preventive maintenance
- Defensive driving
- Driving addictions
- Use of technology in fleet management
Suggested reading: Performance evaluation of drivers and productivity indicators in fleet management
Team appreciation
Training and monitoring driver behavior is just one side of the coin, It is also important to value your work. This can be done by paying attention to each person's individual needs, ensuring that everyone has time to rest, adequate time off and fair remuneration.
Another idea is to create awards for drivers who stand out in different aspects, such as defensive driving, fuel economy, reduction of fines, among others. In addition to recognizing employees' efforts, awards encourage the entire team to improve their performance.
Suggested reading: Everything about the National Positive Driver Registry (RNPC)
Definition of performance indicators
To carry out efficient fleet management, all processes must be controlled and measured. Otherwise, you run the serious risk of making the same mistakes and waste that could compromise the integrity of the operation.
Keeping vehicles running smoothly on a daily basis is important, but it is not enough. It is necessary to evaluate the indicators and check whether the results are in line with the goals set by the company, in addition to making projections and making accurate decisions.
Suggested reading: TCO and ROI: two indicators that make a difference in fleet management
Vehicle fleet renewal
What is the status of your vehicle fleet currently? Is it possible to achieve all the objectives and hit the goals you set to increase fleet productivity?
If these questions are generating doubts, It may be time to consider fleet renewal. Don't miss out on good opportunities by not updating your vehicles at the right time.
Using tools like TCO module from Golfleet, you can centralize all operational costs on a single platform, which facilitates analysis and informed decision-making about when and how to renew the fleet.
Suggested reading: TCO module: a Golfleet solution dedicated to the intelligent management of real fleet costs
Possibility of outsourcing the fleet
A fleet outsourcing is another alternative that can increase productivity in several significant ways, as car rental companies generally offer packages that include maintenance, insurance and claims, relieving the manager of these concerns.
With a rented fleet, It is also possible to keep vehicles always renewed. Newer models tend to be more fuel efficient and less prone to breakdowns and mechanical problems.
Suggested reading: Outsourcing and cost reduction in light fleets: how to achieve more operational efficiency?
How to measure fleet productivity?
There is no standard formula for calculating fleet productivity, as it depends on several factors, but some basic metrics can help in this process. This is a very important step because measurement should not be based on guesswork, so look at indicators such as:
- Average consumption per vehicle
- Rate of stops for unscheduled maintenance
- Ranking of drivers with fewer breakdowns and unscheduled stops
- Ranking of vehicles with fewer breakdowns and unscheduled stops
- Maintenance cost per vehicle
- Total fleet maintenance cost
- Average cost per maintenance
- Average time spent stopping
Having access to management reports with metrics and performance indicators in just a few clicks is essential for making strategic decisions that will directly impact fleet productivity.
In addition to assisting in data collection, fleet management systems are excellent allies in interpreting information, optimizing processes and providing important reminders for a more efficient approach.
With these tools, it is easier to identify where to invest and what the priorities are, eliminating obstacles and maximizing fleet efficiency.
We have a special guide that will help you explore beyond simple data analysis, showing how to apply this information strategically to achieve tangible results. Access right now and boost the efficiency of your fleet:
