When you’re the proud owner of a manufacturing business, it’s likely that you will own a fleet of vehicles to ship your products across the country and even further afield.
These vehicles are a crucial feature of your business, and without them, your clients and customers won’t receive their items, and certainly not in a suitable state. Whether you have one, two, or ten vehicles, it’s essential you maintain each one to the highest standard. To help you do exactly that, the following article will highlight key areas to look after and the best ways to do so.
Assign an Employee the Task
When you own a fleet of vehicles for your business, you will no doubt have a number of different drivers who often will use one specific vehicle each time they make a delivery. While it may seem a good idea to let each individual driver care for their individual vehicle, it’s more productive to assign the task of maintaining all vehicles to one employee. The reason why this is such a good idea is that one employee will be able to spot faults or issues that another may not. What’s more, by assigning this role to one person, you can implement a weekly check schedule to ensure inspections are carried out regularly and vehicles are roadworthy at all times. However, make sure that this employee is well aware of what to look out for, and the solutions to deal with any issues.
Look After the Bodywork
Delivery vehicles can travel a vast distance during their lifetime, and as such, require a long-lasting truck body. Additionally, you may require a specialised truck body; for example, if you are transporting items that need refrigerating or freezing. By investing in your trucks’ bodywork, you can also ensure you maintain a high standard of fuel efficiency on every journey. For custom bodywork for your fleet, turn to tipper bodies manufacturers for help in creating something incredible for your fleet.
Always Check the Critical Aspects
Much like you would check your personal vehicle for specific aspects, you need to check your fleet of trucks for the following regularly:
- Tyre Pressure: The pressure of your tyres is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance. Not only does the pressure affect the wear of the tyres but it also can contribute to fuel efficiency and fuel mileage. That’s why, after every long journey, you should have your fleet inspector to double-check all tyres.
- Oil Changes: By routinely checking and replacing the oil in your fleet, it will help improve gas mileage as poor engine lubrication can lead to an increase in fuel consumption.
Ensure Regular Cleaning
If your drivers are travelling long distances, it’s essential they are comfortable within the truck. For this reason, ensure you implement a regular cleaning rota. This part of maintenance is even more crucial if your drivers are changing trucks regularly. After all, no one wants to jump in a vehicle for a long journey, and it’s a mess inside! Additionally, the exterior of your fleet is much less likely to develop rust if it’s kept washed and cleaned, and your drivers will also make a great impression when they turn up in a shining truck.
