If you’re successfully operating a fleet, you may have got to the stage where your customer base is growing and you need to extend the size of your fleet.
The transition from operating one or two company vehicles to a full fleet of multiple vehicles is a big step and that can bring some difficulties – so it’s important you make sure your business is fully prepared. Below, we’ve put together some tips on how to expand your fleet and help towards growing your business.
Keep designs consistent
As you’re expanding, this means you already have branded vehicles out on the roads. Your new ones will need to match these. But, before you do so this is a great time to step back and take a look at your brand, has this design really worked for you? Are there any changes or updates you can make? Expansion doesn’t mean you have to keep everything the same, make some changes for a more memorable and effective brand awareness. One thing you must remember to do is make sure your designs are consistent throughout all of your vehicles.
Take advantage of new technology
Fleets are often said to be a great technological investment as they have numerous factors that can affect your business such as, telematics. This allows you to monitor your vehicles, regardless of the driver’s location. It gives you real-time updates of fleet data such as driver speed and location sent directly to your computer or mobile device using a GPS vehicle tracking system. Managers can then react to these situations quickly and make informed decisions on drivers.
Keeping up with all the latest technology developments comes under fleet management. It can improve your fleet if you make the effort and will make your job a lot easier, reducing your costs and improve operational efficiency. Gathering data is crucial for knowing how your fleet is changing and affecting your business.
New services and functions
As you expand your fleet and grow your business there will be times that you will be adding new services and functions to your business. Your most important details should be advertised on your vehicle wrap, so try not to overload your overall design with a tonne of new services. Although, if the new services you are offering are something your customers have been asking for a lot, make sure its included on a new design.
Look after your vehicles and consider upgrades when needed
With consistency being key throughout any brand and advertising, you need to make sure the upkeep of your vehicle is also consistent. You don’t want a bunch of old looking vehicles driving around the roads looking worn out – if this is the case with yours, you might need to think about upgrading and getting new vehicles. Make sure they are being checked over by garages and that they all have sufficient breakdown cover in place should anything happen. They all need to look new, clean and vibrant.
Invest in driver training
Your drivers should be just as important to your business as your vehicles are. With an expansion on your fleet you will need more drivers, so invest in driver training to improve their overall road behaviour, safety and focus. This will equip your drivers with all the knowledge they need while improving vehicle handling and fuel efficiency.
Managing a big change to your business can be a challenge however, it will present you with some great opportunities. Knowing how to expand and grow will get you noticed and serve you well, and hopefully these tips are a step in the right direction for you and your business.
