A small fleet isn’t equal to easier operations. People who manage smaller fleets face unique challenges on the way, i.e., limited finance and less human resources. Providing customers with the best services, containing a limited budget, and staying competitive in the industry can be overwhelming. We have listed down five common challenges that any fleet owner might face managing a small fleet. Talking about challenges, we want to mention that we have also listed down solutions for each problem. 

  1. Increasing fuel efficiency 

Sometimes, due to limited budget and resources, small fleets often fail to make people understand the importance of fuel efficiency. Due to these reasons, driver efficiency also becomes tough to check. You can always manage the fleet better through small fleet trucking software tracking excessive idling across the fleet. For instance, there are few software that can detect if the driver is idle for a long time or too frequently. Fleet managers can view idling and utilization rates through this software for the entire fleet or break it down by vehicles or drivers. A feature-rich fleet management system has the ability to offer every small fleet administrator with all the information and knowledge they need to increase efficiency and profitability. With this data, fleet managers can identify drivers who require coaching and improve utilization rates. Moreover, you can also try a more hands-on approach or take the help of software when it comes to route optimization to save fuel.

  1. Keeping driver turnover rate in check 

Due to a severe shortage of drivers, a high driver turnover rate is an issue that most small fleets face. For a small fleet for whom every one rupee is important, a high driver turnover rate is a huge factor to consider. As most small fleets don’t have a massive budget like large corporations, small fleets may find it even more challenging to compete with them in terms of competitive packages, better wages, and other benefits. 

However, there are methods through which small fleets keep the driver turnover rate in check. Set up a two-way communication channel to stay in touch with drivers and get their honest feedback. Drivers may feel more content when they have a way to express their concerns. Moreover, staying in close contact with drivers, especially during the first few months of their employment is also very important.

Small Fleet Trucking software

  1. Taking care of vehicle maintenance 

Small fleets may not have as many vehicles, such as a large trucking business. If one car breaks down, the schedule might require alteration, and this might put a pause to many operations. Thus, in a small fleet management system, it is always crucial to have vehicle maintenance checks in place from time to time. 

First, you have to build and manage a schedule for regular maintenance of your vehicles. Second, you also require to educate drivers about the value of vehicle maintenance. You can also use an automatic system to stay on top of vehicle maintenance.

A small fleet trucking software can help to a great extent by automatically monitoring fault codes through its direct connection to onboard vehicle logistics. Fleet managers receive a notification through these fault codes as soon as an issue occurs. 

  1. Holding drivers accountable 

Driver management looks a lot in a small fleet. Identifying at-risk or low-performing drivers and being honest about those issues may feel particularly difficult when you only have a few drivers in your fleet. Open communication is critical in this case. Creating automated systems with the help of a small fleet Trucking software may also help reduce friction. You can also hold an internal forum every week for the drivers that highlight the best performing drivers and the safety statistics of the fleet. This will not only motivate drivers, but it may also make them more focused on growing fleet safety and working in unison with the management to fulfill organizational goals.

  1. Making use of technology 

Technology is an effective way to manage smaller fleets, but it isn’t always an option for them with limited resources. Apart from the cost of purchasing and implementing technological products and small fleet management software, driver onboarding and training are other significant issues that small fleets may find challenging. However, there are cost-effective tech options too available for smaller fleets. 

If one goes on to find a fleet management software, you may end up having names for a dozen of them which are mostly built for large truckers to track a fleet of hundreds of trucks. A small fleet manager doesn’t need a package of such super-charged software. Thus, a remote fleet manager should be wise while deciding on the right software for his fleet. He should choose a software that is relevant for his requirements and matches with the budget constraints. 

A small fleet may have a list of challenges to face. However, with the right technological tools and innovative strategies, it becomes easy to overcome those challenges that come with small fleet operations. They become more competitive, and improve the bottom line of your company.