When businesses across the world were forced to adjust their operations to slow the spread of COVID-19, many business owners chose to rapidly expand their fleets to accommodate an uptick in deliveries and requests for in-home services. Some even had to purchase fleets for the first time. But as restrictions ebb and flow, expanded fleets could open up new revenue streams… or they could simply turn into money pits in the coming months.
If that situation has you worried, don’t fret. Today, LandAirSea shows you exactly how you can make sure your new fleet vehicles provide a great return on your investment, regardless of what the future holds.
INVEST IN SOFTWARE
If you have recently created or expanded your fleet, choosing the right technology and software is important — and a fleet-tracking software system is a must. That’s because fleet tracking software will give you the necessary visibility to help you stay on top of fleet management tasks. You’ll be able to track all the vehicles in your fleet and use this data to streamline operations, cut costs, and boost your revenue.
In the recent past, only businesses with large budgets would have been able to afford the hefty costs of fleet-tracking software, but today, there are options available for small to midsize businesses with fleets of any size. From cameras to GPS trackers, you have a number of options at your disposal.
It’s also a good idea to invest in warehouse management software. This software can help you track and manage inventory and shipments. When paired with fleet tracking software, this can dramatically improve your operations. Similarly, shift scheduling software can simplify managing your staff, easing communication, planning, and compliance. By using the tools at your disposal, you can keep everyone on the same page and stay organized with minimal time and effort.
MARKET TO CUSTOMERS STAYING HOME
Not everyone is ready to return to their usual routines just yet. Many seniors and people who are immunocompromised are still choosing to stay home. These customers will be more likely to continue relying on delivery services in the coming months.
You’ve probably already taken steps to address the pandemic in your marketing materials, so to keep delivery orders up and make your new fleet vehicles worth the cost, prioritize marketing to these specific customer demographics. For instance, if you want to target your advertising toward your senior customers, BusinessBlogs recommends using Facebook ads and simplifying your website to make it easier for them to navigate.
KEEP MAINTENANCE COSTS IN CHECK
Maintaining your fleet is critically important, as you do not want an employee’s vehicle to break down while they are on a delivery run. Prioritize preventative fleet maintenance to catch problems before they cause issues for your drivers, and connect with a reliable vehicle parts supplier who you can trust.
Also consider tech solutions that make vehicle maintenance management a breeze. UpKeep points out that by utilizing a checklist and CMMS, you’ll be able to optimize the time your fleet is on the road. Every vehicle in your fleet will require maintenance at some point, so you’ll also need to adjust your budget and expense projections to account for this. You don’t want to be caught off guard by these costs!
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO UTILIZE YOUR FLEET
The best way to make the most of your fleet is to use it for as many business purposes as possible, especially those that don’t cost a lot of money to implement. Consider one or more of these ideas:
- Depending on your business type, in addition to deliveries, you can offer pick-up services to your customers. For example, you can charge a small fee to pick up products your customers want to return.
- If you own your vehicles, you can loan them to other businesses. Even large corporations like FedEx and UPS rent vans and trucks during their peak holiday season.
- Sell sponsorships to local small businesses. Along with displaying your own company’s branding, you can sell vehicle advertising opportunities to (non-competing!) businesses.
- In order to effectively manage your expanded fleet, you may need to purchase new software, invest in vehicle wraps for mobile marketing, pay close attention to your business’s budget, and find additional ways to use your fleet. But in the long run, this extra effort will be worth it. If you’re willing to take these steps, having a larger company fleet can significantly increase your profits.
LandAirSea products have been trusted for 25 years, manufactured and assembled in the USA. Call 847-462-8100.