During these times of crisis, it is essential to be cognizant of the potential challenges and how to overcome them. The fleet industry is currently going through ups and downs, with some companies being over occupied and others on the verge of shutting down.
The good news, however, is that these times are temporary and will pass soon. Until then, take a look at a few tips to manage your fleet during the global crisis.
The impact on the fleet industry
It is difficult to measure the exact impacts on the trucking industry. While most of them have been negative, some new opportunities have also emerged.
The US fleet industry is heavily reliant on crates coming from China. Thus, the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply chain. Some industries, like the automotive industry, were adversely affected as car manufacturers enacted temporary shutdowns.
Billions of dollars in automotive parts are delivered each year, and the impact of their shortage was felt to the ports. The automotive industry of the US imports large volumes of automotive parts from China. Earlier, Chinese manufactures were going through shutdown, and now, US manufacturers have shut down their manufacturing units. Besides, consumers are facing trouble purchasing vehicles, which made selling vehicles even more difficult.
Some industries, like food and grocery retailers, are witnessing high demand. In fact, some grocery chains have reported a jump in demand by 300%. Therefore, some fleets are busier than ever, and drivers and fleet managers are working long hours. But other non-essential sectors have entirely ceased. All in all, there are ups and downs within the logistics industry itself. But the adversity of the situation can be anticipated by the fact that there has been a loss of 88,000 trucking industry jobs.
How to manage your fleet during this global crisis
While these times of uncertainty have left logistics companies worried, fleet managers need to take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the crisis on their companies. Here are a few fleet management and Trucking and Logistics App Development logistics companies should take.
Effective communication is important
The key to overcoming this crisis is to make informed decisions. Fleet managers should establish constant communication with their drivers and suppliers to know their location and status all the time. Having detailed information about your assets, load, delays, and demand will allow you to manage your fleet efficiently.
The COVID-19 crisis has led to forced route changes, detention, delays, and border regulations. Drivers are experiencing a reduction in travel times, and the freight is taking longer than ever to transport. However, implementing Trucking and Logistics App Development could help you communicate effectively with your drivers and plan the shortest delivery routes.
Prioritize driver safety
Driver safety should be the paramount concern of all fleet managers. Even if the coronavirus crisis is kept out of the equation, fleet managers should ensure their drivers are not overloaded and get enough time to rest. While some industries are witnessing high demands, make sure your drives are getting at least 8-10 hours off before their next shift. But with the COVID-19 spreading faster than ever, it critical to ensure your drivers are taking the necessary safety measures.
Don’t halt documentation
To avoid non-compliance, logistics companies should not stop documenting their daily processes. You can use Trucking and Logistics App Development to automate your logging and documentation process. Some fleet managers are outright busy, and a trucking solution can help in planning and documenting loads and tasks.
Talk to your suppliers before placing orders
Most manufacturers across the globe are temporarily closed, so be prepared for extensive delays. In this situation of uncertainty, be sure to get in touch with your supplier ahead of time to discuss potential availability of your orders.
Track fleet maintenance
Some drivers are driving extra miles, and so are their vehicles. This means certain vehicles of your fleet would require additional maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotation. You might think that this is not the time for regular maintenance, but overlooking these small maintenance elements can cause bigger complications that could be difficult to address.
Therefore, make sure to perform an oil change once in a while. Also, take some time to examine tires for any leak or puncture. Not addressing these regular maintenance issues can leave your driver stuck on the road for hours, thereby causing loss of time and money. Trucking and Logistics App Development can help you keep track of your vehicle maintenance and avoid such losses.
Invest in Trucking and Logistics App Development
With the logistics industry in the state of turmoil, companies and fleet managers should look for ways to maximize profits and efficiency. Here’s where a trucking app solution comes into play.
A tracking app offers a consolidated platform for managing all logistics tasks and operations, ranging from managing deliveries to monitoring drivers. It provides access to in-depth data and insights about how your business is performing and which areas need improvement. You can then use this information to improve your business operations. Thus, Trucking and Logistics App Development is the need of the hour for every logistics company.
Final thoughts
The logistics industry is one of the worst affected sectors during the COVID-19 crisis. Although these times are hard for logistics companies, things will soon return to normal. Fleet managers can overcome this crisis by focusing on staying agile, organized, and responsive.
