As a fleet manager, some of the most important work you are going to do is going to be preparing your fleet drivers to perform responsibly on the road. There is no way that you can watch what your drivers are doing all of the time, but there are strategies for optimizing their performances while also allowing them to drive as responsibility and safely as possible.
There are a number of different strategies out there, and different fleet managers will recommend different methods. There are, however, a few core methods that are used by the top fleet managers in the world for getting the absolute best performances out of their drivers. In this article, you will learn some basic tips about driver management & training.
The first step toward smart driver fleet automation management & training should be to train your drivers to be responsible on the road. Most drivers will enter your team with proper licenses. Remember that as fleet manager, their performance is now your responsibility. This means that if you want them to be trained correctly, you must do it yourself.
There have been many studies recently that have shown a drastic reduction in fleet-related accidents in organizations that have put all of their drivers through training. There were fewer violations, fewer bumper-to-bumpers, and fewer accidents with injuries. This is important, not only for the reputation of your organization, but for your bottom line.
The next step toward exceptional driver management & training is to know how to manage your drivers, even when they are out on the road. If you think this sounds difficult, then you should be aware of some new technology that has been introduced. This technology is called telematics, and it is a way for you to keep close tabs on your drivers. This will reduce cost, as drivers will be encouraged to take the most efficient routes.
You can also use fleet fuel cards to keep tabs on your drivers’ fuel usage. This kind of method adds an aspect of discipline to your fleet that is necessary for optimum performance.
Finally, in order to excel in driver management & training, it is important to include your drivers and users in your strategies and goals. Don’t let them sit on the outside. You should encourage them to be a part of the team. This will heighten their sense of responsibility; you will also get some valuable feedback from them.