The trucking industry is a critical part of the United States economy. Trucks transport goods across the country, connecting businesses, and consumers with their needed products. The trucking industry employs millions of Americans and is a vital link in the supply chain.
Despite its importance, the trucking industry has faced challenges in recent years. The recession led to a decline in shipping demand, and rising fuel prices have increased costs for trucking companies. As a result, many trucking companies have gone out of business, and others have had to scale back their operations.
However, the trucking industry is starting to rebound. The economy is slowly improving, and businesses are beginning to increase their shipments again. One of the best practices that some of these companies have learned is to continually improve their trucking fleet.
Your fleet determines the efficiency and effectiveness of your company. You can improve your company’s bottom line by making a few changes to your fleet. Here are five ways to do it:
Fleet Management Software
Investing in fleet management software is the first way to improve your trucking fleet. This software can help you track your vehicles, drivers, and shipments. It can also help you plan your routes and scheduled maintenance.
There are a variety of fleet management software programs on the market. You should choose one that meets your specific needs. Make sure the software is compatible with your vehicles and easy to use. You should also ensure it offers 24/7 customer support if you have any questions or problems.
The average price of a fleet management software program is $500 per month. However, the cost will vary depending on the features you need.
Invest in Extra Parts
Preventive maintenance is all about having the necessary parts for your trucks. Cummins is one of the most common brand names in the world of trucks, and there’s a good chance you’ve invested in one. If you want to ensure that your Cummins trucks are in optimal condition, it’s good to get them replaced once in a while. You can buy Cummins engines online. These shops can offer you a warranty on the engines you buy, so in case they malfunction, you can get them fixed or replaced for free.
Cummins isn’t the only truck engine you can buy, though. Many other brands, such as Volvo, Mack, and Freightliner. Do some research to find the best engine for your needs.
You should also invest in extra truck parts, such as tires, brakes, and hoses. These parts will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. You can avoid downtime due to repairs by having extra parts on hand.
Hire Experienced Drivers
Your drivers are the face of your company. They’re the ones who interact with your customers daily. Therefore, it’s essential to hire experienced drivers who have a clean driving record.
You can find experienced drivers by advertising in trucking magazines or online. You can also ask other trucking companies for recommendations. Once you’ve found a few candidates, you should conduct interviews and background checks.
It’s also essential to provide your drivers with ongoing training. It will help them stay up-to-date on the latest industry regulations. It will also help them brush up on their driving skills.
You should expect to pay your drivers $50,000 per year on average. However, the salary will depend on the driver’s experience and qualifications.
Install GPS Trackers
One of the best ways to improve your trucking fleet is to install GPS trackers. This will allow you to see where your trucks are at all times. You can also use the data to plan your routes and track your driver’s activities.
GPS trackers are relatively inexpensive. You can expect to pay about $50 per month for each tracker. However, the price will vary depending on the features you need.
There are a variety of GPS tracker manufacturers on the market. You should choose one that offers 24/7 customer support if you have any questions or problems.
Choose The Best Routes
Your choice of routes can significantly impact your company’s bottom line. You should map out the most efficient routes for your drivers. This will help them avoid traffic and get to their destination on time.
You can use a variety of resources to plan your routes. Google Maps is a great option. You can also use a GPS tracker to track your driver’s activities and plan the most efficient way.
Make sure you consider the type of cargo you’re transporting when choosing your routes. Some types of cargo are more delicate than others and need to be handled with care.
You should also avoid using toll roads if possible. This will save you money in the long run.
Improving your trucking fleet doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips, you can ensure your fleet runs smoothly and efficiently. You can also become a more competitive force in the industry.
