Fleet M ana gement |
by Tristan Wiggill
Outsourcing: More hustle,
less hassle
While starting a business in South Africa is fraught with a unique set of challenges, there is a way to lessen the burden,
particularly where fleet management is concerned, as Imperial Fleet Management (IFM) CEO, Nicholas de Canha explains.
I
“
mperial Fleet Management takes some of
the hassle and stress out of running a small
business, allowing the company to focus its
efforts on what it does best,” de Canha says
from his IFM office in Edenvale, Johannesburg.
“Outsourcing fleet management means that
better administration and control services are
provided at better rates, while back-up and
support are delivered through a hi-tech callcentre,” he adds.
De Canha identifies the current restrictive credit
environment as a threat to the fleet management
industry, along with strict Basel requirements
that are imposed on banks. He believes that
leasing will become more popular in South
Africa, provided that the economy develops and
matures. “The success of leasing is reliant on a
sophisticated working environment, complete
with sound legislation, an efficient judiciary and
effective policing.” While leasing in South Africa
is less prominent than i n developed markets like
the US and UK, the state is seen to be far more
efficient than the rest of Africa and so our leasing
rates are higher.
Using the services of a dedicated fleet
management company simplifies payments, as
a single bill arrives every month. An outsourced
fleet management company, like Imperial, can
ensure discounts and vet a small company’s
invoices. All of this can be done at affordable
rates that are lower than when doing it all yourself. De Canha says
IFM is able to provide funding to business owners and can perform
tax deductions. It even manages the depreciation of assets
correctly.
Imperial Fleet Management was created five
years ago and counts Transnet, Premier Foods
and LBJ Global Recruitment among its biggest customers. IFL also
manages the bakkies and forklifts of Imperial Logistics.
“
Another major advantage of outsourcing your fleet management
is that the nightmare of e-toll billing can be given to someone
else. “We create a key account with Sanral and look after the
administration and payment of e-tolls,” he explains. The same
handing over of responsibilities is done in the case of traffic fines
incurred by drivers, as well as for their accidents. IFM looks after
the entire vehicle repair process, ensuring that repair evaluations
are performed properly. Furthermore it provides roadside
assistance.
| logistics in action
Ultimately outsourcing fleet management
to an expert gives small businesses more control
and better efficiencies. We can ensure that vehicle
warranties are maintained and that unnecessary
expense claims are eliminated. Since better lending
rates are given by IFM, businesses become more
capital efficient. Ultimately, fleet management
should be left to the experts.
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august 2014
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