FLEETDRIVE rating . So , consider reviewing the whole fleet to ensure you have the safest possible vehicles for employees .
It ’ s also worth mentioning that ANCAP safety ratings are valid for 6 years as technology and their testing protocols continually change – for the better !
Vehicle Utilisation
Nothing undermines Fleet ROI more than having too many vehicles . Fleet under-utilisation is incredibly common , particularly since COVID and the implementation of so many hybrid work practices .
Do you have the data necessary to determine whether your fleet is under-utilised ? If not , the implementation of a pool vehicle booking system could be invaluable , providing greater transparency over vehicle use . Telematics could also be beneficial in understanding how your vehicles are being used , how long they ’ re idle etc ?
Sometimes , ‘ right sizing ’ the fleet may just need to start with some tough conversations regarding employees ’ expectations versus the organisation fleet strategy . It ’ s an issue that should be duly considered before considering the transition to electric vehicles and perhaps paying for more charging infrastructure than is really required .
Fleet Strategy
It was renowned fleet management guru Benjamin Franklin who said “ If you fail to plan , you are planning to fail ”! Do you have a documented Fleet Strategy or Fleet Management Plan ?
It doesn ’ t have to be a 40 page dissertation which is rarely referred to . Start with details on how the fleet supports the achievement of your organisation ’ s objectives and how it will be optimally managed . Consider what type of vehicles will be purchased ( don ’ t forget minimum safety standards ) and the intended retention period for each vehicle class .
Outline how you will ensure vehicles are cost-effective and well maintained to minimise downtime . Then don ’ t forget to align your planning with your Sustainability Policy .
When it comes to planning , given today ’ s unprecedented supply chain lead times you may also want to give some thought to planning your vehicle replacements up to 2 years ahead !
Fleet Management System
In many organisations , the default system for keeping track of vehicles is Microsoft Excel . Excel is a very powerful spreadsheet application with calculation functions , graphing tools , pivot tables and macro programming capability , but it was never designed to be an interactive fleet management system .
Consider how the transition to a fleet management system could enable improved fleet decision making and cost management , while giving you the tools to enhance fleet productivity and meet your compliance obligations .
Grey Fleet
Whether consciously acknowledged by your organisation or not , let ’ s be clear that any vehicle used occasionally or frequently for work purposes which is not directly provided by the organisation that employs the driver is a Grey Fleet vehicle .
Accordingly , your organisation has a ‘ duty of care ’ under Common Law and in accordance with the Australian Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to provide a safe workplace .
Of particular concern has been the number of comments made recently by organisations questioning whether they continue to maintain a fleet of vehicles . Instead opting for employees to use their own cars , but with no consideration of the type of risk management controls and management systems that should be implemented .
It ’ s important to have a thorough understanding of the implications of Grey Fleet before allowing any use of personal vehicles .
Environment
Finally , as mentioned in Fleet Strategy , consider your organisations commitment to the environment . There are many ways to reduce carbon emissions – upgrade your fleet to lower / zero emission vehicles , eliminate nonessential vehicle use , downsize vehicles and right size the fleet .
Paul Oliver is the Director & Principal Consultant of Fleet Advisory . Paul provides independent expert advice and fleet consulting services to business , not for profit organisations & government –
Fleet Advisory for more information .
ISSUE 39 FEBRUARY 2023 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 5