Fleet drivers can perhaps get a bit too comfortable in their roles. After all, some view themselves as being ‘off the grid’, roaming the roads without care.

However, these workers are employees of a business like any other. There are standards they must meet without fail. Otherwise, their company’s reputation can be at risk, and more importantly, theirs and other road users’ safety could be jeopardised through careless or selfish behaviours.

If you have a fleet of your own, you must optimise their performance at every opportunity. Below you’ll find some tips to help you in this task.

Invest in Fleet Tracking

Fleet tracking gives you real-time information on how your vehicles and drivers perform. It expands your awareness of business activities beyond your immediate premises.

Work with companies like FleetGO for fast cloud access to POIs, routes, and statuses. You can easily track the locations of your vehicles to ensure optimum routes are taken and no unexplained delays or detours are left unaddressed. More benefits potentially come from this data; lowered fuel costs, increased productivity, and more satisfied customers receiving the goods more promptly.

Fleet drivers cannot be allowed to assume their area of expertise is a ‘grey area’. They can’t have the misconception that the world is their oyster as they cruise the roads. Fleet tracking isn’t an oppressive tool, but it does remind drivers to remain focused and stay on task. In the end, there’s no harm in some discipline, especially in areas of your business where you can’t be present in person.

Develop Service and Social Skills

Fleet drivers often love their roles because they get a lot of ‘me’ time. They can enjoy their own company as they listen to the radio and navigate the roads in solitude.

While moments of respite are good in any job, fleet drivers can’t become too immersed in their seclusion. After all, they’re all driving somewhere, and they will likely interact with customers and clients at their destination. When they do, they must be personable, perfect representatives of your firm.

Whether through an in-depth training program or a few words of advice from the fleet manager, all drivers need steadily developing service and social skills. Charming customers and clients are imperative, and your drivers shouldn’t think they’re just quickly stopping by their destination. They need to make an impression.

Offer Fair Hours

Despite some fleet drivers participating in dubious behaviours, most of them are hardworking, decent people. All employees should be treated with respect and dignity, and those in the fleet are no exception.

However, many firms have been raising the hours of their fleet drivers in an effort to counter staff shortages. Though it’s an easy trap to fall into in a fit of desperation, it’s not a valid approach. At best, these employees will leave to find better opportunities elsewhere, or worse, they’ll become fatigued, tempting dangerous fates while on the roads during long hours.

The number of hours worked can vary between vehicles used, cargo carried, and distance travelled. For example, it’s generally recommended that HGV drivers shouldn’t work more than 90 hours in a fortnight. Do some research to ensure the hours you offer align with the industry standard and take good care of your drivers.

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About the Author: John Loughran