Running a business that utilizes a fleet can be a challenge. On the one hand, you want to please your employees by giving them all they need for a smooth and comfortable driving experience. On the other hand, you want to find a way to make more with less to make the most money. This is what leads many business owners who utilize fleet vehicles to ask how they can make the best selection of fleet vehicles for their company.
Below, we’re going to cover all there is to know about selecting a line of vehicles to help put your business on the roads, from negotiating a fair price to maintaining one of your company’s biggest assets.
Before you decide on a specific brand or model, you need to backtrack and determine how your fleet vehicles are going to be used.
Are your company cars being used for local deliveries on roads and highways? Or, are they going to be used to cross state lines and cover long stretches of highway. Perhaps your vehicles are going to be used on rough terrains, such as construction sites. Do they need special features such as all-wheel drive to safely navigate uneven surfaces? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself before purchasing a fleet of company cars.
It’s also important to look at the size of each vehicle. Some businesses may require semi-trucks or vans to transport larger products and materials, while companies using a sales team may only need a standard sedan or hatchback.
When you know the type of model you need for your fleet, take time to research different brands. Some important features to take into consideration when selecting fleet vehicles for your company include:
After you’re done researching different car models and find one that suits your business’s needs, it’s time to put your game face on and negotiate a fair price. When buying more than one vehicle from a dealer, they’ll often give you a reasonable discount.
Shop around for the lowest price among your local dealerships, or even consider leasing your cars. When a dealer bites and offers an unbeatable price, take out your business card and sign the dotted line! You’ll have an up and running fleet in no time to spread your products and services to the world.
Once you’ve selected fleet vehicles for your company, you want to make sure they’re being monitored. Install fleet tracking software in each car or truck to keep a watchful eye on your valuable assets. Fleet tracking software has many useful benefits that can help your business operate smoothly. These benefits include:
With your drivers on the road for miles on end, it’s important they stay safe in vehicles that are maintained properly. It’s crucial as a fleet owner to regularly schedule maintenance appointments regularly. Tire rotations, oil changes, fluid refillments, and other repairs will ensure your vehicles run smoothly.
Regularly maintaining your vehicles will also increase the life of your fleet, meaning you’ll save money in the long run. Most fleet tracking software has the ability to provide updates on scheduled maintenance appointments. However, if you have not yet invested in fleet tracking software, you can create your own maintenance log or use an online one.
Another way to ensure your vehicles are taken care of properly is by training your employees safe driving habits. Before you hire a new driver, conduct a background check to see their driving history, and enroll new hires in an online driving course that reminds them of the rules of the road.
Selecting fleet vehicles for your company will take some time and patience if you want to ensure you pick the perfect ones for your company. With these tips in mind, you’ll have the perfect fleet for your business.
