5 ways to reduce HGV fleet costs

During the first half of 2018, HGV fleet costs rose by 2.5% in the UK. If you’re an HGV fleet manager, this did nothing but add more pressure. After all, you want to keep running costs low and productivity high – a difficult balancing act at the best of times.

So, let’s be resourceful. This quick guide takes a look at five ways to approach cost cutting that you might not have considered before.

1. Driver behaviour

Approximately 50% of total cost of ownership of fleet vehicles is determined by the driver’s behaviour. Things like insurance, fuel, repair and service and maintenance all add up on the wrong side of your balance sheet.

Want to cut those down to size without taking jobs off the schedule? Start with your drivers.

By monitoring the way your team is performing behind the wheel, you can focus in on behaviours that are driving up these costs, such as needless fuel consumption, dangerous driving or misuse of vehicles.

A more efficient team is not just good for productivity – it’s good for your budget too.

2. Fleet reviews

Think your fleet is filled with the most up-to-the-minute HGVs? It’s worth being sure.

Compared to even a decade ago, the technology that goes into today’s HGVs is ingeniously sophisticated. Modern vehicles are kitted out with all kinds of powerful features that maximise safety, ease of use and, crucially, fuel economy.

Could it be time for an upgrade? Do a full, deep fleet review and compare what you’re currently using with what’s now on the market. In particular, see whether your trucks meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, as this makes them eligible for a 10% reduction in the cost of the Heavy Goods Vehicle levy. You can do a quick check here.

See our solution in action in our INTERACTIVE VIDEO: A Day in the Life of a Transport Fleet

3. Staying ahead of compliance

The DVSA handed out more than GBP1.5 million in hours fines alone in 2016/17. Meanwhile, 66% of people say that drivers are more reckless on the roads now than they were ten years ago. Could you do more to stay on top of driver’s compliance?

TomTom’s partner Fleetcheck allows you to check a driver’s record and driving history. Their integration partners access the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) ‘Live’ database to check employees endorsement statements (employee consent required).

This helps safeguard your company against fines, prosecution and financial exposure from unlicensed drivers.

4. Get some help reducing mileage

While you’re obviously going to do everything you can to ensure your drivers don’t clock up any unnecessary miles, this is easier said than done. Successful route planning means analysing a tonne of data, estimating a lot of variables and having faith that your driver is properly following the programme.

Increasingly, this is an area where fleet managers are relying on digitisation to get results. A smart fleet management solution can gather and centralise all the key data, monitor traffic and road events and quickly determine the fastest, safest route. Then, it can help you keep track of your drivers once they’re on the road to ensure they’re not clocking up needless miles and driving up your HGV fleet costs.

5. Never stop improving

Regardless of how well you’re doing, there’s always room for improvement. Even the most successful fleet manager is constantly looking at their workflow, drivers, processes, vehicles and route planning to see where changes and upgrades can be made that will boost business.

As with reducing mileage, the key to doing this well is data. Without clear, accurate information on the history of the trips your drivers have taken to analyse, you can never be sure you’re focusing on the right areas for improvement.

WEBFLEET from Webfleet Solutions provides clear, extensive, customisable reports that give you all the information you need on your fleet performance. This allows you to zero in on precisely the elements of your business that are not up to scratch, helping you to make smart decision faster and with complete confidence. All of which is good news for your HGV fleet costs.

In fact, WEBFLEET can help you with all of the tips in this guide. Want to find out more about this award-winning solution for HGV fleets? Then check out our latest interactive video.

Play through a day in the life of a HGV fleet (don’t worry, it only takes a couple of minutes!) and see where WEBFLEET supports you at every step.

Tags: Transport