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Fleet management consultancy
We’ll look at how you deploy your transport fleet, from large articulated vehicles to smaller rigids and vans. Complimenting the internal fleet with the tactical use of third parties and carrier networks where those options are more efficient. We’ll help you identify and implement quantifiable improvements that deliver tangible returns and savings.
Our analysis can crossover into warehousing, looking at metrics such as pallet fill, to inform tactical changes and achieve a balance across your business and avoid unintended consequences.
What is fleet management?
Fleet management refers to the process of managing a company’s vehicle fleet. This can cover a wide range of vehicle types and uses, from HGV’s carrying freight around the country, to engineers vans moving from customer to customer and also company cars.
At Hatmill, we’ll analyse functions such as vehicle acquisition, maintenance, telematics (tracking and diagnostics), driver management, fuel management, and route planning. By optimising your overall vehicle usage, managing driver behaviour, and controlling costs, we’ll help you to operate more effectively and sustainably.
Process & considerations
The Hatmill approach to fleet management
Our fleet management experts will support your project from start to finish. We’ll evaluate your current fleet, propose alternatives, and stress-test options over a 5-10 year period to ensure our recommendations are the right fit for your business. Here’s how we’ll do it and what we’ll consider:
Fleet strategy evaluation
During the discovery phase, we’ll work to understand how well your transport operations are performing and identify a baseline against which we can measure improvements.
Fuel cost & price predictions
We’ll analyse historical data and market trends to forecast fuel costs accurately, enabling proactive budgeting and cost management strategies. This can be important when considering alternative fuel vehicles; such as CNG/LNG (Compressed/Liquid Natural Gas.)
Lifecycle optimisation
We’ll suggest strategies to maximise the lifespan and efficiency of fleet vehicles, reducing total cost of ownership through effective maintenance schedules and replacement planning.
Driver behaviour analysis
Our logistics experts will utilise data-driven insights to assess and optimise driver performance, enhancing safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness within your fleet management strategy.
Asset management optimisation
We’ll help to streamline the management of fleet assets by implementing efficient tracking and maintenance schedules to maximise productivity and up-time, whilst minimising operational costs.
Design of bespoke fleet policies & choice lists
We’ll provide tailored guidance to design fleet policies and vehicle choice lists that align with your company’s specific needs and objectives. This can be an important consideration in conjunction with reviewing your sustainability strategy.
“Throughout our time working with Hatmill, I have remained impressed with the organisation, focus and tenacity of the team, and they have been instrumental in helping our organisation reach some critical decision points. The team are engaging, personable and a pleasure to work with.”
– Phil Wright, Head of Logistics, Greggs
Making change happen in fleet management
We’ll help to identify opportunities for improvements and are always happy to lead implementation of the recommendations we make. We’re experienced project managers who will plan and oversee entire fleet management projects, working across business departments and with external suppliers.
Stakeholder management and reporting
At the beginning we’ll work to understand how well your transport operations are performing and identify a baseline against which we can measure improvements. We’ll provide you with regular playbacks so that you’re able to share outcomes with stakeholders from across the business.
FAQs
What should you know?
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Why is an effective fleet management process important?
If your business transports goods and operates on a large scale, investing in an effective fleet management process is essential for your success. By managing vehicle acquisition, maintenance, fuel consumption, and driver behaviour, you can enhance the efficiency and productivity of your entire business. Real-time tracking and data analysis will also enable better route planning and timely deliveries, improving customer satisfaction.
To put it simply, efficient fleet management will ensure smoother logistics operations, lower operating costs, and boost reliability and performance to your customers.
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What are the benefits of successful fleet management?
Fleet management offers several key benefits, including improved efficiency and cost savings, optimised vehicle usage and fuel consumption, and increased productivity. Real-time tracking and data analysis allow for better route planning, reducing empty running and enhancing delivery reliability. Effective driver management is another key benefit, which improves driver behaviour and reduces fuel and R&M (repair and maintenance) costs. Effective fleet management is also known to extend the lifespan of vehicles, minimising downtime and ensuring a more reliable fleet.
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How long does it take to implement an effective fleet management system?
Typically the process takes 3-6 months, however timelines can vary drastically depending on several factors.
The 3-6 month timeline includes time for the initial assessment, selection of the right tools and software, integration with existing systems, and comprehensive training for staff. The duration can vary based on the fleet size, complexity of operations, and specific business requirements. Robust planning and a phased implementation process will help to ensure a smooth transition and effective adoption of the new system.
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