Managing a fleet of construction vehicles brings unique risks and challenges. In this post we’ll outline the key strategies and actions that can help make construction fleet management as streamlined and straightforward as possible.
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
What Are The Main Challenges For Construction Fleets?
“Construction fleet managers face a number of unique risks that managers won’t need to worry about in other sectors. But just like in any other industry, construction fleet managers will have to find adequate cover for their vehicles, drivers, passengers, and operations.” Says Steve Blackmore, Director of Anthony Jones.
Some issues that are particularly pressing for construction fleet managers include:
- Operational complexity – Every vehicle in your fleet has been designed to carry out a highly specific set of tasks on the construction site. This can make coordinating a fleet of construction vehicles a lot more complicated than coordinating a fleet of HGVs, for example.
- Added risks – Your fleet will operate in construction sites, quarries, and other high risky environments. Plus, you may face a higher risk of tool theft than other fleet managers.
- Tight deadlines – All fleet managers are beholden to demanding deadlines. But the stakes can be particularly high when it comes to construction projects, which means that any delay or downtime could result in astronomical costs.
How to Effectively Manage a Construction Fleet
At its core, construction fleet management means effectively:
- Coordinating your machinery, vehicles, and equipment to maximise operational efficiency and onsite safety
- Minimising downtime and wastage, which can help reduce costs
- Mitigating risks
Construction Fleet Management Systems
No matter what sector you’re working in, a dedicated fleet management system can give you a detailed overview of how every aspect of your fleet is operating at any given time. Get a specialist construction fleet management system to get real-time insights into:
- Driver behaviour, including their working hours and rest periods
- The location and condition of every vehicle in your fleet
- Fuel usage
- Downtime, including onsite delays and incidents, supply chain issues, and more
Construction Fleet Maintenance Schedules
Preventative maintenance can help you:
- Ensure that every vehicle in your fleet is working at maximum efficiency
- Reduce downtime
- Cut fuel costs
- Prevent costly repairs in the long-term
A good construction fleet management system will help you keep tabs on when each vehicle in your fleet is due for a servicing, while also helping you to keep on top of licence renewals and other regulatory commitments.
Keep every vehicle in your construction fleet working at its best with our guide to the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual checks.
Driver Training and Communication
Operating a construction vehicle takes specialist skill, and of course every driver in your fleet will get the expert training they need before they’re allowed onsite. Yet ongoing driver training can help you keep your costs down while simultaneously managing many of the common risks associated with professional driving, by helping to:
- Improve fuel efficient driving practices, such as through avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, and keeping idling to a minimum.
- Reduce the risk of accidents.
- Mitigate site-specific risks and hazards
Again, your fleet management system can make a huge difference here, through providing deep insights into your drivers’ behaviour. This will help you identify where you need to prioritise your training and development, as you’ll know which drivers could most benefit from an intervention.
Be sure to read our guide to improving driver behaviour in your fleet.
And get all of your drivers onboard with your drive for change, with our guide to driver communication strategies.
Managing the Risk of Tool Theft
Thieves may actively target the vehicles in your fleet, in the hopes of stealing valuable tools and equipment. Finding a way to manage this risk is a major aspect of construction fleet management.
Here are some anti-theft actions you may consider as part of your construction fleet management strategy:
- Do not store tools and equipment in your vehicles overnight. Lock them up somewhere secure instead. You could even display a message on your vehicles: “No tools left here overnight.”
- Store your vehicles somewhere secure too, preferably with CCTV coverage, motion activated floodlights, and other security systems.
- Invest in anti-theft systems for your tools and vehicles, including alarms, immobilisers, GPS trackers, and reinforced locks.
For more, you can read our full guide to preventing tool theft.
Specialist Cover For Construction Fleets
Steve Blackmore, Director says:
“At Anthony Jones, we understand the particular challenges you’re facing as a construction fleet manager. That’s why we’re committed to helping you access the specialist cover you need at a competitive price. We can also show you how you can make savings on your premiums through effectively evidencing your risk management policies.”
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
