user
As a startup owner, you know how important it is to ensure timely delivery, and often, having your own fleet allows you to achieve this. However, the costs of fleet ownership often add up quickly, so it is critical to consider how you can keep your costs low. This is even more important for startup owners, who often do not have the same budget as larger companies.
Ensure Good Fleet Management Practices
Even if you donโt start out with a large fleet, itโs still a good idea to carefully monitor each truck, whether or not you own it outright. Fleet management practices can help you save money while reducing wear and tear on vehicles. You can use GPS fleet tracking software and solutions to track your fleet using real-time tracking. This helps you plan a more efficient route so your drivers can save time and fuel. Plus, GPS tracking lets you provide customers with a more accurate estimated delivery time.
Donโt Be Afraid to Shop Around
Some of the best startup business models revolve around researching options before making concrete decisions. If you own the fleet instead of leasing it, try shopping around for a reputable servicing garage to make sure everything is done in a way that will last for many years. You also want to get a fair price, so compare quotes in the area. It’s important to regularly have maintenance done, even if the vehicles are functioning well for now. Try to spread out service so similar vehicles are not all out of the rotation at once. Preventative maintenance can go a long way toward preventing unplanned downtime.
Decide Whether to Lease or Purchase
There are pros and cons of both leasing and purchasing vehicles. The right option will depend on what your industry is and how much you use the fleet. If you often use heavy machinery, you might own everything outright. On the other hand, newer companies might decide to begin leasing and gradually purchase these vehicles.If you decide to purchase, know that brand-new vehicles often lose their value quickly, so you may lose value in the form of depreciation. On the other hand, this can work in your favor if you lease a vehicle and then wish to purchase it. And once you have purchased a van or truck, you will be fully responsible for maintaining it, which can add up over time. Of course, some lease agreements stipulate that you are responsible for any repairs, so know what you are agreeing to before signing any paperwork.
Scheduling Regular Maintenance
Having regular maintenance is critical as it will keep each vehicle cost-effective and running smoothly. This also keeps them running economically, since a well-maintained vehicle is often more fuel-efficient than one that has not been kept up well. Scheduling these appointments often allows minor issues to be caught before becoming more expensive. Plus, having so many repairs required all at once often prevents your vehicle from functioning as needed. If one of them is out of service for a while, you may need to rent another truck or van.
