Do You Conduct Vehicle Fleet Inspections Regularly

Do you conduct fleet inspections regularly? If yes, do you think they are essential? Let’s look deeper into this subject. Inspections are necessary for two reasons- firstly, it helps you to reduce the risk of accidents on the road. Secondly, it augments your chances of conformity with the business.

Due to the above two reasons, it is wiser to inspect, manage, and repair your vehicles regularly at the right time. For better and efficient fleet operations, pre-trip inspections can be very effective.

Why are Fleet Inspections so Important?

At least once, this question may have passed your mind. In spite of regular vehicle maintenance, fleet inspections can make your business profitable. Even though compliance is your first priority, there are certain benefits associated with fleet inspections that you can actually rely upon:

1. Increase the expected life span of your vehicle fleets

2. Improve your return on investment (ROI) and lower the replacement costs

3. Lower a driver’s liability when an issue arises (when you conduct proper pre-trip inspections, no one could put the blame on your driver and your vehicle fleet as the fault lies on the other party involved)

4. Reduce the chance of on-the-job failure and emergency repairs (during inspection, your driver can recognize the vehicle issue and rectify it before it becomes a major issue)

5. Be safe on the road

6. Decrease downtime and repair costs

Steps to Provide Improved Fleet Inspections

#1 Remain up-to-date

Regulatory rules may change each year and it may differ from state to state. Hence it’s better to remain up-to-date on the latest fleet regulations for better fleet management.

#2 Make your team aware of fleet inspections

 Different fleets perform differently, so it is wise to give a short description of your fleet’s practices to the fleet members. And it will be better to provide an awareness on inspection protocols during driver training sessions.

#3 Oversee internal inspections         

Most probably, your drivers may conduct vehicle inspections without your presence. Can you guess the problem associated with it?

When drivers conduct inspections all by themselves, it will not be done properly and sufficiently as per the requirement. Hence it is better to use a GPS tracking system that helps you to track the fleet inspections performed by your driver.

#4 Keep a schedule

It will be wiser to stick to a schedule for conducting fleet inspections. But it is your duty to decide whether monthly, weekly, or daily inspection is suitable for your fleet. And it will be strictly dependent on the wear and tear of your vehicle.

#5 Use tools to keep track of inspections

There are so many tools available for you to keep track of inspections. All you have to do is to find the right tool for your fleet, from ordinary spreadsheets to complicated programs. It is completely your decision.

What kind of inspections are recommended?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends the inspection of various vehicle parts for safe fleet operation. And these inspections are required to be documented in accessible records.

Some required inspections include preventative maintenance inspection, annual inspection, and pre-trip inspection. If your vehicles are not undergoing proper inspection, then you can get ready to pay massive fines awaiting you as part of roadside inspection.

How to Enhance Driver Communion in Fleet Inspections?

Absolutely, the responsibility of vehicle fleet inspections lies upon the drivers. Also, you should be able to know whether the drivers are conducting an inspection strictly before going out for trips. So how will you enhance driver communion? Here are certain tips that help you do this effectively:

a. Train them

It is one of the best ideas to enhance driver communion. Provide adequate training about fleet inspections and its relevance, and how it affects driver’s credibility and earning potential with a well-maintained vehicle.

b. Introduce an agreement

 This agreement should clearly specify about the responsibilities associated with a driver on fleet inspections and persuade them to sign the agreement by mentioning about the consequences they may face if they don’t adhere to the rules.

c. Use fleet management software for inspections

 With the brilliant fleet management software, your drivers will be able to inspect the vehicle and record these inspections efficiently.

All the above tips help you to enhance driver compliance in the fleet inspections.

Select the Right Software for Enhancing Fleet Compliance

 One of the fleet maintenance tip is to use the right fleet management software. Today, there are software with real-time alerts and reports that helps  to manage your fleet efficiently. You will get maintenance reports whenever you need it.

A proper fleet inspection will help you to save time and money on your business. If you aims for a safe fleet business, it is better to conduct timely fleet inspection without much delay.