Your Trucking Business Partner: Fuel, Maintenance & Support

Owning or operating a trucking business can be rewarding, especially if the operations are running efficiently and the company is meeting the client’s needs and making profits. Since the mechanical condition of the trucks largely determines the state of this business, fleet operators need to prioritize maintenance.

Other than keeping the vehicles in good shape, fleet maintenance extends the vehicle’s lifespan, safety, and reliability. It also improves driver retention, ensures compliance, and offers financial benefits in the long run. Here are key practices every fleet owner or manager should prioritize.

Create a Fleet Maintenance Plan

A regular maintenance plan helps prevent major repairs needed when a truck breaks down. The mechanic will likely spot any issues and fix them on time. Fleet managers can also use fuel cards to manage fuel expenses and enjoy significant savings on truck maintenance. Fuel cards help fleet managers keep accurate records and keep up with truck maintenance.

Fixing the truck problems early extends the vehicle’s useful life and helps the business avoid premature truck replacements. Well-maintained trucks are also more reliable and fuel-efficient, which reduces operational costs for the company. In addition, drivers enjoy operating reliable trucks that rarely break down or cause accidents due to mechanical problems. So, they are unlikely to switch jobs frequently, which is an advantage to the company.

However, the maintenance schedule needs careful planning and regular monitoring. Operators should determine each truck’s maintenance needs depending on the vehicle’s usage patterns, mileage, age, and manufacturer recommendations. Then, they should decide when each truck needs an inspection, preventative maintenance, or repairs. They should prioritize brake inspection, oil change, fluid check, and tire rotations.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Another way to optimize the truck’s performance and enhance fuel efficiency is by conducting regular inspections. The inspections help identify problems before they become more serious and increase repair costs. Inspections also ensure regulatory compliance since the trucks must meet the set safety regulations before they operate.

Truck drivers should never ignore pre-trip inspections done daily before any trip. This involves checking the key safety features like tires, lights, brakes, and fluid levels. Maintenance inspections entail checking the tires, suspension, brakes, fluids, and steering.

The trucks may also be subjected to the Department of Transportation inspections for a comprehensive inspection, including the transmission, engine, and exhaust systems. The inspections are done annually but are crucial in ensuring effective running and timely repairs.

Keep all Maintenance Records

Truck maintenance records play a vital role in the management of a fleet. They provide a detailed history of truck maintenance and repairs, which helps operators and mechanics identify trends, track maintenance and repair costs, and make informed decisions regarding future maintenance.

Besides, keeping records ensures that the company can ascertain the mechanical condition of each truck and comply with maintenance standards. Failure to comply could attract hefty fines and penalties. Maintenance records also help determine the truck’s resale value and support warranty claims.

The common types of records every fleet operator should have include basic vehicle information (VIN, make, and model), repair and maintenance details, preventative maintenance records, warranty claims, fuel usage records, and inspection reports.

When a truck operator implements these maintenance practices, they ensure the trucks are in good condition, reduce downtime, and minimize repair costs. Ideally, truck maintenance should be planned around their specific industry needs to enhance the chances of business success. However, fleet managers should work with competent mechanics to prevent and fix any problems on time.