Did you know that the delivery service industry has boomed during this pandemic? This sector tops the list of thriving industries in the new normal, identified by the U.S. Chambers of Commerce. It makes sense as business enterprises heavily relied on delivery services for sending their goods or items to clients (other businesses) and consumers (customers).
But as a delivery business, you own and run a fleet of trucks used for transporting goods, items, or materials. These trucks must always be in top shape and working condition. The goal is to ensure smooth business operations, zero to minimal downtime or delay, quality products, and safe delivery.
As such, fleet management is imperative for your delivery service. On a more specific note, you should stay on top of your truck maintenance. Be sure to inspect, tune-up, and even repair your vehicles. That said, here’s how to maintain your trucks for your delivery business:
1. Keep a truck maintenance log for your delivery business
When it comes to your fleet maintenance, keeping a log is the initial step to take. The purpose of this is to have a historical record of your trucks’ conditions. It records the vehicle issues examined and the repairs done. It also allows you to identify problems and attend to them immediately. But on top of all these is to schedule the regular maintenance, which must reflect on your log. Most importantly, stick to these schedules and perform the needful when necessary.
2. Have a regular truck inspection and testing
As far as truck maintenance is concerned, regular inspection is a part of the overall equation. Of course, you don’t immediately perform the tune-up of your vehicles. You must first examine them to see if they appear good and work well. Be sure to inspect the engines, brakes, tires, fuel and storage tanks, electrical systems, and oil change. Along with the inspection is to conduct testing by driving the trucks themselves. When doing so, be on the lookout for vehicle issues like excessive smoking, oil pressure loss, and low power production.
3. Keep your trucks’ body in top shape and condition
Apart from your trucks’ functionality, you must also pay attention to their overall aesthetics. As such, make sure that your trucks’ bodies are in top shape and condition. As a delivery business, you want to make a good impression by ensuring your fleet of trucks is visually appealing. In addition, you want to avoid the corrosion and deterioration of your vehicles. To ensure these, have a regular car wash and consider quality paint. Also, wash your trucks immediately after the rain and avoid driving into the mud. Ultimately, stay on top of your fleet’s aesthetic appeal.
4. Repair and replace some parts and components
When performing truck inspection and maintenance, it’s most likely that you’ll encounter some problems. They are inevitable as your trucks are subject to wear and tear due to constant use and abuse. Chances are, some vehicle parts and components need to get fixed or replaced altogether. For instance, some of your trucks’ hitches have gotten worn out over time. As such, you need to get new ones and hire professional hitch installation services. If you leave these unattended, they can compromise your delivery service and sabotage your whole business operations.
5. Be wary of the trip condition all the time
It’s easy to focus on your vehicles for your fleet maintenance. However, be wary of the trip condition as well. The environment, particularly the road your trucks take, has a massive impact on your vehicles. You must also consider if your trucks are making a long or short trip. Plus, don’t forget to factor in the loads they’re carrying, whether heavy or not. All these can contribute to your trucks’ overall conditions. Ultimately, the trip condition should determine the kind and frequency of maintenance you’ll perform for your fleet.
6. Always orient your truck drivers about vehicle inspection and road safety
As a fleet manager, you can only do so much for your truck maintenance. Understand, however, that your drivers play a crucial role in keeping your vehicles in top shape and working condition. They are responsible for checking and inspecting the trucks before and after use. They should also be the ones to report any issue encountered when hitting the road. Make sure to educate your drivers on constant vehicle inspection and road safety. You must constantly remind them of their obligations and ensure accountability.
At this point, you now know what it takes to inspect and maintain your fleet for your delivery business. Be sure to consider the truck maintenance tips recommended above, from keeping a log to repairing and replacing some parts to checking the trip condition. All these will keep your fleet in top shape and working condition. Ultimately, your highly maintained trucks can contribute to the overall success of your delivery business.
