The Top 5 Problems Faced by Transport Managers

In an ever-changing landscape, transport managers need the capability to analyse and resolve problems quickly, because managing vehicles and assets presents a unique set of challenges.

The biggest challenges faced include technological change, driver education and retention, maximising driver safety, asset utilisation and cost reduction.

Here are five ways in which transport managers can utilise technology to address these issues:

1. Handling technological change

The introduction of telematics and fleet management software provides a business with a wealth of valuable information. Access to the right data at the right time is critical to better decision making, however fleet managers must ensure the right information is reaching the right people. To get the best data, fleet managers must ensure that new technology is accepted, understood and effectively used by staff and managers.

2. Keeping drivers on board

The shortage of skilled labour in the current marketplace means that businesses which harness the power of technology hold greater appeal for potential recruits. Reducing admin time, increasing safety and adding an element of digital mastery can all factor into making a job more appealing to the next generation of transport employees.
It’s also important that drivers are kept up to speed with the process of technological change to minimise the risk of potential workplace disruption. The more that drivers are informed about what’s going on in the workplace, the more valued they will feel. Transport managers must work to ensure that new changes in technology are understood and supported by the drivers from inception through to implementation.

3. Maximising driver safety

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), driver safety is a crucial component of an employer’s overall duty of care. Fleet management software provides detailed information on poor on-road behaviour and allows for debriefing and personalised coaching. Addressing risky behaviour enhances the safety of drivers and other road users as well increasing vehicle longevity. Telematics also greatly simplifies maintenance processes with electronic checklists and maintenance scheduling, which help reduce the risk of unexpected on-road mechanical faults.

4. Efficient and effective asset utilisation

The greater the size of the fleet, the greater the task to manage it manually which increases the risk that assets are not being deployed efficiently and it also has negative implications for productivity. Using telematics to manage a fleet is crucial to improving asset utilisation because it provides detailed information on the actual use of the vehicle so transport managers can identify potential savings and deliver real improvements to overall efficiency. Telematics also allows the automation of jobs despatched to drivers allowing tasks to be done quickly and efficiently.

5. Cost reduction

Introducing a telematics system into a business fleet can deliver effective and efficient cost reductions. In the 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report payroll was the greatest area of expense for 56 percent of respondents, while 37 percent cited fuel as their greatest expense and 31 percent reported that equipment and vehicle maintenance was their greatest expense.
Many transport managers are already using technology effectively to stay one step ahead of the challenges they face, delivering positive results across the board, in safety, reliability, efficiency and – ultimately – profitability as well.