How Do I Improve My Fleet Uptime?
Maximizing fleet uptime is imperative year-round for last-mile delivery contractors, and it’s especially important during peak season - particularly in a year of restricted inventory. Every mile and every dollar matters towards your performance and your profitability.
Coaching and incentivizing your drivers to diligently complete their (required!) pre- and post-trip inspections goes a long way towards better fleet maintenance, and, as a result, a better bottom line for your business.
How Important Are Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections?
The math is clear: skipped pre- and post-trip inspections can lead to fleet maintenance problems, and those can get costly quickly. Safe, upkept vehicles lead to happier drivers, who contribute to better cared for trucks, which improve employee retention - and all of that generates a more optimal bottom line with fewer maintenance expenses.
Picture this - it’s morning dispatch, and your BC arrives at the terminal early to hide sticky notes under your vehicles’ hoods, on the dipsticks. They read, “Come see your BC.”
How many of your drivers do you think would actually find that note?
That number is directly correlated to the number of drivers completing their pre-trip inspections - checking fluid levels and other important items.
An experiment like this highlights how much coaching your team might require. Make it fun for the team - incorporate creative incentives and prizes! Maybe one day it’s a $5 gift card for coffee, and the next it’s for $50 at a major retailer.
Which Inspection Items Contribute Most to Fleet Uptime?
Not all inspection checklist items are created equal - some seemingly simple items have an outsized impact, leading to huge payoffs with fairly minimal effort. Obviously you want your drivers checking everything on the list, every time - but which ones impact fleet uptime the most? Here are the top 5 items that affect your fleet uptime:
Fluids - especially oil and coolant
Lights - all external lights, including clearance markers and turn signals
Mirrors - both their condition and their adjustment
Tires - are they DOT compliant?
Horn - does it function properly?
At the end of the day, improving fleet uptime isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns - it’s about building a culture of accountability, safety, and pride in your operation. When your drivers understand how their daily inspections impact both their own success and the company’s bottom line, everyone wins.
A proactive maintenance mindset keeps your trucks on the road, your routes on schedule, and your business running smoothly, through peak season and beyond.
