Tag: Semi Truck Fleet Management

Five Tips to Improving Your Efficiency as a Fleet Manager

Five Tips to Improving Your Efficiency as a Fleet Manager
Five Tips to Improving Your Efficiency as a Fleet Manager

As a fleet manager, it’s up to you to make sure that your team is working as efficiently as possible. That can sometimes be easier said than done. Sometimes adding certain pieces of equipment, such as a semi trailer mover, can make a big difference. But there’s actually a lot more that can be done as well.

Top Tips for Fleet Managers

Keeping everyone safe and keeping your operation running smoothly are your two top priorities. Here are some ways to accomplish both:

– Keep maintainence hassle-free – You expect your drivers to keep up with the maintenance of their vehicles, but it can be easy for them to put it off if you don’t have a good system in place. You may even want to consider using software that gives them timely reminders.

– Create purchasing and disposal plans for vehicles – You don’t want people in other departments to purchase new vehicles on a whim, or keep old ones longer than they should. Make sure you have guidelines in place to help them with these important decisions.

– Set driver performance goals – People tend to do better at their jobs when they know they have goals to reach. Your drivers are no exception to this rule. Don’t be afraid to set standards for them and expect them to reach them. If they don’t, you can then address those areas with them personally.

Being a Proactive Fleet Manager When it Comes to Safety and Efficiency

It’s very important to have the right equipment for your staff. Without it, they can’t do their jobs well. Have you considered adding a semi trailer mover? It might be one of the best decisions you ever made! Contact us at DJ Products to learn how we can help.

Is Your Fleet Winterized? Tips on Getting Ready for Cold Weather

Staying Warm on the Job Can Prevent Employees from Coming Down with Illness. Take Precautions!
Staying Warm on the Job Can Prevent Employees from Coming Down with Illness. Take Precautions!

Your terminal tractors may not need to be dressed for the winter weather, but your rigs do. Are yours ready? The frigid temperatures of winter deliver snow and ice that make trucking tasks increasingly difficult and dangerous. Many accidents on America’s congested roads lie at the hands of such weather, with 467 fatalities annually resulting from icy conditions, and nearly one-quarter of vehicle crashes caused in whole or part by inclement weather according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Luckily, however, with a bit of preventative winterization maintenance, you can limit risk.

Seven Ways to Prepare Your Fleet for Cold Weather:

Maintain Tire Health
Responsible for 1-of-11 crashes, watch for uneven tire wear indicating alignment or bearing/kingpin issues. Be sure to check tire pressure as temperatures drop as well: Tire pressure decreases with temperature, increasing rolling resistance and impacting fuel economy.

Watch out for ‘Fuel Gelling’
In cold weather, fuel molecules can gel or wax-up and cling together. Winterize fuel to prevent fuel filter clogs and protect MPG with the right additives/fuel treatments.

Keep Water Out of Fuel Sources
Water will settle into the lowest point of fuel filters, tanks and hoses, freezing. To ensure fuel gets safely to the engine, water contamination must be eliminated.

Check Battery & Fluid Levels
Monitor charge levels, replace washer fluid with ‘no-freeze’ alternatives, and ensure proper coolant levels.

Ensure Maximum Visibility
Always keep windows clean and clear.

Stock Your Cab
With extra water and non-perishable food in the event you may become stranded.

Drive Differently
Slow down and use extra caution when driving in rain, sleet, snow, ice, fog, and wind, as other drivers struggle with the weather.

Increase safety from dockside to doorstep. Learn more about terminal tractors from DJ Products today.

Winter Trucking Tips to Revisit with Your Drivers

Keep Your Fleet Safe in Winter with These Tips
Keep Your Fleet Safe in Winter with These Tips

Winter driving conditions require a specific skillset. Big rig operators must not disregard the need to alter driving habits in such dangerous conditions. Before your terminal tractors deliver another trailer for haul, ensure drivers make smart decisions by revisiting these essential winter driving safety skills.

Slow Down

Driving in snow and ice is riskier due to poor traction, increased stopping time/distances, reduced visibility, and the unpredictable nature of other drivers. Slowing down should be a top priority for every driver. Speed is the top cause for at-fault accidents. Speed kills!

Personal Space

Drivers should leave plenty of room between the vehicle in front of the truck (and those beside, when possible). Likewise, avoid moving ‘in packs,’ traveling alone to maximize the distance around your vehicle.

Don’t ‘Follow the Leader’

Remember Lemmings? If the vehicle ahead makes an error, so will you. Besides, when visibility is low, seeing the taillights of the vehicle ahead means you’re too close.

Know When to Get Off the Road

If the weather is so severe you wonder if you should get off the road – just do it. Delivery pressures may be high, but safety and lives are paramount. Don’t feel like you’re letting anyone down by playing it safe.

No Hovering

In low visibility situations, don’t stop on the shoulder. Drivers could mistake your vehicle as in-motion and slam into the back of your rig.

Don’t Wing It

Perform ALL necessary safety/equipment/fluid checks before heading off to prevent becoming stranded in winter storms. (And pack an emergency kit just in case. A smart trucker is always prepared.)

Safety issues or late delivery have you on thin ice? Increase safety and productivity with the help of terminal tractors from DJ Products today.