4 Tips for Managing a Fleet of Vans

Juggling a number of commercial vans would be a challenge for anyone. There’s so many things to consider when keeping them on the road, whether it be a smaller fleet of vans or larger fleet, Sanderson Leaf Springs has 4 top tips to help you along your way.

By law you must keep all your equipment in exceptional working order, necessary checks must be carried out regularly. Maintaining your vehicles is number one priority. We recommend setting yourself a checklist or timetable to ensure things run smoothly.To accommodate this method give your drivers a checklist of things to be carried out on the vans before they leave the site.

1. Tyre Pressure
2. Tyre Ware and Tare
3. Breaks
4. Windows
5. Mirrors
6. Suspension

Any problems should be reported and taken off the road for necessary repairs.

It is a legal requirement in the uk for any company to check their drivers are licensed legally and properly. All employees should have a personal file and all necessary checks must be carried out thoroughly and photocopies of all documentation proof of license etc should be added to each individual’s file. Failing to carry out necessary checks could affect the company’s insurance in the long run. It’s the company’s responsibility to check all driver’s licenses, company policy should be explained thoroughly to all employees. You should stress how important it is to maintain a valid UK driving license.

It goes without saying that anyone working for your company should receive impeccable training, all rules and regulations should be explained and reinforced regularly. Refreshers must be given as often as possible especially if new vehicles are introduced and everyone must know how to load correctly. It’s important to check your drivers are healthy , monitor any health risks , and carry out regular drug and alcohol tests. Make your employees/drivers aware of all legal requirements including working hours and times, road safety and any speed limits.

Organisation is key when it comes to paperwork , there is less chance of things becoming lost or misplaced. Set up a system that works for you and your staff and is easily accessible to everyone. After all there is so much information to be stored such as MOTs, Road Tax, Fuel recipes & consumption along with many other things. These days it is so much easier to keep on top of things fleet management tools are easily accessible and it’s so much easier to keep things on the right track .