Your truck fleet is one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re running a haulage company or simply operating a removal service for residential households, it’s important to invest in the safety of those vehicles and the drivers who drive them every day. In order to keep your drivers safe on the road and your trucks in good condition over the long-term, consider implementing these five tips into your truck fleet management procedures.
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Reasonable Schedule
Create a schedule that works for your truck drivers and your truck maintenance. Maintenance requirements differ greatly depending on the operating conditions, the frequency of use, the type of trucks, and the general wear and tear. Failure to service your fleet on time puts your drivers at risk.
Additionally, combined with the realities of a driver’s schedule, such as running 1,000-mile journeys across the country regularly, it can make it tough to create a schedule that allows time for rest and maintenance.
Get Yourself A Lawyer Who’s Also a Safety Advocate
Truck accidents are not as frequent as one thinks, but they can have dramatic consequences. In fact, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck trailers are involved in 9% of fatal road collisions. Professional lawyers can help protect your drivers in the event of an accident. Indeed, more often than not, the trucker is not at fault. This is why you might need a great Tampa semi truck accident lawyer.
Install Dash Cameras
A dashboard camera is a great way to protect your truck fleet in the event of a truck accident. Not only can they be used as evidence if trucks are involved in an accident, but they can also be used to help identify the other party so that you can take appropriate legal action.
Additionally, the camera can also record suspicious activities, such as identifying opportunistic criminals who try to sneak into your truck to steal goods.
Finally, if a truck driver is attacked or targeted at any point during their shift, the camera can also ensure you have their backs.
Use Alert Systems
There are many ways to keep your truck fleet safe on the road. One way is by using dashboard cameras and a notification system that alerts you when there are problems on the road ahead. You can be notified of a variety of issues ranging from delays on the road to items being removed from the truck before it reaches its destination. Additionally, if the truck driver is involved in an accident, the notification system can alert you of their location.
Implement reliable GPS navigation
Truck delays can cost a lot of money, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of an accident. One way is by installing reliable Trimble GPS navigation systems in trucks, so drivers will always know where they are. GPS navigation also helps drivers avoid dangerous spots and get back on course if they go off course. Indeed, losing signal when the truck is going through a remote area can be problematic. Trucking companies should rely on experienced software providers with a proven track record of developing safe GPS navigation systems.
Good leadership in a trucking company begins with the safety of your drivers and fleet. Ultimately, you can’t build a profitable business by skipping safety requirements. Keeping your drivers safe and looked after means they are more likely to stay with you and help your business reach the next level.
