If your business relies heavily on the use of company vehicles, you must give them the attention that they deserve. Otherwise, you will later come to regret it.
From a fleet of trucks to cars used by salespeople, the vehicles are huge assets. Therefore, it’s vital that you unlock their full potential to boost productivity, cost-efficiency, and brand image. It is an issue that many entrepreneurs overlook, but going the extra mile with the following tips will help you gain a serious advantage.
Invest in the look of your vehicles
After spending time and money researching the right vehicle models for your employees, it would be a shame to leave things there. After all, a little customization can truly make your assets stand out. Aside from impressing the drivers, it can leave a lasting impact on passengers or passersby.
Professional automotive tinting instantly gives vehicles a more iconic appearance. Better still, it is a fantastic way to prevent UV damage to the interiors. In turn, this should keep the vehicle looking its best for far longer. On a side note, tinting aids temperature control.
You should still encourage regular car cleaning services for the interiors and exteriors to maintain its appeal. If drivers actively take pride in their cars, it will not go unnoticed.
Brand the vehicles
Adding visually pleasing features like tinting can create a more professional vibe. However, there may be opportunities to help your vehicles make an even bigger impact via branding.
The use of vehicle vinyls is a great option. As long as you choose a company that uses the best printing techniques and careful installations, they can transform your cars. Designs could include your brand colors, brand logo, and contact details. In turn, this turns every van, truck, or car into a moving billboard.
Thousands of road users and pedestrians will see the vehicle weekly. So, there is a strong chance that it will boost your brand visibility and result in more leads. If you have a fleet of vehicles, having the same branding across the board will work wonders.
Keep vehicles in better health
Vehicles can become a great branding tool for the business. First and foremost, though, you must pay attention to their function. After all, you will not see the benefits of your vehicles if they are regularly in garages for repairs.
Maintaining good vehicle health is a responsibility that should be shared by businesses and drivers alike. Regular servicing is vital for keeping drivers safe and is particularly vital for vehicles that cover many miles. Basic maintenance like topping up the fluids or air pressure in the tires will also have a positive impact.
Crucially, drivers must act responsibly behind the wheel. Otherwise, vehicles will encounter damage more frequently. This will impact productivity and increase your overheads.
Utilize fleet management tools
When thinking about ways to unlock the full potential of your vehicles, it’s not just about the looks and performance. You also need to consider the journeys that they encounter.
Dedicated fleet management software is one of the greatest investments you’ll ever make. They allow you to monitor where drivers are located at any moment. When combined with real-time traffic data, it is possible to reroute them as required. It helps avoid delays and dispatches the right driver to the right job.
Fleet management is ideal for trucks, delivery drivers, chauffeurs, salespeople, and all drivers. In addition to strategically managing journeys, it is a great way to monitor your employees on the road.
Train your drivers
The importance of drivers staying responsible behind the wheel has already been mentioned. This should extend to avoiding drowsy driving, as well as the obvious issues like drunk driving. Still, advanced training can work wonders.
For starters, you must ensure that all employees have the relevant skills and qualifications for their vehicles. From commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) to forklift permits, all drivers must take the latest exams. Meanwhile, advanced defensive driving courses can unlock increased efficiency as well as safety.
Highly trained drivers will produce better results while also giving you an extra source of confidence. The benefits of getting this right are clear.
Look for new revenue streams
As with any business asset, the success of vehicle ownership is heavily influenced by the financial outcomes. Any opportunity to create new revenue streams should be grabbed.
Company vans and trucks could be used to deliver goods on behalf of other companies. This makes better use of your space, especially when another firm’s goods are going to the same location. Other options include hiring your assets out to individuals or other businesses, even for lessons. Alternatively, you could sell advertising space on the vehicle.
Making extra money from the vehicles even when they are not in use will have an immensely positive impact on your bottom line. You could potentially earn from them on a 24/7 basis or at times when the company is temporarily closed.
Resell at the right price
Getting more out of vehicles during the time that the company uses them is the priority. However, you should also understand how to maximize their financial value when you no longer need them. For starters, you should prepare vehicles for sale.
A little cleaning and restoration could significantly boost the sale price. Perhaps more importantly, you should understand the expense category that a vehicle falls under. And learn how to file the transactions. This can help reduce your tax obligations, thus ensuring that the assets continue to deliver the best results up to the point of sale.
Whether the added finances support you with the future vehicle purchases or other business endeavors is up to you. Either way, it is a step that you should complete with every vehicle.
Conclusion
Company vehicles are important assets. Therefore, it’s critical that you make the most of them. Enhancing their performance, appearance, and cost-efficiency should deliver great results. For drivers and the company alike.
Better still, once you have established a winning strategy and gained a company-wide buy-in, the rest comes easily. The road to sustained success starts now.
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