Expanding your fleet is an exciting but frightening prospect. It indicates your company’s success, but it also involves a lot of decisions and moving parts to execute. Are you considering adding more vehicles to your company’s fleet? Here are a few things to think about before making your final decision.
Excessive Downtime
If your current fleet is experiencing more and more downtime, it may be time to purchase some new vehicles. Older vehicles that need constant maintenance may not be worth repairing time and time again. In addition to replacing older vehicles, you may consider adding to your fleet. This will provide a cushion in case another truck is inoperable for a while.
Inefficient Routes
The efficiency of your fleet’s routes is key to your entire operation. As your business grows, you would hope to acquire more clients and, therefore, more stops along your routes. Eventually, though, the demand may become too much for your current fleet to handle. If you’ve already re-evaluated your routes and can’t seem to find an efficient solution for your existing trucks, adding a few new vehicles could be the best option.
Increased Customer Demand
On that note, adding more customers to your list may necessitate adding more vehicles. First and foremost, you want to keep your customers happy and satisfied. You also want to ensure that purchasing another vehicle will align with your long-term goals. In other words, consider your future growth and your expected customer retention before investing in a new truck or two.
Outdated Technology
Old technology in your trucks is not only a pain for your drivers, but it can leave your trucks running inefficiently. This could become a safety hazard. If you’re noticing that your fleet can’t keep up with competitors in terms of technology, it may be time to expand and upgrade to a few newer vehicles.
What to Consider Before Adding to Your Fleet
Adding to your fleet can be an incredible investment in the future of your fleet. However, it’s crucial to ensure you’re making a responsible decision and aren’t simply reacting to a sudden surge in demand.
In terms of budget, weigh your current expenditures compared to the potential savings you could encounter with new vehicles. For example, maintaining older vehicles could be costing you in terms of downtime, repair costs, and upgrades. Purchasing new trucks is a sizable investment, but you may save money in terms of fuel efficiency and increased time on the road.
You should also consider the additional manpower you’ll need to keep up with an expanded fleet. Purchasing a new truck means hiring more drivers and support staff, which will all impact your bottom line. Additionally, consider the increased insurance costs you may encounter.
Finally, think about your capacity. Rapid growth may seem like a good thing, but it can be a nightmare if your company isn’t equipped to deal with it. Will your team have the time to properly care for more trucks and ensure they’re used efficiently?
Find Reliable Partners Like Guttman
If you do decide that now is the time to expand your fleet, you’re going to need some great partners to walk with you on the journey. Guttman Energy can help ensure your fleet always has access to affordable, top-quality fuel to keep your drivers on the road.
Guttman Energy offers a wide range of products and services to benefit your fleet, from our unique fleet fuel card program to biodiesel products to fuel operability programs and more. Each client works with a dedicated Guttman representative to ensure optimum performance all year long, and we’ll continue to grow your services as you grow your fleet.
Contact Guttman Energy today to learn more about how we can support you and your growing fleet.
