There are a lot of aspects to consider when running a logistics company. Planning out routes for your drivers. Trying to attract new clients. Ensuring current customers are happy with the service they receive. Yet, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important elements for this business type: safety.
With the nature of your fleet being on the road, this presents an increased risk of accidents and collisions happening. If they occur, it can have numerous ramifications. First, it can cause injuries (or worse) for your drivers and other vehicle passengers. Second, it can be a costly expense for your business. Finally, it can also lead to permanent damage to your brand’s reputation.
To limit the possibility of large accidents happening, here are four steps to protect your fleet.
1. Utilize real-time alerts
Human error is the cause of most vehicle crashes. No matter how experienced, when a driver has been on the road for hours, it’s all too easy for them to become distracted – and this is how accidents can occur. All it takes is a couple of seconds for something to go wrong.
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To limit the possibility of collisions, you can use real-time alerts. The Mobileye Collision Avoidance System, for instance, provides warnings for the likes of forward collisions and lane departures. The audio and visual alerts supplied by the system can make all the difference in avoiding a crash.
2. Stick to all legal regulations
This is an obvious point, but it’s one that needs to be reiterated. All logistic companies in the US have to follow the regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
The FMCSA clarifies the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, and this should be carried out before and after each trip. Your drivers might feel aggrieved at having to inspect the brakes, tires, electrical wiring, etc., regularly, but it could be the difference in keeping them and others safe. If faulty brakes are discovered, have them fixed by hiring a professional brake repair technician or Diesel Trailer Mechanic before you dispatch the vehicle. On the other hand, if you notice that the air conditioning system is not working in good condition, then you might want to have it repaired with the help of Truck fleet ac services.
3. Implement safer communication
If one of your employees begins to use their smartphone while driving, this suddenly ramps up the chances of them becoming distracted. Even though the FMCSA has placed certain regulations on smartphone usage – including a ban on texting while driving – it’s still important you incorporate safe communication practices with your fleet.
This can include safety guides that instruct drivers that they should pull over and stop if they need to get in touch with someone. You can also incorporate safer communication methods that don’t distract in the same way as, say, text messaging.
4. Regularly revisit safety guidelines
Simply put, one-and-done training is never going to work in the logistics industry. Road threats are always evolving, and it’s important your drivers are aware of these when they appear.
Not only that, but you also need to continually refresh your employees on safety procedures. By taking this approach, there’s less chance they will forget about a certain rule or inspection task and ultimately less risk of an accident happening.
