How to Stay Relevant in the Courier Industry

Fleet managers must tackle many new challenges as evolving technology makes its impact on the logistics industry. Not only must they handle this high level of technological change themselves, they also need to make sure all their staff are enthusiastic and informed about the enactment of changes. They must ensure high levels of productivity, whilst securing the safety of road users and strict compliance across their workforce.

These tasks can seem daunting, but technological advances are key to solving the problems. Tech is not the enemy – in fact, it could transform your working life for the better.

How Can Technology Help You?

Many fleet managers do make good use of tech to help solve various issues they face. If you feel that you could make more of these resources, read on to discover how embracing technology could help you.

• Maintenance

If you are not already using tech to help maintain your company’s vehicles, then you are missing out. Tracking systems make preventative maintenance so easy, flagging up potential issues before they become serious problems. Preventative or predictive maintenance leads to less unscheduled downtime and a reduction in many of the costs associated with urgent vehicle maintenance.

Fleet managers also are responsible for their drivers’ well-being, making sure that all the vehicles they use are up to standard is part of the role

• Behaviour Behind the Wheel

Of course, the actions of the individual have a huge impact on road safety. However, as a supervisor, you can take steps to ensure the safety of your workforce. For example, you can work to prevent distraction on the roads. Tools such as scorecards, dash cams and apps that block some phone functions can encourage drivers to stay focused.

• Compliance

There are lots of tools that can be used to ensure compliance is maintained. Remote tachograph reporting means that you can monitor working patterns, including hours worked, and identify any problem areas. Therefore, you can avoid sanctions to the business and risks to the safety of employees.

Driver scorecards, created by drawing on data collected by telematics systems, can be used to assess driver performance. You could use these to reward consistent performance, encourage safe driving, or flag up hazardous behaviour. Using these tools will not only give you a clearer oversight of your workforce, it will also help you identify areas for improvement.

• In-Vehicle Cameras

In-vehicle cameras work brilliantly to both monitor and protect. They provide great evidence of the behaviour of the vehicle user, so can be used in evaluation and training. They also provide indisputable evidence against fraudulent insurance claims.

Of course, technology isn’t going to solve every problem you encounter. However, it can certainly go a long way to helping fleet managers in their day-to-day working life. It is more important than ever to keep up with industry progress and not get left behind.

Author Plate

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day jobs in the express freight exchange industry. For drivers, fleet managers or anyone looking to transport goods, Courier Exchange connects professionals across the UK and Europe. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.