Can you have it all?
Managing safety, security, drivers, vehicles and compliance… there’s no doubt it’s a mammoth task. But can you have it all?
Of course you can – and you must! After all, a safe and compliant fleet is not just a nice to have. It’s a necessity.
Managing a world class fleet is all about managing risk in three core areas: compliance, safety and security. And if you manage the risks, the rewards will follow.
What does World Class Fleet Safety, Security and Compliance look like?
Fewer road incidents, including accidents and bridge strikes
In the event of an incident, improved visibility with instant and accurate reporting
Improved driver behaviours and driver performance
Fewer speeding instances
Lower insurance premiums
Reduction in theft and stolen goods
Lower vehicle maintenance and vehicle repair costs
Fewer hold ups with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
World Class Compliance: Going Above & Beyond
When it comes to compliance, fleet operators often find themselves balancing the demands of legal requirements with the complexities of day-to-day operations.
In the UK logistics industry, where thousands of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travel hundreds of thousands of miles daily, compliance isn’t just a legal checkbox – it’s a vital component of risk management.
…being called to a Public Inquiry in 2023/24 for an offense meant you had a 31% chance of losing your operating license?
From licensing and registration to driver safety and vehicle maintenance, achieving world class compliance requires a strategic approach, supported by smart technology and robust practices.
There’s lots to consider, so ask yourself the following questions:
Licences – do your drivers have the right paperwork for the vehicles they drive? And are they in date?
Audit trails – is your organisation prepared for an audit by the DVSA?
Vehicle maintenance – do you keep track of MOTs, servicing schedules and trailer health checks?
Vehicle walkaround checks – do your drivers include checks as part of their daily routine?
Insurance – do you have the right type – and level – of cover? And are there ways to reduce your premium?
Tachograph analysis – do your drivers exceed legal working hours? If yes, what are the risks?
World Class Fleet Safety: Raising the Bar
So, you have a compliant fleet – your drivers are insured, your vehicles are roadworthy, and your records are meticulously maintained. But does compliance alone guarantee safety?
The truth is, compliance is just the beginning. A truly world class fleet goes beyond the basics, constantly evolving with advancements in safety technology and best practices.
…distraction is an increasingly key risk factor in accidents? Around 80% of accidents on UK roads in 2022 were caused by distracted driving.
But what risks are too often hidden from view?
Pay attention! It could be the difference between life and death, so make sure you ask yourself some hard-hitting questions, including:
Dangerous driving – do your drivers put themselves – and others – at risk? And what visibility do you have?
Driver training – do you operate a driver excellence programme, or encourage regular training?
Bridge strikes – do your drivers understand the impact of bridge strikes, and know how to avoid them?
Route planning – do you have access to optimised routes?
Safety technology – do you take advantage of smart, safety technology?
Accident management – do you have a process in place for accident resolution?
By equipping drivers with the right tools, promoting safe driving behaviours and using technology to anticipate and manage risks, you set the gold standard in safety.
World Class Security: Levelling Up
Fleet crime is on the rise, and the stakes have never been higher.
With trucks and their valuable cargo becoming increasingly attractive targets for thieves, many transport companies are stepping up their security measures.
…UK companies reported £22.7m of cargo theft in 2023? That’s an average loss of £1.5m a day!
The good news? Technology is transforming fleet security, offering innovative ways to manage risk and protect your assets – and these tools are helping fleet operators stay one step ahead of potential threats while offering peace of mind.
But are you doing everything you can to protect your fleet? It’s time to ask yourself…
Asset tracking – do you know the real-time location of your assets, or take advantage of geofencing tech?
Trailer door sensors – do you have a first line of defence?
Security technology – do you use technology that triggers instant alerts if malicious behaviour is detected?
CCTV – do you use state-of-the-art cameras across your fleet?
Lone-worker solutions – do your remote drivers have access to SOS alerts, in case of an emergency?
A world class fleet is in your reach
Yes, there are a lot of moving parts, and lots to consider but there is also lots of synergy between each of these core areas of compliance, safety and security.
Finding a technology partner who can deliver an end-to-end solution will offer you that scalability, so you don’t have to tackle everything in one go.
You will also find you will have lots in your locker already. You may just need additional, expert guidance to identify how your business can level up and become truly world class.
Resources
How about some handy resources to help advise and support you on your journey? Check out our latest Whitepapers and explore more on World Class Risk, Safety and Compliance.
