Choosing The Right Vehicle For Your Fleet

When it comes to purchasing the right vehicle for your fleet the options can be a little overwhelming.

Should you buy or lease? Opt for a car or a van? Go for diesel or an alternative fuel? It's a real paradox of choice, but it's not just the practical issues, the vehicle you choose has to maximise business efficiency and be the most appropriate for the job.

Price

Price, understandably, is often at the top of the list when business are considering purchasing a vehicle, but there's more than just the price tag to consider. Whilst a lower acquisition price or monthly lease costs are significant considerations, that shouldn't overrule other features of your vehicle selection. Making the wrong choices can mean your business ends up paying a large price further down the line.

Businesses should think about the long-term as well as the short-term. Just like at a personal level, being tied into the wrong vehicle can be financially unproductive in the long-term.

The key is to work in partnership with the managers, drivers and other personnel to discover the vehicle needs. Take a rounded approach to recognise the most appropriate vehicle and fleet size to enhance your business.

Your Drivers

As your staff spend the most time in your vehicles, it's good management practise to include them in the decision-making process. It's important that a driver feels comfortable in their vehicle. Many manufacturers are turning their attention to the in-cab aesthetics and ergonomics in a bid to improve driver experience, so speak to your drivers and see what they need in their day-to-day jobs and what would make their life easier? Give your driver's the opportunity to test drive different vehicles to help certify the right one is selected.

Do your drivers have enough experience to drive the preferred vehicle? If you're making significant changes to your fleet you need to be sure your drivers are comfortable behind the wheel, and eligible to drive said vehicle. 

Size and Space

Is the vehicle you're considering right for the type of jobs your business undertakes? Mistakes on vehicle size and ability can be very costly, so choose a vehicle that you know will able to complete the jobs you need it to.

If a vehicle is overloaded it can cause problems for fuel effectiveness and can risk serious consequences such as criminal convictions for drivers and companies.

Vehicle Efficiency and Environment Impact

Businesses throughout the UK are embracing green initiatives to help save the planet and cut costs. With increasing legislation and more importance being placed on lowering emissions, every business now has a major responsibility to make strides towards becoming more eco-friendly, therefore, major considerations need to be made around the efficiency and the emissions your vehicle will release.

With the tax reductions for vehicles that are kinder to the environment, it pays for your business to operate in a more environmentally friendly way. You'll also stay ahead of changes to 'green' rules and regulations.

Ensuring that all of the above points have been addressed before you commit to any vehicle purchase decisions can stop any future costly mistakes. Running the wrong vehicles not only puts your business at risk, but can also be a major barrier to you running your business more efficiently.