Whether you run a delivery service or you run a business that has incorporated its own deliveries, the cost of a fleet of vehicles can be very heavily felt on the wallet. They may very well be the most expensive assets in the business if you don’t own your own property. But that doesn’t mean you should give them free reign to take up as much of your finances as they do. Here are a few ways to pull back the costs and make the business all the more profitable.
Know your vehicles
The vehicles themselves will be the most expensive aspect of owning a business fleet and running deliveries. Not only should you endeavor to reduce buying costs where possible, but you should also make sure you’re relying on proper fleet maintenance teams instead of regular mechanics, who can provide the specific expertise you need to keep the vehicles in good condition and often at a lower cost. You should also be well aware of when it’s time to retire a vehicle and sell it instead of continuing to provide maintenance. You might think it’s cheaper to just keep repairing an old vehicle instead of buying a new one, but when said repairs become too common, it can end up costing you a lot more.
Know what’s in the tanks
There are plenty of ways to reduce the fuel costs of the fleet, as well. The first is to make sure drivers are properly trained in fuel-efficient driving, such as accelerating and decelerating more smoothly. Research fuel providers for different regular spots that drivers visit, too. The how and when of fueling can play a huge factor in the cost.
Know the right way
GPS tracking devices and software can play a large role in the two points above. Finding shorter routes to key destinations means less wear and tear on the vehicle. If you’re able to find direct, easy routes, then you’re also likely to consume much less fuel on each journey. It’s also worth considering ensuring that your drivers are taking routes that allow them to hit as many delivery spots as possible. That way you can transport more goods on each trip and spend less money on fewer drives.
Know when to not do it yourself
If you’re not running a delivery service but only incorporating internal deliveries as part of the business, you should also know when to outsource. The more common a route or delivery destination, the more economical it is to keep in the business. However, if it’s a seldom visited location or particularly out of the way, you have to consider hiring a fulfillment company or courier to take it for you. Selling through businesses that provide delivery options like Amazon can also help reduce the workload of handling all the deliveries yourself.
Efficiency and effectiveness are the two most important things in scaling back the costs of your delivery service. Keep an eye on those costs often and always ask yourself if there’s a way to reduce them without diminishing the service provided to your customers.