Have you ever loaned someone something, like a tool or yard equipment, and had it returned in considerably worse condition than you loaned it? It can be pretty frustrating, especially when you treat your things well and expect the same level of care from others. Imagine if what you loaned cost around $200,000, and imagine if that replacement/repair cost was all on you. It’s pretty sobering, but anyone who is using expensive company equipment should understand the level of responsibility involved. While, fortunately, total losses of fleet vehicles are not common, smaller damages and problems can accumulate to a significant amount. Those damages, interior and exterior, can take a major toll on resale value as well.
Treat Company Property Like It’s Your Own
Because fleet managers can’t keep constant track of the condition of trucks when they are out for weeks at a time, it’s up to drivers to maintain them. It’s tempting to get lazy with cleanliness and maintenance, especially with an older truck, but the best way to stay motivated to keep your truck in peak condition is to treat it the way you would treat your own property. Would you allow your house or your personal vehicle to become neglected and require major costs to repair? When you are responsible for something, it motivates you to take care of it.
Take Ownership
If you don’t want to take literal ownership of your truck, take metaphorical ownership. Say your truck is so cluttered that you lose paperwork and we can’t get paid for a load, a can or bottle runs under your pedals and causes you to crash, or your pet destroys the truck interior. Are you willing to take the financial hits personally? Taking ownership means accepting responsibility and behaving as if everything is riding on your performance.
Policy Enforcement
It’s necessary for fleets to be explicit and transparent regarding truck maintenance and cleanliness expectations and to follow through on that policy. Drivers should be aware of everything that is expected of them and the consequences of non-compliance.
How It Affects You
Repair and maintenance costs are a large part of a fleet’s budget. When equipment isn’t kept in good order, the costs for that eat into other areas of the company where it could be used, including new equipment and even pay and bonuses. The next time you’re tempted to misuse or neglect your equipment, keep in mind that it will affect you down the line. Reach out to the shop crew or your driver manager if you need help maintaining your truck or need advice or supplies to keep it clean.
