Not Running As Effeciently As You'd Like? How To Increase The Profitability And Efficiency Of Your Small Trucking Company
If you run a small trucking company, efficiency has got to be your number one concern. If your company isn't running efficiently, you're going to be losing money, customers, and employees. Unfortunately, that's a good way to also lose your business, which is something you don't want to have happen. Even if your business isn't running efficiently right now, it can get there. In fact, with the right steps, you can be on the fast-track to increased efficiency, productivity, and profit. Here are three steps you need to take to improve your trucking company.
Utilize Fuel Cards
If you're paying cash for your fuel or you're reimbursing your drivers for the cost of the fuel, you may be spending more on fuel than you need to be. Unfortunately, when you're running a trucking company, fuel tends to eat up a large portion of your budget. Luckily, it doesn't need to be that way. In fact, there's a relatively easy way to reduce your fuel costs, while making life easier on you and your drivers. Utilizing fuel cards allows you to eliminate the middle man in the fuel line because you deal directly with the fuel company. Most fuel cards offer you the incentive of lower fuel costs at the pump, along with additional perks for the drivers, such as bonus points on merchandise inside the fuel stop markets. Not only that, but many fuel cards also provide access to free showers for your drivers along the route.
Insist on Proper Maintenance
If your trucks aren't running properly, you're losing money. First, a poorly maintained truck will burn more fuel, which means your fuel costs will escalate. Second, poorly maintained trucks break down more frequently, which means your repair costs will escalate. Finally, poorly maintained trucks reduce the efficiency with which you can make your deliveries. By insisting on proper maintenance, you'll be able to control your fuel costs, reduce downtime, and increase customer satisfaction.
Invest in the Right Software
If you're still doing your paperwork the old-fashioned way, with a pencil and paper, you're wasting time and money. Not to mention that fact that productivity isn't going to be where it should be. When you run a trucking company, you need to invest in the right computer software. Small trucking company software will allow you to monitor day-to-day operations, keep track of costs, and schedule truck maintenance, all through one program.