As the manager of your fleet, you will want to develop strong and strict protocols for your employees to use the vehicles – don’t hand them the keys and cross your fingers. And you’re going to want to have a bird’s eye view of your fleet and your needs. So, optimizing vehicle usage is a key strategy for reducing the total cost of ownership of a fleet of leased vehicles. Here are some ways that you can optimize vehicle usage:

Monitor vehicle usage: Companies can use telematics and GPS tracking systems to monitor vehicle usage and identify opportunities to optimize routes and reduce idle time. This information can be used to adjust driver behavior and optimize vehicle usage to reduce fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and extend the life of the vehicles.

Improve driver behavior: Driver behavior can have a significant impact on the total cost of ownership of a fleet of vehicles. Companies can implement driver training programs to help drivers adopt safe and efficient driving habits, such as reducing idling, avoiding hard braking and acceleration, and maintaining proper tire pressure. These habits can help reduce fuel consumption, extend the life of the vehicles, and reduce maintenance costs.

Right-size the fleet: Companies should ensure that their fleet is properly sized to meet their needs. An oversized fleet can result in unnecessary fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and lease expenses. By right-sizing their fleet, companies can ensure that they are using their vehicles efficiently and avoid paying for vehicles that are not needed.

Schedule maintenance and repairs proactively: Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and reduce repair costs. Companies should implement a proactive maintenance program that includes regular inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, and other preventative measures. This can help identify and address issues before they become more serious, reducing downtime and repair costs.