Should You Source Your Fleet’s Parts On Your Own?

Managing a large fleet of commercial carriers while ensuring proper maintenance is not an easy job. One of the critical questions is how to source maintenance components. The choice between in-house sourcing and outsourcing fleet parts often boils down to budget, resource availability, fleet size, and business priorities. For most big companies, the work of handling replacement parts is reserved for fleet managers. Sound fleet management is vital in promoting optimal fleet utilization, fuel consumption, and fleet maintenance.  For businesses keen to save money on heavy truck maintenance and repair parts like a clutch, here is a link to buy it at Affordable Heavy Truck Parts. 

In the broader scheme of things, fleet management entails asset tracking and heavy equipment management. The fleet manager also needs to have technical knowledge of the industry, familiarity with state and federal regulations, and a proper understanding of vehicle maintenance. Statistics show most commercial fleet managers in the US do not mandate factory parts or have a preferred brand for procuring replacement parts.Below are effective strategies for sourcing your own fleet parts:

Use The Economies Of Scale To Your Advantage

Economies of scale often result in increased productivity, cost-efficiency, and low cost per unit. The same theory applies when buying fleet components. A fleet manager can order certain parts in large quantities for scheduled maintenance to enjoy the benefits afforded by the economies of scale. The opportunity to stock vast amounts of fast-moving parts while getting the old components off the shelf is bound to save money in the long term. The strategy will also optimize fleet performance and help the business enjoy bulk discounts. A responsive fleet should also consider working with many vendors to obtain the best market deals.

Save Time And Enjoy Better Quality Through Continuous Improvement

Efficient spare part management is a product of best fleet management practices, which entails proper operation strategy and effective inventory control. A dedicated in-house fleet manager can streamline the procurement process by working with a trusted supplier to improve the quality of products they source. The arrangement also makes it easy to spot faults quickly since the client and suppliers know the parts that are needed and how frequently they should be ordered. 

Maintain Strategic Collaboration And Tighter Coordination

The fleet manager plays an instrumental role in identifying the key service areas, maintenance intervals, and the minimum acceptable life cycles for the parts. A strategic collaboration with the parts supplier will create plenty of opportunities to source quality and affordable parts in the shortest time possible. Businesses will also eliminate guesswork when it comes to purchasing authentic, aftermarket parts. A successful collaboration with all the internal organs in the company should effectively bring everybody on board. The parties include business owners and leaders, fleet managers or dispatchers, back-office staff, service managers, mechanics, drivers, and technicians.

Learn Strategies To Reduce Inventory Investment And Logistical Cost

As the budgets get tighter and the cost of parts increases, businesses are becoming wary of setting aside vast amounts of money tied up to cater for fleet management. A well-throughout internal sourcing procedure for maintenance parts and fleet repair has a net positive bearing on fleet management. Aside from overseeing maintenance operations, fleet managers are often forced to spend vast sums of money purchasing components like clutches, tires, replacement fluids, among other suppliers. Taking time to find the most appropriate aftermarket parts dealer will guarantee steady logistical and technical support as well as reduce the overall cost of maintenance. If compelled, the parts supplier can also share new technologies that businesses can use to improve fleet performance.

Use Fleet Management Technology As A Tracking And Monitoring Tool

Access to new transportation and logistical technologies can help businesses with a large fleet of vehicles reduce paperwork, minimize production costs, and enhance planning. Fleet managers working independently can utilize tools like fleet management software to leverage their areas of strength. Some fleet software’s are designed to provide alerts about vehicle maintenance and report driver safety behaviors. Maintenance alerts are vital in ensuring the fleet stays in top shape. The critical maintenance issues that can be tracked to ensure timely delivery include tire rotations, routine oil change, and braking system replacement parts. With regards to monitoring driver safety behaviors, fleet managers can harness the power of the fleet software to track harsh braking, idling, and speeding.