Choosing the Fleet Management Company Right For You

Businesses of all sizes benefit from working with a fleet management company. But as a fleet manager or business owner, you might not be fully aware of all the benefits, or you might be unsure how to choose the fleet management company that’s best suited for your needs.

While the advantages are clear—like cost savings and streamlined operations—it can still be tough to figure out what separates one fleet management company from another.

In this article, we’ll break down the core benefits of working with a fleet management company and give you practical tips on how to evaluate your options. By the end, you’ll know how to choose a fleet management company that aligns with your business goals, saves you money, and improves efficiency.

Advantages of Partnering with a Fleet Management Company

When you partner with a fleet management company that understands your needs, you’re working with a team of industry experts focused on helping you meet your objectives.

Whether your goal is to cut down your total cost of ownership, lower fuel expenses, or increase efficiency, a trusted fleet management partner will work closely with you to develop the best strategy.

Cutting Down Costs

Beyond getting the lowest possible purchase price for your vehicles, a fleet management company helps reduce your fuel, maintenance, upfitting, and reselling costs across each vehicle’s lifetime. An FMC also takes over time-consuming administrative tasks such as managing fuel costs, maintenance, and upgrades.  The right fleet management company provides unique solutions, aids in efficient management, and supports your business, freeing you to focus on other vital areas of your operations.

A fleet management company will help find the best possible deals for your business. They achieve this by leveraging their relationships with dealerships and manufacturers and reducing or eliminating extra fees. This results in lower capital costs, and ultimately reduces your total cost of ownership.

Check out five cost-savings reasons to partner with a fleet management company in this article. 

Providing Efficient Management and Support

Managing a fleet can be time-consuming and challenging. Entrusting fleet management to specialists frees up valuable time for you to focus on other parts of your business. Moreover, a professional fleet management company has unique solutions to help you manage your fleet more efficiently. For instance, businesses struggling with tracking fuel and service costs would benefit from managing these costs with a fleet card solution that offers consolidated reporting of all their expenses.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Fleet Management Company

Selecting the right fleet management partner can feel overwhelming. Consider these factors when looking for an FMC that will best meet your needs:

Flexibility to Cater to Unique Needs

Some fleet management companies have a rigid process. Clients are treated uniformly, regardless of their preferences or needs. This might improve internal consistency, but it can come at the expense of the flexibility some clients need. So look for a fleet management company that takes a more personalized, flexible approach.

For example, you may be someone who appreciates phone calls over emails, or vice versa. Since good communication is the basis of a strong relationship, your FMC should prioritize a mode of communication that works for you. Flexibility also means being able to respond quickly when problems arise. If you have an issue with a vehicle, you’ll want to know your fleet management company is working quickly to remedy the problem.

Questions to ask a potential fleet management partner:

• How do you handle unforeseen issues that arise with clients?
• How do you address complex requests from clients?
• How do you regularly communicate with your clients?

Value Client Relationships

At first, you may feel apprehensive about giving up control of your fleet. You might worry that the fleet management company is giving you a generic sales pitch and won’t follow through on their promises. For that reason, your fleet management company should build a strong relationship with you—by regularly checking in, following through with promises, and ensuring you’re happy with how your fleet is being managed.

Questions to ask a potential vendor to determine their quality of client relationships:

• How would you describe your relationships with your clients?
• What specific steps do you take to build strong relationships with your clients?"

To learn why we prioritize client relationships at Foss National Leasing, check out this article that details our approach to customer service. Our outstanding customer service consistently outperforms competitors in speed, reliability, and personalization. This blog will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we help our clients succeed.

Expertise in Your Industry

Not every fleet management company has experience in every industry. As a result, some may not know how to best achieve your goals. When talking with a potential FMC, ask them about their experience working with fleets in your industry. Many of the broad principles of effective fleet management are consistent between industries, but if a fleet management company understands trends and how to reduce costs in your specific industry, it makes a big difference.

Questions to ask to determine their level of experience in your industry:

• What experience do you have working with fleets in my specific industry?
• Do you have any case studies highlighting successes with fleets in my industry?
• Can you share testimonials from current clients in my industry regarding your collaboration?

At Foss, we have several success stories to share from clients in diverse industries. Take a look at our case studies to learn more

Getting Started: How to Choose the Right Fleet Management Company for Your Needs

Selecting a fleet management company is a strategic decision that directly impacts your operational efficiency and cost savings. Here are steps to help you make the right choice:

1. Assess your fleet needs: Begin by evaluating your current fleet operations to pinpoint areas where cost savings and improved efficiencies are needed. Areas to focus on include vehicle acquisition, fuel and maintenance costs, and the administrative burden on your team.
2. Research fleet management companies: Look for companies with experience in your industry, if possible, and a solid track record. Customer reviews, case studies, and peer recommendations are valuable sources of insight.
3. Evaluate services offered: Different fleet management companies provide different services. Ensure the company you choose offers solutions that meet your needs, such as vehicle procurement, telematics, and maintenance support.
4. Compare pricing models: Carefully review each company’s pricing structure. Look beyond initial costs and evaluate potential long-term savings, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.
5. Examine technology and reporting: Data is key to effective fleet management. Choose a company that offers advanced telematics and reporting tools, allowing you to make data-driven decisions and improve fleet performance.
6. Consider integration and flexibility: Ensure the fleet management company can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems and workflows, making the transition smooth and efficient.
7. Negotiate Contracts and Start Small: Once you’ve selected a company, negotiate flexible contract terms. If possible, implement a pilot program to test their services on a smaller scale before fully committing.

Take the Next Step

Now that you know how to choose a fleet management company and understand the key advantages, it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Start by reaching out to prospective fleet management partners, armed with the questions and criteria we’ve outlined in this guide.

By carefully evaluating your options, you’ll be better positioned to select a fleet management company that fits your needs, helps reduce costs, and improves your overall fleet efficiency. Take the next step toward streamlining your operations with the right fleet management partner today!