How to Improve Communication Across Your Fleet

Depending on the extent of your operations, you may have dozens of drivers working for your business. With employees traveling all over the region, it's important to have a strong line of communication for travel updates, questions, and instructions. You could be thousands of miles away from your closest driver, so utilizing the best fleet communication practices and technology is the best way to ensure success.

Why Fleet Communication Matters

Drivers encounter new situations on the road each day. From inclement weather and traffic jams to collisions, professionals have to think quickly and adapt. An extra few hours behind the wheel can result in driver fatigue and delayed vehicle maintenance, so it's vital for fleet managers to emphasize communication strategies.

Fleet managers need a way to communicate with drivers in real time. Informing employees about changes on the road and delivery updates allows your company to simplify travel tasks. It can take time to choose the right communication strategies for your staff, but focusing on this area of your business helps with the following:

• Streamlining Driver Efficiency: Fleet managers can monitor travel routes and weather patterns from remote locations. An open communication system makes it possible for managers to help drivers dodge detours and take logical routes.
• Responding to Emergencies: Be the first to know if a truck breaks down during transit and send instructions to drivers regarding the next steps. Your employees will feel valued if an emergency occurs.

Fleet Communication Best Practices

A solid fleet communication strategy is necessary for professionals spanning all industries. You can create a positive and productive work environment by considering these tips for improving fleet communication:

1. Have a Written Driver Communication Strategy

Drivers should be aware of communication expectations. The first step in improving fleet communication is to roll out a strategy that links various departments together and gives all employees a voice. Fleet companies consist of drivers, maintenance professionals, and dispatchers. These departments should be able to communicate with upper management to explain what is going well and what additional help they need to do their jobs.

Managing fleet communication efforts is equally as important as keeping track of business assets. It is recommended that fleet managers come up with a fleet policy and have it in writing. Rather than sending the written policy to workers via email, organize face-to-face meetings to address what you expect from employees and how they can reach you. You have the potential to cut costs and minimize problems on the road when employees have a strong understanding of communication protocols.

2. Use Fleet Technology and Tools

Communication devices make it easy for drivers to stay in touch with upper management for anything from asking general questions to receiving detailed instructions. One of the best tips for improving fleet communication involves adopting new technology for employee messaging.

We create innovative cabin technology for fleet businesses, and we encourage professionals to check out our driver workflow solutions. Communicate with drivers instantly from your mobile device or tablet thanks to our integrated fleet messaging software. You and your employees can check work messages in one convenient place to streamline tasks.

Fleet managers may use the our fleet portal to generate reports and custom messages for workers. Enter as many contacts as you need with alerts that tell you who is currently using the Driver App.

3. Listen to Your Drivers

Fleet drivers are some of the most valuable assets for your business. These individuals keep your operations moving year-round, so it is crucial that you create a safe and desirable work environment for them.

One of the ways to improve fleet communication is to reach out to drivers for feedback. Ask employees about their job tasks and inquire more about what you can do to make them more confident on the road. Be transparent and see if drivers have any frustrations you can eliminate. Going the extra mile for your drivers shows them that you care about their well-being.

4. Start Preparing Now

Implementing the right communication strategy will take time. However, you can get all employees on board with policy updates by brainstorming your improvement process now. Consider partnering with some of your most trusted employees to develop a communication strategy that complements all departments. Make sure to set realistic goals for your fleet company with a specific rollout date in mind.

Use Fleet Devices to Communicate with Your Drivers

Make communication across your company easy with our fleet solutions. With our best-in-class truck navigation devices you can keep your drivers safe and your deliveries on time. You can also use our convenient platform to chat with your drivers. All of our technology is simple to configure, with 24/7 support available. For pricing information, fill out a contact form to speak with one of our team members.