Common Mistakes That Semitruck Fleets Make

Running a trucking business requires lots of time and effort, especially for an owner-operator. You will need to manage both the business and the day-to-day operations, such as managing your fleet. To run a successful trucking business, you’ll need a reliable, hardworking fleet of drivers. Look below at some of the common mistakes that semitruck fleets make.

Driving During Rest Breaks

To ensure that they reach their destinations quickly, some truck drivers continue to drive during rest breaks or when tired. This is dangerous for both the driver and any surrounding vehicles. In fact, distracted driving causes a significant number of accidents every year, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. The safest option is for the drivers to take rest breaks when they feel tired or unfocused. While chewing on gum or drinking caffeinated drinks are popular methods, they’re not as effective as taking breaks.

Forgetting Routine Maintenance

Many semitrucks can travel over 1,000,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, if fleets neglect this maintenance, that can decrease significantly. Unfortunately, many fleets forget to care for all their vehicles regularly. All drivers in a fleet should know how to troubleshoot engine problems in commercial trucks and maintain their vehicles. Keep in mind that your fleet drivers don’t need to be expert mechanics. But they should know some of the basics. This knowledge will help your fleet if its trucks malfunction while on the road.

Hiring Poor Management

Another one of the common mistakes that semitruck fleets make is hiring poor management. To run your business smoothly and efficiently, you need to hire reliable managers to help with day-to-day operations. Poor management can cause an endless number of problems for your business, such as poor employee relations, costly errors, an unpleasant work environment, and more. To prevent these issues, be sure to hire only the best people to help you manage your fleet.