Using Predictive Maintenance to Reduce Unnecessary Fleet Costs

The cost of operating a commercial trucking fleet has dramatically increased in recent years. According to a 2018 report from the Fleet Advantage Whitepaper Series, maintenance and repairs are at the forefront as the highest variable and volatile cost of fleet operation. Preventative maintenance strategies combined with predictive maintenance technologies can help managers save on their bottom line and increase efficiency.

Preventative Maintenance for the Unexpected

Unexpected breakdowns were reported as one of the highest cost factors for fleets. Not only do unplanned repairs place unexpected costs on fleets for fixing the problem, but there are additional hidden costs that managers need to consider:

• Driver downtime
• Delivery delays
• Product damage
• Missed unload time window
• Towing expenses
• On time dispatch
• Spare parts and technician labor costs

Fleet managers should develop a step-by-step preventative maintenance plan in order to decrease the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and maximize their budgets. In order for the plan to be effective, drivers must have 100 percent compliance with the maintenance schedule. Pre- and post-trip inspections should be conducted in order to catch repair needs before they become catastrophic in nature. Preventative maintenance should also be a priority during the trip itself, with drivers taking care to visually inspect their trucks between downtime to ensure safety.

Another way to practice preventative maintenance is by setting a tire retreading schedule for your fleet. Having your tires retreaded will reduce costs incurred from replacement tires and prolong the life of your commercial trucking tires in general. Partner with a tire service company to maximize your savings even further and capitalize on available partnership discounts.

Reduced Costs with Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is when drivers intervene with maintenance or repairs before the issue even presents itself. You may be wondering how such a thing is even possible: With predictive maintenance technologies, fleet managers can easily access and track all of their assets. From identifying the exact parts used during your last repair to know the date of your last tire retreading, keeping track of your assets on one, intuitive platform is a great way to stay ahead of imminent repair needs.

By being strategic and analyzing the available asset information at your disposal, you’ll be able to identify areas of your trucking fleet that need improvement before issues ever arise. This in combination with the preventative maintenance your fleet already practices will help you reduce unnecessary maintenance and repair costs even further.

STTC’s Preventative & Predictive Maintenance Capabilities

Partnering with a tire service company is the best way for fleet managers to be proactive about their commercial trucking maintenance and repair needs. STTC provides 24/7 RoadAssist services, allowing fleet managers to partner with our TIA-certified tire technicians for emergency repair services whenever they’re needed. With our available asset tracking and preventative maintenance system, you have pre-schedule you in-shop maintenance needs well in advance so you can be on your way to a better bottom line in no time. Contact our team to get the protection your fleet needs today.