"Managing a fleet goes far beyond organizing and optimizing activities concerning company vehicles, it's about being responsible for planning and putting into practice the entire flow of those processes."
1. How long have you been working at Sociprime?
I started my career at Sociprime in February 2018 in the fleet department, where I have progressed until now as Fleet Manager.
2. What are the benefits of fleets planning and management?
Many people, despite understanding the concept of fleet management, still don't understand how important it is for business. After all, managing a fleet goes far beyond organizing and optimizing the activities related to the company's vehicles, it is being responsible for planning and putting into practice the entire flow of these processes. Thus, fleet management is responsible for keeping all activities up to date, besides increasing vehicle productivity, decreasing expenses and operational costs, and making the correct management of resources.
3. What future challenges do you foresee in your industry?
I identify 3 major concerns for the future:
- Maintaining vehicle availability and upkeep;
Having fully functioning and well-maintained vehicles at all times is a fleet management challenge that, in fact, many companies don't give enough importance to. But the state of conservation of the vehicles is fundamental for the entire operation and safety of a corporate fleet.
- Ensuring the drivers' safety;
When we talk about safety, besides the vehicle insurance itself, it is important to think about specifically avoiding issues such as accidents, theft, and vehicle robbery. Drivers must also be well trained and encouraged to behave well in traffic, avoiding accidents and preserving lives. In addition, safety should refer to the proper functioning of the vehicles, which should be constantly monitored and have their preventive maintenance always up to date.
- Reduce spending on fuel.
A good fleet management strategy must take into account the variation of fuel prices, always aiming to reduce spending on vehicle supply. In this sense, one of the great challenges is the constant price increases, both for gasoline and diesel. Of course, the challenge is still the hybrid, electric and, in the future, autonomous driving.
André Carreira | Fleet Manager