With CSA 2010 hanging over everyone’s heads, outsourcing maintenance may help fleets be better prepared, notes C. Oren Summer, president & CEO of FleetNet America, Inc. He goes on to say, “The main concept is putting an emphasis on preventive maintenance inspections. This includes a variety of requirements in preparation for CSA 2010. Included in this broad spectrum is additional focus to pre-trip and post-trip inspections, either by drivers or maintenance personnel. In a few words, this is the method of accommodating CSA 2010. Having said that, FleetNet has already been contacted by many fleets that have either transient or non-captive equipment, and are very concerned that they may be at risk for violations. These companies have made cognizant and thought-out decisions to take a proactive approach to CSA 2010 and in many cases this is the most efficient method of driving affirmative compliance status. There is no doubt that this is where outsourcing can save a lot of fleets time and money.”
The other approach is to get a tight grip on the captive fleets’ maintenance programs. Summer says that justifying these highly controlled captive maintenance programs are also another valid and cost justification for outsourcing. There are many fleets out there today who do not possess the IT sophistication to track and maintain these vital inspections. An outsource partner with a high level of support data management can effectively become the strategic partner. It is concerning that much of the equipment that is on the road and subject to violations is, in many situations, simply not available for company-owned shops’ timely inspections, thus making this equipment vulnerable to the NHTSA’s CSA requirements.
Summer believes in outsourcing, but notes that the items listed below are extremely important when selecting the right outsourced service and partner:
Develop a strategy for outsourcing
Establish a rigorous provider selection process
Clearly define expectations
Develop a good contract
Establish sound policies and procedures
Identify and avoid potential points of friction
Communicate effectively with your partner
Measure performance and communicate results
Motivate and reward your provider
Be a good partner
Documentation, maintenance reports
According to Summer, “The only way to measure your decision to outsource is initially defined in the above prerequisites. Fleets that consider and engage outsourcing must be sure that the selected provider can supply any and all pertinent data. This database must be prolific in regimentation, definition, and quantitative design. Your provider must be able to not only capture this data in substantive VMRS detail, but also be able to programmatically design any report that the customer needs and wants. It is clear that the IT support is expensive for the service providers, but its value to fleet management is unparalleled in importance.”
Outsourcing benefits
When asked about recent increases in outsourcing maintenance and why it is beneficial to fleets, the maintenance provider at TA Truck Service and Petro:Lube explained that today’s trucks and trailers require specialized, trained technicians and the right equipment and diagnostics are needed to properly maintain the vehicle. Staffing a shop can add many headaches to a trucking company. Technicians need to be trained, and should be certified, to work on some equipment. Inventory is also of concern. If you don’t have what you need on the shelf you’re going to spend time and money sending a technician to go get it. The cost of stocking tires, filters, wheel ends, and parts as well as maintaining this inventory can be a huge drain on a company’s finances.
When looking for an outsourced truck maintenance provider, TA Truck Service and Petro:Lube’s expert said it is an important business decision for a fleet. The provider needs to be able to fulfill all needs including the forms the fleet requires, the product specification requirements, as well as a team of quality technicians able to perform the repairs.
Another consideration should be the affiliations the provider has with truck manufacturers and quality brands of the parts they offer. A truck maintenance provider is being trusted with the fleet’s livelihood and should work with you to determine the preventive maintenance intervals, DOT inspections and replacement tire needs as well as provisions for road call assistance. When looking at outsourcing keep in mind that the more services the provider can supply the easier it will be to keep costs under control. The fleet sets the specifications, the provider helps keep the trucks rolling.
Record keeping
Automation in today’s industry makes this process much more streamlined. When a truck pulls in for repair the work order and estimates can be electronically provided to the maintenance manager along with photographs. The fleet maintenance manager will review the estimate and make any specification adjustments or, if correct, authorize the work to be completed. The fleet can view at any time the status of the vehicle and how long it will be out of service. All records are available on- line, copies of the work order, photographs, completed mid-trip inspection forms, DOT and oil change inspection documentation is available instantly. Credentials for the technician can also be provided for assurance that the workmanship on your vehicle is quality. This process keeps the trucks on the road and streamlines the paperwork, according to TA Truck Services and Petro:Lube.
TA Truck Service and Petro:Lube has over 230 locations, nearly 1,000 repair bays and over 2,400 technicians nationwide. In addition, it has over 400 service vehicles through its RoadSquad roadside assistance program. TA, Petro:Lube and RoadSquad services are available 24/7, 365 days a year.