What is the proper vehicle condition report (VCR) process?
Stuart suggests: Ensure that your process is working. You’ll need a VCR at the end of each tour of duty (according to FMCSA 396.11-396.13, which can be viewed at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules). Understand the requirements and make sure there is a plan for the end of each day, the end of a trip or the close of
What should be done with VCRs?
Stuart suggests: Review all vehicle condition reports (VCR) daily, checking for defects. The VCR should accompany the repair order, or if the shop is paperless, should flow to the supervisor after being signed by the front line supervisor. They are required to have a RO cross reference number, for example, “VCR 1234 noted on repair
What are the CSA 2010 fears regarding vehicle maintenance, or lack thereof?
Stuart says: Now everyone is scrambling about CSA 2010.What are we going to do? Got to have a meeting! Conference calls? In addition, if you look at the facts clearly, you’ll note some additional pressure—of which the driver and his boss are going to take the brunt. They will have to be more responsible and
Computer software, what should I consider? Stuart says:
When choosing to use computer software, the end result is a cost-per-mile, cost-per-case, cost-per-hour or cost-per-something else number. Computer software is a tool. Success of application all depends of the size of the fleet and staff to assist in data management. For an average-sized fleet with small staff, lower cost may be attained by simply
Well, with a computer I can control my labor! Stuart Comments:
False, a computer never controlled any labor, only tracks the hours, if reported. And it can put pressure on labor, yes and sometimes needed, depending on how you manage your operation. How do you track you labor? A few questions to ask yourself about your operation: 1. Do you capture 100% of your labor hours?
What is the real importance of software program? Stuart says:
Software has a number of functions and lowering costs is a by-product of the system’s data. Here are most important functions: 1. The first and most important function is to track and schedule PM’s, preventive maintenance, which helps ensure that you are tracking and performing these important tasks of fleet maintenance. In addition, it ensures
I need a computer system to lower my costs. Stuart Comments:
This is not true. A lot of shop managers, shop foreman’s or garage managers want to rely on a computer system to lower their costs. A computer system alone does not lower costs. For some illogical reason some fleets believe that once you install the software, if the project gets competed, it fixes everything, lowers
What does PM, preventive maintenance rmeally Mean?
Stuart Comments: PM what does PM really mean? In some case it means lights out, afternoon or even after dark. In some cases its preventive maintenance service (PMS), but a lack of understanding at moment in time. It is clear that it has different meanings to each person who is responsible for the management or
So, the percentage of repair dollars are up. Find me some more juice! Squeeze that orange some more.
Stuart sites a case: Recently, there was a situation where one fleet, which is managed by a very competent VP of maintenance, converted the ailing maintenance program from truck-stop-breakdowns in route maintenance program to a sophisticated PM program that drove costs down, increased vehicle utilization, reduce the vehicle count and by all the beanies microscopic
I need a budget
Stuart Comments: Budgeting is normally based on the previous years’ operating costs with either a slight increase or decrease based on the replacement cycle for equipment. If your company has accurate records of costs in previous years, then expenses have a track record that indicates what the next year’s expenses should be, within a
Benchmarking. I was told I need to do it, what is it?
Stuart Explains: Benchmarking can also be defined as “a standard or point of reference in measuring or judging quality, value, etc.” For many fleet managers, it is also a term senior management uses to determine costs and to pin down projected costs. This concept is often masked by management saying, “Don’t spend any money.”
I have looked at the numbers and I can’t see where my costs are too high!
Stuarts says: That is correct when, the numbers get to a reasonable level you can’t see how to drive cost lower. You may be taken to task and asked to take more out, but you can’t accomplish this if you can’t see where the costs can be lowered. Look where you need to look, in