Fleet maintenance is no longer just about keeping your vehicles clean and on the road, it’s about strategically planning for upcoming changes before they happen. From changes in customer demands, tech, and customer preferences, fleet managers are in a unique position.
As we enter 2025, let’s make sure you are aware of the big changes the industry will be facing in the new year. After this blog, you should be able to face these common challenges with a plan.
New Sustainability Requirements
Reducing your carbon footprint is only going to become more of a requirement for the fleet and fuel industry.
The challenge of going green isn’t cheap. It’s time to start thinking about ways to make this affordable and useful outside just meeting standards.
Using biodegradable soaps without harmful phosphate salts is one place to start. Even though regulations such as California Prop 65 are limited to specific states, proactively seeking compliant detergents can better prepare you for future trends. Most of these products could be similarly priced to something with regulated ingredients, and it’s an easy switch to make.
Conserving your water usage is another simple step. This helps you and your customers feel better about the impact you’re making on the environment. Also following guidelines for controlling wash water runoff keeps you in the clear for fleet cleaning and mobile pressure washing.
Updated Safety Requirements
The new year is poised to bring more safety regulations and a heightened level of inspection for trucking companies and their vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has big plans for 2025. New rules on things like AEB, potential speed limiters, and updates to required driver qualifications.
This means fleet owners need to make sure all vehicles are not only mechanically safe but meet these requirements. There will likely be more detailed inspections than ever before.
Fleet owners and those that wash them have a bigger responsibility than ever to keep undercarriages and the rest of the vehicle clean to pass inspections and maintain safety. This also reduces accident risks with a more visible, well-working vehicle. Why not do everything in your power to keep your equipment at its best?
Driverless Cabs
A future filled with automated and self-driving trucks might be closer than you might realize. With AI’s growth and many vehicle companies pushing to be the first fully autonomous trucks on the road, the reality is inching closer by the day.
As fleets get smarter, their washing systems need to keep pace if you want things to remain effective at cutting down-time. For manual washing, implementing something like a remote system can cut the time it takes for a real person to run back and forth switching soaps. Larger fleets should consider automated drive-thru wash systems if they prioritize reduced labor costs and minimal wash times for greater output.
Improve Driver Retention
A consistent and endless challenge in this industry is finding and retaining reliable, skilled drivers. With a job like trucking, the long hours on the road takes its toll on employee satisfaction and the length of time people are willing to stick with the job.
Companies are always looking for ways to keep their employees longer and give them an environment they want to become committed to. Clean and well-maintained trucks have a legitimate impact on the comfort your drivers feel. It is an annoyance and a safety hazard for drivers to deal with dirty mirrors, windows, and stepping surfaces.
There is lots of advice on benefits and bonuses that make an employee want to stay and be committed to their company of employment. But most sources will tell you the easiest way to show people their worth is to create a positive company culture that values work-life balance as much as the individual does.
Parking Violations
While it might sound insignificant, truck parking is a growing concern, especially for drivers. Trying to avoid tickets and violations becomes increasingly tricky as metropolitan areas become more developed. When downtown is populated with more garages and limited street parking, there are only so many options for a large transportation vehicle needing to make a delivery or drop-off.
Michigan legislation alone has a lengthy list of exactly how your truck should be parked in public. The risk seems low when you need a quick place to park, but it can affect your driving record and ability to drive a commercial vehicle. Keep up to date on all parking requirements and make sure your drivers have an essential checklist handy!
Essential Branding
Competition is increasing and with the current economic pressure, businesses and consumers are picky when choosing who to work with or purchase from.
Without consistent, strategic branding, many trucking companies are finding less loyalty with their customers. Companies who offer a strong and compelling brand story separate themselves from the competition. Making customers more inclined to buy into your mission and stick with you long-term.
Vehicle wraps and graphics are proven to increase visibility and brand awareness with your fleet on the road. Fleet graphics can be very elaborate or simply the minimal DOT required markings. Regardless, it is essential to keep these clean and visible without causing damage.
Prepping for 2025 with Hydro-Chem Systems
Fleet washing in the new year presents an opportunity to anyone willing to get ahead of the curve and be best prepared for new and recurring challenges. There are always new risks and rules when you’re in an industry as highly regulated as trucking.
By spending your time and money on some of these care tactics, you prepare yourself for any changes in new laws, and get the most value out of your investments.
In a world that is only going to continue its focus on tech and sustainability, it’s important to keep up with the trends and give your vehicles a competitive advantage.
