Fleet management focus for 2022

The fleet industry plays a vital role in keeping the UK economy going. The need for well organised and prepared fleets have become increasingly important, especially after the challenges that have come from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent HGV driver shortages. Despite the challenges, there have been many positive innovations that are improving the industry, such as further EV take-up and innovations in technology to help improve fleet management.

This year has seen many changes to the industry and the challenges fleet managers need to focus on are different to previous years. We look at which of these fleet management trends you should be focussing on for 2022.

The main fleet management trends to focus on in 2022

Technology innovations and data collection

Innovations in technology mean you can collect more data on how your fleet is operating, allowing you to make more informed decisions when it comes to planning and budgeting for your fleet. Most new fleet technology can collect data on vehicle usage, driver behaviour, maintenance trends and much more. 

Fleet technology that collects and stores data on the safety of your fleet can also help to reduce other costs, such as fleet vehicle insurance and maintenance and repair costs.

There are also advancements in vehicle technology, such as advanced cruise control, precise navigations, and in-car purifications to create a healthier environment for drivers. 2022 is expected to see many more benefits and advancements to in-vehicle technology. 

5G Technology networks

New 5G technology is expected to enhance fleet management software. 5G is estimated to reach speeds 20 times faster than its predecessor, 4G. It has already been implemented in many developed countries and is expected to reach most of the UK in 2022.

5G technology will allow fleets to be more efficient with data transmitted in a split second, resulting in much faster communication. You’ll be able to send and receive information in real-time with quick responses – improving overall productivity.

Working from home and remote management

Since the pandemic, most fleet managers have been working from home, or adapted to a hybrid form of working. Around 37% of all UK workers are expected to be working from home by the end of this year, and this trend is set to continue well into 2022.

Many workers are enjoying the benefits of working from home, and this goes for fleet managers too. Technology offers easy connections for better remote communication. Remote monitoring of drivers using apps and fleet technology helps to check various activities such as driving behaviours, route checking, vehicle checks and much more. You can use these apps on android or iOS mobile devices to help monitor operations and allow managers to communicate with their teams anywhere they want to.

As a result it will be important to keep up-to-date with new technologies and ensure the best methods have been implemented to enable communication to remain strong.

HGV driver shortages due to Brexit and the pandemic

The two biggest challenges for the UK fleet this year are the ongoing pandemic and the knock-on effects of Brexit. Brexit and the pandemic have contributed to a supply and driver shortage, which is making managing a fleet more difficult, especially when it comes to recruitment. 

The driver shortage is affecting a range of fleets, from HGV and courier drivers to taxi drivers. However, offering increased salaries, benefits and now that temporary work visas are offered to HGV drivers in other countries, it may help ease the pressures of recruiting more drivers.

Not only is the pandemic affecting recruitment, but it is also impacting the costs for vehicle parts. This means you will need to factor in high costs for maintenance and repairs in next year’s budget.

EV take-up

Electric vehicles have been around for a while, but their popularity has only started to grow in more recent years. Most governments and businesses are incentivising and switching to electric vehicles as a way to reduce CO2 emissions.

With government incentives in place, electric vehicles are becoming more cost-effective option, especially when replacing fleet vehicles. Currently, there is a deadline of 2030 for all new sales of vehicles to be electric, which means looking at making the switch sooner rather than later will help the transition to EV go more smoothly.

These are just a few of the main trends to look out for in 2022 and to help you think about the challenges around you and what can be done to help relieve them. There are many advances to look forward to in the fleet industry, so visit our blog regularly to stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations and help improve your fleet efficiency.