3 Simple Tips to Keep Your FedEx Vehicle Fleet Running Smoothly

Category: Best Practices

Smart FedEx route owners understand that their delivery trucks and vans are the bread and butter of their business. Just as important as your drivers, a functioning vehicle fleet is essential to making sure all of your packages are transported and delivered each day along the routes within your designated service area.

If a vehicle has problems on the road—or worse, a breakdown—the result can be costly. Not only are FedEx trucks expensive to replace, but even a minor issue can cause significant delays that can back up your entire operation and impact customer satisfaction. For these reasons, it is critical to take care of your vehicle fleet and keep your trucks driving smoothly throughout the year.

Keep your fleet in prime condition with the following 3 low-cost and relatively straightforward truck maintenance tips. 

  • Don’t skip routine maintenance. Just as we sometimes do with our cars, it’s very easy for FedEx vehicle owners to overlook simple maintenance items such as getting an oil change, replacing a filter, and keeping vital fluids topped off. (Let’s be honest: Those little cling stickers on the windshield are easy to tune out.) A simple way to avoid forgetting or putting off routine upkeep is to create a maintenance calendar and put it in a highly visible area in your office. You can also set reminders on your computer or smartphone.
  • Keep your vehicles clean. Keeping your trucks and vans clean and free of dirt and debris not only looks professional for your clients, but it also protects your vehicles from premature wear and tear. Sand, salt, and general road grit can do serious damage to your trucks over time, so be sure to wash them regularly. Keep the undercarriage free from rust by treating the bottom side to a pressure wash every few weeks.
  • Pay attention to your tires. Despite their importance for driver safety, tires are an often overlooked maintenance area for drivers. Improperly inflated tires will not only end up leading to reduced fuel efficiency but may eventually develop into a serious safety issue. Flat tires, blowouts, and even a lack of pressure—which impacts the turning radius—can all contribute to a higher risk of accidents. It is imperative that trucks that are transporting heavy loads have their tires inspected and filled on a regular basis. You will also want to have your tires balanced at regular intervals. An unbalanced set of tires can increase the wear on your suspension, effectively killing it prematurely.

From engines to tail lights, keeping your FedEx trucks well maintained will help keep your drivers safe and your vehicles on the road longer—both of which are important to your bottom line. In addition to staying on top of routine maintenance, regular vehicle inspections are also required. If you’re new to being a FedEx contractor and unsure of what regular maintenance is necessary for your trucks, the vehicle owner’s manual is always a great place to start.

KR Capital is committed to helping you run a successful FedEx route business. Visit our blog for more tips about vehicle maintenance, driver safety, and staff management, along with information about becoming a FedEx contractor.

Ready to buy or sell routes? Contact KR Capital today and let us know how we can help!