With all the upcoming fun of peak season approaching, this is a checklist that will help you survive the busiest time of the year. This list consists of some of the major things to consider and take into account before the season approaches. Add these to your Christmas wish list and you won’t be sorry.
Vehicle Maintenance
Getting your vehicle serviced on its recommended intervals can determine the longevity and health of your fleet of vehicles. During Christmas, Santa Claus relies solely on his reindeer to deliver millions of packages. Well with the courier service, your modes of transportation are your box trucks, step side vans, and cutaways. If you take care of your fleet, then you will be able to deliver millions of packages on time without any hassles.
Another strategy would be to update your fleet before peak season with new vehicles where the chances of something bad happening is drastically reduced. New vehicles come with warranties and that new car smell we all love. If you are in need of a new fleet now may be the time to upgrade before the peak season is upon us.
Hiring Temporary Drivers
With the high influx of deliveries during peak season, staffing is paramount to fulfilling the deliveries each day. Santa doesn’t do all of the work, that’s why he hires his little helpers to assist him in his peak season. When considering hiring temporary drivers, look for driver with experience in delivery. When you hire someone with no experience more training is required so they are prepared for the peak season.
Setting Expectations with Existing Employees
Setting the expectations may seem redundant although each year it’s still important to let your employees know where you stand and how this year will be different from the previous year. If Santa never told his elves they had to build a million toys by Christmas, they may have lower expectations and not be putting in the proper amount of work. You can build off previous years’ hiccups to make sure that they are corrected by letting your workforce know what to expect this year so it goes as smoothly as it can.
Renting Additional Trucks
Renting vs buying is a volume management strategy that has been used during peak season to keep up with demand. It’s important to note where the surrounding rental places are and to have the numbers on hand so if you are shorthanded they are just a call away. Renting is an alternative to purchasing another vehicle for your fleet especially when the vehicle will only be used during the peak season.
Perform Additional Maintenance to Mitigate Down-Time
Conducting a walk around of your vehicles at the beginning and end of the day to make sure everything sounds good, looks good and tires are properly inflated also plays a role in being organized and efficient. Making sure your fleet is clean and dazzling will show a respectful appearance to your customers.
Tis the season to make a list and check it twice or maybe three time to make sure everything is ready for this year’s peak season
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