Choosing a fleet provider for my business
22/08/2024
7 minutes read
Selecting the right fleet provider is a critical decision for any business which relies on vehicles and transport. A reliable fleet management service ensures that vehicles are used efficiently, safely and in compliance with regulations, which becomes increasingly important as your business grows.
In this article, we will guide you through the essential considerations for choosing a fleet provider and how Northgate's fleet management services can optimise your fleet operations, reduce downtime and support your company's sustainability goals.
Why does my business need a fleet service provider?
A business with vehicles on the move needs to be monitored somewhere, to ensure the vehicles are being used efficiently, safely and are complying to regulations. As a business continues to grow, these systems become essential for the efficient operations of the business.
To ensure these services are seen through correctly, businesses can employ a fleet management company to oversee vehicle usage and behaviour, as well as minimise downtime and increase operational efficiency.
Key considerations for choosing a fleet provider
When choosing a fleet service provider, there are important considerations to make to ensure you are selecting the right fleet provider for your company’s needs. Working with the right fleet provider can lead to long-term cost savings, minimised downtime and a more efficient, streamlined daily operation.
Below we have listed some of the key factors you need to consider, and how Northgate meets all of these aspects:
Vehicle selection
Choosing the right van for your daily business needs and services is key, and every company is different. Therefore, it’s important to have a range of vans to choose from and expert insight to ensure you are making the right choice for maximising efficiency and operations. Northgate offers 80+ different types of vans available for long term fleet hire with brands such as Ford, Peugeot and Volkswagen, as well as electric options for a greener, future-proof option. With many vans to choose between and Northgate’s expert advice, you can rest assured that you are picking the right van for your fleet operations.
Alignment with fleet needs
Every business is different and therefore, the requirements, objectives and daily needs of each business will vary. This makes choosing fleet vehicles challenging - what is the right vehicle for my company and how do we make sure the vehicle can carry out our operations? Northgate will support you throughout the whole fleet process, aligning your business needs with the right vehicle for you.
Performance metrics
To monitor and optimise fleet operations and vehicle performance, this requires a lot of data and complexities which can be made easier to manage through advanced technologies. Northgate offers a Telematics Control package with vehicle hires to allow fleet operators to monitor and record performance and behaviour metrics of all the vehicles in the fleet.
Matching scalability
As a business grows, so do its fleet operations, responsibilities and requirements. Without fleet management, this can become overwhelming and complicated very quickly. Northgate’s hiring options allow for companies to scale their fleets up or down depending on their requirements as a business.
Environmental responsibility
It is important for your fleet management provider to both align with your company’s sustainability goals and focus on improving your company’s reputation. A provider that is committed to environmental practices can offer solutions which reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency and promote the transition to electric vehicles. Northgate is dedicated to making fleets more sustainable, contributing to a healthier, cleaner environment - our Drive to Zero initiative exists to help support companies look to make the transition to EVs.
Good reputation
When working with a fleet management provider, a good reputation is important for ensuring the company is trustworthy, reliable and can meet the requirements of your company’s fleet operations. Northgate are proud to have won Best Van Fleet Management at the 2022 Business Van Awards, whilst also being named Best Long Term Rental in 2022 and 2023 as well as Rental Company of the Year in the 2023 WhatVan? Awards.
The importance of fleet telematics systems
A crucial responsibility of fleet management is keeping track of all your assets. To guarantee the continuous monitoring of all this, fleet telematics systems are essential.
Northgate’s telematics systems allow fleet operators to keep track of all assets to ensure an optimised, efficient use of time and money, whilst complying to driving and safety regulations.
Here are a few reasons why a fleet telematics system is so important, and how Northgate’s fleet management services meet all of these aspects:
Highlights efficiency: Telematics systems provide real-time data on vehicle performance, location and routes - allowing you to see where all of your fleet vehicles are at all times, how to best optimise route planning and reduce fuel consumption.
Improves safety: Telematics systems monitor all of your fleet drivers’ behaviours behind the wheel, offering insights into speeding, harsh braking and any dangerous or erratic driving. With this information, you can implement driver training programs to improve safety. Northgate offers a Safe Driver online course to teach drivers the importance of road safety and how to operate their vehicle responsibly and safely.
Saves money: Telematics systems can help to identify and mitigate inefficient driving behaviours, unnecessary idling and less efficient route taking - in turn, saving your company valuable time and money.
Faster maintenance: Telematics systems can alert fleet managers to potential vehicle issues before they become a problem, which means quicker repairs, less damage and less downtime.
Provides data insights: Telematics systems collect vehicle data across your fleet, which can be analysed to identify trends, pitfalls and opportunities - leading to more optimised operations and making informed business decisions.
Northgate’s fleet provider services
To summarise, you should choose Northgate as your fleet provider because:
- Northgate offers 80+ types of vans (ICE and EV) and expert insights to ensure your business is choosing the right fleet vehicle for you.
- Northgate will support you throughout the whole fleet process, from vehicle selection to daily operations to maintenance.
- Northgate’s services include a detailed telematics system to allow fleet operators to keep track of all their assets and businesses to make informed data-led business decisions.
- Northgate’s fleet services allow companies to scale their fleet up or down depending on business operations.
- Northgate is dedicated to sustainability efforts and will support your fleet in going green.
- Northgate is an award-winning company, named the Best Van Fleet Management company at the 2022 Business Van Awards.
Choose Northgate as your business’ fleet provider
Northgate offers fleet management services designed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and meet regulatory compliance. With a commitment to sustainability and a strong reputation for reliability, Northgate is the ideal partner for your business’s fleet management needs.
