Some approaches fleets are taking

Oct. 8, 2015
Advice from fleets nationwide

Fleet Maintenance contacted various fleets across the U.S. to see what the major challenge was in regards to the impact of driver and technician relations on vehicle maintenance.

Question: Do you feel a lack of communication and respect between drivers and technicians prevents them from effectively working together.

Answers: There needs to be open, honest communication with all employees to have positive atmosphere to work in. Michael McMann, Gainesville, Fla.    

Certain expectations vary from repair to repair. Mike Everett, Winchester, Ky.

Q: Do your drivers and technicians understand the duties and responsibilities of each other? Is it important that they do?

A: Yes, it is important. Sometimes there are disagreements and technicians feel that drivers should be more responsible for certain things and drivers feel the same towards technicians. At the end of the day, it all comes down to communication and mutual respect. Matthew Miller, Strong City, Kan.           

Our drivers and technicians understand each other’s duties and responsibilities. That is truly what gives each of them respect for each other because they realize what each other's job entails. Tom Senkbeil, Oak Creek, Wis.

Yes to both questions. I believe many drivers/operators feel somewhat overwhelmed with the new technologies. That results in a defensive posture and they don't feel equal to the technicians, and this creates an adversarial relationship which can work both ways. Remember, for the most part they are both Type-A personalities. Carl Stevens, Lynchburg, Va.   

It takes continued effort, which is compounded by the driver turnover/shortage. Bob Hamilton, Cheshire, Conn.     

Q: Do you have regular meetings that include both drivers and technicians to discuss fleet safety, maintenance, breakdowns, etc.? Why or why not?

A: No. Time and logistics does not make that an option. We do have weekly meetings with supervisors to discuss this, as well as annual company-wide safety training/networking. Tom Senkbeil, Oak Creek, Wis.

Meetings are held within the maintenance department to review all breakdowns. This includes providing details outlining root causes and possible actions that should have taken place to either negate or minimize the breakdown. Bob Hamilton, Cheshire, Conn.

We hold monthly meetings. There are to give and take feedback, make people aware of ever-changing situations and try to keep everyone informed. Bryan Stewart, Columbia, Miss.

Q: Do your drivers and technicians follow the same procedures when doing pre- or post-trip inspections? Why or why not?

A: Yes, it's the law and being safe demands it. Carl Stevens, Lynchburg, Va.

 Yes, however, I feel drivers fail to properly pre- and post-trip trailers. They seem to care about the tractor more than the trailer. Bob Hamilton, Cheshire, Conn.

 Q: What have you done to improve relations between drivers and technicians to improve preventive maintenance and vehicle uptime?

A: We have a driver write-up sheet that drivers are required to fill out every time they bring a vehicle in for maintenance – whether they have any noted complaints or not. This helps us to see if there are potentially any drivers that are not communicating as well as they should with technicians, plus identifies drivers that may not be doing inspections up to standards that we hold them to. Matthew Miller, Strong City, Kan. 

We have a loaner truck program. We let a driver know about a week in advance that we will be trading out his truck for a preventive maintenance service. He/she will write up all non-safety items that need attention. All safety items should have already been written up and repaired. Mike Everett, Winchester, Ky.    

We recently provided a driver appreciation tee shirt when drivers have been positively proactive. Fleet maintenance will host a drivers appreciation dinner once a year. The maintenance team provides this dinner for 24 straight hours. It seems to be a big hit with all of our drivers. Bob Hamilton, Cheshire, Conn.           

Q: What benefits have you reaped from having good driver and technician relations?

A: We have reaped many. Most notably, the communication and respect for one another has increased, and efficiency is a direct benefit. Matthew Miller, Strong City, Kan.                  

Having all the drivers visit the facility, sit down and eat with technicians has leveled the field and seems to open communication channels. Bob Hamilton, Cheshire, Conn.

Q: Any additional thoughts?

A: Open communication is a necessity for fleet efficiency, and so is having back-up equipment that is as good as current assigned equipment. Drivers are not likely to grumble when equipment is taken for service if the spare truck is as good as what they currently have. Michael McMann, Gainesville, Fla.      

Good driver and technician relations is very critical to cost lowering and safety. Joe Busby, Marianna, Fla.         

We focus on “customer service” within our fleet; we talk to drivers, not at them; and we listen to issues, whether about the truck or their family. Once a week we randomly bring in a small group of drivers and treat them to lunch with the shop technicians. Bryan Stewart, Columbia, Miss.

About the Author

Mattie Gorman | Multimedia Account Executive | Vehicle Repair Group

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