26 Sep Ideal maintenance plan for small fleets vs. large companies
Ideal maintenance plan for small fleets vs. large companies
Industrial vehicle maintenance is not an expense: it is an investment in safety, efficiency and profitability. However, not all companies need to approach it in the same way. A small fleet of trucks does not have the same needs and resources as a large transport company with dozens of vehicles in circulation.
In this article we analyse the differences and offer recommendations for designing a maintenance plan adapted to each business reality.
Why is a maintenance plan so important?
A well-designed maintenance plan helps to:
- Reduce the risk of serious breakdowns.
- Extend the service life of vehicles.
- Optimise fuel consumption.
- Ensure compliance with regulations (MOT, emissions, tachographs).
- Improve driver and load safety.
- Reduce operating costs in the medium and long term.
The key is to adapt this plan to the size and characteristics of the fleet.
Small fleets: flexibility and customised control
Small fleets (between 1 and 10 vehicles) are usually owned by self-employed hauliers or SMEs in the logistics sector.
Characteristics
- Limited resources for maintenance.
- High dependence on each vehicle (if one fails, the operation suffers).
- Need to optimise costs as much as possible.
Recommended plan
- Scheduled preventive checks every 15,000-20,000 km or quarterly, depending on use.
- Tyres and brakes checked at every visit to the workshop: these are critical elements for safety.
- Electrical systems checked every six months.
- Basic on-road maintenance: quick checklist before each trip (lights, oil, tyre pressure).
- Individual vehicle history to anticipate breakdown patterns and avoid unexpected expenses.
For small fleets, flexibility and customisation are key: each truck is strategic and needs close monitoring.
Large fleets: standardisation and efficiency on a large scale
Large companies (20+ vehicles) face a different challenge: managing a large fleet without compromising productivity.
Characteristics
- Increased availability of resources and budget.
- Need to standardise processes to be efficient.
- Significant cost impact if vehicles are stopped.
Recommended plan
- Centralised maintenance calendar, integrated with fleet management software.
- Staggered maintenance so that several units do not coincide in the workshop at the same time.
- Predictive checks through electronic diagnostics to detect faults before they occur.
- Service contracts with specialised workshops to ensure fast response times.
- Driver training in basic checks and efficient driving.
- Maintenance KPIs: cost per vehicle, average downtime, fuel consumption, etc.
In large fleets, success lies in planning and efficiency: every hour of downtime is a high cost.
Conclusion: two paths, one goal
For small fleets and large companies alike, the goal of maintenance is the same: to ensure safety, reduce costs and improve profitability.
- Small fleets need customised and flexible plans that take care of every vehicle in detail.
- Large companies require standardised and efficient systems, supported by technology and strategic agreements.
Whether you are a self-employed haulier with one truck or a large company with dozens of vehicles, Consman provides a comprehensive maintenance service tailored to your individual needs. On the road, confidence starts with a safe and well-maintained vehicle.
No Comments