So, you want an uplift your truck or a fleet? Before you get started, there are few things you need to know and slew of mistakes you should be aware of. There a lot of common mistakes people make in truck uplifting that can lead to problems down the road. If you want to do it right, avoid the following.
Not Including Employees in the Process
While managers are in charge of the fleet, it’s vital to remember that they aren’t in the field. That can lead to uplifting decisions being impractical, even if they seem to make sense on paper. The best thing you can do is talk with operators, drivers, and technicians to see which alterations make the most sense for day-to-day use.
Too Much Customization
All of these employees and partners will, of course, have different ideas about how to uplift the trucks. It’s up to the managers to find common themes among these ideas and incorporate them. Having standard specifications makes maintenance and other aspects easier. If more modifications are needed, you can continue uplifting later.
Not Enough Customization
Striking the right balance is difficult at times, but it’s essential that managers consider what each truck in the fleet is used for. You wouldn’t make the same uplifts to an HVAC truck that you would to a construction truck, right? Keep things standardized, but make sure your uplifts are trade-specific in each department.
Improper Spec’ing
When improperly spec’d, your repair and maintenance costs are going to rise. This usually happens when a vehicle’s weight is at or near the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). If you want to balance the payload with the total weight for daily operations, all spec’ing should be standardized to 85% of the GVRW.
Only Considering Upfront Costs
One major problem in uplifting comes from managers looking to decrease their upfront cost. This fails to take into account the cost of ongoing maintenance and replacements, especially if the quality of materials is reduced to save spending. Plus, you may end up dealing with a trucking accident attorney in Denver if lowering the cost reduces safety.
Using Multiple Vendors
It might seem cost-efficient to rely on multiple vendors for this project, and that’s usually true. However, it isn’t a practical move. Not only is it a headache to work with various vendors, you’ll soon find your timeframe doubling. This can lead to gaps in your schedule and impact productivity.
Attempting a DIY Uplift
It isn’t uncommon for managers to think they can rely on various departments in the workforce to get the job done and save cost. First, there are professionals trained in spec’ing these installs for a reason. Improper installations are dangerous for employees, inventory, and the trucks themselves. Second, that money saved now is going to cost you double to triple in repairs down the road.
Proper Uplifting
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your fleet is better equipped to handle their daily tasks and that your productivity is thriving. Always rely on professionals for install and spec’ing to avoid hassles or legal trouble, and your fleet will be ready to go in no time.
