Utilizing the Space in Your Work Vehicle – 5 Easy Tips
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Imagine trying to conduct business in a messy, disorganized office. How could you get any work done if you could never find what you needed because everything was buried under a huge pile of papers? What sort of impression would your clients have of your company if they came in and couldn’t even find a place to sit? Odds are good that such a work environment would reduce your productivity, create unnecessary stress, and give your business a bad reputation. It is well-known that a poorly managed office space is a sign of a poorly managed company, and an unorganized commercial vehicle fleet gives an impression that is just as bad.
Why Vehicle Organization Matters
In the contracting world, your vehicle is just as important as your office space. Your van or truck is where most of your work is done and is often the first impression your clients have of your business. When your mobile workspace is well thought-out, you let people know you are an organized and effective contractor who is ready to get the job done in a timely manner.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Organized
If you work with a disorganized fleet, the organization process can seem like a daunting task at first. However, creating a streamlined group of work vehicles isn’t all that difficult, once you know where to start. Here are five easy tips to help you get your fleet in tip-top shape.
Tip #1-Separate Front and Back
Think of your work vehicle like a store. There should be a space in the front for employees, and a distinct area in back for storage. The front, or cab space, is where you house the paperwork you need for a job, your iPad/laptop/cell phone docking station, and any manuals or pamphlets you use on a regular basis. It’s important that you also keep the cab of your truck or van clean of any clutter or trash so that you can find what you seek when you need it. The back of your vehicle is where all of your tools and supplies should be stored. For maximum organization, make storage uniform throughout your entire fleet. For example, if you store nails in an upper left drawer in one work vehicle, then that’s where nails should go in all of your work vehicles. Make the old adage “a place for everything and everything in its place” your motto!
Tip #2-Label It
After you’ve created a unified storage system for your fleet, clearly label each and every drawer, cubby, shelf, and cupboard, and use unique inventory part codes for each label. This step in organization will help employees know where tools belong and when the inventory needs to be restocked. Labels are an extremely affordable and an easy organization solution – simple computer labels will suffice. Well-labeled storage virtually eliminates the risk of employees putting things where they don’t belong at the end of the day.
Tip #3-Map it Out
Once your vehicles are organized and properly labeled and coded, the best thing you can do to keep your fleet in line is to map out each vehicle, either using a computer program or by creating your own diagrams. Include the layout of each van and truck and where things are stored in each. When you have one central location where the details of each vehicle are clearly laid out, it makes the management of your fleet and inventory much easier. Clear and concise maps will also assist in the new employee training process.
Tip #4-Consider Upfits
Investing in upfit packages specifically designed for your industry not only makes organization even easier, but also contributes to your company’s positive and professional image. Upfit packages can range from aluminum toolboxes and ladder racks to locked cabinets and customized shelving units and drawers, all of which increase the streamlining and functionality of your fleet.
Tip #5-Train, Train, Train!
Keep in mind that all the fleet organization in the world won’t make any difference if your employees are not properly trained on the ins and outs of your system. Make fleet tours an early part of the training process, and stress the importance of organization. Also make copies of your fleet maps for all new employees to help them navigate your organizational structure once they are out on the job.
- Utilizing the Space in Your Work Vehicle – 5 Easy Tips - July 4, 2014
Posted In: ACCA Now, Vehicles & Fleets
