As the demands on fleet operators intensify, key decision makers are frequently turning toward an outsourced provision for Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) management to improve fleet efficiency and business profitability. Below, Pullman Fleet outline a number of factors that outsourcing can influence to help positively impact the performance of your VMU.
The Landscape of Vehicle Maintenance in the HGV Industry
It’s safe to say the HGV industry is the lifeblood of the UK’s economy, ensuring the timely and secure transportation of goods across the nation. However, the management of vehicle maintenance has traditionally been an in-house responsibility for many fleet operators and as the industry has evolved so have the challenges around compliance and efficiency, prompting a reconsideration of maintenance strategies.
In recent years Pullman Fleet has seen a rapid growth in this trend, with a number of partners – from supermarkets to logistics firms – trusting us to implement tried and tested processes to ensure their fleet is compliant and on the road.
This has allowed our partners to concentrate on their own core competencies and streamline operations to allocate resources more efficiently. Furthermore, this has given them access to a number of Pullman Fleet’s USPs.
Access to Specialised VMU Expertise
Outsourcing VMU management has provided our partners with access to a pool of specialised technicians and engineers, all well-versed in the intricacies of HGV maintenance and who would otherwise be unavailable to them.
Training is viewed as a continuous activity and Pullman work closely with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and other training providers to monitor legislative change and new technologies: this has seen IMI-accredited training offered in-house for HGV technicians to ensure our nationwide workforce of 170+ HGV specialists and 60+ Mobile Technicians remain knowledge experts in the field. In evidence to this ability, in 2023 we conducted 6750 MOTs across the business with a remarkable first-time pass rate of 98% which is well above national averages and industry benchmarks. Furthermore, we consistently exceeded KPIs for our partners, boasting a 97.3% average vehicle availability.
Pullman Fleet are also able to draw on the expertise of 50+ company-wide support staff who take care of administrative and technology functions: this helps provide a 24-48hr booking-in time for scheduled maintenance compared to two weeks+ regularly seen from main dealers.
Working with Pullman Fleet also provides access to a 24/7/365 Breakdown provision, with 90% attendance within 90 mins and a 94% first time fix, and access to c.300 Third-Party Suppliers across the UK.