When it comes to maintenance, outsourcing and doing it yourself both have benefits and drawbacks.

Cost control is an essential component of effective fleet management, and maintenance is one area where managers can make a dramatic impact on the bottom line. No doubt that’s one reason more than two-thirds of CCJ readers surveyed last month perform preventive maintenance in-house, and more than half conduct their own brake and tire maintenance. And that’s just during the warranty period. Once the vehicle is beyond warranty, half of fleet operations perform their own engine repairs, and the majority performs all other maintenance tasks except paint and body work.

And yet, the simple truth is that electronics have made vehicles more complex, and complexity is the biggest reason fleets outsource repairs. “If you’re a dealer for an OEM, you send your technicians to their schools,” says Wayne Demma, a sales representative with Volvo and Mack dealer Chicago Truck Sales and Service. “We see everything that comes out before everyone else sees it. Many times, the fleets don’t see new equipment or issues until after the equipment is purchased.” Fleets then have to wait for technician schools to offer training on the new equipment.

Aside from the training and experience, the cost of purchasing computer programs and diagnostic equipment necessary to maintain newer tractors makes outsourcing an attractive alternative for many fleets – particularly smaller ones. But regardless of a fleet’s philosophy on routine maintenance and repair, there’s one situation in which few fleets – especially over-the-road operations – can avoid working with outside providers: A breakdown. In any situation, the keys are communication, cost control and an understanding by providers that uptime is king.

Control and comfort

Does the ever-increasing complexity of trucks today – particularly engine systems – make in-house fleet maintenance a losing battle? Not according to Bobby Allen, director of maintenance for Danny Herman Trucking, a Mountain City, Tenn.-based fleet of 165 company trucks, 100 owner-operators and 750 trailers. Allen, who supervises about 35 technicians scattered among five repair shops across the country, says Danny Herman keeps maintenance in-house mainly to control costs.

“Our mechanics have a better understanding of the trucks and the issues we commonly face,” Allen says. “The guys are used to seeing the same type of trucks, the same type engine and the same type of equipment on the trucks.” That familiarity also makes it easier for Danny Herman to control parts inventory and labor.

“Doing repairs, maintenance and tire work in-house keeps our fleet availability at 99-plus percent,” says Mike Maher, fleet supervisor for Kansas City Power & Light Co. “No dealership or independent shop can provide service at this level, plus it is more cost-effective to do in-house – very few comebacks, etc. Our company has been in business since 1882, and we do have a good handle on our costs.”