Developing winning partnerships: a guide for implementing small fleet trucking solutions

In the U.S. today, the trucking industry handles 72.5% of the entire country’s freight, and 91.5% of those trucking carriers operate with only six vehicles or less. This illustrates a well-known fact: the staggering majority of U.S. freight is being moved by smaller trucking companies.

While they are the backbone of the industry, small trucking companies still face numerous challenges that can often make it difficult for them to compete with mega carriers. These challenges include maintaining a profitable business, managing fleets efficiently, dealing with regulatory compliance, and competing with larger carriers that have more resources and infrastructure.

With the volatile nature of the trucking industry and external factors such as fuel prices and supply chain disruptions, carriers struggle to maintain consistent revenue streams and profitability. In order to stay competitive, it is essential for fleet owners to address these challenges head-on and adopt strategies that can help them succeed in the market.

Small fleet trucking challenges and solutions

There are plenty of issues that can impact a single truck on its route, such as detention and layovers, but managing an entire fleet can be especially challenging. For example, for many smaller trucking companies, simply maintaining a profitable business is a top concern. Not only do they face the typical difficulties of running a small business, but the trucking industry is uniquely susceptible to volatility caused by external factors such as fuel prices, freight rates, and supply chain disruptions. Small carriers may struggle to maintain consistent revenue streams, which can lead to financial obstacles.

Another challenge for carrier owners is managing their fleets effectively. With limited resources, it is arduous to keep track of all the moving parts of a fleet–equipment, employees, booked revenue, and the most profitable routes. Elements like fuel contract negotiations, internal and external communications, managing shipper contracts, and making payroll cannot easily be accomplished through legacy systems. Rapid decision making is incredibly important, and consistently stressful.

Despite outnumbering them, there is still stiff competition from mega carriers that have the resources and infrastructure to offer lower prices and faster service. This can make it difficult for smaller fleets to attract and retain customers. But by using data and digitizing operations with a fleet management tool - and of course maintaining excellent shipper relations - smaller carriers can overcome these challenges and compete more effectively with mega carriers.

Automated systems that centralize fleet, trip, and financial data ensure that carriers of all sizes can thrive. Integrated communication channels keep drivers and dispatchers in sync with the entire team, leading to more on-time deliveries and greater customer satisfaction. By leveraging these connected systems, small fleets can differentiate themselves from larger competitors and win more business.

Effective and precise data on operations will allow leaders in the transportation industry to make informed decisions about route planning, fuel usage, and capacity optimization. This digitalization of their enterprise can help streamline operations and reduce costs, which can ultimately lead to increased profits.

Deciding on the right solution

When considering the adoption of a fleet management system, it is important for businesses to choose the right solution carefully and spend time getting to know the origin behind the technology. There are also several practical factors to consider when selecting a system that will meet the company’s specific needs and requirements. The system should be user-friendly, scalable, and customizable. It should collect and store all of your fleet records and documents on one platform, while increasing visibility into day-to-day operations and offering on-demand support for navigating tough situations. It’s also incredibly beneficial and proactive to find a partner who can leverage data to take some decision making off your plate!

In order to thrive in this market, small trucking companies must be willing to adapt and innovate. They need to embrace new technologies and strategies that can help them improve their operations and reduce costs. By doing so, they can not only overcome the challenges they face but also create new opportunities for growth and success.

These fleets are often family-owned and operated, and they have a deep understanding of the local market and their customers' needs. With the advancement of technology, small carriers have a unique opportunity to compete with larger fleets on a high level as well. Despite the challenges they face, small fleets remain the fabric of this country's transportation industry, and their contributions cannot be overstated.

Small carriers are essential to the economy and by facing challenges with smart solutions, they can continue to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and facilitating trade and commerce.