Fleet Management Training
Fleet Management Training
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION THE NEED - AND VALUE - OF TRAINING The Basic Fleet Management Course
Objectives Rationale Outline of Syllabus Format & Logistics Who Should Attend Signs Of Success 5 5 5 6 6 6
2 3 5
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11 11 11 13 13 14 14
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INTRODUCTION
This brochure contains information about a range of training services in vehicle fleet management. At Fleet Audits, we believe that fleet management is a vitally important corporate discipline, dealing as it does with expensive and potentially-dangerous asset types, and highly emotive areas of the business. To be effective, the individual running the fleet needs to command the correct levels of resource, authority, responsibility, and training. In challenging economic times, it is vital that the fleet is operated to the highest possible levels of efficiency, on a consistent basis, and exactly in line with the requirements of the parent business. Our courses all focus on fleet cost reduction opportunities seeking to identify any areas where better or different techniques can pull down costs. Some of these are almost immediate (eg in the fuel budget) and applying to the current fleet; others relate to selecting better choice vehicles at replacement time. Our range of training courses is designed to support fleet managers irrespective of the actual job-title at all levels, from the new junior in a small fleet, to the experienced senior manager responsible for all aspects of a very large fleet. External training provides a benchmark for existing knowledge and skills; a wider perspective on the fleet management arena; and a whole range of new skills and techniques to acquire. Quality training in all aspects of fleet management is just one of the services provided by Fleet Audits - one of the leading specialist Consultancies for fleet operators. We also provide: Operational audits Arm's length tendering facilities Cost-based allocation listings (FACTs) A wide range of other Consultancy services
A separate document about the full range of Consultancy services we offer is also available on request.
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It is in fact, relatively difficult to introduce new experimental ideas into a fleet situation. The costs of getting it wrong, and the potential disruption to staff morale and motivation, tend to inhibit the introduction of new tactics and policies. External training provides opportunities to evaluate some of these options through the experience of other fleets. Training courses also provide the opportunity for theoretical experimentation, to explore the advantages and disadvantages of change entirely without risk. Despite the costs and personal interest involved in fleet operation, there is remarkably little in the way of training courses to teach fleet managers the range of disciplines which are required for cost-effective fleet operation.
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At Fleet Audits, the leading Vehicle Fleet Consultancy, we have developed a number of training courses to address the real needs of fleet operators throughout the UK. Each course has been carefully designed to include high quality, expert tuition based on current best practice in fleet management. Although each course has its own format, the common link is to concentrate on relevant fleet management issues, for relatively small numbers of delegates. This ensures that all delegates can benefit from each other's experience, as well as from the more formal tuition. The courses are essentially structured to follow the life-cycle of individual vehicles and the whole fleet over at least one full cycle (typically 3 5 years). We include reference to the cost drivers which are always present (someone, somewhere always has to buy, fund, maintain, insure, fuel & tax etc every vehicle irrespective of how these costs are packaged into different schemes). We cover cars and vans (up to 3,500 Kg) for all these aspects. Importantly, we set these mechanical aspects of fleet operation within the general business context: fleets must always serve the needs of the main business in all their diverse forms. This includes reference to costs, HR considerations, driver aspirations and expectations, the legal aspects of Duty of Care, private use and taxation factors. All of these issues should be considered as part of the overall fleet policy design but in ways that meet the overall style and philosophy of the main business. So we cover the full range of fleet styles, from the low-cost/ tight control to the full user-chooser options. This reflects the overall market and provides plenty of ideas to spark off the delegates imagination!
The individual courses and workshops on offer are set out in the following sections. For each course there is a full description and detailed syllabus, and an indication of the typical group size and delegate profile. The separate enclosure lists the current availability of courses, together with price details and booking forms. We are confident that every one of our courses brings significant benefits to the delegates - and to their employers. Our courses have won wide recognition from independent bodies, as well as from previous delegates. Above all, we believe that they represent a well proven and highly cost-effective way to cut fleet costs, and to improve efficiency.
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Rationale
Running a fleet of cars or vans calls for a wide range of skills. Vehicle acquisition and disposal; negotiating contract agreements; maintenance and warranty control, dealing with drivers and a host of others, are all involved on a day-to-day basis. Many of these skills are transferable, and in themselves, need relatively little specialisation. Others are very specific to the business of fleet management. But fleet management is not an exact science it must always be organised to serve the business which is actually using the fleet. Because the fleet market in the UK is mature and well developed, there is a very wide range of methods available to run a fleet. But cost and functional aspects must be considered, to ensure that the fleet is run both properly and safely. Our Basic Fleet Management Course is designed as a comprehensive overview of fleet operations and includes a study of the main options, the cost-reduction techniques and the administration needed to keep the fleet under effective control.
Outline of Syllabus
The main topics included in the 2 day residential course are: Brief history and background to the car and van fleet markets Explanation of major cost types, causes, magnitude and variablities Operational options: purchase/ leasing/ fleet management/ contract hire for vehicles Vehicle selection and impact on whole life cost profiles Fuel choice, cost, control The Environment/ Green-fleet issues and links to taxation Insurance and accident/ risk management Replacement cycle optimisation Fleet administration, monitoring and reports
Current issues and sources of information COST REDUCTION OPPORTUNITIES Quick wins Strategic benefits
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We also include cover of managing grey fleets employees using their own cars for business journeys. This market has expended recently and is part of the continuum of options open to organisations to deliver business travel. There are operational, cost and administration factors to consider. These topics are of course all highly topical and relevant to efficient fleet management. They are covered in some detail, with particular emphasis on best practice in all areas. This provides a thorough grounding in the options available in fleet management, and their strengths and weaknesses for given fleet situations. Simple syndicate exercises are included to reinforce these themes with real life practicalities.
We have found that the mixed nature of a typical course group is of great benefit, since delegates can share their experience and expertise. In addition to the formal tuition, many delegates keep in touch with us and with their course-mates over the long-term.
Signs Of Success
The BFM course is recognised by ACFO (Association of Car Fleet Operators) as providing relevant, value-for-money training. Discounts on course fees are available to ACFO members.
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Rationale
Running a fleet of cars or vans in todays environment is a complex activity which impacts on many areas of the business. It requires the fleet manager or administrator to exercise a wide range of skills over a number of different disciplines. The cost of running even a relatively small fleet is substantial, and considerable savings and benefits will be obtained from a fleet that is operating at maximum efficiency. To achieve this it is essential that todays fleet manager is fully equipped, trained and supported in this vital business activity. Too often in the past the job of fleet manager or administrator has landed on the shoulders of the most convenient person, with little thought given to the scale of the job, previous experience, or any training requirements. Our IFM course is designed to fill this gap in a pragmatic and relevant way. To do so it recognises the differing needs of the fleet in each business. The course is designed to be highly interactive with delegate numbers kept low. Above all, we are aware of the fact that fleet management is not an exact science and there is little place for prescriptive solutions. It is vital that the fleet activity is organised to serve the business that is running the fleet.
Outline of Syllabus
The main topics included in the 4 day course and which take the form of individual modules are: UK Fleets - the size, shape and background to the UK fleet market. Outline comparison with Europe and elsewhere. The rle of the fleet car in the business. Cost Types - main cost factors in fleets, how they arise. Whole Life Cost analysis and key cost variables. Acquisitions - vehicle selection and acquisition. The various methods of supply - their strengths and weaknesses. Maintenance - relationships to time and mileage. The impact of technology. Controlling maintenance expenditure. Information sources. Warranty optimisation. Insurance and Risk Management - premium minimisation without compromise to cover. Types of cover. Driver training. Risk management. Fuel - choice, costs, and controls. Fuel cards.
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The Environment minimising the effect of the fleet on the Environment. Fuel types and technology, travel plans and alternative working methods. Fleet Administration - monitoring and reporting. Measure in order to manage. The rle of the computer in fleet management. Sources of valuable data - paper & electronic resources Funding and Taxation - methods available and their relevance to the requirements of the business. Use vs ownership. Summary of the major tax areas impacting on fleet cars. Implications for administration. Driver Taxation the effects on the driver and the company from vehicle choice. Minimising the tax bill. Buy-up/ buy-down/ buy-out arrangements. Disposals - the used car market and its relevance to the fleet operator. The range of disposal methods available - their strengths and weaknesses. Optimising depreciation costs. Predicting residual values. Replacement cycles. Bringing it all together - identifying the needs of the business and ensuring the fleet matches those needs. Ensuring the fleet function is recognised and optimised. Each module is covered in some detail, and provides a valuable means of understanding the options available in fleet management. At the end of the first 2 day session a short project on a relevant topic (which may be different for each delegate) is set for presentation and review at the second session. These projects generally relate to a clearly-identified issue within the delegates own fleet, so providing an educational focus and requirement on a relevant business task so everyone benefits.
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The fee specifically excludes overnight accommodation, main meals at the hotel, and travel to/ from the venues. Fleet Audits will pay these costs (with the exception of travel costs) in the first instance, and recharge the delegates company immediately following the course. Delegates may pay for their overnight accommodation costs directly, subject to advanced arrangement with Fleet Audits Ltd. Courses are usually based at a location which is convenient for the majority of delegates. Wherever possible, we use groups like Holiday Inn/ Hilton Hotels to provide known standards of service at reasonable cost.
We have found that the mixed nature of a typical course group is of great benefit, since delegates can share their experience and expertise. In addition to the formal tuition, many delegates keep in touch both with us and with their fellow delegates over the long term.
Signs Of Success
The IFM course is recognised by ACFO (Association of Car Fleet Operators) as providing relevant, value-for-money training. Discounts on the course fees are available to ACFO members. All delegates receive an attractive Certificate of Attainment, on completion of the course.
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Rationale
The vehicle fleet operation forms a substantial portion of total overhead costs of most companies in the UK. Fleet operations are frequently recognised as "expensive", and almost always "the most emotive issue in the company" - yet there is very little in the way of structured training for those who carry the responsibility for fleets and their operation. Our extended course is specifically designed to fill the gap, and provide detailed information on how to maximise the efficiency of the fleet within the company, at the minimum practical cost. Each fleet is unique to the circumstances of the company which runs it. In the UK there are wide ranges of fleet sizes, structures, and levels of discipline. The detailed requirement of each fleet operator may be very different - but the underlying principles of fleet management are fairly consistent. It is these underlying constant principles of good practice that our course seeks to provide.
Outline of Syllabus
The context of UK fleets - size and shape of the UK market and the fleet sectors. International comparisons. The varying role of the fleet car (transport, motivation, status symbol, and advertising billboard). The market for fleet management - and Fleet Managers. Outline cost indicators. Acquisition - the range of methods, with strengths and weaknesses of each. Single badge deals. The role of the dealer, and the manufacturer. Short-term and long-term deals. Regional variations and other factors. Maintenance - mileage/ time relationships. The changing technology of manufacturers and repairers. Roadworthiness and reliability factors. (If any delegates have in-house maintenance facilities, comparative evaluations can be included.) Control points, and availability of technical expertise. Alternatives for different classes of cars or vans.
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Funding and taxation - this is one of the most important modules of the course. It considers the fiscal background within which fleets must operate. Each of the main methods is examined, together with the various sub-sets and special arrangements. Pre-tax and post-tax evaluations of capital, overall costings, and cash-flow are considered. Implications for administration and other overheads are considered. Although this is of necessity a complex topic, it is covered in layman's language, and does not require any prior accountancy qualification! Fleet insurance - premium minimisation without compromising cover. Comprehensive vs TPFT. Legal considerations, and recovery of uninsured losses. In-house vs brokerage vs contract (accident management) specialists. Risk management aspects of cars and drivers. Controlling repair quality, from minor knock to complete rebuild. Fuel - costs and environmental considerations. Petrol vs diesel. Who pays for what - and how? Fuel cards and other services. Performance evaluation, and exception reporting. Taxation and cost-effectiveness. Benefit or liability. The Environment choices of fuel types, route planning, efficiency monitoring and effects on taxation (i.e. CO2), alternative methods of business operations. Disposals and the replacement cycle - the range of disposal methods, with strengths and weaknesses of each. Factors affecting residual value vehicle specification, age, mileage, condition - and management effort. Dealing with "special cases". Replacement cycles and mileage factors. Optimising depreciation costs with reliability, status, and administration. Single- or double-dependent replacement policies. Administration - Who is responsible - and for what? Documentation and reporting systems. The role of the computer, from simple listing device to complex fleet management suite. The essential measurements. Sources of relevant data for benchmarking and evaluation. Internet sites and their importance. Acting on the information. Reviewing performance frequency and depth. Evaluating fleet performance and fulfilment of objectives. Allocation Policy - Hierarchical structures. Who gets what. The car or cash equation. Benefit taxation and NIC, and the choice of vehicle price, cost or value. Integrating the fleet function - Establishing the starting point, and objectives for change. Weighting the elements in respect of your fleet and company circumstances. The relative importance of costs, against other corporate ideals. Introducing changes; measuring progress and results. An important feature of the course is a further module which deals with the integration of the individual areas, so that the fleet management function is optimised. For example, maximisation of discounts on acquisition may actually increase fleet costs, if the vehicles bought so cheaply turn out to be unreliable, thirsty and fetch very low residual values. Each module is self-contained - but linked together to reflect the practical situations found in most fleets in the UK. FM Course Syllabus 2012/13 Page 12
Evaluations
The course projects are to be handed in at the beginning of the next session (approximately 4-6 weeks later); delegates are expected to give a brief presentation (10 - 15 minutes) on their project at the start of each session. The written assignments will be assessed by the tutors, and by external examiners. The written assignments will be marked, and these marks will form the basis of the final assessment of each delegate. Comprehensive courseware will be provided, including copies of most of the AV aids used, with background literature. Delegates are expected to complement the courseware with their own notes and observations. The course fee per delegate is set out in the accompanying leaflet. The fee is payable in full, in advance. The fee covers the tuition, full courseware and the necessary conference facilities. The course fee specifically excludes overnight accommodation, main meals at the hotel, and travel to/from the venues. Fleet Audits will pay these costs (with the exception of travel costs) in the first instance, and recharge the delegates company immediately following the course. Delegates may pay for their overnight accommodation costs directly, subject to advanced arrangements with Fleet Audits Ltd. Wherever possible, we use groups like Holiday Inn/ Hilton Hotels to provide known standards of service at reasonable cost.
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We know, from the regular contact we maintain, that many of the delegates keep in touch on a networking basis, with other members of their course. In our view, this demonstrates the advantage of bringing people together, to learn common solutions to common problems. From our follow-up questionnaires, we know that most delegates genuinely derive benefits. We list some of their comments overleaf. In fairness, we do get complaints mostly, that we work the course too hard!
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Some interesting comments -- -- -The following comments are extracted from the questionnaires that are sent out after each course. They represent the overall views on our courses by the most important people of all - the delegates! "Absolutely fascinating. I never realised that there was a logic to the fleet industry!" Purchasing Controller, office equipment company, 320 cars plus 55 vans "It was very hard work, but well worth it. I now feel that I have more control. I think we have already saved the course fee." Assistant Fleet Controller, security company, 150 cars plus 240 vans "At last I understand what I'm supposed to be doing! I have been able to advise our Directors on cutting fleet expenditure." Personnel Assistant, environmental services company, 85 cars This course has really helped us understand how to improve our overall performance to benefit our departmental clients and of course the taxpayer. The different types of fleet supply was a revelation! We will be reviewing our use of rental cars and vans as a matter of urgency. Head of Transport, Government department, 4,300 cars and 250 vans Excellent overview on the Duty of Care and environmental stuff we can see why we need to re-visit our allocation policy! Facilities Manager, office supplies business, 170 cars plus 60 vans "The course has put a great deal of our work into context. We can now make proper comparisons with private sector businesses. We also identified a major loophole in our controls procedure. Very many thanks for an excellent course." Fleet Supervisor, local government department, 480 cars plus 32 vans "Fabulous! I will send the rest of my department!" Fleet Support Administrator, construction/ plant hire company, 385 vehicles (She did!) "A great deal of food for thought. Well now have to re-think our policies on driver training and fuel control." Group Accountant, packaging business, 580 cars "--- I can now really help drivers with their car problems." Secretary to FD, specialist chemicals, 80 cars "Hard work but rewarding. Savings already made; directors better informed; better rates from leasing company." HR Executive, regional newspaper group
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