The COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous challenges for fleets and managers. From shifting business schedules to virus protection strategies, we have had a lot to think about.

Now that we are slowly returning to business as usual, effective management is more important than ever. The coronavirus is still a threat, so you need to protect your drivers’ health and your company’s liability. Maintaining efficient routines without exposing employees to illness is a top priority, but what does that mean for you?

There are an endless number of things to consider as you develop your COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan. To help you develop an effective strategy, we’ve included several questions to consider over the next few weeks as you prepare your fleet.

How to Help Your Fleet Recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic

1. Monitor Driver Behavior

Many companies have lost business due to the pandemic. For some drivers, particularly delivery drivers, this has led to less work and a decrease in income. To make up for this loss, drivers may feel the need to rush through jobs to increase their availability. Unsurprisingly, this can also cause more accidents and risks for your drivers and others on the road.

As you navigate the new normal, encourage safe driving through a steady blend of education and monitoring. Use your telematics solution to identify and address dangerous habits that have formed. You can also hold regular training sessions to ensure your policies and expectations are clear to all.

2. Implement Virus Prevention

Protecting drivers from coronavirus exposure is now a vital part of fleet management, even as work resumes. Help your employees maintain their health by developing and enforcing new COVID-19 procedures. You should include policies regarding:

• Sanitation for vehicles and workstations
• Social distancing during drives, deliveries, interactions, and work
• Masks/face coverings
• Compliance with local rules and regulations at job sites

Drivers should also know how to monitor their own exposure and health. Make sure everyone knows when they should stay home and how to protect their health both on and off the clock. The fewer coronavirus cases your fleet experiences within the workforce, the better.

3. Update Fleet Technology

Now is the perfect time to evaluate and update your vehicle technology and telematics. Budgeting will be tighter than ever during pandemic recovery, so explore ways to optimize operations. If you haven’t yet, you can use this time to find and implement your ideal telematics solution. You can also focus on updating software and devices to ensure peak performance and benefits.

How will you guide your fleet through its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic?