Corporate fleet vehicles: pros & cons in 2023

As the business landscape changes, so do the strategies and needs of corporate fleets. What was once a necessary but bulky operation is now being streamlined and becoming more efficient. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of corporate fleet vehicles in 2023. We’ll also explore how new technologies are changing the way these fleets operate.

The cost of corporate fleet vehicles is on the rise

With the rising cost of fuel, maintenance, and vehicle parts, managing a corporate fleet of vehicles is becoming increasingly costly for companies. As technology advances and environmental regulations become tighter, fleet managers must now pay more attention to the energy efficiency of their vehicles. Furthermore, increased vehicle safety requirements are also driving up the costs associated with buying and running a corporate fleet. Although these added costs may cause some immediate financial burden for corporate owners, establishing and maintaining high-quality standards for their vehicle fleets will ensure business operations run more smoothly in the long-term.

Read more: the true costs of a fleet of corporate vehicles

Maintenance and upkeep can be costly for businesses

For businesses, maintenance and upkeep can be costly. Regularly scheduled checks to ensure that machines and equipment are up to working order might take time out of production schedules and can require a lot of effort from a facility team. In addition, unexpected repairs and replacements occur regularly, often resulting in unplanned budget expenditures. Proactive monitoring and planning can help businesses offset the costs of slowdowns due to machine malfunctions or the need to replace older systems with upgraded models. To reduce their long-term expenditure on maintenance, businesses should explore all available options for cost-efficient solutions suitable for their particular needs.

There are environmental concerns associated with corporate fleet vehicles

With the increase in corporate fleets of vehicles, there has been a corresponding rise in environmental concerns. Companies must be aware of their contributions to air pollution, hazardous waste, and depletion of natural resources when maintaining fleet vehicles. Taking steps such as regularly servicing engines, investing in renewables and low-carbon fuels, and switching to electric vehicles can help reduce a company’s environmental impacts. To ensure accountability for environmental standards within business operations, many have drafted formalized Corporate Social Responsibility policies. Perhaps most significantly, this involves an increased focus on emissions from corporate fleets through benchmarks that measure the gaps between current output and desired reduction targets. By addressing these climate-related issues head-on with practices designed to promote sustainability and long term accounting for emissions impacts from corporate operations, companies can show themselves to be truly committed to responsible environmental stewardship.

Read more: can my company have a fleet of electric vehicles?

Employee-owned vehicles with reimbursements are replacing corporate fleet vehicles

Employee-owned vehicles with company reimbursements are becoming a more cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes. This shift away from corporate fleet cars works to reduce overhead costs and can help businesses remain profitable in today’s ever-changing economic climate. Investing in employee vehicles also brings peace of mind because these cars can be carefully monitored, maintained, and serviced while they are used for their intended purpose. The use of employee-owned vehicles with reimbursement plans allows companies to benefit from the business use of these cars without taking on the additional liability that comes with owning an entire fleet. This provides assurance not only to the business, but also to the employees who have opted in to this arrangement, knowing they are provided full coverage or partial payment as needed.

Read more: fleet vs. FAVR vehicle reimbursements

Insurance risks are high with corporate fleet vehicles

As companies use more fleet vehicles for their day-to-day operations, the risk of damage or injury increases. Along with liabilities incurred from driving employees, such as distracted driving and speeding, having corporate fleets brings unique risks that must be managed through proper insurance coverage. Businesses must consider purchasing additional insurance policies to cover the potential costs of repairs and medical bills that may be incurred in a collision. Companies should also ensure they are abiding by safety regulations which can have an effect on insurance rates. As a result, managing risks associated with fleet vehicles is no easy task but is an essential part of being a good steward of company assets.

Read more: what businesses need to know about US auto insurance

Conclusion

As the cost of fleet vehicles begins to rise, many businesses are starting to explore alternatives that will save them money. From maintenance and upkeep costs, to environmental concerns and employee-owned reimbursement models, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to corporate fleets. Insurance risks are also high with these types of vehicles, so it’s important for businesses to do their research before making any decisions. Have you been thinking about switching to an alternative transportation model for your business? Reach out to Cardata to explore your options.