FLEETS wanting to introduce a European fleet policy were shown a nine-point action plan designed to ensure such a mammoth task succeeds.

Peter O'Brien, senior vice- president at logistic and transport giant Deutsche Post World Net (DPWN)/DHL, outlined the key factors for a successful policy.

A solid communication network within fleets is vital for policies to be implemented and maintained, according to O'Brien.

He said: 'Fleets need to have the right level of involvement from the whole business including support from senior management. Regular internal and external communications are also needed.'

Fleets need to ensure they provide a 'commitment to effective resourcing of the project for the time that is needed' and this includes having full access to data which is able to create a baseline of existing costs, according to O'Brien.

Additional factors, which must be incorporated into the policy, include standardisation of specifications and a clearly defined negotiation strategy, he added.

DPWN has implemented a successful pan-European fleet policy across its total fleet of 102,010 vehicles, which includes 17,000 vehicles within DHL and a 23,000-strong fleet at Deutsche Post.

O'Brien believes that success depends on consistency achieved by the fleet operator. He said: 'It is important to be transparent.

'Our own customers want consistency with just one interface to work with and fleet operators should expect the same from their suppliers.'

However, for the fleet market to thrive in a pan-European environment, O'Brien believes competition among suppliers is needed. He said: 'It is vital that competition remains in the market. Competition is key and quality is key.'

Plan for a successful European fleet policy. You will need:

  • A clear mandate of support from senior management
  • Regular internal and external communications
  • A commitment to effective resourcing of the project for the time that is needed
  • Access to data to create a clear baseline of existing costs
  • A process for agreeing standardisation of specifications
  • A Request For Proposal (RFP) covering the key issues in a format that suppliers can work with
  • A clearly defined negotiation strategy
  • An approval process at the highest level
  • Resourcing for successful implementation.

  • For full copies of the Fleet News Europe Conference 2004 presentations in Powerpoint and pdf format click here.