Contingency planning ‘critical’ for fleets to avoid disruption

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is urging fleets to have a plan ‘B’ if critical services are withdrawn.

The warning comes after some high-profile withdrawals from the fleet market, including BP Pulse’s withdrawal from the workplace charging market. 

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said there was a need to consider contingencies that addressed potential issues including supplier failures or sudden changes in their corporate strategy.

“This is something that has become more pertinent for fleets as a result of several high-profile developments over recent years and arguably, is becoming more of a problem,” he added.

“Currently, several members are affected by the decisions of BP Business Chargers and JustPark to withdraw from the charging solutions sector.

“Those businesses are financially sound, of course, but there is also the possibility of companies going under, as we’ve seen with cases such as Prohire, Rivus and Newtown Vehicle Rentals.”

Hollick says that these can cause “immediate and ongoing disruption” to essential fleet services.

For example, rental vehicles may be recovered without notice, leaving drivers and goods without transport – or risk management may be affected because of the removal of access to service, maintenance and repair providers.

Fleets could find themselves looking for new suppliers for critical services in a limited timeframe, he explained, creating substantial pressure and meaning important procurement decisions were made in less-than-ideal circumstances, often leading to longer-term issues.

“This is really where the need for contingency planning is most apparent,” he continued. “If a dozen drivers are calling you simultaneously because garages won’t release vehicles that have been serviced under a maintenance provider that just called in the receivers, it’s very useful to be able to reach for a structured document designed to handle such a situation.

“We’re finding our members are increasingly interested in creating a formal plan ‘B’ of this type to cover key services, including everything from short-term measures that keep your fleet safe and mobile, through to maintaining relationships with suppliers who could deliver an alternative provision.

“It’s not a huge task when integrated into your day-to-day fleet management but could prove a godsend if an issue arises.”