For mid-sized contractor fleets, efficiency is the name of the game. Whether in construction, landscaping, HVAC, or any other trade, fleet operations are a major cost center. Rising fuel prices, labor shortages, and increasing client demands create constant pressure to do more with less. While large enterprises have the resources to leverage extensive data and sophisticated analytics to optimize their fleets, mid-sized businesses often operate in the dark, relying solely on internal metrics without the context of how they compare to the industry.
This lack of insight can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities for cost savings, and difficulty maintaining a competitive edge. But what if mid-sized contractor fleets had access to the same level of data-driven decision-making as their larger competitors? That’s where benchmarking comes in.
THE DATA DIVIDE
While internal performance tracking offers a baseline for evaluating operations, it lacks the broader industry context necessary for making informed strategic decisions. Without benchmarking, these fleets may struggle in several key areas. Inefficiencies often go unnoticed, as internal data alone doesn’t reveal whether fuel waste or maintenance expenses are excessive compared to industry standards. Growth can stagnate without industry comparisons to help set realistic performance goals and measure progress against peers. Additionally, inefficient operations drive up costs, making it more difficult to submit competitive bids while maintaining profitability.
Benchmarking provides a structured approach to evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs) against industry peers. By leveraging these insights, contractor fleets can identify areas for improvement, refine their strategies, and position themselves for long-term success.
BENCHMARKING HELPS FLEETS THRIVE
To keep your fleet running at peak performance, you need more than guesswork. Think of benchmarking as your fleet’s diagnostic tool, providing a clear roadmap to boost efficiency, cut costs, and secure long-term growth. It’s not just about collecting numbers; it’s about using those numbers to make fundamental, impactful changes.
Here’s how benchmarking benefits contractor fleets:
Fuel efficiency and cost control: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that unnecessary idling costs fleets billions of dollars in wasted fuel annually. Benchmarking fuel consumption against industry averages helps identify inefficiencies and where adjustments—such as optimizing routes, reducing idle time, and implementing driver training—can lead to significant savings.
Optimized vehicle utilization: Many fleets unknowingly underutilize their vehicles, leading to unnecessary operating expenses. Benchmarking helps managers track downtime and idle time against industry standards, enabling smarter scheduling, workload distribution, and potential fleet downsizing or expansion.
Enhanced equipment maintenance: Poor maintenance schedules increase breakdown risks and unexpected repair costs. Fleets that benchmark maintenance schedules against industry standards optimize service intervals, reduce emergency repairs, and extend vehicle lifespans.
Improved driver safety: Benchmarking helps fleet managers analyze driving behavior data—speeding, harsh braking, and aggressive acceleration—against industry norms. This allows them to implement targeted training programs that enhance safety and reduce liability risks.
Compliance and regulatory preparedness: Tracking data against compliance benchmarks helps fleets stay ahead of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, ensuring inspections, emissions monitoring, and driver-hour tracking are up to code.
OPTIMIZING WITH FORESIGHT
In a market demanding efficiency and foresight, predictive benchmarking empowers contractors to move beyond reactive adjustments. By leveraging real-time insights and anticipating future needs, even mid-sized fleets can access the strategic advantage once reserved for larger corporations. Embrace data-driven decision-making, and you’ll not only optimize your operations today but also secure a more profitable and sustainable future. The democratization of advanced analytics through predictive benchmarking is leveling the playing field. No longer confined to enterprise-level operations, this powerful tool empowers mid-sized contractors to proactively manage their fleets, anticipating challenges and seizing opportunities.
about the author
Erin Gilchrist, VP of fleet evangelism at IntelliShift, brings 15 years of experience from Safelite AutoGlass, where she managed a fleet of more than 8,500 vehicles. A long-term member of the Automotive Fleet Leasing Association, she advocates for fleet leaders through her podcast, Straight Talk on Fleet. Passionate about fleet management, education, safety, innovation, and sustainability, she remains active in the industry, serving as a supplier and strategic partner.