- Conduct regular inspections to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety.
- Use predictive maintenance tactics like sensors to detect wear and tear.
- Keep equipment running smoothly and efficiently with ongoing maintenance.
- Extend the life cycle of machines by inspecting them regularly and making repairs as needed.
- Clean equipment weekly and invest in tools that protect from corrosion and rust.
A shipping company’s success depends on how well its equipment performs in the long run. Whether a small-scale business or a giant corporation, its greatest assets are the company’s delivery vehicles, trucks, trailers, and other machinery.
You need to properly maintain your equipment to ensure that your shipments are delivered on time and in the best possible condition. Continue reading this article to learn how to keep your shipping company’s equipment in top-notch condition.
Regular Inspections
Conducting regular inspections is critical if you wish to reduce equipment maintenance costs. You do not want any equipment breakdowns causing unnecessary delays, frustrations, and loss of business. Here’s the importance of regular inspections of the machines of your shipping company:
Safety Reasons
One of the fundamental reasons you need to inspect your shipping machines regularly is safety. You know that in the case of an accident or mishap, it is not just expensive to you, but it is also dangerous to the workers. Performing regular inspections helps you keep up with the minor repairs and maintenance that could lead to extensive damage if ignored. As a result, your equipment is safer, and your workers are safer too.
Predictive Maintenance
Another reason you should inspect your machines regularly is to predict when maintenance is needed. This means that you can avoid costly downtime and minimize the risk of failure in the working processes in your company. An example of predictive maintenance is using sensors to monitor equipment, detecting wear and tear, and fixing the issue before the equipment fails.
Efficient and Effective Operations
Inspecting your machines regularly keeps them running smoothly and efficiently. This could range from replacing parts as needed or adjusting various settings. Either way, this ongoing maintenance creates more efficient operations of the equipment. You know that when your machines are at their best, they work more effectively and save you time and money in the long term.
Improved Equipment Life Cycle
Regular inspections help you extend the life cycle of your machines. A well-maintained machine can last longer than if it had been neglected. One missed inspection can cause equipment breakdowns that are expensive to repair. By performing proper inspections regularly, you help detect an unusual sound or malfunction, which can be addressed and fixed promptly, prolonging the life of the equipment.
Keep Your Equipment Clean
Equipment must be cleaned to prevent corrosion and rust, especially when exposed to harsh environments such as water and salt. Ensure that the vehicles are cleaned on a weekly basis at a minimum. After every use or exposure to road salt, this should be done.
Aside from cleaning regularly, you should also invest in protective tools and products that protect them from harmful elements. For example, fork protectors are an excellent way to protect your equipment from damage caused by rust and corrosion.
This, in turn, reduces your repair and maintenance costs. On the other hand, you need to ensure that your equipment is properly lubricated and that all the parts are in good working order.
Develop a Maintenance Schedule
Minor equipment issues can quickly cost thousands of dollars if you aren’t on top of your game. Keep track of your equipment’s service history and create a maintenance schedule. By following a maintenance calendar, you can ensure that worn items such as oil filters, tuned belts, and hoses will be replaced before they reach the end of their usable life.
Moreover, you should also track and keep tabs on seasonal maintenance activities to ensure your equipment is always running at its best. This way, it will be easier for you to resolve any issues quickly if they arise.
Train Your Staff
Employees should be educated in proper equipment use and upkeep to optimize performance and prevent costly mistakes. Train your team members on identifying potential issues, carrying out routine checks, and performing minor maintenance tasks such as changing filters and belts or checking fluid levels. This will reduce the frequency of breakdowns and also ensure that your equipment lasts longer.
Keep Records
Keep a detailed record of each equipment piece’s maintenance and repairs. Every piece of equipment should have a service history to keep track of general maintenance operations and identify failure patterns. This documentation can be handy when checking for warranty work or resale value.
You should also keep track of any replacement parts, components, or tools used for repairs and maintenance. This will help you build a complete picture of the equipment’s performance to make informed decisions about future projects and investments.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining your equipment in top-notch condition is essential to the success of your shipping company. Following the abovementioned guidelines can reduce the risk of costly breakdowns, extend equipment life cycles, and improve performance. Invest in maintenance tools, train your staff, and schedule regular inspections to avoid expensive and unexpected equipment breakdowns.
