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Clark: Fleets need to prioritize customer service to stay competitive

Sept. 23, 2024
As the transportation sector evolves, customer service isn’t just a differentiator—it’s the battleground.

In an age of sky-high expectations, simply moving goods from point A to point B won’t cut it anymore.

Whether it’s due to the explosive growth of e-commerce or a relentless demand for faster, seamless service, the transportation game has changed—and it’s all about customer experience. Every decision fleets make now reverberates directly with their customers. Efficiency, reliability, and transparency are no longer luxuries; they’re non-negotiable.

So, how do truck fleets, regardless of their size, prioritize customer service?

Owning the process from start to finish

When fleets are under direct control, companies can guarantee that every step of the transportation process aligns with customer expectations. Fast response times to customer inquiries, minimal delays, and clear communication become part of the service package, not just afterthoughts.

Guaranteed capacity in uncertain times

In today’s unpredictable logistics landscape, a fleet you control means capacity you can count on. Private or dedicated fleets offer the flexibility to scale up or down as needed, ensuring customers aren’t left waiting when supply chains face disruption. This guarantees reliability—a trait customers value more than ever.

Transparency is the new normal

In the era of real-time tracking, customers demand end-to-end visibility. It’s no longer acceptable for them to wonder when their shipment will arrive. With advanced tracking technologies, fleets can provide customers with real-time updates that build trust, giving them a clear understanding of the status of their delivery.

See also: Clark: Customer relationship management keys to success in 2024

Drivers as brand ambassadors

Fleet drivers aren’t just cogs in the logistics machine, they’re the face of the business. Consistent routes and personalized service allow drivers to build rapport with customers, enhancing the overall service experience. These drivers know the importance of every delivery, ensuring it’s completed with precision and care and fostering loyalty in ways that go beyond the transaction.

Safety as a service

Safe fleets aren’t just a bonus, they’re essential to top-tier service. Stringent safety protocols reduce accidents and delays, ensuring goods arrive in pristine condition. Safe operations also reinforce customer confidence in the reliability and professionalism of the fleet.

Customer experience is the future

As the transportation sector evolves, customer service isn’t just a differentiator–it’s the battleground. Whether it’s private, dedicated, or third-party fleets, companies that focus on delivering an exceptional, reliable, and transparent experience will stand out.

By harnessing control over logistics, ensuring real-time responses, and building relationships through every delivery, truck fleets can ensure that customer satisfaction drives the road ahead.

About the Author

Jane Clark | Senior VP of Operations

Jane Clark is the senior vice president of operations for NationaLease. Prior to joining NationaLease, Jane served as the area vice president for Randstad, one of the nation’s largest recruitment agencies, and before that, she served in management posts with QPS Companies, Pro Staff, and Manpower, Inc.

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