The COVID-19 and impacts on LCVs fleet management

The coronavirus pandemic is firstly a human tragedy that is affecting hundreds of thousands of people. 

It is also seriously affecting all elements of the global economy. World governments have either imposed an almost total lockdown or containment measures in our daily activity for a significant period regardless of the economic cost. Actions such as physical distancing, ban on non-essential travel, public life restrictions, border controls, school and non-essential shop closures have become a way of life. 

3.4 billion of the population are in a lockdown situation equating to 50 % of the global inhabitants.

Many companies have developed digital solutions and home working solutions but this is not possible for all kind of jobs.

Indeed, during this period, we have seen the development of e-commerce, online purchase requiring transportation of goods, food shopping deliveries and service activities such as elevators or plumbers or others. All these activities have one common point: they use LCVs. Food or service delivery is key during this period at a time when mobility is reduced for the majority of the population in many countries.

They are focused on the need of employees such as technicians, drivers, operators to work as normal but are they ready to operate despite the crisis?  What are the processes that have been implemented during the COVID-19 crisis? Does this crisis change the way to work and the way they use their tools?

The paramount concern is the health of the employees and companies need to adapt to protect their employees. Employee safety comes first. The virus is spreading very quickly and it is highly contagious; companies have to put in place some hygiene measures.

First, they have to ensure their LCVs are always equipped with items such as masks, gloves and hydro alcoholic gel for driver and any passengers to ensure that their LCVs are always sanitized.

Secondly to vertically integrate mask manufacturing in their internal process to provide internal employees and external partners (key suppliers for instance).

Then, treat this crisis as if it were a house fire: so they have to use best practice at all times to be prepared in case of COVID-20.

Start managing today remote workers as if the COVID-19 crisis is normal life. To develop and implement for example new smartphone apps to manage remotely the activity of their technicians.

They will certainly have to work with the OEMs and partners to set the right configuration of the vehicles in terms of efficiency. To consider the storage of hygiene equipment such as gloves, alcoholic gel, masks and the sanitization of the seats (seat cover, …) and tools and parts after use.

Regarding the organization of their own jobs, they potentially need to revamp processes that involve human contact. They will certainly have to be adapted to limit human contact or to enable them to act in a safe way.

In some countries, we are now heading towards a progressive return to business that needs to be well prepared, supported by the industry specialists as well. For sure, there will be a before and an after COVID-19 world and the way we will work will be impacted with safety at the center of our thoughts on the impact on partners, suppliers and the whole supply chain.  

What will be the other impacts?  Impacts on car sharing, bike sharing or other sharing solutions?  How are these hygiene measures going to impact sharing solutions?