FROM THE POSTBAG
Page 75
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An ancillary user has so far contracted his fleet maintenance out to a local distributor and asks for guidance as to what factors have to be taken into consideration in determining whether it would be a better proposition to do his own maintenance.
It is not without significance that this particular
reader uses the term better proposition" rather than, say, more economic or cheaper. In so doing he probably avoids one or two pitfalls which can arise when making such a decision.
Theoretically, undertaking one's own maintenance eliminates the otherwise inevitable contribution he must make to the local distributor's overheads and profit margin.
But in practice there can be several factors which can more than offset this initial advantage. If the expense of a repair garage and equipment is to be recouped it must be fully utilized. A relatively modestly equipped garage would probably require a fleet of 20-30 vehicles to justify the outlay, whilst 100 or more vehicles would be necessary for a more Comprehensive set up. Moreover, all these vehicles must be located in a comparatively confined area or otherwise dead mileage will be excessive.
• Those not previously experienced in managing repair depots (in addition to overall transport management) can easily underestimate the amount of administrative time and resources which will then be diverted to their control, probably to the detriment of more important work. Chasing spare parts in short supply can be a time-wasting exercise, whilst the loss of one or two skilled fitters could seriously jeopardize the entire maintenance programme. Important though it is, comparison on cost alone could result in the wrong maintenance policy being adopted.