Spring Maintenance Getting Your Route Ready for Summer
Although not quite the same as that spring diet you go on to get yourself “beach body ready” spring is a good time to get your FedEx Ground route in better shape for the upcoming season. Whether you are a new route owner, considering buying a FedEx Route, or you’ve been doing this for a while and need a refresher, this guide is for you.
Here is your sprint maintenance guide to getting your FedEx Ground Route ready for summer.
Your Vehicle
The first step is your vehicle. While summer is not nearly as busy as peak season, it usually comes with unique weather challenges. In many areas of the country, this is the hottest time of the year, and that can be hard on your trucks.
There are also seasons of rain and other inclement weather, depending on where in the country you are. It’s best to make sure your vehicle is ready for the season, too.
- Check your tires. Winter may have been hard on your rubber, and the heat doesn’t do tires any good either. Check your pressures, tread depth, and other signs of wear.
- Change your fluids. Your coolant is mixed differently for winter and summer. Get it changed, and while you are at it change your oil and transmission fluids as well.
- Check your air conditioning, if you have it, and your fans and other cooling equipment if you truck is so equipped. Depending on where you live, you might consider adding cooling devices if you haven’t already.
- Do a thorough inspection. Check your lights, the body of your vehicle, your decals and paint, and the overall exterior and interior of your vehicle. Make repairs as needed.
- Do a detailed clean. Clean your truck top to bottom, inside and out. Get rid of the winter grime and get ready for a new season.
As a route owner, your vehicle is the lifeblood of what you do. Be sure it is ready for the coming summer.
Your Uniform
Winter can be rough on clothes, and you were probably using heavier jackets, boots, and even socks in the cold weather. It might be time to put away the long pants, pull out the shorts and short sleeves, and get your lighter jackets and vests ready for those cool summer days and evenings.
It’s also a good time to care for your winter things as you put them away. Store items in vacuum sealed bags or a climate controlled, dry area. Clean everything before you store it and consider getting jackets and other items dry cleaned. This can also be a good time to stock up on winter items for the next year as they are often on clearance to make room for summer wear.
Be ready before the weather changes, and the transition to summer will be smoother for you.
Your Supplies
If you carry chains in your truck, you can probably put them away for now. Also, you may be replacing that coffee or tea thermos with water bottles.
Speaking of water, make sure you have plenty of water and summer snacks with you throughout the summer season. Your body uses a lot of energy and sweating and dehydrating can spell bad news. Be sure you are prepared for the hotter days and that you have the energy to make it through your day.
You may also want to have things like allergy medication if you suffer from them. Be sure your first aid kit has things in it to deal with stings and bug bites that may come with the summer season.
Your Driver(s)
The most important part of your company is your people, including yourself. Be sure your drivers are ready for summer as well. Ensure everyone has the uniforms they need, the supplies on their truck and the knowledge of what to do if they need something.
Summer can be one of the best times to be a driver, but it comes with hazards as well. Be sure your body is in good shape, and that your drivers are too. Encourage them to get their annual physicals, and to take the appropriate supplements if needed.
You don’t need a beach body to be a driver, but you do need to be in shape and ready for the demands summer can bring.
Getting Your FedEx Route Ready for Summer
Finally, you should look at your route. Is this a route you can split during the summer and turn into two routes or an expansion route? Is your routing in good shape, or do you feel you can be more efficient both with time and fuel?
Getting your FedEx route ready for summer before you get any busier is a good way to ensure you have a great summer out there delivering.
Are you looking to buy your first FedEx Ground route? At Route Advisors, we can help, and can show you how to make your route the best it can be. Are you looking to sell your FedEx route? One of the best things you can do is make sure your route is in great shape before you even put it on the market.
Contact us today. We’re here to help and answer your FedEx route questions whether you are buying or selling.