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Naujienos ir atnaujinimai • 4 min perskaityti

Mažos taršos zonos Ispanijoje: Ką turi žinoti automobilių parkų operatoriai

Sukurta: 03-10-2025

Atnaujinta: 08-10-2025

Iki 2025 m. pabaigos 149 Ispanijos miestai - nuo Madrido ir Barselonos iki tokių turizmo centrų kaip Valensija, Alikantė ir Benidormas - apribos įvažiavimą į juos didelės taršos transporto priemonėmis. Transporto priemonių parkų operatoriams tai reiškia naują atitikties riziką, brangiai kainuojantį atnaujinimą ir griežtėjančius pristatymo grafikus.

Ispanijos mažo išmetamųjų teršalų kiekio zonos (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones arba ZBE) yra platesnio masto Europos pastangų gerinti oro kokybę ir mažinti transporto išmetamųjų teršalų kiekį dalis. Šios zonos jau veikia didžiuosiuose šalies miestuose, o jų vykdymas užtikrinamas skiriant baudas iki 200 eurų, tačiau taisyklės įvairiuose miestuose skiriasi.

Šiame vadove paaiškiname, kaip veikia ZBE, kokioms transporto priemonių kategorijoms taikoma ir ką operatoriai turi daryti, kad jų transporto priemonių parkai galėtų važinėti.

ZBE taisyklės ir transporto priemonių kategorijos

Pagal Ispanijos įstatymus ZBE įvedami miestuose, kuriuose gyvena daugiau nei 50 000 gyventojų (ir miestuose, kuriuose gyvena daugiau nei 20 000 gyventojų ir kuriuose oro kokybė yra ypač prasta), siekiant pagerinti miestų oro kokybę ir paremti ES klimato kaitos tikslus.

Galimybė patekti į ZBE nustatoma pagal transporto priemonės aplinkosaugos ženklelį (distintivo ambiental), kurį išduoda Ispanijos eismo generalinis direktoratas (DGT).

Kategorijos yra šios:

Zero (mėlynasis ženkliukas):

Visiška prieiga

● 100 proc. elektra varomos transporto priemonės (BEV)

● Vandenilio kuro elementų transporto priemonės (FCEV)

● Įkraunami hibridiniai automobiliai, kurių elektrinis nuotolis ne mažesnis kaip 40 km.

"Eco" (žalias/mėlynas ženkliukas):

Iš esmės neribota prieiga

● Standartiniai hibridai (HEV)

● Įkraunami hibridiniai automobiliai, kurių elektrinis nuotolis mažesnis nei 40 km

● Dujomis varomos transporto priemonės (SGD/LNG/LPG)

C (žalias ženkliukas):

Prieiga su tam tikrais laiko ir (arba) teritorijos apribojimais

● Benzininės transporto priemonės: Euro 4/5/6 (paprastai nuo 2006 m.)

● Dyzelinės transporto priemonės: Euro 6 (paprastai nuo 2014 m.)

B (geltonas ženkliukas):

Vis labiau ribojamas, dažnai draudžiama naudotis piko valandomis

● Benzininės transporto priemonės: Euro 3 (paprastai 2000-2005 m.)

● Dyzelinės transporto priemonės: Euro 4-5 (paprastai 2006-2013 m.)

Nėra ženklelio:

Paprastai draudžiama dalyvauti visuose ZBE

● Benzininės transporto priemonės, neatitinkančios "Euro 3" standartų

● Dyzelinės transporto priemonės, neatitinkančios "Euro 4" standartų

Benzininėms transporto priemonėms, kurios neatitinka Euro 3 standartų, ir dyzelinėms transporto priemonėms, kurios neatitinka Euro 4 standartų, paprastai draudžiama važinėti ZBE, nors apribojimai skiriasi priklausomai nuo miesto.

Svarbu pažymėti, kad užsienio transporto priemonės, net jei jos atitinka lygiaverčius Euro standartus, prieš įvažiuodamos į ZBE turi būti užregistruotos vietinėse miestų tarybose. Neregistravus reikalavimus atitinkančių transporto priemonių gali būti automatiškai skiriamos baudos, o tai tapo dažna Ispanijoje dirbančių tarptautinių vežėjų problema.

ZBE paveiktos sritys

Madride ir Barselonoje jau kelerius metus galioja ZBE, kuriems taikomos labai konkrečios taisyklės ir dideli aprėpties plotai. Iki 2025 m. pabaigos sistema bus išplėsta ir apims 149 miestus, įskaitant mažesnius miestus ir turistų lankomas vietas, tokias kaip Benidormas, Valensija, Sevilija ir Alikantė.

Kai kurie miestai vis dar įgyvendina arba palaipsniui įgyvendina savo zonas, nustatydami pereinamuosius laikotarpius (pvz., Valensijoje ir Benidorme įspėjimai galioja iki 2025 m. pabaigos). Kituose, pavyzdžiui, [Malagoje] (https://cadenaser.com/andalucia/2025/09/18/malaga-sancionara-en-la-zona-de-bajas-emisiones-a-partir-del-uno-de-diciembre-ser-malaga/), baudos už reikalavimų neatitinkančias transporto priemones bus pradėtos taikyti nuo 2025 m. gruodžio mėn.

Reikėtų pažymėti, kad miestuose gali būti taikomos skirtingos taisyklės, o kai kuriuose iš jų svarbiausioms paslaugoms teikti gali būti naudojamos reikalavimų neatitinkančios transporto priemonės, todėl prieš siunčiant transporto priemonę svarbu žinoti konkretaus miesto taisykles.

Ispanija nėra vienintelė: daugiau nei 320 miestų visoje Europoje dabar veikia LEZs, su Prancūzijos Crit'Air sistema, Vokietijos Umweltzonen ir Jungtinės Karalystės ULEZ tarp labiausiai įsitvirtinusių. Tarpvalstybiniams vežėjams tai sukuria daugybę taisyklių, lipdukų ir nuobaudų, kurios didina atitikties riziką ir išlaidas.

Ką turi daryti automobilių parko operatoriai

Privalote užtikrinti, kad jūsų transporto priemonės būtų pažymėtos atitinkamu DGT ženkleliu arba registruotos, jei jos yra užsienyje.

Baudos už reikalavimų nesilaikymą paprastai yra 200 eurų už kiekvieną pažeidimą, nors jos gali skirtis priklausomai nuo savivaldybės. Tokiuose miestuose kaip Madridas ir Barselona šios baudos jau pradėtos skirti naudojant automatinio numerio ženklų atpažinimo (ANPR) sistemas.

Automobilių parkų vadovų klausimai

Parko atnaujinimas ir išlaidos

Daugelis logistikos įmonių susiduria su kliūtimis, nes senesniems dyzeliniams sunkvežimiams dabar draudžiama arba ribojama galimybė įvažiuoti į miestus. Iš tikrųjų vidutinis Ispanijos krovininių automobilių parko amžius yra 14 metų. Tai reiškia, kad nemažai transporto priemonių neatitinka reikalavimų ir turi būti pakeistos, jei vežėjai nori patekti į ZBE.

Transporto priemonių kainos dar labiau didina spaudimą: elektrinis sunkvežimis gali kainuoti tris kartus brangiau nei dyzelinis atitikmuo, o vandeniliniai sunkvežimiai yra dar brangesni.

Ispanijos krovininio transporto konfederacija CETM-Madrid apskaičiavo, kad Madride įsikūrusių krovininio kelių transporto įmonių bendros išlaidos sudaro apie 1,3 mlrd. eurų (https://transporteprofesional.es/ultimas-noticias/cetm-madrid-reclama-modificar-el-calendario-de-acceso-a-las-zonas-de-bajas-emisiones-a-los-camiones), ir ragina koreguoti terminus bei teikti didesnę paramą.

Laiko suspaudimas

Duomenys rodo, kad pokyčiai turi įtakos pristatymo tvarkaraščiams. Neseniai bandomosiose zonose veikiančių įmonių apklausa parodė, kad [36,7 proc. jų pranešė apie ilgesnį pristatymo laiką ir padidėjusias siuntimo išlaidas] (https://www.jiem.org/index.php/jiem/article/download/6902/1089).

Spūstys taip pat būdingos riboto pristatymo metu (8-10 val. ryto), kai daug vežėjų konkuruoja dėl prieigos. Maždaug 83 % apklaustų įmonių taip pat nurodė, kad prie vėlavimo labiausiai prisideda tinkamų pakrovimo ir (arba) iškrovimo vietų trūkumas.

Dėl šio "laiko suspaudimo" efekto, kai pristatymai yra priversti vykti mažiau valandų, zonų perimetruose susidaro kliūčių, todėl padidėja pavėluoto pristatymo ir tiekimo grandinių sutrikimų tikimybė.

Personalo spaudimas

Tvarkaraščio trikdžiai apima ne tik transporto priemonių maršrutų sudarymą, bet ir darbo jėgos valdymą. Barselonos požiūris į ZBE iliustruoja šį iššūkį: miestas siūlo dviejų valandų naktinio pristatymo laiko tarpsnius (21:00-07:00), kad sumažintų dienos spūstis, tačiau Ispanijos darbo sutartyse nustatyta, kad už naktinį darbą mokami maždaug 25 % priedai.

Dėl to transporto priemonių parko operatoriams tenka rinktis: ar susitaikyti su dienos metu susidarančiomis spūstimis ir vėlavimais, ar prisiimti padidėjusias darbo sąnaudas, susijusias su naktinėmis operacijomis.

ZBE diegimo nauda aplinkai

Nepaisant iššūkių, ZBE duoda akivaizdžią naudą visuomenės sveikatai. Atlikus Madrido centrinės LEZ tyrimus užfiksuotas reikšmingas azoto dioksido (NO₂) sumažėjimas zonoje. Platesni Europos tyrimai rodo, kad, įdiegus LEZ, suodžių emisijos sumažėjo iki 47 %, o itin smulkių dalelių - 56 %.

Šis sumažinimas tiesiogiai reiškia geresnę oro kokybę, mažesnį kvėpavimo takų ligų skaičių ir mažesnį hospitalizacijų skaičių. Miestų gyventojams ir vairuotojams, valandų valandas praleidžiantiems transporto spūstyse, nauda sveikatai yra apčiuopiama, nors ir nepatogi.

Pagalba vairuotojams ir operatoriams visoje Europoje

"Mažos taršos zonos yra čia ir toliau", - komentuoja SNAP Europos pardavimų vadovas Raqual Martinez. "Mūsų bendruomenės iššūkis - prisitaikyti, nesumažinant efektyvumo ir vairuotojų gerovės. SNAP yra įsipareigojusi remti Ispanijos ir visos Europos transporto priemonių parkus, padėdama jiems reguliavimo pokyčius paversti veiklos privalumais."

Nors mes negalime pakeisti LEZ taisyklių, mūsų intruck programėlė palengvina gyvenimą kelyje. Vairuotojai gali naudoti ją rasti ir užsisakyti saugią sunkvežimių stovėjimo aikštelę ir plovyklą, pamatyti, kokie patogumai yra kiekvienoje stotelėje, ir suplanuoti poilsio pertraukas, kad atitiktų trumpesnius pristatymo langus - nesvarbu, ar jie važiuoja į Madridą, aplenkdami Barseloną, ar kirsdami sienas ilgesniais maršrutais.

Atsisiųskite intruck programėlę dar šiandien, kad sklandžiau dirbtumėte besikeičiančioje Ispanijos transporto srityje.

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antradienis 28 spalio 2025 • Naujienos ir atnaujinimai

ANTROS KARTOS IŠMANIEJI TACHOGRAFAI: KĄ TURI ŽINOTI AUTOMOBILIŲ PARKŲ VALDYTOJAI

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The road transport industry in Europe is undergoing a significant change with the rollout of the second-generation smart tachograph (Smart Tachograph Version 2, or G2V2). These new devices have been introduced under the to improve road safety, to ensure fair competition and to protect drivers' rights.For fleet managers across the EU – and in the UK for those operating internationally – it’s crucial to understand what the new smart tachograph v2 entails, the timelines for its implementation and how it will impact daily operations. This article provides a practical overview of G2V2 features, regulatory deadlines and the operational implications for fleets. The second-generation smart tachograph is an upgraded digital tachograph unit with enhanced capabilities, designed to boost compliance with driving rules and streamline enforcement. Building on the first smart tachographs introduced in 2019, the new smart tachograph adds several important features: G2V2 devices use satellite positioning (Galileo GNSS) to record a vehicle’s position when crossing national borders. This helps enforce rules on cabotage and driver posting by providing precise records of when a truck enters a new country. The new tachograph enables enforcement officers to retrieve data wirelessly via Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC). Roadside inspectors can remotely receive recent driving time, last stop or potential violations as a truck approaches. In essence, enforcers can access key tachograph data from G2V2 without stopping the vehicle, which facilitates smarter and more unified enforcement of driver-hours rules.This ‘remote check’ capability allows authorities to pre-select vehicles that may need a closer inspection, reducing unnecessary stops for compliant drivers. G2V2 includes a mandatory ITS interface with Bluetooth connectivity for secure data exchange with third-party systems. This means fleet telematics platforms can pair with the tachograph to access data, such as vehicle location, speed, driver activity and even vehicle events (for example, brake usage) in real time. For fleet managers, this integration offers the possibility of richer data streams for compliance monitoring and route management, seamlessly connecting tachograph information to their existing fleet management software. The new G2V2 tachographs record more information and retain it for longer. Driver activity logs now cover 56 days instead of 28, extending the control period for enforcement and helping operators with data retention and audits. In addition, new data fields provide a fuller picture of each journey. The devices log loading and unloading locations, record whether the vehicle is carrying passengers or goods, and capture configuration and calibration events in greater detail. Together, these updates support both compliance and logistics planning. Drivers will, however, need training to make the new manual entries for load and unload points, as these coordinates are stored for later verification. The second-gen units come with improved security to detect and resist tampering. They also have updatable software to allow future enhancements. Additionally, new driver cards (G2V2 driver cards) have been introduced with larger memory to accommodate the extra data. There is no immediate legal requirement for drivers to replace existing digital tachograph cards if they are still valid, but as cards expire, they’ll be replaced with the updated ones to fully use G2V2 features.Most major tachograph deadlines have already passed. All heavy vehicles operating internationally within the EU or entering from the UK are now required to have the second-generation smart tachograph (G2V2) fitted.The only remaining milestone is 1 July 2026, when the rule will be extended to light commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used for international transport. Historically, vans were exempt from EU drivers’ hours and tachograph rules, but from July 2026, operators carrying goods across borders will need to comply.This change aims to close long-standing loopholes and ensure that drivers of smaller commercial vehicles follow the same rest-time rules as HGV operators. Fleet managers running pan-European van fleets should start planning installations now, integrating the upgrade with routine servicing or fleet renewal cycles to minimise disruption.Fleet managers with international operations need to understand that compliance with these tachograph upgrades is now a prerequisite for cross-border road transport in Europe. If your trucks travel between EU countries – or from the UK into the EU – failing to equip the right tachograph can stop your business at the border. Here are key points on how different fleets are affected:As noted above, since August 2025, any heavy goods vehicle conducting international trips within the EU must have the second-gen tachograph. This applies regardless of where in the EU the truck is registered. Enforcement is carried out during roadside checks or at borders. Non-compliant vehicles can be taken off the road until a proper tachograph is installed. British fleets running international journeys into or within the EU are subject to the same tachograph requirements if they are operating goods vehicles. This is because the rules are incorporated into the AETR treaty, which governs road transport between EU and non-EU European countries. The UK Department for Transport has aligned domestic regulations to mirror the EU timeline for international journeys. Failing to upgrade doesn’t just mean a fine – it can mean your truck is stopped at a checkpoint and cannot complete its delivery. Authorities in countries like France have imposed and even jail time for serious tachograph compliance breaches. Other nations like Germany, Spain and Italy have their own stiff penalties. In addition, non-compliance can tarnish a company’s reputation.On the positive side, compliant fleets stand to benefit from smoother enforcement. Trucks with up-to-date devices, for instance, may be stopped less frequently, thanks to remote pre-checks, allowing law-abiding drivers to keep moving.One of the core aims of the new tachograph legislation and the wider EU Mobility Package is to improve working conditions. By automating record-keeping tasks such as border entries and limiting illegal overscheduling, the system helps ensure drivers get proper rest. This is expected to reduce fatigue-related incidents and make enforcement fairer, giving drivers confidence that competitors are following the same rules.Remote enforcement also means compliant drivers face fewer roadside delays, allowing them to complete journeys with less stress.Drivers will need some training to adapt. While the basics remain the same, new features require manual input of load and unload locations and consent for data sharing with connected systems. Understanding these prompts – and how to respond if a fault occurs – will make operation straightforward.From a fleet perspective, G2V2 devices store twice as much data (56 days), so downloads will be larger and contain more history. Operators should check that their tachograph software and storage systems can handle this increased volume.Finally, with Bluetooth and online connectivity, data privacy has become a talking point. Enforcement authorities can access tachograph data for compliance, but when sharing with telematics or management systems, drivers must first give consent. Fleet managers should reassure drivers that all data is handled securely and used only for legitimate, GDPR-compliant purposes.Second-generation smart tachographs touch every part of fleet operations, from compliance and route planning to driver welfare. Taking a proactive approach will help you stay compliant – and make the most of the new technology. Keep up with updates from the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport division, as well as industry bodies. Regulations can be complex, but official summaries and FAQs are a good starting point. Run toolbox talks or refresher sessions for drivers and transport managers, focusing on new functions like remote enforcement and manual entries. Live data can help you monitor remaining driving hours, adjust dispatch plans and identify routes that frequently approach limits. Encourage your teams to view tachograph compliance as part of good fleet management, not just a regulatory obligation. Recognise milestones like zero infringements, invest in driver training, and make sure everyone understands how accurate data benefits safety and efficiency.The rollout of G2V2 brings challenges, but also clear benefits: stronger enforcement, better data and fairer working conditions for drivers. For fleets that embrace the change, the reward is smoother operations, improved safety and a more connected, compliant future on Europe’s roads.At SNAP, we’re supporting fleets across the continent through this next stage of digital transformation. Through the intruck app, drivers can pre-book secure parking along their routes – while the SNAP Portal lets fleet managers plan and reserve rest stops in advance, ensuring compliance and protecting driver welfare.

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pirmadienis 27 spalio 2025 • Naujienos ir atnaujinimai

VAIRAVIMO ŽIEMĄ TAISYKLĖS VISOJE JK IR ES: KĄ TURI ŽINOTI TRANSPORTO PRIEMONIŲ PARKŲ OPERATORIAI

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As temperatures drop, Europe's roads demand more than just skill behind the wheel. They call for preparation, awareness and compliance with a complex patchwork of winter regulations that vary by country. For fleet operators running goods vehicles and HGVs across the UK and EU, understanding these rules is vital to avoiding penalties, downtime, or worse – accidents caused by inadequate preparation.This article outlines the key requirements for winter – from tyres and visibility rules to the latest lighting, windscreen and speed provisions – and explains how fleets can stay compliant and safe wherever the road takes them.Across most of Europe, there has been a shift toward 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) tyres as the recognised standard for winter performance. Heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW must now fit these tyres on the driving and steering axles in countries including , Switzerland and .While 3PMSF tyres provide reliable grip in cold or moderately snowy conditions, they cannot legally replace snow chains when required by law or signpost. For fleets operating in mountainous terrain, carrying snow chains remains an essential part of winter readiness.It’s important to note that M+S (Mud and Snow) tyres are being phased out. In Germany, M+S tyres manufactured before 1st January 2018 were accepted until 30th September 2024. As of , only tyres bearing the Alpine (3PMSF) symbol are permitted in winter conditions. M+S tyres remain legally accepted only as transitional equipment in a few southern or eastern states.In Austria, winter tyres are compulsory between 1st November and 15th April, with of 5mm (radial) or 6mm (cross-ply) tread depth for heavy goods vehicles. France's "mountain law" (Loi Montagne II) in Alpine and Pyrenean regions from 1st November to 31st March.In Italy, must be carried between 15th November and 15th April on signposted regional and mountain routes.In some eastern and Balkan regions – such as – vehicles over 3.5t must also carry a shovel and sand for traction and safety.Be sure to visit government websites for the latest rules and regulations.From 1 January 2025, new semi-trailers and heavy trailers require enhanced visibility. Semi-trailers that flashes in sync with the direction indicators to improve side visibility.Vehicles over 6 metres long must have side markers positioned at appropriate intervals, while those over 2.1 metres wide must use contour lighting – continuous white and red outline lights tracing the vehicle's shape at night to make its length and width clear to other road users.Mandatory lighting for HGVs includes:● Headlights (low and high beam)● Rear and brake lights on both sides● Rear fog lights● Reflectors and reversing lights● Daytime running lights have been on trucks since 2012. Usage rules vary by country.Before every journey, drivers must ensure all lights, reflectors and number plates are clean and snow-free; failure to do so can lead to fines or penalty points.Winter-specific speed limits vary across the EU but always err on the side of caution.● Austria vehicles to 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 100 km/h on motorways, and requires a . Studs are not permitted on vehicles over 3.5t.● In Germany, laws mean that even within posted limits, excessive speed on icy roads can constitute an offence under German Road Traffic Regulations.Weather-specific bans can also apply. In several Alpine and eastern regions, lorries may be turned back from mountain passes or exposed bridges when wind speeds exceed 100 km/h, or temporarily banned from routes affected by black ice or avalanche risk.Visibility isn't optional – it's a legal requirement. Drivers must clear all snow and ice from windscreens, mirrors, roofs and lights before setting off. Some countries fine operators when snow or ice slides from roofs into traffic – with penalties applying in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and other jurisdictions.To comply, fleets should:● Maintain operational wipers and demisters.● Use winter-grade washer fluid tested to -20°C.● Check heated mirrors daily.● Ensure snow-clearing tools (shovel, brush and grit) are kept in every cab.While UK law does not explicitly require winter tyres, operators are bound by a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. The DVSA advises that tyres must maintain . Failure to ensure tyres are suitable for conditions can result in enforcement action for unsafe operation.For fleets entering the EU, obligations switch to local winter-readiness laws as soon as they cross the border. Non-compliance can lead to roadside immobilisation, fines, or insurance complications in the event of an accident.Fleet managers should use a winter-readiness checklist that goes beyond tyres:● Check the regulations for the countries drivers are travelling through● Install 3PMSF-rated tyres on steering and drive axles● Carry approved snow chains● Clean and check all lights, reflectors and washers● Stock winter emergency kits (first-aid, shovel, reflective jackets)● Revisit route planning for shorter daylight windows● Check batteries and air-brake moisture traps daily● Inspect door seals and wiper blades for wear● Schedule driver refreshers on cold-weather braking, speed management and chain-fitting.SNAP's provides access to bookable, well-lit and secure truck parking – critical for overnight safety during winter disruption. Drivers can locate facilities in advance, ensuring warm rest in line with driving-hour limits.Across the UK and EU, winter brings not only snow but a sharper focus on compliance. From 3PMSF tyres and snow-chain carriage to lighting, speed and visibility standards, fleets must stay alert to local variations that can shift within borders or mountain ranges.By adopting structured fleet checks, monitoring updates from the European Commission and DVSA, and equipping vehicles for every condition, operators can protect their drivers and deliveries through the worst of the season.SNAP works alongside fleets to make this easier – connecting drivers to reliable rest locations, secure parking and compliance tools that keep haulage moving safely right through the winter of 2025.

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ketvirtadienis 16 spalio 2025 • Naujienos ir atnaujinimai

6 TRANSPORTO PRIEMONIŲ PARKO VALDYMO STRATEGIJOS, KURIOS PAKEIS JŪSŲ REZULTATUS

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Fleet managers in the United Kingdom face financial challenges on many fronts. Escalating operational costs due to volatile fuel prices, intensifying sustainability transformation pressures, capital-intensive vehicle procurement, chronic talent shortage and unscheduled and extended downtime hurt the bottom line.If you have already invested in basic solutions to optimise routes, improve driver performance, minimise fuel consumption, monitor asset health and schedule preventive maintenance, but you haven’t seen significant gains, then consider adopting these six practical strategies to record positive net income consistently.Many fleet professionals view assets as unavoidable money pits and have come to terms with their tendency to drain resources. This notion normalises inefficient fuel consumption, unreasonably high maintenance costs and frequent downtime due to sudden breakdowns. Less-than-roadworthy vehicles endanger driver and cargo safety, resulting in higher future insurance rates and lasting reputation damage.Developing a structured fleet life-cycle and replacement strategy is essential to retiring specific vehicles before they hurt company coffers. It helps you manage your budget prudently, allowing you to make informed decisions based on long-term goals instead of immediate needs.Prioritise cost per mile, vehicle age and mileage. These vital metrics indicate when an asset becomes a good candidate for retirement instead of waiting for it to become inoperable. This proactive approach reduces your total cost of ownership, allowing you to resell declining assets while their value is relatively high. The proceeds from the sale can offset the price of procuring and integrating vehicles with partial automation capabilities into your fleet.The chronic labour shortage in the logistics industry drives up fleet management costs through rising wages, extended vehicle repair times and losses arising from delays and missed deadlines. This issue predated the pandemic, and Brexit only made it worse. In 2023, UK in a Changing Europe and Centre for European Reform estimated that the UK recorded a after the freedom of movement ended.The key is to raise awareness of logistics as an exciting career at the grassroots level. Fleet managers could do more to introduce the industry to primary and secondary students. Explaining what HGV drivers and mechanics do and their contributions to society can bring prestige to these occupations. Apprenticeship programmes can work wonders, as the 2022/2023 Logistics UK survey found that roles seek them.Poor workplace design is an underrated fleet management dilemma. Slowdowns to the order fulfilment process can trigger a domino effect that ultimately inflates operational costs. They can lead to increased idle time, talent underutilisation, unmet delivery schedules and customer dissatisfaction. Workflow inefficiencies may force you to reallocate resources, reshuffling drivers and vehicles and changing routes to compensate for delays.Facility-related disorganisation is outside the purview of fleet managers. Close collaboration with warehouse management matters to increase the logical flow and speed of movement of goods within the space. Simple improvements like hanging enough high bay LED lights and installing doors can reduce errors and boost productivity.Leverage technology to ensure clear communication. Adopting a software solution that merges or helps warehouse and fleet management systems interoperate gives all relevant stakeholders complete visibility into each department’s operations. Forming a cross-functional team cultivates a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, holding everyone collectively accountable for mistakes and preventing finger-pointing.An innovative, pragmatic approach to vehicle upkeep is necessary to decrease unscheduled downtime. Proactive tuneups and automatic maintenance scheduling are , but digitising inspection and streamlining repairs are just as important to catch red flags early, restore asset roadworthiness quickly and help technicians work efficiently.Mobile pretrip inspections are instrumental in preventive asset maintenance and compliance. Apps capture real-time data, empower drivers to communicate issues to management and facilitate recordkeeping for review, analysis and reporting. Digital work orders help you monitor repairs across your fleet and ensure none will affect delivery schedules.Upgraded gear makes life easier for your technicians and complements initiatives to play to their strengths when assigning tasks. The latest diagnostic tools can be a significant expense but also a major time-saver. They pay for themselves by reducing premature component wear, preventing breakdowns and helping you negotiate for lower insurance rates. Every new technology has a learning curve, so value proper training to upskill your personnel accordingly.Well-maintained fleet vehicles could still break down midjourney due to road conditions in the UK. According to a January 2024 report featuring data gathered by 7,000 Stan the App users, on British carriageways. This figure only covered 13% of the country’s road network, suggesting that the actual number of defects might reach 11.5 million.Areas with colder, wetter weather are more likely to have depressions in road surfaces. Local governments fill millions of potholes yearly, so it can be challenging to plan routes ahead of time to avoid them. Integrating autonomous features into fleet vehicles — like deep learning-powered object detection and adaptive suspension — should help, but real-time pothole avoidance remains an ongoing challenge.Prudent fleet managers anticipate breakdowns regardless of how properly maintained their assets are and focus on readiness. They work with preapproved local mobile mechanics and independent auto repair shops to fix broken vehicles, minimise downtime and promote driver productivity and safety.Vet freelance automotive technicians by verifying their credentials, understanding their specialisation and checking their tools. Thirty-party mechanics should be the option of last resort, so train your drivers in basic troubleshooting and equip them with proper gear.Leaving last-mile delivery to self-driving systems can make this critical aspect of logistics more efficient and less costly. Big-name companies like Amazon, FedEx and UPS have used their deep pockets to pilot autonomous last-mile delivery, proving that driverless vans and drones could feasibly reduce the operational costs of urban logistics and increase customer satisfaction.Successful autonomous vehicle integration pilots should inspire organisations with smaller fleets to innovate. However, the perceived high up-front investment is only one of the obstacles many fleet managers face. Infrastructure, regulations and consumer acceptance are also significant considerations.Fortunately, the British Parliament has passed the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 to lay the regulatory foundation for autonomous last-mile operations. In June 2025, Member of Parliament Lilian Greenwood shared an update that the government , which indicated that the policymakers weren’t cutting corners to inspire stakeholders once the law is implemented.Overhauling your fleet operations is crucial for improving your bottom line, but any change comes with opportunities and risks. Managers can try various strategies, from detailed life-cycle plans to autonomous vehicle integration. With foresight, innovation, creativity, collaboration, pragmatism and resourcefulness, you can resolve pressing pain points and overcome new challenges to be in the black.