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Fleet on fleet – Sarah Dopson of the AA

By / 11 years ago / Interview / No Comments

The AA fleet must be one of the most diverse in the UK?

Yes, it must be. The group fleet has four different divisions, split between LCV, HGV, cars and driving school. There are 16 business areas that have a unique vehicle build/specification within the LCV division, including Roadside Repair, Battery Assist, Fuel Assist, and others.

 

When the AA takes on a new business, how do you tackle the integration of its fleet?  

I would typically be involved from the outset and provide corporate due diligence on the fleet to understand the profile, compatibility and specification. This includes looking at vehicle manufacturer, funding, fleet management, system integration, mileage, contractual constraints i.e. excess mileage, end of contract penalties, and pooling. As part of the process I would provide a cost analysis to establish whether it’s in The AA’s interests to take on or build new.

 

What are the two biggest fleet issues for you presently? 

There are two legislative changes that will cause us some operational and planning issues: Whole Vehicle Type Approval and the changes to the AFRL system for processing bulk road fund licences. I am also focusing on tyres and SMR across the fleet.

 

Vehicle reliability must be key to the AA given the nature of its businesses? 

Vehicle downtime is hugely important to The AA. Most van servicing is scheduled on a patrol’s rest day. As we operate an O licence we service the truck fleet every eight weeks, and because we can build the servicing schedule a year in advance we can avoid rostering patrols into vehicles on these days. We try and forward plan as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary patrol time off the road and we keep a strict eye on our fleet management company to ensure SMR is completed within the day.

 

What’s the most bizarre fleet-related issue you’ve had to deal with?

A non-starting vehicle. Upon investigation we found that the air filter had been filled with acorns. The culprit was a squirrel preparing for harsh winter!

 

Relationship management with internal and external stakeholders is obviously key. I presume you have a very structured approach to this?

Yes, we engage with our customers i.e. patrol/driving instructors, early on in the process to ensure we understand the requirements of that business area. We have user groups which assist with the design and specification, and are also included within the first vehicle sign off to ensure what we have built is fit for purpose and fully meets their requirements. I sit on the weekly senior management meeting to share progress updates.

 

What’s your best  advice to someone just starting their first fleet manager job? Understand corporate responsibilities.

 

Outside of work I know you are a keen runner.  Any “big ones” lined up? 

Yes, I’ve competed in most London marathons since 2004. In 2011 I completed one of my toughest challenges yet, cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End – 870 miles in 7 days – 125 miles on average. I am trying to get my running legs back, you use different muscles for cycling so it’s amazing how unconditioned you become.

 

If you weren’t a fleet manager, what would you do? 

I would be a chef. I have a natural interest in food, to eat and create! 

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