By Anonymous Fleet Manager

Why do suppliers turn up expecting us to take delivery of new plant and equipment when the item is not fully to our specifications? Are you sick of them saying prior to delivery that the item is ready to go – only to find out when it arrives that the manual is still to come, the spare tyre is on its way etc? 

I find it interesting that suppliers believe it's OK to drop off a substandard product and expect to be paid in full.

Would we accept one of the main supermarket chains taking our money in full and delivering the rest of the goods weeks later or even months later? I don’t think so!

The time is now to tell suppliers to take back the new item if it does not meet the full specification.

I’m wondering if we fleet managers are part of the problem?

It appears that we have accepted this behaviour for too long and the suppliers believe it is now the norm to deliver new fleet assets half-baked!

It’s time to turn them around and refuse delivery, as you will be the one chasing the outstanding item for weeks and possibility months.

I assure you that they will only do it once, but it’s an action that needs to happen or they will continue to take advantage of your good will.

I advocate NOT accepting new fleet assets that are not complete as per contract arrangements; however, to be fair to the suppliers it’s good practice to let them know that you will not accept the delivery prior to them transporting the goods to your depot unless it is 100% compliant.

Time to shape up, suppliers.

To stop our Anonymous Fleet Manager (AFM) blowing a gasket, we created Internal Combustion, a monthly column for fleet-related rants that lets him blow off some steam. Got a fleet gripe you'd like to get his opinion on? Email emily.ditchburn@ipwea.org and she'll pass it on to AFM – when he's in a good enough mood, that is.