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FLEET-MANAGEMENT5 MIN READ

Calculate a practical spare-vehicle buffer

Estimate a spare-vehicle buffer using demand, downtime, route criticality, and recovery options.

Finance challenges a three-van spare buffer at a depot with 42 peak route vans. Risk-based buffer: exposure, likelihood, consequence, treatment The common trap is arguing from utilization alone. Utilization shows asset activity, but it does not show the consequence of having no recovery vehicle at the exact time a route fails. Name peak demand Peak scheduled need is 42 vans on Tuesday through Thursday. Normal off-peak need is 36 to 38 vans. Buffers are sized around peak exposure, not average comfort. Average utilization can look low while peak service risk remains high. Quantify planned downtime PM, inspections, tire work, and…

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