News

It’s summer.

You can finally take a breath and pat your team on the back for another great year.

But don’t slow down too much. Summer is an excellent opportunity to cross important items off your to-do list and prepare for next year. Here are five ideas to get you started:

1. Conduct Routine Maintenance

Addressing small issues today prevents big issues tomorrow. Be sure to have a thorough checklist that includes:

• Engine

• Lights

• Horn

• Brakes

• Oil

• Tires

Summer is also an easy time to restock safety kits. If you need additional help with maintenance, you can find a local service center. Maintenance schedules are available in your owner’s manuals as well.

2. Review The Previous Year

There are always opportunities to grow and get better. Before you fully turn the page on the school year, take some time to review.

Talk to your team and encourage them to give honest feedback. You want to hear the good as well as the bad. With that list, you can make positive changes to help ensure that next year is even better.

3. Start Recruiting Drivers

If you spent the previous year understaffed, you know how difficult it can be to find and retain enough drivers. The best advice is to start early.

It can also help to diversify your approach. Attending job fairs, setting up booths, advertising on social media, and working with state agencies can all be viable options.

4. Train Your Team

Summer is the perfect opportunity to expand the knowledge and expertise of your team. With a little research, you’re likely to find courses on just about any topic you want to learn.

Kerlin is proud to offer technician training that moves at your pace. Stay up to date with in-person classes, one-on-one training, or recorded courses.

5. Expand Your Fleet

Finally, summer gives you opportunities to retire old buses and keep your fleet full. Whether you want to stick with the types of buses you’ve relied on for years or explore new options such as an electric school bus, now is the time.

We are a proud full-service Thomas Built Buses dealer with new and used school buses to choose from.