Author: Devin Johnson

Commercial Truck GPS Management: Roofing Industry

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Roofing Industry: GoFleet’s Commercial Truck GPS

Delivering high quality roofing services in the fast passed world we live in can be challenging. GoFleet is uniquely suited to help with commercial truck GPS services for your fleet of roofing work trucks.

Implementing a commercial truck GPS system from GoFleet has many valuable benefits including:

Increase Roofing Service Without Increasing Your Costs

The GoFleet commercial truck GPS system lets you easily manage your drivers, time spent at job sites, on-time arrivals, and dispatching. This allows you to improve productivity and increase efficiency. Experts found that implementing a GPS fleet management system can add an extra 1.3 hours of service time each day per worker. That is time that would have been wasted by inefficiency.

Improve Safety

Improve driver safety and the risk of lawsuits when you manage your drivers with a commercial truck GPS system. When your drivers drive poorly, it can damage your reputation. Remember, their driving behavior is a reflection on your business. Even more importantly, they could be putting their lives and the lives of others at risk by driving in an unsafe manner. GoFleet’s commercial truck GPS system provides reports on drivers’ habits so you can identify problems and immediately fix them.

Managing Your Fleet Is Easy

When you install commercial truck GPS devices in your work trucks, you are providing your managers with all the tools necessary to properly manage their team of drivers. Managers can easily configure fleet management reports so they get all of the relevant information they need. Even when your manager is not online, automated SMS text message or email alerts can be set up to notify them of any driving issues. Alerts can be set up for driver speeding, excessive idling or route deviation. When your managers have the tools they need to succeed, your business will succeed. Running an efficient fleet can cut your operating costs, reduce labor, increase productivity and improve customer service.

Three Fuel Saving Practices To Lower Your Fuel Costs

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Lower Your Fuel Costs With Fuel Saving Practices

Businesses with fleet operations have been feeling the strain of high fuel costs for the past few years. At first, these business owners assumed they just had to get past a tough couple of years and then the fuel costs would stabilize. It is now clear that high fuel costs are here to stay. The only way to lower your fuel costs is to implement fuel saving tips and use less fuel.

Decrease Idle Times

Each hour your vehicle is in idle equals approximately 25 driving miles in fuel. Unfortunately, many drivers are in the habit of sitting in their vehicle while it is idling as a form of climate control. This directly translates into costing your business more money. A quality GPS fleet management system can send notifications to you when your drivers are idling for excessive periods of time giving you the opportunity to have their behavior corrected immediately.

Reduce Driving Speeds

The United States Environmental Protections Agency states that every 5 miles driven above the speed limit costs your business approximately 20 cents more per gallon of fuel. If you have several drivers speeding regularly, the costs can add up quickly. A GPS fleet management system can provide reports on driving speeds and notifications when a driver exceeds the speed threshold you have set. This can help you manage your driver’s behavior better. Ensuring your drivers drive at fuel-efficient speeds will not only reduce fuel costs, it will improve safety.

Efficient Routing

Intelligently planning the routes your drivers take can save you money on fuel. A high quality GPS fleet management system can plan efficient routes for you automatically. These solutions can shave fuel costs by planning routes with the fewest miles and stops. Inefficient routing wastes both valuable time and fuel. With GPS fleet management software, your dispatchers are also able to send the closest driver to a job location.

Implement these fuel saving tips and start saving your money.

Are you struggling with fuel costs? Contact one of our Fleet Consultants to find out how GoFleet can help.

Improve Your Customers’ Experience

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

GPS Tracking Management Improves Your Customers’ Experience

It’s very likely you have heard the expression “Work smarter, not harder.” If you are like many small business owners, you probably have thought to yourself, “Is it really that easy?” If you manage a fleet of business vehicles, the answer is yes! If you implement a GPS tracking management system helps you to provide higher quality customer support.

We all know competitors that appear to have their business under complete control at all times. They provide high quality customer support, run efficiently and make everything seem easy. You too can have the same level of control in your business.

Even if your company’s service or product might be the superior choice, you can improve your customers’ experience when they do business with you. This can help you stand apart from your competitors and become your area’s leader. Stop wasting valuable talent, energy and time; take a step back and start working smarter.

Add Value To Your Customer Beyond Your Service Or Product

When you get to know the customers in your industry, you are able to determine what they are looking for and what would add value to the service or product you provide. They key is interacting with your customers and getting to know what affects their business or personal life the most. Adding value to your customers’ experience can give your company the edge it needs to make a lasting impression and gain repeat and referral business.

For example, if you are in the plumbing business, you would know that your customers do not want to be given a four hour service window. That means your customer will be stuck at their location for up to four hours just waiting for your plumber to arrive not including the time your plumber is providing the service. Your customers’ time is valuable and that could waste their entire day. Your competitor might not have plumbers as qualified, professional and experienced as yours, however, they might be able to tell the customer they will arrive within 30 to 40 minutes. It is very possible the customer will choose speed of service over reputation, experience and service quality because they simply don’t have 4 hours to sit around waiting.

Implementing a GPS tracking management system, can allow you to easily manage your drivers. The system provides automatic fleet routing and scheduling, vehicle locations, valuable alerts, fleet management reports and much more. When your customer calls to request service, you will be able to tell them, with confidence, an accurate estimated time of arrival. Your dispatchers can also send the closest driver to the customer’s location instead of having the customer wait for a driver who is in another county. Your customers will appreciate the short service window and efficient service.

Comprehensive Fleet Driver Monitoring Best Practices

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Best Practices For Comprehensive Fleet Driver Monitoring

When you want to take an integrated approach to driver monitoring, you must consider driver’s license data, traffic violation information, Motor Vehicle Records and telematics information. However, alone this take gives an incomplete picture of a driver’s safety.

Today, business owners and fleet managers have access to an unbelievable amount of information about their drivers. The trick is you need to play connect the dots with all of the information and driving records to get a comprehensive view of your employee’s driving record.

The best practices for comprehensive fleet driver monitoring include:

Establish An Initial Baseline

Monitoring your drivers has to start with a clear, complete and accurate baseline. Get an official 3-year Motor Vehicle Report provided by the state. All of your future driver monitoring activities will then be compared to the initial baseline.

Frequently Monitor

At the absolute minimum, drivers need to be monitored monthly. In 30 days, many things can happen that could lead to potential problems and increased risk of negligent driver entrustment.

Take Action

Once you have insight into your driver’s habits and behavior, you now have the ability to take action. Corrective action includes enrolling employees in additional driver training or having them ride with another employee for a specific period of time.

Separate from the additional costs of an unsafe driver, understanding your driver’s performance is the best thing to do to improve safety. It creates a culture of safety with safer employees and promotes a safer community.

Comprehensive fleet driver monitoring best practices require commitment and diligence; however, it has never been as easy as it is today. There are so many advances in fleet management technology that are making it easy for you to manage your fleet and take corrective action if it is needed. It is unbelievable how much more efficient, productive and safer implementing these best practices can make your business

Mobile Fleet Management Solutions: 5 Important Benefits

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

5 Important Benefits of GoFleet’s Mobile Fleet Management Solutions

As fleet owners work to make their drivers’ lives easier, mobile fleet management solutions are becoming more and more popular. Below are five reasons you should consider implementing one of GoFleet’s Mobile Fleet Management Solutions in your fleet:

Reduced Paperwork

With GoFleet’s mobile fleet management solutions, drivers no longer have to keep mileage logs and signed receipts as poof of arrival. The GPS device reports all of the information directly to the fleet manager automatically. Fleet drivers appreciate the advanced technology of GoFleet’s mobile fleet management solutions because it reduces the amount of paperwork they have to do.

Easy To Use

GoFleet’s GPS fleet management system is simple for drivers and fleet managers to use. Scheduling and routing is faster and more efficient than ever. If a driver gets lost traveling to a remote location, the turn-by-turn directions will get the driver right back on track.

Improves Safety

Drivers can feel safer when they are driving a vehicle with one of GoFleet’s mobile fleet management solutions installed. The fleet managers will always know where the vehicle is located. If the vehicle breaks down or has an accident, the fleet manager can send someone to the vehicle’s location without delay. In addition, the driver does not have to worry as much about theft because the GPS device can help located the vehicle in the event the vehicle gets stolen.

Simplifies Vehicle Maintenance

Since mileage and other important vehicle information is automatically reported to the fleet management software system, electronic inspection forms will now contain complete and accurate information. In addition, this information can be used to set vehicle maintenance alerts based on the vehicle’s condition. Fleet managers will be able to identify any failure trends so that the vehicle can be repaired before the vehicle breaks down on the road.

Helps Recruit New Drivers

Drivers are more likely to accept driving jobs at companies that are using one of the mobile fleet management solutions. One reason for this is because drivers want to know that the company they are going to work for is investing in the fleet and their drivers. Another reason drivers are more likely to accept the job is because mobile fleet management solutions make their work-life easier. There is less paperwork, improved safety, and more preventative vehicle maintenance etc.

For more information about GoFleet’s mobile fleet management solutions, Contact Us.

Gas Detection Systems: How Do They Work?

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

How Do GoFleet’s Gas Detection Systems Work?

Gas detection systems are offered by GoFleet as an add-on to their fleet management solution. They measure the concentration of gases in the air for worker safety purposes. The units signify high levels of gas through visible and audible indicators in addition to sending instant threat reports to the driver’s fleet manager.

While older gas detectors where originally designed to detect only one gas, GoFleet’s modern gas detection systems have four different gas sensors in one unit. Users can select the types of gases that are to be detected. There are over 120 different possibilities. In addition to improving workers’ safety, GoFleet’s gas detection systems are fully integrated with the fleet management solution to make managing a fleet more efficient and productive.

GoFleet offers two different types of gas detection systems: 1) Oil and gas and 2) Fire and HazMat. The oil and gas package helps fleet managers protect their oil and gas workers with a combination of gas senor solutions. The fire and hazmat package is used for to protect public safety employees who face toxic gas hazards every day.

Gas detection systems improve worker safety in confined spaces such as vehicles, bins, cargo trucks, storage containers, vessels and pits, as they do not have continuous occupancy by employees.

GoFleet’s gas detection systems are extremely reliable. The gas sensors can run off of internal rechargeable batteries or the vehicle’s power. Fleet managers receive continuous gas detector reports for safety including the signal strength of the radio and the level of the battery charge. These reports are sent directly to GoFleet’s Geotab GO device.

Workers using one of GoFleet’s gas detection systems can also send a panic alarm to fleet managers from within 300 feet of their vehicle. If external antennas are installed, they can use the panic button up to a mile away.

Adding a gas detection system on to a vehicle is essential when your workers’ safety is at risk. The workers will know the presence of gases even before they exit the vehicle.

The Best Hiring Practices For Hiring Fleet Drivers

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Hiring Best Practices For Fleet Drivers

When you are hiring a new employee that will be responsible for driving one of your fleet vehicles, it is crucial that you make sure that person is a safe driver. Every business should have a clear and consistent hiring process for drivers, from interviewing the potential driver to employment requirements. The following are fleet driver hiring best practices:

Establish A Hiring Policy

The first step to hiring a driver is to establish a hiring policy based on any federal or state rules that involve interviewing and hiring. Even small fleets should make sure that a hiring policy is in place. Instituting a hiring policy ensures all of your drivers are properly vetted before they are hired. Every state has different rules so you must check with your specific state. Even if your business is not required to follow Department of Transportation guidelines, it is a good idea to use them as a guideline especially if you are close to the requirement threshold.

Don’t Rush The Hiring Process

When you are ready to hire a new driver, you must take your time with the hiring process. In order to keep your standards consistent, you need to go through the hiring process by narrowing down job applicants. Once the best candidate is chosen, the job should be offered contingent on the results of a criminal background test, pre-employment drug test and Motor Vehicle Report. Remember, you should not rush the hiring process because you are ultimately liable for the driver when he or she is behind the wheel of your company’s vehicle.

Drug Test

The driver you are going to hire is going to be behind the wheel of an expensive asset; therefore, you may want to have them take a pre-employment drug test. After the driver is hired, you can then make the decision whether or not they are drug tested randomly on an ongoing basis.

Department Of Transportation and State Guidelines

Businesses that operate certain types of vehicles in interstate commerce are required to comply with applicable DOT regulations. Regulations include: drivers must have a commercial driver’s license; business must test drivers for alcohol and controlled substances; hours of service; and medical exams. Check with the Department of Transportation to see if your business must comply with these safety guidelines.

In addition, business operating exclusively within their state must comply with any applicable local and state regulations.

Computerized Maintenance Management System: Reduce Fleet Maintenance Costs

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

 

Reduce Fleet Maintenance Costs With GoFleet’s Computerized Maintenance Management System

 

Were you aware that emergency fleet repairs cost 3-9 times more than planned vehicle maintenance? It’s true. You can reduce your fleet’s maintenance costs with a computerized maintenance management system. GoFleet in partnership with Maintenance Assistant, offers a computerized maintenance management system as an add-on to our GPS fleet management solution.

Your vehicle meters will stay up to date with convenient automated meter readings. Work orders are intelligently triggered by the API and real-time computerized maintenance management system using user defined triggers. The best part is the fleet manager or business owner can build as many different triggers for any preventive maintenance schedule you want. The work order system in the computerized maintenance management system is the easiest system yet. GoFleet and Maintenance Assistant understand how important work orders are to your business. That is why they have put extra time into making it as easy as possible for you to prepare and complete your work orders in a timely manner.

A computerized maintenance management system will improve your fleet’s performance by helping you follow the best practices regarding vehicle maintenance. It will help you improve your business’ overall performance while saving you money. Your workers will be empowered with simple self-service computerized maintenance management system applications for their mobile phone and the web. With a computerized maintenance management system, you will now be able to fully manage your assets’ life-cycles with a view of all assets and equipment.

The software also has an easy to use dashboard. All scheduled maintenance will now be conveniently located in one place, making it much easier for fleet managers to maintain the vehicles properly. In addition to helping you maintain your vehicles, the computerized maintenance management system has an easy source for you to search for parts. You can locate parts and supplies at the lowest prices by searching multiple sites at one time.

GPS Fleet Technology Increases Fleet Productivity

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Increase Fleet Productivity With GPS Fleet Technology

Business owners are under constant pressure to manage the most efficient fleets when they are expected to provide services to their customers or deliver goods. While this can seem like a highly difficult task, new fleet management technology has evolved to improve efficiency and productivity. This new technology is the key factor in increasing productivity.

Many Fleet Management Options Available
There are various fleet management options available to businesses with fleet operations. All fleet management companies are not good at everything. That is why business owners need to find the GPS fleet technology provider that is the perfect fit for their specific company. Look for a company with high quality GPS hardware, custom telematics reports and full integration with other industry specific software.

Real-Time GPS Monitoring
With real-time GPS monitoring, fleet managers are able to provide drivers with immediate feedback. Monitoring where the fleet vehicles are being driven and the vehicles’ locations makes the GPS a fleet efficiency and safety monitoring device. If a driver is working inefficiently or driving in an unsafe manner, the at-risk behavior is immediately identified so that can be addressed on-the-spot. The best way to increase efficiency, productivity and safety is to tackle the issue the first time it happens, when it happens.

Efficient Routing And Scheduling
GPS fleet technology increases a fleet operation’s productivity with automatic efficient routing and scheduling. Drivers are able to save time and distance by driving the most efficient routes from job site to job site. If a customer places an emergency service call, the dispatcher will be able to send the closest vehicle to their location. Instead of making the customer wait hours for a driver to reach their location from another city, the vehicle that is only two miles away can be assigned that emergency job. In addition to making a business’ fleet operations more productive, their customers will be highly satisfied with the level of service that they received.

Vehicle Routing Software: Fleet Management Technology

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Fleet Management Technology: GoFleet’s Vehicle Routing Software

Managing a fleet of vehicles and your drivers can be especially tricky especially since the drivers are traveling around off-site. Luckily for business owners and fleet managers, technological advances have made the task much easier and more efficient. It can be hard to keep track of where all of your drivers are without using GoFleet’s reliable GPS fleet management solution and vehicle routing software. In addition to being able to locate all of your fleet vehicles at all times, GoFleet’s vehicle routing software provides many valuable management tools. Remember, you cannot manage what you do not measure. That is exactly what GoFleet will do for you. It will allow you to measure your fleet’s performance as easy as checking your emails. Once you implement a GPS fleet management solution, you will not know how you ever survived without it. Vehicle routing software can be used to improve driver safety, properly maintain your vehicles, record mileage, reduce operating costs and make important strategic business decisions. GoFleet’s GPS fleet management solution will help you plan the best uses for your mobile assets, field resources, technical support, sales team, etc. Business owners will no longer be stuck pondering the question that all of their employees always appear to be busy but the fleet operation revenue is not reflecting their activity level. Vehicle routing software gives both business owners and fleet managers a deeper insight in to their fleet operations, drivers’ habits, efficiencies and inefficiencies in their fleet related processes. GoFleet’s vehicle routing software also helps boost your customer service quality, an essential component to a business’ long-term success. Drivers will receive efficient routes and schedules. Your customers will now be able to rely on accurate estimated times of arrival and shorter service windows. If a driver does get set behind schedule because of an external factor, such as severe weather, traffic or construction, you will be able to provide your driver will an alternate route and your customer with a new arrival time. Your customers will never be left in the dark about service delays or get stuck waiting all day for your driver to arrive. For more information about the most efficient fleet management technology and vehicle routing software, Contact Us.