Blog Archives - Page 6 of 62 - GoFleet Tracking

The Benefits of AI Asset Tracking

Posted on November 21, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

Once relegated to science fiction, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are now hot topics in the world of fleet technology and more specifically, asset tracking. It’s easy to see why; both innovations are making their way into every facet of our daily lives, from the way we drive our cars to the way we do our shopping.

It’s not just consumer-facing applications that are benefiting from AI. Businesses in a wide range of industries are beginning to adopt AI technology in order to improve their operations.

One such industry is transport and commercial fleets, where AI asset tracking tools are giving fleet managers greater visibility and control over their assets.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the ways AI asset tracking can benefit your business.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

AI is a branch of computer science focused on mimicking human-like intelligence in machines. AI research deals with the question of how to create computers that are capable of behaviour such as decision-making, natural communication, and problem-solving.

A great example of this technology in present use would be virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa, which answer questions and perform tasks based on user requests.

What Is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI. ML also emulates human intelligence in computer systems, only with a specific focus on pattern recognition.

This means that, rather than being explicitly programmed with a set of rules and regulations to follow, machine learning algorithms are “trained” on data sets. The more data the algorithm is exposed to, the better it becomes at generalizing from that data and making predictions.

It’s very likely that you’ve encountered ML in your day-to-day life; common examples include spam filters on your email and product recommendations on sites such as Amazon.

The Role of AI Asset Tracking

AI and ML are increasingly commonplace in modern devices and products. Asset tracking tools are no exception, and use the technology to enhance and automate work processes.

Automated Tracking

AI asset tracking provides an enhanced level of automation without the need for human input. This is done through a combination of sensors and RFID tags, which are able to collect data on the location, movement, and status of a given asset.

This data is then fed into an AI system which uses predictive modeling to generate real-time updates on the location of each asset. This is an extremely valuable capability as it frees up resources that would otherwise be dedicated to manual tracking, and reduces the potential for human error.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is another key area where AI asset tracking can streamline work processes.

AI asset tracking systems can automatically keep track of inventory levels, and notify relevant personnel when stock is running low. This eliminates the need for manual checks and helps to ensure that inventory is always kept at optimum levels.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance refers to the proactive maintenance of equipment and devices. The goal is to prevent issues before they happen by using data to identify potential problems and schedule maintenance accordingly.

This is accomplished by training machine learning algorithms on data sets that include information on past failures. By detecting patterns in this data, the algorithm is able to make predictions on whether or not a particular asset is likely to experience an issue, and when. This information can then be used to plan maintenance and avoid costly downtime.

Product Quality Inspections

Product quality inspections are another common use for AI asset tracking. By using machine learning algorithms to analyze data from sensors and cameras, it’s possible to automatically detect defects in products. This information can then be used to trigger quality control measures or stop production altogether if necessary.

Optimized Routes

Asset tracking systems often need to plan routes for commercial vehicles. This can be a time-consuming and challenging task, particularly when dealing with a large number of assets.

By taking into account a variety of factors such as traffic, weather, and the current location of assets, AI asset tracking systems are able to generate optimized routes much more efficiently. This not only saves time, but also reduces fuel costs and carbon emissions while improving driver safety.

As you can see, AI and ML have a major impact on asset tracking. Businesses can improve efficiency, save time and money, and prevent issues before they cause problems. If you’re not already using these technologies in your asset tracking system, now is the time to start.

The Top Five Benefits of Asset Tracking

Posted on November 15, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

Your organization’s assets represent a massive investment; asset tracking provides visibility into their status, location and usage. As a result, these solutions can help optimize your assets’ efficiency and extend their lifecycle, saving your organization money in the short and long-term.

Are you interested in asset trackers for your business but not sure where to start? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this essential fleet management technology.

What Is Asset Tracking?

Asset tracking refers to the process of monitoring physical property. It’s a strategy used by countless organizations to keep tabs on their valuable items and gain insight into the way they’re used.

This concept has been around for decades, traditionally taking the form of paper-based spreadsheets and notes. As technology has evolved, so too has the process, to the point where most asset tracking systems today are entirely digital.

Modern tracking software uses a variety of tools to do its job, including barcodes, QR codes, GPS and RFID tags. Each of these technologies work differently, yet all serve the same function of connecting a physical item’s real-world status to an online database.

What Is Asset Tracking Used For?

Asset tracking is used in a variety of industries and for a number of reasons. In the context of transportation or fleet management, companies usually invest in the technology to keep tabs on their vehicles and/or payload.

These systems might be applied to ensure that a company vehicle is being used as intended, to recover a stolen vehicle, or to make sure that a vehicle’s contents are delivered on time.

In other industries, such as healthcare and retail, asset tracking systems are used to keep inventory in check. This might involve tracking high-value items such as medical equipment or designer clothes. In some cases, the system might be used to keep an eye on company property, such as laptops and tools.

The Top Five Benefits of Asset Tracking Systems

While there’s no doubt that asset tracking is growing in popularity, there are those who remain hesitant to invest in the technology. The main reason for their reluctance is cost. While some asset trackers may indeed be cost-prohibitive, there are scalable, economic solutions for fleets of every size. In addition, the benefits can quickly outweigh the burden of the initial investment.

Here are the top five benefits:

1. Increased Equipment Longevity

Maintenance is a key practice in the world of transport – let it fall by the wayside and you’re quickly looking at operational disruptions, accidents and added costs.

Fleet managers have traditionally relied upon paper-based systems and maintenance logs to keep track of when their trucks, buses and cars are due for maintenance. The problem with this method is that it’s often inaccurate and incomplete, leading to assets being overlooked and neglected.

An asset tracking solution automatically logs vehicle data, including usage and mechanical status. When it comes time to service the vehicle, a tracker will flag the vehicle and send an alert to the fleet manager.

As a result, assets receive the maintenance they need when they need it, meaning they’re less likely to break down and require repair or replacement.

2. Centralized Data

Another downside of paper-based tracking systems is that data is often stored in a number of different places. From spreadsheets and individual notes to diaries and planners, it can be difficult for fleet managers to get their hands on the information they need, when they need it.

Asset tracking stores all data in one centralized location, meaning it can be accessed quickly and easily by anyone with permission. Instant access to vehicle data helps improve decision-making, maintenance schedules and even route optimization, as managers are no longer working with outdated or incorrect information.

3. Improved Operational Efficiency

Time is money. In transportation, the longer a vehicle is on the road, the more money it’s making for the company.

Asset tracking systems can optimize routes and schedule maintenance in a way that minimizes disruptions and unnecessary travel. This not only saves time, but also helps improve fuel efficiency.

4. Reduced Costs

While asset tracking represents an initial investment, this technology can help reduce costs in a number of ways.

As we’ve already mentioned, asset tracking systems can help to extend the life of your vehicles by ensuring they receive the maintenance they need, when they need it. In addition, collected data can be used to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear on assets. In some cases, asset trackers can even qualify as anti-theft devices, thereby reducing insurance premiums.

5. Enhanced Customer Service

In the world of transportation, customer service is key. Your clients want to know that their goods will arrive on time and in good condition – anything less and they’ll take their business elsewhere.

An asset tracking system can help to improve customer service in a number of ways. For example, asset tracking data can provide updates on a shipment’s progress. If there are any delays or issues, the system can be used to quickly reroute assets and minimize the impact on customers.

It’s the twenty-first century – why rely on paper-based systems that are inefficient and inaccurate? Asset tracking systems offer a number of benefits that can improve the efficiency of your business.

From reducing costs to enhancing customer service, there’s no reason not to make the switch. Contact your GoFleet consultant today and find out which asset tracking solution is right for you.

Five Types of Asset Tracking Technology

Posted on November 8, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

(And How to Select the Best One)

If you’re anything like most fleet managers, you’re aware of the benefits that asset tracking technology can offer your business. But with all of the different options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start and what solution to invest in.

In this article, we’ll break down the five main types of asset tracking technology, as well as the top considerations to keep in mind when choosing a solution for your fleet.

The Top Five Types of Asset Tracking Technology

1. Barcodes

Barcodes are one of the most popular and well-known asset tracking technologies. From store shelves to boxes and clothing tags, they offer a degree of simplicity and cost-effectiveness that make them ideal for a range of applications.

Standard one-dimensional barcodes work via laser-scanning technology. Their dense series of black and white lines reflect light in unique patterns that create analog signals the scanner can interpret as digital data. This data is then passed on to a software application that uses it to track the associated asset.

While conventional barcodes are still in use today, their storage capacity is quite limited. This necessitates the use of multiple barcodes to track a single asset, which can quickly become cumbersome and impractical.

Another challenge of barcodes lies in their implementation; because the codes are printed onto labels that are applied to assets, they can be easily removed or tampered with.

2. QR Codes

Quick Response (QR) codes are a slightly different version of the conventional barcode. Rather than relying on a single analog set of black and white lines, QR codes use square-based patterns of dots that can store more data in a much smaller space.

Like barcodes, QR Codes are scanned and read by an imaging device. Data is then interpreted by a software application to track the asset. Their increased capacity for data storage allows these unique codes to store far more information than barcodes. This means that an organization can use a single QR code, rather than multiple barcodes, to track an asset.

Because of their digital nature, QR codes are harder to tamper with, but printed QR codes can still be removed from an asset.

3. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a radio-based technology used for tracking assets. It consists of three main components: tags, readers, and software.

RFID tags are small devices that emit radio signals. They can be either active or passive. Active RFID tags have their own power source and can transmit signals over long distances, while passive RFID tags rely on the power from the reader to transmit signals over shorter distances.

RFID readers are devices that receive and interpret the radio signals emitted by RFID tags. They are connected to a software application that uses the data from the tags to track assets.

One of the main advantages of RFID technology is that it does not require a line of sight to work. This means that assets can be tracked even if they are hidden from view, making it ideal for tracking inventory in warehouses.

The only downside is that while tags themselves can be inexpensive, the readers can be cost-prohibitive.

4. Near Field Communication (NFC)

Have you ever paid for something by tapping your debit card or even your smartphone? Chances are you’ve used Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

This short-range, wireless communication technology is similar to RFID in that it uses radio signals to communicate data.

However, the key difference is that NFC requires physical contact between the tag and the reader, while RFID does not.

5. GPS

GPS is already widely-used in the world of fleet management. Companies have long used it to plan routes, give directions and identify vehicle locations. Currently, GPS is finding utility in asset tracking.

By equipping assets with GPS trackers, companies can see where they are at any given time, as well as where they’ve been and how long they’ve been there. This information is valuable for tracking inventory, particularly if products are being delivered to multiple locations.

How to Select the Right Asset Tracking Solution for Your Fleet

With so many options to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the process doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick rundown of the main factors you should keep in mind when selecting a. asset tracking solution.

Business Goals

While asset trackers serve the same function, they aren’t always used for the same reason. Some companies implement them to improve fleet safety, while others use them to boost efficiency or cut costs. It’s important to know what your goal is before selecting an asset tracking solution, so you can narrow down your options.

Budget

Asset tracking solutions can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. You don’t necessarily have to invest in the biggest, most expensive technology to reap the benefits of asset tracking. It’s important to have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your search, as this will help you rule out any products that are out of reach.

Work Environment

If you’re planning on tracking assets that are outdoors, you’ll need a solution that can stand up to the elements. This might mean opting for a waterproof tracker or one with a long battery life.

Similarly, you’ll want to ensure that the solution you choose has a wide enough range to track assets through walls, or find assets that have been moved out of range.

Assets

There are tons of asset tracking technologies on the market, each with their own pros and cons. With that in mind, you should select a product that makes sense for your specific assets and how they will be used.

For example, if you’re looking to track long-distance vehicles, GPS would likely be the best solution.

As technology continues to evolve, the opportunity to take advantage of asset tracking solutions will only grow. Understanding the different types of technology will help you select the right one for your business needs.

Don’t wait to improve the safety, efficiency and overall effectiveness of your operations. Contact your GoFleet consultant today and ask about our asset tracking solutions.

How to Get Drivers on Board with Dash Cams

Posted on October 20, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

You’ve done your research on dash cams, pulled the trigger and made the investment. Implementation is good to go and from here on it, it’s smooth sailing. In no time, you’ll have your drivers on board with dash cams, right?

Not always. As with anything new, there can be a learning curve, and even resistance, when it comes to getting drivers on board with dash cams.

This article will explore why some drivers might hesitate when it comes to dash cams, and how you can help get your drivers on board with dash cams.

Why Would Your Drivers Take Issue With Dash Cams?

Context, insight, and even a little empathy are necessary to address dash cam resistance. Some of the top objections with dash cams include:

Dash Cams Are an Invasion of Privacy

Having a camera pointed directly at someone for hours on end can feel a bit intrusive. Only last year, an Amazon driver tendered his notice after it was announced that the online retailer would be implementing AI dash cams in their delivery vehicles, citing the move was “both a privacy violation, and a breach of trust.”

Solution: Let Drivers Know That Privacy is a Priority

If privacy is a big concern for your drivers, let them know that it’s a priority for your fleet as well. This could include ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to footage, and that footage is only used for legitimate purposes, such as investigating accidents or claims. Implementing policies and procedures like these will go a long way in gaining driver trust.

Drivers Will Feel Like They’re Not Part of the Process

While your drivers aren’t necessarily part of your day-to-day business operations and decision-making, simply announcing a roll-out for new technology without requesting any feedback or having a pilot program can make your staff feel as though they don’t have agency over their role.

Solution: Provide Transparency

If you’re worried about drivers being resistant to dash cams, ease into it. Start by rolling out the technology to a few select drivers, and see how they react. You can then use their feedback to make adjustments before rolling it out to the rest of your fleet.

Let your drivers know why you’re using dash cams and how you plan to use the footage. Make clear your intentions, and remind them that you have their best interests at heart.

This gradual approach will give you a chance to work out any kinks, and it will also help build trust with your drivers.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to get feedback from your drivers. As primary users, they may have insights or suggestions on how to make the transition to using dash cams smoother. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for their input!

Dash Cams Will Catch Their Mistakes

Again, this is a valid concern. No one wants to get in trouble or be reprimanded for making a mistake, and having it all caught on camera can feel like too much pressure.

Solution: Talk About the Benefits

One of the best ways to get drivers on board with dash cams is to simply talk to them about the benefits.

Improved fleet safety, reduction in insurance rates, and peace of mind knowing that footage can be used to defend against false claims feel far less like you’re trying to catch your drivers in a “gotcha” moment.

Dash Cams Will Negatively Affect Performance Reviews

If video footage is being used for performance reviews, drivers might take umbrage with dash cams, citing them as a means to limit career advancement.

Solution: Use Training and Education as a Solution, Not Surveillance

Get drivers on board with dash cams using training and education opportunities, as well as incentives for good driving performance.

Whether you offer prizes, rewards or bonuses, positive reinforcement can put to rest any myths or misconceptions about dash cams, and it will also contribute towards a positive safety culture.

Dash cams present a unique opportunity for partnership between you and your drivers, offering transparency and accountability on either side. Your drivers want to know that you have their safety and best interests at heart. They want to feel encouraged and appreciated.

Changing the language around implementation will make a big difference when getting your drivers on board with dash cams.

Provided you’ve given your drivers adequate time to prepare for the transition, they too will come to see dash cam technology as a benefit — possibly even an asset — to their work on the road.

What is an Asset Tracking System?

Posted on September 22, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

The internet has connected people and businesses in ways that were once unthinkable, leading to new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. One such opportunity is the power of an asset tracking system.

Asset tracking gives businesses powerful oversight and control over some of their biggest investments. In this article, we’ll explain asset tracking; what it does, how it works, and of course, how it can make your life easier.

What is Asset Tracking?

Asset tracking organizes and monitors a business’ high-value property and provides an overview of where items are located, their condition, and who is responsible for them.

Examples of physical assets can include vehicles, computers and equipment. Essentially, if it can be moved or stolen, it can (and should) be tracked.

The goal of asset tracking is to ensure that physical assets are accounted for and managed effectively. By keeping track of its assets, businesses can make sure that they are being used efficiently and appropriately.

Asset Tracking Systems – What Are They and How Do They Work?

Asset tracking is more than having a list of inventory or remembering where to place things in a facility. It requires a complete overview of an organization’s valuable property, along with the ability to monitor and manage it effectively.

Asset tracking systems are comprehensive solutions designed to help businesses keep tabs on their important items. They work by assigning a unique identifier to each physical asset, which can then be used to track and manage the item throughout its lifecycle.

There are many different types of asset tracking systems available on the market, but they all share some common features. Typically, an asset tracking system will include:

A physical device that is attached to the asset (such as a tag or label)
A software application for tracking and managing the asset
A database for storing asset information
A means of communicating asset data (such as RFID, NFC, or GPS)

Common Features of Asset Tracking Systems

While there is a wide range of asset tracking systems on the market, they all share some common features.

Real-Time Tracking

This is perhaps the most important feature of an asset tracking system. By knowing where your assets are at all times, you can ensure that they are being used efficiently and prevent them from being lost or stolen.

Historical Tracking

In addition to real-time tracking, most asset tracking systems offer historical tracking. This means that you can see where your assets have been and who has had them in their possession. This can be useful for processes such as auditing or investigating theft.

Alerts and Notifications

Asset tracking systems can send alerts and notifications when an asset is moved or if it goes outside of a certain area. This ensures that assets are where they are supposed to be and that they are being used properly.

Reporting and Analytics

Many asset tracking systems have reporting and analytics features, allowing businesses to track trends and optimize their asset management strategies.

The Benefits of Using an Asset Tracking System

Data and Analytics

Asset tracking systems come with advanced data analytics and reporting capabilities that consolidate information into easy-to-read reports. This is an invaluable tool when auditing your assets and/or investigating theft, damage or loss.

It can also be helpful when gauging the overall status of your investments by collecting information about asset lifespan, usage and depreciation.

Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency

By keeping track of your assets, you can ensure that they are being used efficiently and appropriately at all times.

This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency within your business operations. In addition, an asset tracking system can help you to avoid costly downtime by making it easier to locate and retrieve assets when they are needed.

Improved Security

Asset tracking systems can improve security in your business. By knowing where your assets are at all times, you can prevent them from being lost or stolen.

Alerts and notifications can make this even easier to do, as you will immediately be made aware if an asset goes outside of a certain area.

Greater Peace of Mind

By using an asset tracking system, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your assets are properly managed and accounted for. This is an invaluable investment for any business, big or small.

Scalability

Asset tracking systems can be easily scaled up or down to suit the needs of your business. This makes them a versatile and flexible solution that can be applied to a variety of different businesses and industries.

Thanks to improved technology and outstanding innovation, the business world is increasingly connected. Through the use of asset tracking, dash cam solutions, GPS trackers and telematics, it’s possible to manage your entire fleet operations from one central location.

Asset tracking makes these processes more convenient and can also lead to increased efficiency and productivity. If you’re not using an asset tracking system in your business, now is the time to start.

5 Ways Fleet Management Can Improve Businesses

Posted on September 13, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

Over the last few years, there has been a massive shift in purchasing patterns and retail consumption. From small families to large corporations, consumers are increasingly opting for online transactions over traditional brick-and-mortar destination shopping.

Due to this shift, many fleets have had to increase productivity to avoid service disruptions. Manual fleet monitoring has become something of an archaic process, and companies that lack the foresight to automate may find themselves falling behind.

In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of digital fleet management, and how it can help your fleet improve operational efficiency, whether you’re behind a desk or behind the wheel.

What is Fleet Management?

When we talk about “fleets”, we’re specifically discussing vehicles used for the purposes of work, including commercial delivery vehicles, construction machinery, and even non-powered assets such as shipping containers.

Fleet management incorporates the budgeting, safety, acquisition and maintenance of a group of vehicles. Fleet management helps the operator oversee all the activities of its vehicles to ensure that drivers are safe and following compliance regulations, while completing work on time. Comprehensive vehicle history reports for businesses can also play a vital role in fleet management, providing detailed insights into each vehicle’s past maintenance, accidents, and usage patterns.

A fleet management system can help managers increase visibility into their operations while automating and streamlining work processes to ensure safety, compliance and efficiency.

1. Vehicle Maintenance

Maintenance is the cornerstone of any effective fleet. Not only is it essential to keeping vehicles in good working order, but proper maintenance can prevent accidents and improve operational efficiency.

Fleet management systems, such as ZenduMaintenance, can keep your vehicles’ maintenance schedules on record, provide custom reporting, maintenance cost accounting and much more.

Fleet management allows you to run your vehicle maintenance operation more effectively while staying ahead of potential mechanical issues so your vehicles stay on the road where they belong.

2. Lower Fuel Waste

Fuel costs are always top of mind for fleet managers, especially considering the exponential rise in price over the past few years. Averages have been bouncing around the four to five dollar mark for months, with June seeing a record high of $5.01 per gallon.

A fleet management system can track a vehicle’s fuel economy, and identify areas of improvement, such as a reduction in idling, rapid acceleration or excessive cargo weight.

Improving driving habits, optimizing routes and managing payload can all lead to significant reduction in fuel consumption.

3. Increased Safety

Even a single accident can lead to costly repairs, vehicle downtime, and potential liability. According to the FMCSA, there were over 5,000 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the United States in 2019 alone – 13.65 fatal large truck crashes per million people and an average of 1.12 fatalities per incident.

Fleet management can help reduce these numbers by increasing situational awareness for both fleet managers and drivers.

For example, tracking provides real-time vehicle location, while diagnostics can monitor things like speed, acceleration, and braking. This data can be used to identify risky driving behaviour and take corrective action before an accident occurs.

Some fleet management solutions offer features such as driver coaching and scorecards, which give drivers feedback on their performance and help them identify areas for improvement.

These tools can make a big difference in reducing the human and financial implications of accidents.

4. Improved Customer Service

Fleet management can help companies deliver better customer service by providing them with the data they need to make informed decisions.

For instance, fleet management software can identify where a delivery is and an estimated time of arrival. In addition, many many fleet management solutions offer features such as geofencing and route optimization, which can be used to plan more efficient routes and avoid delays.

All of these benefits lead to shorter wait times for customers and improved customer satisfaction.

5. Fewer Errors

From stock management and driver scheduling to route planning, the fleet management process can be complicated. Managers are tasked with making numerous decisions on a daily basis, and even the slightest mistake can have major consequences. A fleet management system can help reduce errors by automating many of these tasks.

For instance, electronic logging devices (ELDs) can be used to automatically track a driver’s hours of service (HOS). This data can then be used to generate accurate reports and schedules, which helps ensure that drivers are not overworked and that they have the required number of breaks.

Some systems even allow managers to set up alerts that notify them when a driver is nearing their HOS limit. This gives managers the opportunity to take corrective action before an accident or violation occurs.

Fleet management offers a wide range of benefits for businesses, and it’s easy to see why they’re becoming so popular. If you’re not already considering automating some of your work processes, now is the time to get on board. Can you really afford not to?

5 Ways That Telematics Boosts Fleet Safety

Posted on September 6, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

According to Trucks.com, driving heavy vehicles is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, accounting for over a quarter of all work-related deaths in 2015. From long hours and isolation to fatigue and poor judgment, there are so many factors at play when it comes to fleet safety; with the industry becoming more competitive, these dangers are likely to increase.

Investing in telematics technology can enable fleet managers to monitor driving behaviour, locate vehicles in real-time and help prevent problems before they start.

In this article, we’ll list the top five ways that telematics can connect your commercial fleet and help you make safer decisions for your vehicles, drivers and assets.

1. Address Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is a major risk for all drivers on the road. It’s common for drivers to work outside of their hours of service, either due to personal drive, a change in route or tight deadlines. Either way, fatigue means that a driver’s reaction time and judgment can be significantly impaired.

According to a prominent study by the FMCSA and NHTSA, driver fatigue was found to be a critical factor in at least 13% of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Research even shows that driving for 20 straight hours creates impairment equal to a blood alcohol content of 0.08% – the legal limit in most states.

Telematics systems are equipped with a range of features and functions designed to give fleet managers the data insights they need to monitor their drivers’ fatigue levels.

For example, electronic logging devices (ELD’s) make it easy for operators to properly record their hours, while real-time tracking can ensure that no one is on the road longer than they should be. In addition, ELD’s enable fleet managers to communicate directly with drivers, ensuring they’re safe and complying with regional safety guidelines while on the road.

2. Reduce Speeding

Truck drivers are often tasked with high expectations and short delivery windows; it’s not hard to see how this combination can result in speeding.

The World Health Organization identifies speeding as a contributing factor to about 30% of total road fatalities in high-income countries. The risk of death from collisions is raised even higher when large vehicles are involved, which weigh 20 to 30 times as much as a standard passenger car. Commercial vehicles represent a major risk to both drivers, their cargo, and other motorists.

A telematics platform gives fleet managers in-depth insight into their drivers’ habits and overall performance on the road. Metrics such as speed, acceleration and brake rates can all be recorded and reviewed, making it easy to identify and correct risky driving behaviours.

3. Manage Vehicle Safety

Large commercial vehicles can be a risk on the road, even when operated safely. Their size and weight make them difficult to maneuver, and their cargo can pose additional dangers if not properly secured, all of which can lead to accidents.

A recent NHTSA study found that 20% of traffic accidents can be attributed to poor or irregular vehicle maintenance.

By regularly inspecting and servicing fleet vehicles, managers and operators can ensure they’re in good working order and won’t pose any unnecessary risks.

Telematics can make the process of vehicle maintenance easier by automatically tracking and recording data related to a vehicle’s performance. These robust reports can then be used to identify any potential issues early on, and prevent unplanned downtime.

4. Improve Driver Communication

Effective communication is crucial for any business, but it’s especially important in the world of trucking, where drivers and fleet managers rarely get to connect in person. The isolated nature of the job means that it can be hard to relay important information or resolve issues that may come up.

Thankfully, many telematics solutions come equipped with two-way messaging systems that enable real-time communication between the two parties. This can be used to share information, answer questions or resolve any issues that may come up.

5. Create Safety Culture in the Workplace

Having access to accurate telematics data can help fleet managers and operators create a safe, responsible work culture, from the top down.

Upper management can leverage telematics data to reduce fleet costs, ensure compliance and streamline work processes.

Drivers can be made aware of their hours of service, while maintenance personnel can help them with regular vehicle maintenance.

Managers can oversee their fleet operations remotely, checking on their drivers periodically to ensure they’re alert, safe and on course.

While you can’t change the road, you can improve fleet safety. Telematics can help manage driver fatigue, reduce speeding and maintain vehicle safety, so you can help keep your drivers – and everyone else on the road – safe.

Contact your GoFleet consultant to see how telematics can improve fleet safety.

Road Accidents: 7 Statistics You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on August 23, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

Fleet managers can’t create a culture of safety within their organization without first acknowledging the role that road accidents plays in their day-to-day operations.

There is an alarming increase of late in road accidents; on average, collisions cost fleet companies up to $75,000 in associated damages and it seems the numbers are climbing.

With this in mind, many companies are opting to implement measures to mitigate and ensure both driver and vehicle safety. In this article, we’ll discuss the unsettling numbers, facts and statistics with regards to road safety that should give you pause.

1. Drivers Who Have Previous Infractions are More Likely to be Involved in Fatal Road Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that a staggering 21% of large truck drivers who had a prior record of non-fatal collisions were involved in fatal road accidents in 2020.

What’s more, 19% of all drivers involved in deadly incidents had at least one speeding violation on their record.

2. Large Trucks Make Up 9% of Vehicles Involved in Deadly Collisions

It may not come as a surprise, but large trucks currently account for over 9% of vehicles involved in fatal crashes on the road, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). The same report says that these incidents caused a total of 107,000 injuries and 4,842 fatalities in 2020 alone.

Of those who died, 17% were the occupants of a truck, 71% of passenger vehicles and 12% cyclists or pedestrians. The majority of fatalities (63%) occurred during daylight hours as well, which goes to show that truck safety is an issue that impacts everyone, day or night.

3. Over 1.35 Million People Die in Road Collisions Every Year

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.35 million people die each year as a result of crashes, with young males representing the majority of fatalities.

The WHO also reports that traffic accidents are currently the leading cause of death among people aged between 15-29 years old.

These accidents are also the eighth leading cause of death globally for all age groups, a rank that the WHO predicts will rise to seventh place by the year 2030.

4. Speeding is Directly Linked to a Higher Likelihood of Death in Road Collisions

There is a direct correlation between speeding and death as a result of an auto collision. So much so in fact, that the WHO reports that for every 1% a driver increases speed over the limit, there is an associated 3% increase in the severity of a potential crash and a 4% higher likelihood of it resulting in death.

To put this into context, your risk of dying in a crash would increase by 40% just by going 10 kilometres faster in a 100 km/h zone.

5. Road Accidents Will Cost the Global Economy $1.8 Trillion by the Year 2030

Road crashes aren’t just deadly – they’re expensive too.

According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), both non-fatal and fatal collisions cost the global economy the equivalent of a yearly tax rate of 0.12%. This is expected to amount to a total of $1.8 trillion by the year 2030.

On a smaller but no less significant scale, road accidents cost companies tens of thousands of dollars in replacement vehicles, insurance premiums and liability suits.

It’s estimated that a collision can cost somewhere between $16,000-$75,000, and those numbers can skyrocket if there’s a death involved.

6. Almost Half of Road Fatalities Involve Cases in Which Occupants Were Not Wearing Seat belts

Despite the implementation of seat belt laws in the 1960s, nearly 10% of Americans do not use them, according to 2021 NHTSA data.

Findings show that 47 percent of all road fatalities in the United States involved cases where passengers were not wearing seat belts, and that 55 percent of people killed at night were also without seat belts on.

Approximately 7% of Canadians don’t wear seat belts, according to Transport Canada, which accounts for 40% of deaths in road collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration adds that airbags are built to protect people wearing a seat belt in their seats correctly. The force of an airbag inflating could harm or kill you if you are not properly buckled up.

7. Distracted Drivers Are up to Four Times More Likely to be Involved in Road Accidents

It’s no secret that distracted driving is a major problem on the roads, but just how big of an issue is it?

According to the CAA, distracted drivers are up to four times more likely to be involved in a collision than those who are not distracted. The CAA lists things like talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, fiddling with the music, and even daydreaming as distractions that could lead to an accident.

In fact, taking your eyes off the road for as little as two seconds can double your risk of crashing.

The good news? Knowledge is power. There will always be risks associated with your fleet on the road, but an ounce of prevention and rigorous attention to safety can help you and your drivers prevent accidents before they happen.

Fleet Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Vehicles

Posted on August 16, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

Fleet vehicles are critical assets and represent a massive investment to your organization. For these reasons, it’s essential to make sure they’re taken care of in the short and long-term with proper fleet maintenance to keep operations running smoothly.

In this article, we’ll discuss some easy tips to stay on top of fleet maintenance and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong.

Prioritize Preventative Fleet Maintenance

Preventative fleet maintenance is key to the proper care of any vehicle. By staying on top of it, you can ensure that your fleet always has regular support and avoids future problems.

The easiest way to ensure preventative maintenance is to create a set schedule that is respected by your entire fleet maintenance team.

By keeping all of your vehicles’ maintenance timelines on record, it becomes much easier to oversee and gauge operational needs, repair costs and vehicle health over the long term.

One of the most common approaches is digitizing maintenance reports through fleet management software, such as ZenduMaintenance.

This digital solution allows you to run your entire fleet maintenance operation more effectively and efficiently, with tools such as:

Work order management
Preventative maintenance scheduling
Inventory and parts management
Purchasing
Custom reporting
Maintenance cost accounting

These tools make it possible to document and monitor preventative maintenance in a centralized calendar, making the process of ensuring vehicle health easier and more accessible.

Know Your Fleet

Understanding the vehicles you manage can offer major insight into their specific needs, making the process of fleet maintenance much easier.

One of the easiest ways to access these insights is to take the time to go through your owner’s manuals. While they may seem tedious, they’re the key to fully understanding and properly caring for every make, model and machine you operate.

Owner’s manuals contain lots of valuable information you can incorporate into your fleet maintenance strategy, including the recommended fluids, parts and schedules for each system you operate.

A combination of fleet management software and managed services can provide a complete 360-degree view of your fleet, including vehicle health. Managed services connect you with industry-leading consultants to help you analyze your fleet’s performance and help you optimize operations.

With the right platform in place, you can access vehicle data, manuals and more in one convenient place, making it simpler than ever to get the information you need without having to hunt it down. Such intuitive guidance and support makes getting to know your fleet a breeze.

Operate Your Fleet Responsibly

The way vehicles are driven and handled on a regular basis plays a large role in how long they ultimately last on the road.

From giving engines enough time to warm up before a trip to handling starts and stops smoothly, there are a number of ways drivers can help extend the life of your vehicles.

Teaching these best practices to your team and monitoring their implementation should be a key area of focus – not only will it help you keep an eye on how vehicles are being driven, but it can also be a valuable coaching opportunity for your staff.

Operational effectiveness and efficiency should always go hand-in-hand, and by placing an emphasis on both, you can help your team members understand how their behaviour impacts the health of your fleet.

Check Your Tires

Tires are not only responsible for keeping things moving, they’re also the first line of defence against the impact of potholes, curbs and other obstacles. Left unchecked, problematic tires can contribute to a number of problems such as alignment issues and decreased fuel economy.

For these reasons, it’s crucial to check them regularly for wear, damage and proper inflation – not only for their own longevity but for the lifespan of your vehicles.

Regular tire maintenance can help prevent and mitigate many of the issues that can arise from neglect and keep your vehicles on the road longer.

Keep Things Clean

Dirt, grime and buildup on vehicles isn’t just unsightly – it can also contribute to their overall decline.

When operators fail to keep their trucks clean on a consistent basis, they open the door for long-term wear and tear. This is especially true when it comes to the undercarriage, where grime can quickly lead to corrosion if left unchecked.

Washing vehicles should be considered part of your regular fleet maintenance. When done correctly and on schedule, it can actually save you money by preventing bigger issues from arising down the road.

Regardless of your business’ size, the health of your fleet should always be top priority. By taking the time to implement these basic tips, you can help keep your vehicles on the road and operating at full capacity for a long time.

The Top 5 Fleet Manager Concerns

Posted on August 9, 2022 | by Alexis | Leave a Comment

Virtually every fleet manager worries about the same things: compliance, asset management and the company’s bottom line. Scratch the surface, however, and there are even more universal concerns.

With so much responsibility and so many variables at play, today’s fleet managers also have to contend with things like workflow, driver safety and productivity.

In this article, we’ll address the top five fleet manager concerns and our take on how they can be effectively addressed.

1. Supporting Ongoing Employee Engagement and Morale

A fleet is only as good as the workforce behind it, and that workforce will only be effective so long as it is involved with its corporate culture.

Burnout and loss of engagement is a major fleet manager concern, especially given the economy’s recent circumstances.

Fleet managers have a major responsibility to keep their people happy, healthy and productive, yet factors such as labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating market conditions have all put a strain on staff, causing massive turnover at an unprecedented rate.

The answer may lie in proper work-life balance.

Regardless of industry, work-life balance is a necessity for employees. It’s one of the biggest determinants of their day-to-day experience on the job, their quality of life, and ultimately whether or not they choose to stay on board.

Fleet managers can bolster their organization’s work-life balance by implementing policies and procedures meant to encourage healthy schedules and habits, as well as by adopting new technologies that make it easier for employees to manage their time.

2. Getting the Most Out of New Tools

Selecting and implementing the right software or digital tool for an organization is hard enough, never mind using it to its fullest potential.

Fleet managers face an incredibly unique and complex challenge when it comes to adopting new technologies across their operations. They need to not only integrate it into their existing workflow, but also adapt their processes to make the most of its capabilities – all while getting buy-in from their team.

In these scenarios, a number of barriers can arise, whether it’s poor technical setup, a lack of onboarding, insufficient training, improper integration into current workflows, or user error.

The key to mitigating these issues is careful planning and execution. Having a solid game plan going into a new tool implementation is crucial for success. That way, when issues inevitably do arise, they can be quickly remedied without throwing the entire project off course.

3. Finding Enough Time

There is no such thing as ‘slow’ in the world of fleet management. Factors are always changing, things constantly need to be adapted, and for every action that a business takes, there awaits a stack of administrative paperwork requiring completion.

With so much going on, it has been traditionally hard for fleet managers to find enough hours in the day to get their work done. The good news is that new technologies are beginning to alleviate this burden.

Digital tools such as fleet management software have become commonplace, and for good reason. They allow managers to automate a variety of tasks and processes that would otherwise need to be completed manually.

This newfound efficiency has given fleet managers the ability to get more done in less time, freeing up their schedule to focus on other aspects of their business.

4. Balancing Productivity and Safety in Tandem

The struggle to balance productivity and safety is an all-too familiar fleet manager concern. On the one hand, managers need to push their employees to be productive to achieve business goals and keep things running smoothly.

On the other hand, they need to make sure that their employees are safe while in active service, both for the sake of the individual and to avoid any potential liabilities on the road.

The key to successfully balancing productivity and safety lies in communication and collaboration.

Managers need to set clear expectations for their employees in terms of both productivity and safety.

They need to establish systems and processes that will help employees meet those expectations without putting themselves or others at risk.

Finally, fleet managers must create an environment in which employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns and offering suggestions for improvement.

5. Fuel Costs

The price of fuel is one of the most volatile expenses that businesses have to deal with. It’s also one of the most essential, as fleet vehicles cannot function without it.

This puts fleet managers in a very difficult position, as they need to find ways to cut costs without compromising on quality or service.

Fortunately, there are a number of things that fleet managers can do to reduce fuel costs. One is to invest in fuel-efficient vehicles, or even consider adding electric vehicles (EVs) to a fleet.

Another is to implement fuel-saving technologies and practices, such as idling reduction or telematics. Managers can also work with their suppliers to negotiate better prices for fuel.

While the world of fleet management is full of things to worry about, it isn’t without solutions to solve them. With the right insight and strategy in hand, you can equip your business to overcome any challenge that comes your way.