Category: Fleet Management

Business Tracking Software Is Essential For Medium & Large Fleets

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Medium & Large Fleets Find Business Tracking Software A Necessity

Businesses with large and intermediate size fleet operations are finding business tracking software an essential component of fleet management. With many vehicles and drivers, it is virtually impossible to keep up, provide routing and dispatching without it. Many fleet management companies are tailoring their software for these businesses to give fleet managers the relevant information they need to run a smooth fleet operation.

Large Fleets

Large fleets contain many moving parts that are usually spread over a wide geographical area. All vehicles must be accounted for and properly monitored at all times. Business tracking software can be customized for the business by department, geographical area or vehicle type to mimic the business’ internal structure.

When you have a large fleet, it is extremely important to find a business tracking software and fleet management solution with the capability of supporting a large amount of data and be able to interpret that data into information that you can use. The software solution needs to be able to help your fleet manager easily manage the entire fleet and all of your drivers. The software you select must be able to compile unlimited historical data within a reasonable amount of time.

Intermediate Size Fleets

Medium size fleets might not have thousands of vehicles but they still need to have GPS business tracking software to handle a large amount of vehicles easily. Customized tracking software can be integrated with their back office software to improve dispatching capabilities, productivity and vehicle maintenance management and much more.

Customized dashboards, alerts and reports can be created for different departments and people throughout your business. Business tracking software can help you stay in control of your medium sized fleet and prevent you from overlooking important issues. Automatic vehicle maintenance reminders can help fleet managers ensure all vehicles receive service in addition to extending the fleet’s lifespan.

Fleet Management Challenges

Posted on | by Courtney redwell

Fleet Management Made Easier

Today, fleet managers are under pressure to minimize fleet costs but are missing the information necessary to make informed decisions. It is important fleet managers have access to the tools they need to better manage their vehicles and drivers on a daily basis; fleet management technology provides these necessary tools. This information, paired with the appropriate follow-up by management, can help achieve significant cost savings. The key challenges fleet managers can face daily include:

Unnecessary Vehicle Idling
Fleet Manager’s may recognize unnecessary and excessive idling can be a significant contribution to operating costs, not all fleet managers know the extent of their fleet idling or what areas they should focus on. GoFleet’s Geotab fleet management solution enables fleet managers to:

  • Visualize total fleet idling as a whole
  • Measure idling in the yard, at drop off locations, at customer stops etc.
  • Understand idling as a percentage of total engine time
  • Monitor weekly and monthly idling trends with easy to use custom reports

Fleet Managers equipped with this knowledge can more easily identify the drivers, vehicles, and locations that exceed acceptable levels of idling and take corrective action. Reducing unnecessary idling is a simple way to reduce fuel costs.

Repairs and Maintenance
Vehicle downtime and fleet repairs are an expensive cost that fleet managers deal with daily. Managing these costs can be a major challenge. Using GoFleet’s Geotab fleet management solution fleet managers can:

  • View vehicle diagnostic codes right from a mobile or desktop device
  • Quickly identify potential vehicle issues which assists in prioritizing repairs
  • Set up regular maintenance reminders

When fleet managers act on this information, they can identify vehicle issues before they become major repairs and more efficiently manage vehicle maintenance. This can help reduce vehicle downtime and major repair costs which is an essential part to all operations. Additionally, regular maintenance on vehicles can likely prolong the life of major vehicle parts as well as increase the longevity vehicles.

Fleet Productivity
Are you getting the most out of your vehicles? Fleet managers constantly aim to achieve maximizing one’s fleet potential. GoFleet’s Geotab solution can provide important insight into the productivity of a fleet:

  • Fleet utilization visibility
  • Number of customer stops made in a day
  • Time spent at the office versus customer site
  • Real time dispatch and ability to identify nearest vehicle to a location
  • Driver’s congregating reporting
  • Routing

Gaining insight into the routes taken each day and knowing the utilization of vehicles can help fleet managers recognize where changes are needed to improve fleet efficiency and avoid unnecessary distance driven. Having access to this valuable information helps management make informed decisions on purchasing new vehicles. For example, vehicles identified as not in use can be re-assigned to locations that require extra vehicles, helping to eliminate the need to make big purchases that are unnecessary.

Contact GoFleet to learn more about this topic, or schedule an online demo to see the solution work in action.

 

Original Article Written by: Laurelle Flewelling, Account Manager at Geotab
http://www.geotab.com/blog/fleet-management-challenging-world/

Guidelines For Implementing A Fleet Management Program

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Fleet Management Program Implementation Guidelines

When you are ready to implement an effective fleet management program, it is important that you understand there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for every company. Understanding some basic guidelines will help you avoid wasting money and help you make a smooth transition to the new fleet management program.

Know What Your Needs Are

Before you look into GPS fleet tracking systems, you need to know what your needs are. You must also determine your budget and what you would like to accomplish with a fleet management program. Do you want to manage your drivers’ behavior, improve vehicle maintenance, improve routing, etc. In addition, you need to know if you are going to need the system to integrate with other back-office software programs that you are already using.

Communication

The best way to ensure your fleet management program’s success is to communicate with your entire staff about the fleet management program before it is implemented. This does not mean just sending a memorandum to all staff. Have an open discussion about the purpose and goals of the program. Open communication generates a company-wide buy-in that is essential for the program to succeed in the long-term.

Don’t Make Changes Too Quickly

Once you implement your new fleet management program, do not make too many changes too quickly. It is imperative that you collect your fleet data at a pace that is manageable and that your react to the new information in incremental steps, not widespread change. Some companies actually find that not changing anything for the first two months allows the fleet manager time to establish a baseline. After the baseline is established, the fleet manager can address issues with the facility design and the drivers’ behaviors one at a time.

Make Decisions With Data Not Emotions

If the GPS fleet tracking system reveals that a driver is underperforming, it is important you make decisions about your findings with the data not with your emotions. Do not be quick to fire an employee based on the fleet management program data, the underperformance may have a measurable solution. In addition, using the data instead of emotions can help mitigate the feeling of apprehension that many fleet managers feel.

Fleet Tracking Device: Reduce Labor Costs

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Reduce Labor Costs With GoFleet’s Fleet Tracking Device

When you run a business, you need to focus on your core business activities. You do not have time to waste validating your employees’ time sheets or figuring out messy payroll issues. When you use GoFleet’s fleet tracking device, you can eliminate employees’ fraudulent work time claims, reduce pricey overtime and cut the amount of time you are doing payroll paperwork.

GoFleet’s fleet tracking device provides managers with custom reports for all aspects of fleet management including the hours worked by each driver. You will now have instant access to the actual vehicle operation hours, the actual times your driver started and finished work, average weekly and daily hours, and exact hours and days worked.

Many of GoFleet’s customers’ report that they instantly start saving on overtime costs as soon as they implement a GoFleet fleet tracking device system in their fleet. The GoFleet hours worked report can be used as an electronic time sheet that you can feel confident is accurate.

Benefits of GoFleet’s Fleet Tracking Device

Eliminate fraudulent time claims with actual start and finish times: You will no longer have to rely on your driver to let you know when they started and finished work. A GoFleet fleet tracking device acts like an automatic time sheet with the true start and finish times.

Reduce Overtime: Since your drivers will be working more efficiently and productively, they will not have to work overtime to get the job done.

Monitor vehicle use for personal use: It is not uncommon for drivers to run personal errands between jobs. This not only increases your labor costs, it also increases your fuel costs.

Eliminate drivers stopping for prolonged times: When drivers are not being monitored, they are more likely to stop between jobs for prolonged breaks. Without a fleet tracking device, they can claim they were at the job site longer than they actually were or claim they were stuck in traffic.

Fleet Management GPS Technology Increases Fuel Efficiency

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Increase Fuel Efficiency With Fleet Management GPS Technology

The cost of operating and owning a vehicle in the U.S. has increased by approximately 2% in the past year, according to “Your Driving Costs” study by AAA. In addition, the cost of fuel has also increased by almost 2% a year since 2013, on top of the 15% increase in 2012. For businesses with fleet operations, these increased costs can significantly affect the company’s financial outlook. Eliminating excessive fuel costs by reducing fuel usage can considerably impact a business’ bottom line. Fleet management GPS technology can help business owners run their business more efficiently and reduce unnecessary fuel usage.

When a business implements fleet management GPS technology, they are able to eliminate excessive fuel usage using the fleet management software. When the vehicles are driven off-route, they are wasting fuel. With a fleet management solution, fleet managers and business owners will be able to make sure their drivers are where they are supposed to be and that they are driving the most efficient routes. Drivers will no longer be able to drive miles out of the way just to get a cappuccino from their favorite coffee shop. Drivers making a few off route personal stops can add up to hundreds of miles over a year.

Fleet management GPS technology also can be used to eliminate drivers’ bad habits including excessively idling for climate control. This will reduce fuel costs as well as reduce wear and tear on the vehicles. As a matter of fact, when a vehicle idles excessively, for 5 minutes or more, fuel consumption can increase by approximately 5%. This results in reduced profits and has the potential of damaging the vehicles’ engines.

Another factor in fuel wastage is driver speeding. When drivers are speeding, business owners and fleet managers can be alerted in real-time via SMS text message or email message. In addition to reducing fuel usage, managing drivers’ poor driving habits increases the safety of a business’ drivers and the safety of other drivers on the road.

Vehicle Tracking Systems: Efficient Fleet Management

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Efficient Fleet Management With Vehicle Tracking Systems

Originally, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) was exclusively used for military purposes. Today, GPS is used by everyone as a way to navigate on the roads. Of course, GPS devices are helpful for private car owners; however, they are becoming an essential fleet management tool for business owners. Vehicle tracking systems are strategically important for fleet operations and could make the difference between whether a company succeeds or fails.

Business owners should not underestimate the importance of vehicle tracking systems. This fleet management tool can increase productivity, decrease costs, reduce fuel consumption and increase customer service. In an economic market with such tough competition, this GPS fleet management solution could be what you need to gain a competitive advantage.

Without the use of vehicle tracking systems, fleet managers can lose control over their fleet operations. Drivers could be taking advantage of the vehicle at your expense, aggressive driving could put the safety of your driver and others at risk, you could be wasting money on fuel, drivers could be making unauthorized stops and drivers could be putting in for work time that is not accurate. With vehicle tracking systems, you are able to get control of your fleet and optimize your operations.

Vehicle tracking systems are developed for fleet operations. They transmit a large amount of valuable data that is necessary for efficiently managing your fleet. You will always know the exact location of your vehicles, engine working hours, mileage, routes, stops, idle times, speed, driving behavior and more. Your fleet managers will be able to monitor your drivers and analyze your fleet operations. You will be able to make better informed business decisions.

Vehicle monitoring systems have become an indispensable tool for business owners and fleet managers. For more information about how a vehicle tracking system can enhance your business, Contact Us.

Live GPS Tracker: Fleet Management Benefits

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Fleet Management Benefits of GoFleet’s Live GPS Tracker

GoFleet’s live GPS tracker provides fleet managers with a deeper insight into properly managing their crews. It a valuable tool that allows management to efficiently manage day-to-day operations and control all fleet-related expenses. The benefits of GoFleet’s live GPS tracker far outweigh the affordable costs of implementing this fleet management technology in your vehicles.

System Integration

GoFleet’s live GPS tracker can be integrated with a wide variety of software that your business works with. This is a critical component for streamlining operations and keeping your fleet management uncomplicated. With system integration, you can view your vehicles locations on the same maps used by other software vendors. For example, a utility company can see their fleet’s location on the same map as their their power lines. GoFleet’s system integration capabilities can simplify dispatching for your business.

Reduce Fuel Costs

Fuel costs are one of the largest costs for businesses with fleet operations. The price of fuel continues to increase so fleet managers have to control the fuel usage in order to reduce the costs. GoFleet’s live GPS tracker can reduce your fuel costs significantly. Fleet managers are able to dispatch vehicles more efficiently. With live GPS tracker data, dispatchers can send the closest vehicle to a job site or to an emergency call. They can provide the fastest and shortest route to the drivers using audible turn-by-turn driving directions.

In addition, fuel can also be reduced by eliminating unnecessary mileage. Fleet managers will be able to see if drivers go out of the authorized area to make personal stops or take a longer route. An automatic alert can be set up to notify fleet managers if a driver goes off route.

Fuel costs can also be cut by improving your drivers’ driving habits. With GoFleet’s live GPS tracker, fleet managers can be notified if drivers are speeding, driving aggressively or excessively idling. All of these driving habits contribute to unnecessary fuel usage. The alerts can be sent to the fleet manager even when they are offline via SMS text message or email. This enables the fleet manager to address the poor driving habit immediately so fuel does not get wasted.

For more information about GoFleet’s live GPS tracker, Contact Us.

Fleet Management Company: Manage More Than Just Vehicle Locations

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

GoFleet Fleet Management Company Is So Much More Than Just Tracking Vehicle Locations

GoFleet is the fleet management company that does a great job at tracking fleet vehicle locations but that is only the beginning of what they can do for your business. GoFleet’s GPS fleet management system provides information crucial to managing your fleet, making your services more efficient, reducing operation costs and managing your drivers.

GoFleet fleet management company provides GPS fleet management services that reach further than a simple GPS device inside of your company vehicle. The data you will receive will help you improve customer satisfaction, reduce the chance of theft, improve driver safety, and increase productivity. GoFleet is helping companies run more efficiently and safer.

This fleet management company gives companies the ability to track vehicles and improve routing. The GPS fleet management system can be used to get drivers to the job faster and ensure your jobs are completed. Improved productivity and safety translates to improved customer service. Business are able to get a better grasp on allocating work appropriately and providing efficient routes.

GoFleet fleet management company gives you the ability to monitor your drivers and track any unsafe driving practices such as rapid acceleration, speeding, hard breaking and turning the corners too fast. Fleet managers are able to ensure that their drivers are acting in a safe and responsible manner while they are on the road. In addition, safe driving practices reduce fuel costs and maximize your vehicles’ life.

GoFleet’s GPS fleet management helps managers uncover and understand underlying issues with their fleet so they can address the problems head-on. Addressing issues in this manner leads to more productive employees, better drivers, and high customer satisfaction rates. When a company improves customer satisfaction, they can differentiate themselves from the competitors, increase business and retain customer for the long-term. When you choose GoFleet as your fleet management company, the opportunities are truly limitless.

Fleet Management Services: Common Myths

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Common Myths About Fleet Management Services

There are several common misconceptions about implementing fleet management services based on assumptions made by companies with no GPS fleet management experience. Actual fleet management service users tell a much different story based on their experience with the technology. The following misconceptions have been disproven by actual users of GoFleet’s fleet management services:

 

Our Company Does Not Need GPS Tracking Because We Trust Our Drivers

The purpose of fleet management services is not to monitor your drivers’ every move. It is about making your business more efficient and reducing unnecessary operating costs. It has been proven that GPS tracking systems reduce maintenance costs, increase fuel efficiency, increase dispatching and routing efficiency, improve driver safety and improve customer service.

Our Drivers Will Quit Working For Our Company If We Use Real Time Tracking

GoFleet’s experience with their customers contradicts this myth. Once GoFleet’s fleet management services are implemented, your drivers will find that they depend on the additional roadside assistance, routing information, and automated time card entries. The GPS tracking system eliminates a lot of time-consuming paperwork. It also provides additional driver and cargo security while on the road.

Fleet Management Services Are Too Complicated To Install And Use

GoFleet’s tracking system is easy to install and even easier to use. The fleet management software is user-friendly with easy to understand management data, vehicle tracking and maps. GoFleet has many knowledgeable technicians available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have both before and after the system is installed.

GPS Fleet Tracking Is Not Necessary Because Our Drivers Have Cell Phones

Unlike cell phones with GPS capabilities, GoFleet’s fleet management services provide a lot of valuable information for fleet managers including start and stop times, engine status, vehicle location, fuel consumption, mileage and driving patterns. In addition, cell phones can cause safety issues on the road when drivers are trying to read them.

It is time to join GoFleet’s customers and start making your business more efficient. There is no reason to be wasting hard earned money on unnecessary expenses such as high fuel costs and inaccurate labor costs. For more information, contact one of our fleet consultants today: 1-888-998-1122.

Using A GPS Fleet Management System Proves Profitable

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Using A GPS Fleet Management System
Proves Profitable

More and more companies are realizingthe potential benefits of using a GPS based fleet management system to monitor their fleet.
In addition to providing quality control and efficient routing, there are many benefits of having this technology at their disposal. A fleet management based of GPS provides labor savings, cost savings, driver safety, and a reduction in a company’s carbon footprint.

With fuel costs through the roof, implementing a GPS Fleet managementsystem can lower your fuel costs and improve vehicle efficiency. For small to medium-sized business with fleets, delivery trucks, transport supplies and equipment, it is likely high fuel costs are eating into their profit. In general, companies that use a GPS Fleet management system save at least 10% in fuel in comparison to companies who do not use the technology. Most companies find that the cost of the GPS real-time tracking system pays for itself within a matter of months in fuel savings alone.

GoFleet helps companies reduce their operating costs of their vehicles using GPS tracking technology. Our system combines GPS real-time tracking units installed in all fleet vehicles with fleet management software that analyzes the data. This will enable fleet managers to improve dispatching and routing efficiencies. They will be able to see where their vehicles are in real-time, optimize maintenance schedules and
identify any issues including unauthorized vehicle use or driver speeding.

All businesses with vehicles on the road can benefit from installing a GPS based fleet management system including service companies, construction equipment and delivery companies. GoFleet has a wide range
of satisfied customers such as waste haulers, commercial trucking firms, school transportation services and pest control services. Fleets can be any size from three to over ten thousand.

In the United States alone, there are more than 20 million commercial vehicles and only 2 million are currently using a GPS Fleetmanagement system. This number is rising quickly as businesses become aware of the system’s benefits.