Tag: benefits

Benefits of asset tracking

The Top Five Benefits of Asset Tracking

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on The Top Five Benefits of Asset Tracking

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.

Trucking With Pets

Trucking With Pets: What Fleets Need To Know

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on Trucking With Pets: What Fleets Need To Know

Long haul trucking is often perceived as a lonely job as commercial truck drivers drive long hours to deliver goods over the course of hours, days or even weeks. With the monotony and morale being important concerns, many fleets are looking at how they can make long haul trucking a little more enjoyable. One of the best ways to alleviate these concerns is trucking with pets.   

With a multitude of benefits, nearly 40% of long haul commercial motor vehicle drivers are already taking pets with them on the road. This growing trend is something fleet businesses are continuing to review.

 

Fleet Pet Policy

Whether you’re a fleet owner or driver, it’s important to review current policies when looking into drivers bringing pets on the road with them. On one hand, fleets must readjust their policies to reflect new values, and on the other hand, fleet companies have not clarified their positions on whether bringing pets would be welcomed. Fleet businesses must constantly review policies, including old and outdated ones, and better adapt to the constantly changing needs of their employees. 

 

 Old or Outdated Pet Policy 

If your fleet has a pet policy but the language is outdated, it’s important to address it and make the necessary policy modifications. Companies should ensure that old policies do not conflict with new values. Updating the policy on pet companionship in fleets will help companies specifically clarify their position and what is encouraged throughout the company. 

It is critical that your policies reflect the current values of your fleet and adapt to changing needs.

 

No Pet Policy 

If there is currently no pet policy – it’s time to make one! While some fleets may be strict about not allowing pets to travel with drivers, many are open to it. 

If your fleet is looking to enforce a new pet policy to allow trucking with pets – there are a few things to consider:

  1. What are the associated fees for bringing a pet along for the ride may be? Typically, fleets require drivers to provide a $200 – $1,500 deposit for insurance in case there are any damages to company property, which includes damages to vehicles, equipment, cargo etc. 
  2. Whether there is a maximum pet weight limit, breed or type for animals, drivers can travel with. Typically, fleets set a weight limit between 25 and 35 pounds, which engenders a variety of common breeds such as dachshunds, pugs, terriers, chihuahuas and more.
  3. The completion of an internal training course to review all aspects of bringing a pet on the road. The course will cover what are the best practices to follow with your travelling pet, how to set up your vehicle to support an animal and proper health requirements of animals.

 

Benefits Of Trucking With Pets 

For fleets who encourage drivers to bring their pets along for the ride, there are a multitude of benefits that are associated with having pets travel with their owners.

Fleets can expect for drivers to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and better overall cardiovascular health, as studies show that having a pet companion can improve health. Drivers can also stay active and reach health goals as they will be required to take daily 20-30 minute walks – which is perfect for truck stop breaks! 

Medical professionals even claim that driving with an animal can reduce stress and anxiety levels as well as provide drivers with a better outlook on life. Since they have a companion on long isolated trips, drivers are less at risk for thinking or feeling negative. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology states that pet owners reported fewer doctor visits than non-pet owners. Meaning fleets can even expect healthier drivers, which results in less sick days.

Pets can also reduce fatigue driving and accidents, which are related to driving tired. This is because animals will require drivers to frequently pull over to allow the animal to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. Furthermore, having pets on board can even deter potential theft.

With an estimated 3.5 million truck drivers on U.S. roads, fleets cannot afford to overlook the benefits that trucking with pets drives. 

 

What Drivers Need To Be Aware Of 

Checking your fleets pet policy isn’t the only factor that drivers need to consider. Apart from checking with management, drivers should ensure the following: 

  • Their pet fits the proper pet sizing to travel comfortably with them
  • The vehicle is pet-proofed with a separate space set aside for the animals call their own 
  • Tools and/or equipment such as; a crate, leash, pet bed, various toys, animal cleaning supplies, adequate food and treats
  • The animal is properly trained be comfortable with being in a moving vehicle, while the driver is focused on the road, and is well socialized
  • The animal is up to date with vaccinations and drivers are up to date and/or researched veterinary inspection laws, as they vary from state to state 

 

What Fleet Managers Need To Know 

Changing the policy speaking to pet companions may seem fun and exciting, but management must take the proper steps to keep the drivers, organization and animals happy. While this includes refining pet policies, fleet managers should also consider the following: 

  • What should be included in company training material pertaining to travelling with pets? 
  • Whether drivers would be accepted to register pets as a service or companion animal to ensure animals are never left unattended for too long (this is specific to in-store visits)?
  • What are the possible legal ramifications if there is an accident where the animal is hurt, if the animal caused the accident or if the animal hurt someone? 

With all policy shifts, there are pros and cons. When it comes to the growing trend of trucking with pets, more fleets are realizing that new policies should reflect current values.

If you’re looking for more insight about how you can create the proper training course to ensure drivers are trained on new trucking with pets policies contact us today! Our online training platform ZenduLearn is a customizable training solution that can accompany any training topics specific to your fleet.