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Take Control of Your Fleet With Real-Time Fleet Tracking Solutions

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Take Control of Your Fleet With Real-Time Fleet Tracking Solutions

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Are you in the business of delivery service, working in a transportation company, or are assigned the task of managing field service operations? You can certainly relate to the importance of having real-time fleet tracking solutions in place. Managing your fleet operations in a cost-efficient and organized manner is crucial. For those still not clear on how real-time fleet tracking solutions can help your business, let’s understand the impact it can create. And then learn how you can find the perfect solution for your business requirements. 

Impact of real-time fleet tracking solutions-

Fleet tracking solutions have helped the transportation and logistics industry get complete visibility of fleet operations. However, that’s just the beginning. We deep dive into compelling reasons for the importance of real time fleet tracking solutions. 

Improved Fleet Efficiency: What’s the biggest expense factor in handling fleet operations? Fuel costs. Studies have stated that 60% of businesses have reduced fuel costs by 10% which has led to improved fleet productivity by 20%.

Improves Driver Safety: Ensuring your drivers are happy and safe is of paramount importance in this driver-shortage economy. The use of real-time fleet tracking software enables tracking of driver behavior, which leads to a reduction in the number of accidents while promoting responsible driving habits.  

Reduces Maintenance Costs: As real-time fleet tracking software updates vehicle data, it also keeps track of maintenance to avoid major repairs or unexpected breakdowns. This can help businesses save between 20-30% of costs related to maintenance expenses. 

Enhances Customer Experience: Not only will your dispatchers enjoy real-time vehicle visibility, but customers can also now track orders in real-time. The end result is improved customer satisfaction, building brand trust, and ensuring returning customers.

Improves on-time delivery: Fleet tracking solutions come with features such as route planning and route optimization. This helps your dispatcher find the best routes to serve customers, reducing fuel costs and improving fleet mileage. A report for fleet technology trends showed that 96% of businesses enjoyed a positive ROI with fleet tracking solutions. 

Now that you understand how real-time fleet tracking solutions can help scale your operations and have a positive ROI, let’s dive to find how you can harness the maximum benefits by finding a suitable fleet tracking solution.

Real-time updates: Before finalizing your ideal real-time fleet tracking solution, take a demo to find how accurate and up-to-the-minute data can be showcased. This will help you find your ideal solution based on the type of requirement you need for your operations.

Simple User Interface: A simple and white-labeled solution will be crucial to help the team and end-user with real-time tracking visibility. 

Integration Capabilities: Always check whether your current software and applications can integrate with the new fleet tracking solution. Whether it be for Email, SMS, IVR, WhatsApp, Carrier, or other integrations- check the integration capabilities. 

Customized Reporting: Check with the fleet tracking solutions provider on whether they can help reporting in certain ways your business would like to operate. Ensure there is detailed reporting available on driver behavior, driver performance, vehicle maintenance, etc. 

Customer Support: Finally, any solution can become a failure if a proper understanding of the software is not clear to your team. Hence, it’s a crucial need for an excellent customer support team to assist with whatever challenges the team faces.

Real-time fleet tracking solutions are no longer just a luxury, but a necessity in today’s competitive market. Hence, investing in top-rated fleet tracking solutions such as LogiNext can help take complete control of your fleet operations. It will help reduce operational costs, improve driver safety, and enhance customer experience. With all three key factors covered by choosing the right real-time fleet tracking solution, you can be assured your business will grow exponentially. 

Author Bio

Matt Murdock works for a leading SAAS-based platform called LogiNext Solutions. Where he helps businesses optimize their logistics operations and improve their delivery performance. With a passion for innovation and technology, Matt is always looking for new ways to streamline logistics processes and enhance customer experiences. In his free time, he enjoys writing blogs based on his experience in the logistics industry. Happy reading!

 

Propane
Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Breakthrough Propane Direct Injection Technology Provides Fleet Owners with Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Option

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Through a joint partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council, this new technology will drive the transportation industry further down the path to zero.

Fleet owners looking for a low emission, high efficiency, and affordable engine solution will soon have new technology to turn to thanks to a partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council. The innovation combines Stanadyne’s direct injection fuel pump and injector system with Katech’s vapor lock technology to create the industry’s first medium-duty engine system that can deliver propane autogas at a constant 350-bar pressure directly into the engine. It’s all part of the three company’s combined decarbonization mission.

The breakthrough engine technology overcomes vapor lock, a common technical issue when liquified gases vaporize, which can interrupt fuel pump operation. By finding a solution, the new technology improves engine performance and efficiency. The combined system fueled a standard 6.6L GDI engine during a 250-hour performance and durability test. The tests successfully demonstrated that the technology works with existing engines and that propane autogas can be a low-carbon, high-performance replacement for gasoline and diesel engines.

The new technology will help fleet owners exceed the ultra-low emissions mandates going into place in 2027. Compared to diesel, propane autogas reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by 96 percent and provides a five to 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The engine technology can also utilize renewable propane, which has a carbon intensity four times lower than conventional diesel.

 

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

New PERC Webpage Showcases Propane Autogas Solutions for Delivery Fleets

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Resources explore how delivery fleets can achieve financial sustainability alongside environmental sustainability

The Propane Education & Research Council launched a new webpage dedicated to educating delivery fleets on the ways propane autogas can help fleet owners with their service and sustainability. 

On the new webpage, Propane.com/Delivery-Trucks, visitors will find a variety of resources, infographics, case studies, and videos detailing how to get started with propane autogas, the benefits of the energy source, and examples from their peers. Notably, the site outlines the emissions reductions and cost benefits that allow delivery fleets to accelerate decarbonization while saving money.

On the webpage, fleet owners can access a free, downloadable brochure detailing real-world data and testimonials from fleets across the country. As the examples show, many fleet owners save up to 60 percent on costs compared to diesel by transitioning to propane autogas. They also reduce carbon emissions by several metric tons over the life of the vehicle. 

More than 60,000 propane autogas commercial vehicles are on the road today, including fleets that serve a range of delivery needs. It is widely used in both urban and rural communities, allowing fleets to run routes over 300 miles on a single refuel. With affordable and customizable infrastructure, fleet owners can work with their propane supplier to develop a propane autogas solution specific to their fleet. To access a variety of resources on transitioning to propane autogas, visit Propane.com/Delivery-Trucks.

About PERC

The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com. 

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Does Your Forklift Fleet Management Need Improvements?

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A thorough forklift fleet management plan can increase profitability, safety, visibility and more. People should strongly consider reviewing their existing strategies and see if they’re as effective as possible. Consider the signs below as proof it’s time to make meaningful changes.

Too Much of the Budget Is Spent on Upkeep

Regular maintenance is essential for a forklift’s safe operation. However, there often comes a time when the overall money to maintain the vehicle’s functionality becomes prohibitively costly. That’s why one of the best ways to enhance forklift fleet management is to deploy solutions with predictive capabilities. Then, algorithms can alert people to problems days or weeks before a forklift breaks down.

However, people must start with the basics when maintaining forklifts. They can do that without relying on smart sensors or new platforms. One tip is to use a gauge to check the forks for unevenness. Put the tool above the fork bend and make contact with the fork’s horizontal and vertical lengths. Check that the measurement is close to 90° and repeat the process with the second fork.

Even all-encompassing maintenance strategies can’t make forklifts work indefinitely, though. It’s a good practice for people to refer to upkeep records for individual forklifts — especially those that break down more frequently than others. Storing that content digitally in the cloud makes access easier. They should also listen to the advice of technicians, who usually tell forklift owners when it may be better to replace a problematic forklift instead of continuing to repair it.

Newer forklift models can also align with efforts to minimize emissions. Designers have created options with significantly reduced carbon monoxide output from the tailpipe. Alternatively, company leaders could invest in electric forklifts. They’re emissions-free vehicles — save for those produced during the manufacturing process.

Since forklifts are integral to many warehouse and logistics processes, any unplanned downtime can be extremely costly and disruptive to the workflow. Fortunately, people have plenty of potential ways to improve forklift fleet management, including predictive analytics and digital recordkeeping tools.

Company Unable or Unwilling to Make Data-Driven Decisions

People use forklifts in busy logistics facilities that handle thousands of products or parcels daily.

Now that more businesses offer those vehicles with onboard telematics solutions, people can start using data to learn more about how they use forklifts. Individuals can learn things such as the average operating time per day, which drivers spend the most time using forklifts and even the weight and dimensions of pallets handled by forklifts.

However, estimates from John Rosenberger — a telematics executive with The Raymond Corporation — suggest only 40% of companies are active and consistent users of lift truck telematics. Even the people in that group quickly become overwhelmed and lose focus on the details within the data.  Rosenberger believes another 30%–40% of people use forklift telematics data casually. He also said telematics only comprise about 2%–8% of a powered industrial truck’s cost, meaning data collection capabilities don’t add significant expenses.

These statistics show people must do more than invest in technology that allows them to improve forklift fleet management. It’s also vital they commit to learning the new skills and setting aside the necessary time required to make the most of the data at their disposal.

Decision-makers should take a historical look at how they’ve managed their fleets over the last several months or years. How often have they tried or been able to rely on data when making the appropriate choices? If they can’t remember or know there have only been a few occasions, those are strong indicators it’s time to do better.

Increased Accident Rates or Other Driver Safety Incidents

People sometimes overlook how forklift fleet management can — and should — incorporate personnel-related aspects. When enterprises experience upward trends in accidents, cases of unauthorized usage or other safety issues, fleet management tools can reduce those problems.

Some products on the market enforce access control. Besides telling supervisors which drivers access individual forklifts in real time, technologies can indicate the vehicle’s total operating time and whether someone drove it out of a preset geofenced boundary.

Managers can also drill down and see data about potential hazardous operations. Did someone operate the vehicle with the side door open or not wearing their seatbelt? Maybe they drove the forklift excessively fast or turned corners too sharply. Telematics tools can detect those actions, giving supervisors the data to justify disciplinary procedures.

Solutions also exist that can help people get to the bottom of safety patterns. Perhaps recent accidents occurred three times more during a particular shift than others. A closer look at the data may show more than half the employees typically working at that time have less than six months of forklift operator experience. If so, that information might encourage the HR department to schedule training more frequently and ensure the curriculum is sufficiently intensive.

Solving Compliance-Related Issues

This type of forklift fleet management could also reveal instances of people not complying with probationary requirements. A manager may tell an employee who has recently engaged in unsafe forklift driving that they can only operate the vehicle with their direct supervisor watching. Telematics tools could flag occasions where someone used the forklift without that manager nearby.

These products could also alert people to instances where workers operate forklift types that don’t match the licenses they hold. Getting alerted to those instances could save companies from preventable regulatory scrutiny.  It could also give leaders more peace of mind, knowing problems won’t take them off guard.

Start Improving Forklift Fleet Management Today

Knowing about existing problems with forklift fleet management is the first step to addressing them. The examples above illustrate some telltale signs of room for improvement, plus how companies can take actionable steps for the better. One smart option is to choose one area of forklift operations to focus on initially, then scale up the usage of new solutions once they prove their worth.

No technology can tackle all issues, but data collection and telematics products can substantially elevate overall visibility. When people are more aware of what happens with forklifts used by their organizations, they can verify the return on investment shown by those machines, see how the forklifts enable higher productivity and use data to cut down on safety threats.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, Top Trucking, Trucking

How to Avoid High Truck Detention Times

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Efficiency is one of the most important traits for any fleet to have but one of the most challenging to achieve. While this is a multi-faceted issue, high truck detention time is among the most significant obstacles to fleet efficiency.

Truck detention, where drivers must sit idle while waiting for their trucks to be loaded, is an almost universal challenge in the industry. According to a 2020 survey, 87% of truck drivers spend 17 to 29% of their possible driving time in detention. Logistics companies must address this issue if they hope to reach maximum efficiency.

Why Fleets Must Shorten Truck Detention Times

This fleet idle time is costly on top of being common. Because waiting time takes away from truckers’ per-mile compensation, many organizations charge fees for excess delays. These typically range between $25 and $50 an hour but can be as high as $250 hourly.

Detention time also has a considerable impact on supply chain efficiency. If a driver has to wait two hours or more before loading the truck, it can cause them to arrive late to their next destination, even missing delivery estimates. These delays can affect client satisfaction. If they’re frequent enough, dissatisfied customers may take their business elsewhere.

These delays also affect truckers, who are already in short supply in many areas. Drivers upset at long idle times they may not get paid for could feel taken advantage of, leading to lower engagement and increasing their chances of leaving the industry early. These factors could also hinder others from entering the sector, worsening the labor shortage.

How to Minimize Truck Detention Time

While common, truck detention time is avoidable in many cases. Logistics companies and their partners can take the following steps to minimize fleet idle times and maximize their agility.

1. Communicate Clearly and Early

Communication is one of the most critical steps in reducing detention time. If all involved parties understand what to expect with each shipment ahead of time, they can work together more efficiently.

Trucking companies should clarify their detention time expectations and rates upfront so their partners can plan accordingly. Similarly, warehouse leaders should communicate their processes, schedules and staffing rates to set more realistic expectations about wait times and scheduling. Going over these factors as early and in-depth as possible will help prevent miscommunication that leads to delays. It’s also important to notify all partners if something unexpected arises to help everyone adjust as necessary. 

2. Maximize Visibility With the IoT

Next, supply chain organizations should embrace the internet of things (IoT) to gain more visibility. IoT tracking solutions offer real-time updates about shipment locations and, in some cases, quality. This level of insight helps plan and adjust more efficiently.

If heavy traffic or other unexpected events delay trucks, IoT trackers can alert warehouses of the situation. They can then reschedule them as necessary or take additional steps to adapt and prevent extensive delays. IoT-driven adjustments like this have helped some fleets dramatically reduce fuel consumption and prevent food spoilage, highlighting the technology’s potential to boost efficiency.

3. Use Routing and Scheduling Software

Other technologies can help reduce truck detention times, too. Some of the most helpful are routing and scheduling software, some of which can connect to IoT tracking data to capitalize on these real-time insights. Even without this connectivity, this software helps fleets manage their schedules more effectively to minimize the risk of delays.

Routing software with artificial intelligence (AI) features can highlight the most efficient paths for each unique shipment, accounting for changing factors like traffic and other deliveries. These AI insights ensure drivers arrive on time, preventing detention from missed pick-up windows. Similarly, scheduling software can automate the scheduling process to ensure fleets pick up and drop off shipments at the most practical times.

4. Stagger Schedules

Another way to minimize fleet idle time with scheduling software is to stagger arrival times. It may be tempting to schedule most pickups for times with the highest productivity and staff availability, but this practice will stretch the workforce thin. It’s better to instead schedule each shipment for when another should be wrapping up.

Staggering schedules ensures a more even workload across the day. This distribution, in turn, helps warehouse staff maintain productivity and ensures each pickup has sufficient staff to manage it. With no dramatic peaks, delays and detention are less likely.

5. Automate Where Possible

Even with a staggered schedule, ongoing warehouse labor shortages can make it difficult to load each truck efficiently. Automation can help. While robots may be more commonly associated with sectors like manufacturing, the warehouse automation market could more than double by 2025, offering a growing number of potential solutions.

Solutions like automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can pick items faster than human workers while employees load goods onto trucks. Stacking and palletizing robots can prepare shipments for loading while employees finish a previous pickup. Whatever the specifics, automated technologies enable warehouses to accomplish more, even with limited staffing. 

6. Account for Truck Detention Time

Strategies to minimize fleet idle time don’t necessarily have to include complex machinery and purchases, either. One relatively straightforward way to address the issue is to account for detention time when scheduling deliveries and planning routes.

Logistics companies should plan delivery schedules with more allotted time than they think will take to pick up and move shipments. This buffer will ensure any unpredictable detentions and delays won’t cause major disruptions. Because detention rates typically apply to wait times longer than expected, this strategy can also help avoid the high costs of these delays.

7. Have a Backup Plan

Finally, it’s important to create contingency plans in case something unexpected happens. Drivers experience detention time roughly one in every 10 stops on average. Even if carriers and warehouses reduce that figure, these delays are still likely to happen sometimes, but a backup plan will mitigate their impact.

Set a specific, detailed process for adjusting other routes and calling in employees to make up for lost time or productivity during an unexpected delay. This plan should include protocols for communicating with other stakeholders to enable a more cooperative effort and manage expectations.

Reducing Fleet Idle Time Maximizes Efficiency

When fleets reduce their truck detention time, they become more efficient, cost-effective and workforce-friendly. As the logistics sector grows increasingly competitive, those advantages become more important to develop. Following these seven steps will help any fleet minimize their idle time and maximize productivity.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

How Fleet Managers Should Optimize Their Daily Maintenance Checklist

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Rising costs, labor shortages and issues in the supply chain are making fleet management much more complex. Old practices aren’t as effective, so business leaders need new ways to keep their companies modern and in step with the times. 

The needs of logistics professionals can change by the day, so keeping pace is critical. Here’s how logistic professionals can optimize their maintenance checklists. 

Implementing Automation

The first step in optimizing a checklist is to implement automation. Machines have become much more intelligent over the past few decades. Modern technology frequently sees artificial intelligence (AI) excel at saving time in the workplace and on the road. 

Fleet managers should take advantage of automation because it’s also a beacon of safety. Since 1972, on-the-job injuries have dropped significantly, and automation receives much credit for smoothing processes.

Companies can benefit significantly from fleet management software. These programs take paper out of the workflow and give professionals the data they need in front of them. Software is ideal for those who want to improve time management and automate specific tasks. For example, programs can bill customers, manage operating expenses and monitor vehicles through tracking software. 

Prioritizing Safety

Workplace safety has improved in the last half-century, but fleet managers and drivers still face risks when they hit the road. Drivers are the most integral pieces of any business utilizing fleets, and managers should emphasize safety and train them to implement best practices. Knowing the expectations now can save many headaches in the future. 

Safety should be a top priority from day one, and that starts before the keys go in the ignition. Fleet owners can optimize their checklist by training drivers on what to watch for with their vehicles and how to perform maintenance. For example, suppose a tire goes flat on the highway. Training the driver to fix it themselves saves money and reduces downtime because they know the best way to mitigate the issue.  

Using Telematics

Another way fleet managers can optimize their maintenance checklist is by implementing telematics. This software is ideal for tracking driver behavior while on the road. Employees who know they have a tracking device in the vehicle are more likely to adhere to best practices while operating. Telematics gadgets alert fleet owners of drivers’ habits, whether speeding, phone usage, hard braking or other detrimental acts.

Most fleet owners use telematics to correct driver behavior and ensure safe driving, but the benefits go beyond that. Managers have legal backing if someone steals the vehicle. A GPS tracker lets owners know where their trucks are at all times so law enforcement can find those culpable. 

Telematics can optimize your maintenance checklist by providing the information to drivers more quickly. These devices often detect vehicle problems before a human. Finding issues earlier leads to a more straightforward fix and less strain on the company’s wallet when it’s time to repair. 

Determining Task Responsibility

Technology can tell fleet owners the problem, but it takes humans to look under the hood and fix it. Drivers can perform maintenance tasks, like airing tires or changing the oil. Other, more complicated tuneups may need a certified technician specializing in certain vehicle parts. 

Fleet managers must divide who gets what responsibility to ensure every maintenance element goes smoothly. Owners can optimize their maintenance checklist by assigning tasks based on who can perform them the best. Employee experience will play a key role in addition to the type of vehicle. 

Reducing Maintenance Costs

A maintenance checklist should include tasks that reduce costs in the long run. Fleet owners can save money by doing small things now and preventing more significant problems in the future. Some of these tasks may include:

  • Washing: Washing might not be at the top of a fleet manager’s list of maintenance tasks, but it’s critical. No matter where they drive, cars end up with dirt and debris on the exterior and undercarriage. Fleet owners can optimize their checklists by creating daily and weekly tasks. For example, drivers should sanitize the steering wheel daily. Weekly, they should perform tasks like cleaning the mirrors and door handles. A clean car shows employees and consumers that the company cares about safety and cleanliness.
  • Waxing: Waxing is another preventive maintenance task. Fleet owners operating on the coast or in cold-weather areas should be wary of rust buildup. Salt from the ocean and the roads can easily damage a car by causing rust. Waxing twice a year protects vehicle parts from breaking due to rust damage and makes the maintenance checklist easier in the long run. 
  • Tires: Tires are an integral part of any fleet. Owners can use tires as a way to optimize their maintenance checklist. Drivers and managers should track the psi of every vehicle because it plays a significant role in other factors like driver safety and fuel mileage. For example, properly inflated tires increase fuel mileage by up to 3%, but underinflated tires harm fuel economy. 

Upgrading When Necessary

Modern problems require modern solutions. Sometimes, fleet managers and drivers can take precautions and perform preventive maintenance. However, the vehicle doesn’t want to cooperate for one reason or another. The problems could stem from unknown issues or a car reaching the end of its life. Fleet owners should keep an eye on what components require the most attention because an upgrade could be in order.

A maintenance checklist should include every component of the fleet’s vehicles. Owners should account for extensions and attachments like trailers. Cars wear down over time, and managers should consider upgrading the entire vehicle or individual parts. Enhancing the fleet with aftermarket updates like a cold air intake or iridium spark plugs could make the checklists easier for drivers in their daily duties.  

Optimizing the Maintenance Checklist 

Today’s economy makes things more challenging for fleet managers. Supply chain disruptions, rising prices and other problems increase the job’s complexity. The heart of the work lies with the cars and drivers. These professionals should optimize their maintenance checklist to keep pace with today’s demands.

A modern-day checklist starts with automation. Fleet owners should let management software take care of tasks like billing and scheduling vehicle maintenance. Automation allows them to focus on the bigger picture. 

Managers should also heavily emphasize safety to their drivers and help them take steps to protect themselves and their vehicles. Minor optimizations in the short term can save a fleet company a lot of money in the long run.

7 Cost-Effective Strategies for Reducing Your Fleet's Cost Per Mile
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Trucking

7 Cost-Effective Strategies for Reducing Your Fleet’s Cost Per Mile

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The costs of operating vehicle fleets can add up quickly. Fleet owners deal with typical expenses like maintenance and fuel, and the price of gasoline and diesel can be volatile, especially with supply chain disruptions and international conflict causing spikes. The unpredictability leads logistics professionals to consider every option available for saving money. 

Fleet owners can use these seven cost-effective strategies to reduce the cost per mile and reap additional benefits. 

  • Switching to Synthetic Oil

Fuel efficiency starts with the engine and the type of oil a fleet owner uses. Standard oil can get the job done but won’t provide the same benefits that vehicles see from synthetic blends. Synthetic oil rose to prominence in America during the 1970s, as the energy crisis forced people to find ways to improve their fuel economy. 

Synthetic oil is advantageous for fleet owners because it’s cleaner for the engine. It has fewer impurities and doesn’t form sludge over time. Synthetic oil is especially beneficial during cold weather because it has a higher viscosity index, making it resilient to temperature changes. On hot and cold days, vehicles with synthetic oil require less effort to circulate fluids throughout the engine, thus reducing wasted energy and improving fuel economy.   

  • Tracking Tire Pressure

Another excellent way fleet owners can improve their cost per mile is to track their vehicles’ tire pressures. The pounds per square inch (PSI) may seem like a trivial data point, but the cost per mile adds up over time. This includes the total costs divided by the number of miles a fleet drives. A truck driver can easily exceed 100,000 miles yearly, so the expenses quickly add up for owners with multiple vehicles. 

The best strategy for fleet owners is to keep the tires inflated. Before leaving the premises, drivers should check the PSI to monitor the level. Tires at the proper PSI boost gas mileage by 0.6% on average, but some drivers can increase it by 3%. Conversely, underinflated tires compromise fuel mileage by about 0.2% for every PSI dropped. Drivers should ensure tires have proper inflation for safety and fuel mileage.   

  • Implementing Telematics

Fleet owners can use advanced technology like telematics to track employees on the road. Drivers who know they have a monitoring device are less likely to employ bad habits. Telematics improves driver safety and can reduce the cost per mile.

Telematics devices use artificial intelligence (AI) to track drivers and report when they are speeding, using their cellphones too much or letting the vehicle sit idly. Route optimization is a critical feature of telematics technology. Drivers using telematics can find more fuel-efficient routes that lower the cost per mile. Telematics also monitors the engine and other parts so fleet owners can see problems before they worsen.

  • Lowering Air Conditioner Use

Another adjustment drivers can make on the road is their air conditioning use. AC uses more fuel than any other auxiliary system in a vehicle. It can increase fuel expenditure by nearly 20% due to the engine’s increased load. Drivers traveling long distances can significantly affect the cost per mile if they use the air conditioner constantly.

Fleet owners can implement a policy for drivers to save fuel on the road. Drivers should turn the air conditioner off and open the windows when driving slowly. However, they should use it when driving on the highway or above 40 mph because the difference in fuel consumption becomes negligible. Drivers should also keep the windows closed to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. 

  • Making Fuel-efficient Upgrades

Telematics, tire pressure and the air conditioner are all practical ways drivers can improve their fuel economy, but they can only go so far. Vehicles gradually see reduced engine performance and efficiency as they age. Fleet owners could opt for new cars or add new parts to the current ones. The long-term benefits of fuel-efficient upgrades will offset the upfront costs of part replacement. This can extend the car’s life and reduce maintenance costs.

Fleet owners can upgrade their vehicles with a high-flow cold-air intake system. This aftermarket swap imports cooler air into the intake system. It’s denser with oxygen, so the air-to-fuel ratio increases and the vehicles burn less fuel. 

Replacing spark plugs is another manageable upgrade for fleet owners. Swapping the current set for iridium plugs improves fuel economy through a better ignition system.

  • Watching Vehicle Weight

Transporting goods is at the center of many fleets. The world wouldn’t be the same without truck drivers, delivery vans and more. However, fleet owners should be wary of their vehicles’ weights because they can significantly impact fuel economy. Automakers have made vehicles lighter over the years, but the pounds can still add up. Vehicles can increase their fuel economy by 1% for every 100 pounds removed from the machine. 

Depending on the vehicles used, there are ways to decrease the weight without compromising the machine’s performance. One strategy some professionals use is swapping the tires. Lightweight wheels made from aluminum are strong and durable. Other options for lowering the weight are downsizing the engine and replacing the hood with an aluminum or carbon-fiber alternative. Over time, the fuel savings will add up. 

  • Incentivizing Drivers 

There are numerous strategies for reducing the cost per mile, but they’re only as effective as the drivers who implement them. Fleet owners could create an incentive program for their employees by tracking their stats every month. For example, they could use a scorecard to monitor habits like speeding, productivity, fuel saved and seatbelt use. Top performers receive a prize at the end of the month, whereas the low rankers present a teaching opportunity. 

Incentives go a long way for employees, no matter what industry they’re working in. About 81% of employees say rewards programs and recognition strengthen their sense of belonging at work. Rewards motivate people to do better, and friendly competition helps fleet owners reduce their cost per mile.

Reducing Fleet Costs in 2023

Managing vehicles can get expensive in a hurry. Fuel, maintenance and other expenses pile up for fleet owners who need to save every penny they can. Management teams can mitigate costs, and drivers can also take the initiative while on the road.

Fleet owners should look for these cost-effective strategies to stretch their dollars, which can also improve the planet’s health and boost employee morale.

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Archives, Education, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Trucking

Understanding Vehicle Data and VIN Decoding: A Beginner’s Guide

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A crucial part of fleet management is tracking and comparing every vehicle’s performance through data analytics. Vehicle identification numbers also play a considerable role, providing standard information about each unit that helps with maintenance and adherence to safety regulations. 

This guide contains everything fleet managers should know about VIN decoding and understanding the data behind their vehicles.

Tracking Vehicle Performance

The old method of tracking commercial fleets primarily took place on spreadsheets. This outdated strategy is too simplistic to monitor vehicle performance, diagnose mechanical problems and identify inefficient parts or driving habits.

Technological advancements have made recording and assessing fleet vehicles’ data easier. Today’s fleet management software allows businesses to import the vehicle identification numbers of each unit and immediately gain access to dozens of insights, including these relevant metrics:

  • Vehicle speed
  • Miles per gallon
  • Fuel consumption
  • Weight of load
  • Braking intensity
  • Driving style
  • Idle time

Fleet management software connects to the vehicle’s black box — the device responsible for telematics. Contrary to popular belief, telematics isn’t the same as fleet management software, but the technologies are closely intertwined and have maximum effectiveness when utilized together.

Telematics describes the digital connection between informatics and telecommunication. These two essential management responsibilities have combined to form one role — sending and receiving information about the fleet over long distances. Logistics professionals use fleet management software to organize this information and make informed decisions.

The critical piece that makes fleet management software and telematics work is the vehicle identification number. The VIN signifies the individuality of every car on the road. Even if an entire fleet consists of the same make and model, each vehicle still has its own unique VIN.

Decoding and Utilizing VINs

The VIN is a 17-digit alphanumeric code that provides all of the car’s relevant background information. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs in 1981 to create a reliable method of registering and tracking vehicles. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the 17 digits:

  • Characters 1-3: The world manufacturer identifier or where the vehicle was made
  • Characters 4-8: Weight, body dimensions, engine and transmission type
  • Character 9: Manufacturer’s security number
  • Character 10: The model’s year
  • Character 11: The main factory where the vehicle was assembled
  • Characters 12-17: The vehicle’s serial number

Manufacturers put the VIN in multiple locations to avoid confusion, including the dashboard, under the hood and in the owner’s manual. The assembly details are nice to know, but fleet managers should focus on the middle digits. These characters describe the vehicle’s unique attributes and help owners decide the proper driving and maintenance practices.

Knowing the VIN specs of each unit in a commercial fleet can be helpful in many scenarios. For example, fleet managers can refer to the VIN dimensions and assign a vehicle with the appropriate height or weight if a particular route passes over or under a bridge. 

When making repairs, technicians can use VINs to confirm the correct part size that needs maintenance. This information enables them to repair or replace engines, transmissions, wheels, tires and other crucial components to maximize the vehicle’s life span.

VINs also help businesses compare the performances of identical vehicles. If one truck has shown a recent decline, fleet managers can investigate its VIN, identify any subtle differences compared to other models and locate the source of the problem. If there are no differences, the driver is likely the problem and the manager can act accordingly.

Most importantly, VINs enable managers to upload information about their vehicles at lightning speed. They can simply copy and paste every VIN into their fleet management software and let it organize for them. VINs are the secret ingredients that make telematics and fleet management software work together.

Benefits of Understanding Vehicle Data

Utilizing VINs with telematics-based fleet management software has greatly simplified the jobs of supervisors and drivers alike. These are the most significant benefits of collecting and monitoring vehicle data from a fleet’s daily operations.

1. Improved Efficiency

Commercial vehicle drivers can encounter many efficiencies throughout the day. They might choose the least optimal route, get stuck in traffic or fall into bad driving habits that hurt the vehicle’s performance.

Telematics takes out the guesswork, helping managers identify the most efficient routes and driving habits employees should take. These adjustments save precious time and fuel while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Efficiency will become essential as fleets with alternative fuels reach the mainstream. The driving experience of these new vehicles will be foreign to fleet employees and the best routes will be less apparent, given the different mileage ranges. Telematics will adjust to the latest technology faster than humans and bring them up to speed.

2. Safer Work Environment

One of the most critical benefits of understanding fleet data is maximizing driver safety. Telematics technology can identify bad driving habits by tracking employee phone usage, average speeds and other potentially reckless behaviors. It can also spot mechanical issues as they emerge, helping fleet managers get unsafe vehicles off the roads for necessary repairs.

3. Massive Savings Potential

Greater safety and efficiency create massive savings potential. Fleet managers can save money on fuel, maintenance, parts, driver training and new vehicle purchases. Most auto insurance companies also offer safe driving discounts to their customers based on telematics. Businesses have nothing to lose and everything to gain from tracking their fleets.

4. Legal Settlements

If a commercial vehicle gets into an accident, telematics can help the company avoid a legal dispute. Many businesses install dashcams to prevent this exact situation from happening. The dashcam not only monitors the employee’s driving but also comes in handy to prove their innocence in an accident and shield the company from liability.

5. Asset Recovery

Fleet management software comes with a convenient GPS locator that sends alerts to the manager’s computer or mobile phone. Businesses can easily find and recover the vehicle if it gets stolen. Motor vehicle thefts have increased in recent years, so fleet managers need to work harder to protect their assets.

The More Insights, the Better

It will always be challenging to track dozens of vehicles at once, but VINs, telematics and fleet management software make the job easier. They enable fleet managers to collect information about each vehicle, supervise drivers and make the best decisions for the fleet’s long-term success. The more insights logistics professionals have, the better they can control their automobiles.

How Fleet Managers Can Encourage Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
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How Fleet Managers Can Encourage Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits

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Fuel is one of the highest costs for fleet managers. Unfortunately, the price of gas and diesel fluctuates often. The past few years have been challenging because of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

These factors have caused gas prices to skyrocket and stay high, and fleet owners must find ways to cut costs. Here’s how they can encourage their drivers to save fuel while on the road. 

Enforcing New Policies

The most direct way to encourage fuel-efficient driving habits is to enforce new policies for drivers. Fleet managers could set efficiency metrics for the team and have them aim for specific targets each quarter. Some companies establish a speed limit for their drivers to ensure they get the best mileage possible. 

Training Drivers From the Start

One way to make policies effective is for fleet managers to communicate their expectations from the start. Hiring managers and supervisors can encourage fuel-efficient driving habits by showing new people in training. These workers could be entry-level, first-time employees or seasoned veterans. Either way, fleet managers should ensure they know the expectations and metrics they need to reach.  

Giving Feedback to Drivers

One of the best methods to improve driving habits is to give feedback. Letting employees know how they’re doing and if they’re being fuel-efficient gives them direct knowledge of whether they’re performing well or need improvement. Today’s technology is beneficial because supervisors don’t have to sit with people while they operate. They can use telematics to give feedback from anywhere. 

Telematics serves multiple beneficial purposes for fleet owners, but the best one may be the ability to increase fuel efficiency. These devices recognize drivers’ habits and provide real-time feedback to improve performance. Sometimes drivers may accelerate too quickly on the highway or leave the truck running idle for longer than allowed. Telematics devices can also tell people if there’s a better route with less traffic. 

Altering Driver Schedules

Using telematics is one of the best tools at a fleet manager’s disposal. The ability to see traffic patterns can help companies ease supply chain pains by delivering on time and early. Managers can also keep this in mind for their drivers. Paying attention to trends by the time of day or year can encourage fuel-efficient driving.

Fleet managers should create routes daily based on traffic patterns in the area. The time of day can impact congestion significantly. One highway could have traffic jams frequently in the morning but be mostly clear by midday. Driving at night typically brings less traffic on most routes. 

Another factor to consider is holidays, which could come in the middle of the week if the government doesn’t fix them on a particular day. Also, fleet managers should consider holidays that are exclusive to specific states and counties. These days can affect traffic significantly, so supervisors must be mindful of the traffic patterns. 

Being Mindful of Fuel Capacity

Drivers can go for long stretches in rural areas without seeing a gas station. For example, vehicles on Interstate 70 in Utah can travel for over 100 miles without coming across a service station. Drivers who encounter roads like this should calculate their vehicles’ fuel range to avoid running out of gas. 

For example, say a driver’s car gets 30 MPG and has a 12-gallon fuel tank. They should be able to travel 360 miles on a single tank. Practicing fuel-efficient habits can increase mileage. However, fleet managers should encourage drivers to refuel once the tank reaches 25% remaining. Drivers should multiply the range by .75 and refuel after 270 miles. 

Incentivizing Drivers With Rewards

Employees like to receive recognition for their hard work. Those who regularly put in their best effort and advance the company’s goals deserve praise. One survey found that about 40% of employees did not feel recognized for what they did during the pandemic. COVID-19 has stretched fleet managers thin amid protocols and other challenges. 

One way to boost morale and improve fuel efficiency is by creating an incentive program. Fleet managers can use this tactic by tracking employee data and seeing who has performed the best and saved the most fuel per drive. Drivers who don’t rank highly can reflect on measures they can take to improve. Supervisors can reward the top workers with special privileges like monetary bonuses, gift cards or other prizes. 

Lightening the Load

There are a few ways drivers can benefit their managers by implementing fuel-efficient tactics. However, fleet managers can also take measures to set their drivers up for success. An excellent way to start is by monitoring the amount of weight on each vehicle used. 

Heavy vehicles have difficulty saving fuel. Most automobiles have gotten lighter over the years, but freight can still weigh down a fleet. Every 100 pounds of cargo reduces the miles per gallon by 1%. That can add up quickly on a long-haul truck. Fleet managers can encourage fuel efficiency by lowering cargo weight, removing unnecessary items and replacing drag in vehicles. 

Purchasing Fuel-Efficient Parts

Another way fleet managers can help their drivers save fuel is by changing particular vehicle parts to make them more aerodynamically efficient. Semi-trucks can weigh about 35,000 when empty, so every pound goes a long way. One way to improve aerodynamic efficiency is by installing drive wheel fairings, which reduce the distance between the wheels and the trailer. The reduced airflow lowers the amount of drag and enhances efficiency.

Managers can also install fairings on the rear to lower the amount of turbulence the trailer encounters. Employees can easily take them apart when unloading and reattach them when finished. Some fleets employ cab extenders and attach them to the cabin. They help the airflow and restrict the amount of crosswind that can affect drag and fuel efficiency. 

Getting Maintenance Checks 

Fleet managers can extend the life of their fleet by getting routine maintenance checks. These appointments increase fuel efficiency by ensuring all parts work at their peak level. Some of the  elements fleet owners should examine are:

  • Tires: Tires can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency. Fleet managers and drivers should track the PSI constantly and ensure it’s optimal for each tire. Underinflated tires compromise fuel mileage by about 0.2% for every pound dropped.
  • Air filter: Another maintenance point affecting fuel economy is the air filter. It will have difficulty with airflow once it traps debris and dirt from the road, resulting in lower efficiency. Fleet managers should regularly replace the air filter to improve fuel economy.
  • Engine: Engine tuneups are a necessity for fleets. Supervisors may see they need to replace the spark plugs or oxygen sensors when tuning the motor. Another way to help the engine is to upgrade the oil to a low-viscosity blend.

Creating Fuel-Efficient Drivers

Fuel costs are unpredictable and one of the largest expenses fleet managers have to deal with. They can mitigate costs by encouraging fuel-efficient driving habits. Small changes here and there can add up to significant savings in the long run.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, Trucking

What Should Fleet Managers Know About Toll Management?

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Fleet managers must grapple with many ongoing expenses. Fuel and maintenance are the most obvious and often costly of these, but other, less immediately evident factors make a substantial difference, too. While easily overlooked, tolls can cost fleets considerable time and money.

A dedicated toll management process can help reduce these ongoing costs and their impact, but some fleet managers may not know where to begin. Here’s a closer look at these strategies, what they can do and what they should entail.

Why Fleets Need Toll Management

Fleet management may seem like an unnecessary complication at first, but it can offer critical savings for many operations. Truckers paid $4.2 billion in tolls across the 21 major U.S. toll systems in 2018. These expenses are higher than almost all other industry cost-per-mile metrics, with commercial vehicles paying 45 cents per mile in tolls.

Toll management can help avoid these payments in some situations by finding routes with similar delivery times that avoid toll roads. Even when fleets must make these payments, toll management can still help by reducing them.

Many fleets pay more than they need to on tolls, thanks to errors like misclassification and forgoing discount programs. Ongoing expenses could reach unnecessary heights without a dedicated program to manage these factors, and workers may spend too much time trying to minimize them without a standardized process.

Considerations for a Toll Management Program

Toll management programs are crucial for any fleet with high toll costs, but they require careful consideration to deliver on their promise. Here are some things fleet managers must keep in mind when establishing these strategies.

Outsourcing vs. Managing Tolls in-House

One of the biggest questions is whether to handle toll management in-house or outsource it. Managing tolls internally can help reduce dependencies and simplify supply chains, but it’s not always the best option.

In addition to lowering toll costs, third-party toll management services can minimize ongoing expenses through a reduced administrative burden. These solutions significantly reduce the paperwork employees must file, minimizing the time and money fleets would otherwise spend on these tasks.

Third-party toll managers may also be more familiar with benefit programs and other cost-reduction strategies. Large fleets with busy operations hubs stand to gain a lot from this outsourcing. However, these solutions may be unnecessary if a fleet is small enough and doesn’t spend much on tolls. 

Fees and Discounts

Fleet managers should also review applicable fees and discounts to see what they can gain from various strategies. Different toll systems take unique approaches to how they charge tolls and what bulk discounts they offer. Consequently, effective toll management often changes between routes.

The E-ZPass program offers a 20% discount for monthly tolls above $3,000 and smaller discounts for other high volumes, but not all roads use this system. Similarly, some roads and bridges raise rates at peak hours, so minimizing these costs may be a matter of timing. Fleet managers must consider all these factors to find the most cost-effective option.

Given how complex these calculations can be, large fleets with routes across the country may want to outsource them. Otherwise, the administrative work involved in finding optimal cost-saving strategies for each trip may outweigh the actual savings.

Location

Where a fleet is and where its routes cross can also impact toll management. Toll roads extend across the nation, but they’re more common in some places than others. Some states, like Arizona, have little to no highway tolls at all, so toll management is unnecessary in fleets confined to these areas.

These locational differences can also provide cost-saving opportunities. In some cases, it may be best to route a truck through an area with little to no tolls than to send it on a more direct but toll-heavy path.

Fleet managers should review their usual routes and nearby alternatives to better understand the expenses they face. If avoiding tolls is relatively easy for their operations, they may not need in-depth toll management. Conversely, a dedicated solution is likely necessary if they face high fees or a wide variety of discount programs.

Violations

Another part of toll management that can go easily overlooked is managing violations. Tolls aren’t the only expenses fleets may encounter when using toll roads. Incorrect billing and failure to pay can also introduce complications and unforeseen costs.

Part of having a reliable toll management strategy is a plan and process to deal with these violations. The best approach can vary depending on the system at hand. Some transponder programs provide an app that makes managing issues fairly easy. The process can be long and complicated in other cases, requiring more care and proactive action from fleet managers.

Managers may want to dispute violations to save money in some circumstances, but this can also be a long process. Having a clear record of everything will help streamline these actions, but it’s also important for managers to pick their battles.

Human Error

Managing tolls is about more than just finding loopholes and understanding how different toll systems work. Fleet managers must also realize how common human error is in these processes and how much it can cost them.

Some companies have paid more than $15,000 in toll overcharges because of mistakes like misclassification. Fleet managers that hope to avoid these costly errors must improve visibility and create standardized processes for toll management. It’s easier to find and fix mistakes when people can see things like how each truck is classified, where transponders are and who does what.

The risk of human error is another reason outsourcing may be ideal for some companies. The more complicated a fleet’s toll considerations are, the better it is to let an expert third party handle them.

Transponder Abuse

Fleet managers must also tackle transponder abuse to make the most of a toll management program. An in-state transponder can reduce toll fees by as much as $2, so it can be tempting for employees to use work transponders in their personal vehicles. An effective toll management strategy includes steps to prevent that.

Roof-mounted or license plate transponders are harder to remove, so they can help prevent abuse. Monitoring invoices closely and comparing them to completed routes will also help, and this requires visibility. Dedicated management software may be necessary to enable that transparency and avoid fraud.

Toll Management Is Crucial for Many Fleets

Tolls are unavoidable in many routes, but that doesn’t mean their cost is inflexible. Toll management strategies and services can help minimize these expenses.

Fleet managers should review their operations and options to see what their toll management strategy should look like. Some will require more in-depth approaches than others, but these strategies can provide crucial help for almost all fleets.