5 Strategies for Efficient Time Management

by | Dec 6, 2023 | Community Service, Government Fleet, GPS Tracking, Risk and Safety

Efficient Time management

Time Management in the world of logistics and transportation represents both a boon and a challenge for fleet management companies. The heightened demand for deliveries during these periods necessitates a strategic approach to ensure the efficient use of time and resources. In this landscape, the integration of cutting-edge technologies is proving to be a game-changer, and at the forefront is fleet management software. In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of five essential strategies, with a spotlight on the indispensable role of GPS tracking, to elevate time management during peak seasons.

Real-time GPS Tracking:

At the heart of efficient time management lies the ability to gain real-time visibility into the movements of your fleet. GPS tracking stands as a linchpin in achieving this. Fleet management software equipped with GPS tracking capabilities offers a dynamic solution, providing precise and instantaneous location data for each vehicle in your fleet. This functionality ensures not only the timely delivery of goods but also empowers fleet managers to optimize routes, minimize fuel consumption, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The integration of GPS tracking technology into your fleet management arsenal establishes a robust foundation for staying ahead of the curve during peak seasons.

Predictive Analytics for Demand Forecasting:

An integral aspect of mastering peak seasons is the foresight to anticipate and prepare for surges in demand. Fleet management software with predictive analytics capabilities emerges as a strategic ally in this endeavor. By leveraging historical data analysis and forecasting tools, businesses can predict future demand patterns. Armed with this intelligence, companies can proactively allocate resources, optimize delivery routes, and schedule maintenance activities, ensuring that their fleet is well-prepared to handle the increased workload that characterizes peak seasons.

Automated Route Optimization:

Manual route planning can be a bottleneck during periods of heightened demand. Fleet management software featuring automated route optimization algorithms alleviates this challenge. By incorporating real-time traffic data, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities, the software can swiftly generate the most efficient routes for each vehicle in your fleet. This not only saves time but also reduces fuel costs and minimizes the risk of delays, contributing significantly to customer satisfaction. Automated route optimization is a key element in ensuring that your fleet operates at peak efficiency during demanding seasons.

Maintenance Scheduling and Predictive Maintenance:

A well-maintained fleet is a cornerstone for meeting delivery deadlines and preventing unexpected breakdowns. Fleet management software enables companies to schedule routine maintenance tasks systematically. Advanced solutions take it a step further with predictive maintenance features that leverage data analytics to forecast potential issues before they manifest. By adopting a proactive stance towards vehicle maintenance, companies can minimize downtime, extend the lifespan of their fleet, and ensure that all vehicles are in optimal condition during the critical periods of peak demand.

Employee Management and Training:

Efficient time management extends beyond the operational aspects of the fleet to include the workforce. Fleet management software plays a pivotal role in employee management by tracking driver behavior, hours worked, and adherence to schedules. Additionally, these solutions offer tools for training programs and performance monitoring, ensuring that drivers are equipped with the skills needed to navigate the challenges of peak seasons. By investing in employee development and optimizing workforce management, companies can enhance overall operational efficiency and responsiveness during periods of heightened demand.

Conclusion:

In the landscape of fleet management, peak seasons are a litmus test of a company’s operational prowess. To thrive during these demanding periods, embracing advanced technologies such as fleet management software is not just beneficial but imperative. By incorporating real-time GPS tracking, predictive analytics, automated route optimization, maintenance scheduling, and employee management into your strategic toolkit, you can not only weather the storm but emerge stronger and more efficient. These strategies are not just about managing time; they are about mastering it, ensuring that your fleet not only meets but exceeds expectations during the busiest seasons. Embrace these strategies, and witness your fleet not just survive, but thrive, in the face of peak season challenges.

Vehicle & Asset Telematics

GEotab GO9 GPS Vehicle Tracking
Electronic Forms

Fleet Management Platform
Mobile Viewing

Mobile Phone GPS Tracking App
DashCams

CrewChief T2 Dashcam Front and Rear Cameras

4 Benefits to the ELD Mandate

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Fleet Management, FMCSA-ELD-DVIR, Geotab

The ELD Mandate Can Improve Your Business

FMCSAs ELD Mandate provides an outstanding opportunity to simplify and streamline your handwritten recording process. Fleetistics electronic log systems automate the process. This reduces the time required to compile and maintain driver records. Automation means savings for your company. Let us take a look at the benefits of the Fleetistics ELD/eLog/Hours of Service system:

electronic driving log driver view

Benefit #1 Elimination of handwritten log books.

Fleetistics electronic log system replaces the handwritten log book with an easy-to-use mobile app run on an Android tablet or iOS iPad. Gone are the days of trying to decipher illegible log entries.

HOS- Compliance

Benefit #2 Simplified roadside compliance reporting.

When roadside log inspection is required, drivers simply click a button to instantly display a fully compliant report. As changes occur to reporting requirements, our system incorporates those changes.

Benefit #3 Real-time status for dispatchers.

Dispatchers and other office-based personnel can obtain a drivers current status instantly.

Driving Log Availability
electronic driving log

Benefit #4 Digital verification of logs.

Never again will it be necessary to chase down a driver to obtain a signature to verify a log entry. Digital verification is provided through the tablet app.

The FMSCA ELD Mandate provides the perfect opportunity to automate the process of maintaining driver log information. Our system also automates compliance with the ELD rules. As changes occur to recordkeeping requirements, our system incorporates the changes to provide users with automatic compliance.

For a live demonstration of the Fleetistics ELD/eLog/Hours of Service system, contact your account manager today.

Vehicle & Asset Telematics

GEotab GO9 GPS Vehicle Tracking
Electronic Forms

Fleet Management Platform
Mobile Viewing

Mobile Phone GPS Tracking App
DashCams

CrewChief T2 Dashcam Front and Rear Cameras

Return on Investment Series: Article 1

by | Nov 29, 2023 | Fleet Management, Return on Investment

Telematics & GPS ROI

Return on investment (ROI) is a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment, or to compare different investments. ROI measures the amount of return on an investment relative to the investment. To calculate ROI, the benefit (or return) of an investment is divided by the cost of the investment, and the result is expressed as a percentage.

Return on Investment

The telematics industry has come a long way since the days of downloading data when a vehicle returns to home base and providing dots on a map. Today, telematics can provide fleet managers instant reports on location, vehicle driving behavior, maintenance alerts and so much more, thus providing a significant ROI.

5 Pillars of Fleet Management for Return on Investment

Safety – Speeding, harsh driving behavior, reverse, seatbelt, accident reduction
Productivity – Stop duration, dispatch, route efficiency, sales/service calls, timely service
Optimization – Proactive maintenance, odometer readings, vehicle health, fuel consumption
Compliance – Company policies, State/Federal laws, HOS
Expandability – Integrate with 3rd party software, power of the IOX, marketplace

Click here to request more information.

Vehicle & Asset Telematics

GEotab GO9 GPS Vehicle Tracking
Electronic Forms

Fleet Management Platform
Mobile Viewing

Mobile Phone GPS Tracking App
DashCams

CrewChief T2 Dashcam Front and Rear Cameras

Flex Solar Asset Tracker for Geotab

by | Nov 21, 2023 | Assets and Equipment, Fleet Management

Flex Solar Asset Tracker

The Flex solar asset tracker represents a new evolution in the asset tracking space for the Geotab fleet management and GPS tracking lineup. Geotab has utilized the wired GO Rugged system for many years on heavy equipment. The GO Rugged reports telematics and engine fault code data on many types of equipment such as Caterpillar making it a great tool for equipment maintenance. However, this level of detail and the embedded features of the GO Rugged are not always needed.

Geotab-Flex-Solar-GPS-Tracker

Solar Asset GPS Tracker

The Flex solar asset tracker is a device ideal for asset inventory. Knowing the location of all trailers every morning from the once a day heartbeat can significantly improve asset utilization and the right sizing of your asset inventory. By selling off a single underutilized asset, you can fund a GPS tracking and telematics platform for most fleets for a lifetime.

When an asset is in motion the Flex devices recognizes the movement through an accelerometer and switches from inventory tracking to active tracking. When actively tracking, the Flex solar asset tracker will plot and transmit the trailer at a rate of once per minute. This optimized tracking provides fleet managers with the right data for the situation which keeps data costs as low as practical.

The Flex asset tracker brings many great features to the Geotab modular platform. The solar panel enables the device to provide more detail and last longer than devices that do not have a recharging capability to either internal or replaceable batteries. The solar panel gives the Flex asset tracker virtually an indefinite field life until the batteries wear out or the plastic gets brittle after many years of exposure. The Flex is IP-67 rated so it is designed to withstand mother nature and provide reliable long-term GPS tracking. Devices using replaceable batteries require someone to locate, travel to and replace the batteries which adds labor cost to managing the GPS trackers in the field.

Geotab-Flex-Solar-Asset-Tracker

 Asset Tracker Installation – Easy!

Installing the Flex solar asset tracker is extremely easy. The Flex should be installed vertically to easily allow snow and dirt to fall or rinse off. The solar cell generally charges from zero power to full power in 4-5 days of direct summer sunlight. On cloudy days the solar cell will charge at a rate of about 40%. When fully charged the battery can go 3-4 months with no sunlight (which never happens) and continue to report once per day.

If you are looking for an asset tracker or a complete GPS tracking and telematics solution, Fleetistics offers many great options. A Fleetistics advisor will work with you to find the right fleet management solutions to meet your needs for the lowest investment.

Vehicle & Asset Telematics

GEotab GO9 GPS Vehicle Tracking
Electronic Forms

Fleet Management Platform
Mobile Viewing

Mobile Phone GPS Tracking App
DashCams

CrewChief T2 Dashcam Front and Rear Cameras

Winter Weather Conditions – 5 Top Preparation Tips and More

by | Nov 14, 2023 | Fleet Management, Risk and Safety, Training

Preparing Your Fleet Drivers for Winter Weather Conditions

For many people living in everyday warm climates, driving in winter weather conditions may be a fantasy they never have to realistically be concerned with. However, many drivers (including fleet drivers or those who drive large vehicles for long durations of time or distances) aren’t as fortunate to avoid the reality of these difficult driving conditions. Whether it be heavy snow and blizzard conditions or high winds and freezing rain, winter weather poses many additional dangers to driving that are otherwise non-factors to consider for normal, everyday driving conditions.

Winter Weather Conditions

What You Can Do

To help increase the likelihood of your driver’s safety and others on the road while operating company vehicles, proper winterization of your company vehicles should be your company’s top priority. Preparing your drivers for appropriate driving in winter weather conditions is the best place to start to help your drivers mitigate the risk potential of accidents and further liabilities for the company they are representing.

Safety always comes first for drivers in general; drivers of large fleet vehicles are burdened with the additional social responsibility and task of demonstrating safety, while representing their company and protecting their company’s liabilities, in a large vehicle that takes a lot of space on the road. Because of these additional responsibilities your drivers assume, it is paramount to discuss with your drivers what proper driving techniques and expectations you have for them when they encounter winter weather conditions.

If a driver does get into trouble, the man-down function of the Fleetistics CrewChief mobile app can expedite assistance by notifying multiple people in your organization and sharing their location. You can download the CrewChief mobile app using the links or QR codes below.

CrewChief for Android

CrewChief for Android

CrewChief App logo
CrewChief for iOS

CrewChief for iOS

5 Important Points to Remember

Here are some examples of driving etiquettes and behaviors that, while should absolutely be followed by all drivers on an everyday basis, have a much stronger emphasis and need for execution in winter weather season: 

 

  • Check your forecast regularly. By ensuring your drivers check forecasts and are aware of incoming weather conditions for their shift or trip, appropriate precautions and actions can be taken immediately. When in doubt, it is best to reschedule a trip and keep your trucks off the road, if it is feasible to do.
  • Safety-checking your company’s vehicle prior to driving is of utmost importance. Before your driver embarks on their next journey, it is important to ensure your drivers are frequently checking their vehicle’s maintenance and mechanical status prior to each trip. This includes checking the tread and tire pressure on their tires, ensuring their spare tire is inflated and in good condition, checking the battery to ensure it can hold a charge in subzero temperatures, and making sure your Emergency Survival Kit in the vehicle is up-to-date and complete.
  • Slow down! Large fleet vehicles (semi-trucks in particular) are more cumbersome and difficult to stop in normal, safe road conditions, especially with a full load of cargo. In winter weather, driving too fast can yield terrible results and is an equation for disaster. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (provide Link), it is recommended that truck drivers especially “reduce speed by a 1/3 on wet roads and ½ on snow packed roads…When you come upon slick, icy roads you should drive slowly and pull off the road if vehicle is uncontrollable”.
  • Staying focused and attentive! Winter weather and the potential sudden changes it can bring can cause difficult conditions for all drivers. Between potential changes in tire pressure, the operation and health of the vehicle in subzero temperatures, and different driving technologies in vehicles that affect the quality of your driving, knowing how to recognize these potential changes while driving is vital for your drivers to continue ensuring their safety and that of those around them on the road.
  • Understanding the obstacle and potential danger you create for drivers around you is critical! When a large fleet vehicle is driving on snow-covered roads, the residual effect to those driving behind you causes extremely dangerous conditions. Because of situations like changes in wind shear when driving next to semitrucks in windy conditions, blowing snow off the back and tops of trailers, and the swaying of trailers in winter weather, fleet vehicles can have the potential to serve as negative presence or hazard on the road.

More Tips for Fleet Winterization

Buckle up for an insightful conversation with John and Dean as they dive into the essential tips and tricks for safe winter driving! In this video and blogpost, our experts share their extensive knowledge on preparing your vehicle for the challenging winter roads, offering valuable insights that could make all the difference when the temperatures drop.

Driving in Winter Weather Conditions
Play Video

Vehicle Winterization Checklist

Properly preparing your drivers and vehicles for winter weather conditions is paramount to properly ensuring the overall safety of not only your drivers, but those driving on the roads with your drivers in these wintery conditions. For your convenience, we have prepared a Winterization Checklist for you to provide your drivers, for not only their vehicle prior to their trip, but also a survival kit for the passengers of the vehicle in case of being stranded or an accident.

FREE Download Winterization Checklist

Click Here

In Conclusion

Road conditions can deteriorate very quickly and very suddenly and because of this, your driver’s preparations, ability to critically think, and appropriate operation of their vehicle in winter weather conditions can be the difference in life and death.

Vehicle & Asset Telematics

GEotab GO9 GPS Vehicle Tracking
Electronic Forms

Fleet Management Platform
Mobile Viewing

Mobile Phone GPS Tracking App
DashCams

CrewChief T2 Dashcam Front and Rear Cameras