Fuel saving tips – Efficient fleet management

by Nadet Rautenbauch | Sep 20, 2023 | Fleet Management, Fleet Management Software, Fuel Cards, ROI

Efficiently managing fuel expenses is essential for maximizing profitability and sustainability. In this blog post, we will explore some key strategies and tips that fleet managers can implement to save fuel and increase their bottom line. On average, fuel represents 60% of a company’s total fleet operating budget, and finding ways to save fuel is crucial for both financial and environmental reasons.

Effective Strategies for Fuel Saving

To optimize fuel usage and increase efficiency in fleet management, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Vehicle Maintenance: Regular vehicle maintenance is essential to ensure optimal fuel efficiency. This includes regularly servicing vehicles, checking tire pressure, and addressing any mechanical issues promptly.

2. Route Optimization: Planning and optimizing routes can help reduce fuel consumption. By using advanced route planning software or GPS systems, fleet managers can identify the most efficient routes that minimize distance, traffic congestion, and idling time.

3. Driver Training: Providing comprehensive driver training programs can significantly impact fuel consumption. By educating drivers on fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, maintaining a consistent speed, and reducing idle time, fleet managers can help drivers adopt fuel-saving habits.

4. Vehicle Selection: When adding new vehicles to the fleet or replacing older ones, consider selecting fuel-efficient models. By choosing vehicles with better fuel economy ratings, fleet managers can ensure long-term savings on fuel costs.

5. Minimal idling: Encourage drivers to minimize idling times by turning off the engine when parked or waiting for extended periods.

6. Fuel Monitoring: Implementing a fuel monitoring system allows fleet managers to track fuel consumption accurately. By monitoring fuel usage, managers can identify areas of improvement and address any inefficiencies promptly.

7. Technology Integration: Incorporating advanced technologies such as telematics systems and fuel management software can provide real-time data on vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs.

Adopting Eco-friendly Practices in Fleet Management

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, fleets can also adopt eco-friendly practices to save fuel:

Vehicle Load Optimization: Ensuring that vehicles are not overloaded can help improve fuel efficiency. By carefully considering the weight and distribution of cargo, fleet managers can reduce unnecessary fuel consumption caused by carrying excess weight.
Eco-Driving Education: Investing in eco-driving education programs can help drivers develop fuel-efficient driving habits. These programs can educate drivers on techniques like smooth acceleration and deceleration, efficient gear shifting, and the use of cruise control.
Route Planning: Optimizing routes can have a significant impact on fuel consumption. By using route planning software or GPS systems, fleet managers can identify the most fuel-efficient routes for their drivers. When planning routes, factors such as traffic patterns, road conditions, and the proximity of fuel stations can be taken into account to minimize unnecessary mileage and optimize fuel efficiency.
Monitoring and Controlling Idle Time: Excessive idling is a major source of fuel waste in fleet management. Implementing measures to monitor and control idle time can lead to significant fuel savings.

Incorporating Technology for Fuel Savings

Incorporating technology into fleet management can greatly contribute to fuel savings. Telematics systems and fuel management software can provide real-time data on vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs. This data allows fleet managers to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to optimize fuel efficiency. For example, telematics systems can track driver behavior and provide feedback on fuel-wasting habits such as excessive idling, hard braking, and speeding. By addressing and correcting these habits, fleet managers can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Impact of Driver Behavior on Fuel Consumption

One crucial factor that can significantly impact fuel savings in fleet management is driver behavior. Drivers play a crucial role in fuel efficiency. Their actions behind the wheel can either contribute to fuel savings or lead to unnecessary consumption. Fleet managers should prioritize driver training and communication to promote fuel-efficient driving habits. This can include providing regular reminders and incentives for eco-driving, as well as addressing any concerns or questions drivers may have regarding fuel-saving techniques. In addition, fleet managers can implement driver performance monitoring systems that provide feedback on fuel-wasting habits and encourage drivers to improve their behavior. By focusing on driver behavior, fleet managers can increase fuel efficiency and overall savings.

Successful Fuel Saving Tips in Fleet Management

By implementing a comprehensive fuel management program that includes driver training, vehicle maintenance optimization, and the use of telematics systems to monitor and control idle time, companies are able to achieve a 10% reduction in fuel consumption across their fleet.
Delivery Services can introduce a driver incentive program that encourages fuel-efficient driving behavior. Drivers who consistently achieve fuel-saving targets can be rewarded with bonuses or other recognition. As a result, Delivery Services will see a significant decrease in fuel consumption by 15% and improved driver morale and engagement.
Logistics companies can implement a vehicle optimization strategy by analyzing their routes and making adjustments to reduce mileage and idle time. Through this approach, they can reduce fuel consumption by 12% and save on maintenance costs associated with excessive wear and tear.
Courier Services should invest in technology that allows them to optimize their routes and plan for more efficient deliveries. They will be able to reduce fuel consumption by 20% and decrease their overall carbon footprint.

Implementing these strategies can help fleet managers save fuel and reduce operating costs. Fuel management solution helps you track, monitor and analyze your fuel consumption with simplified reports and alerts.

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Vehicle & Asset Telematics

Electronic Forms

Mobile Viewing

DashCams

CrewChief T2 Dashcam Front and Rear Cameras

Vision Zero and How Telematics Can Help You Get There

by Kim Spring | Aug 1, 2023 | Government Fleet, Business Intelligence, Fleet Management

Vision Zero and Telematics

Contributed by Kim Thoman

In this segment we will discuss Vision Zero and how sophisticated and affordable telematics solutions can help you reach your goals. First it is important to understand what Vision Zero means and how it works.

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990’s, Vision Zero has proved successful across Europe. It was officially introduced in North America 1995 and is quickly being adopted across many cities in the United States. Among these cities are Seattle, NYC, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Boston and many more. Even closer to home Orlando, Tampa and Hillsborough are implementing Vision Zero goals.

Where to Start

The question is what tools are needed analyze the data involved with traffic fatalities. Information that is important to study is traffic patterns, traffic light coordination and timing, occurrence of collisions and the ability to highlight hazardous intersections to name a few. NYC’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), for example, adopted telematics to encourage safe driver behavior in its very large municipal fleet.

In an effort to make change DCAS uses collision reporting data to better understand the occurrence of collisions. This allows them to better modify safety training, evaluate roadway conditions and assess the efficiency of street improvements and projects for all road users. Another benefit of telematics for DCAS is the reduction of costly lawsuits and process that consume valuable resources.

Vision Zero Results

NYC’s Department of Transportation (DOT) also implemented the same telematics solution in the agency’s 35,000 fleet vehicles to analyze the speed within the fleet and the quality of pavement. In NYC, telematics has contributed to a reduction in fatalities two in 2018 compared to eight in 2014 as employees engage in safer driving behavior.

We live in an era of Big Data. Telematics can optimize smart transportation. Aggregate data allows cities to closely monitor traffic flows, understand the effects of new projects and speed reduction programs as well as assess the efficiency of traffic signals, map air quality and highlight hazardous intersections. These are all tools to better manage the city’s transportation system as a whole.

More Benefits With Less Effort

By combining air quality sensors with telematics solutions, city vehicles have the ability to measure air pollution without changing their regular routes, according to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Air pollution data is collected by stationary air quality monitors placed miles apart. This has been proven not to be the best solution as studies have shown that air pollution levels can vary greatly from one block to another.

By installing mobile monitors on fleet vehicles could allow a city to cover more ground. According to the report, a fleet in a small or medium North American city could map 50% or more of the city with 10 vehicles, and almost 80% of the city with 20 vehicles. In Washington, D.C., where only five stationary air pollution monitors are installed throughout the city, the top 20 public vehicles covered nearly 70% of the city in six months.

The Future of Vision Zero and Telematics

Vision Zero is not a slogan, not a tagline, not even just a program. It is a fundamentally different way to approach traffic safety. That being said, implementing a successfully proven telematics solution is an invaluable tool to help cities across North American reach these powerful safety goals.

Contact Fleetistics today for a consultation.

855.300.0527

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Where Can I Charge My EV?

by Lynn Rios | Jul 26, 2023 | Electric Vehicles, Business Intelligence, Fleet Management

Where Can I Charge My EV? I’m desperate with 10 miles to go…

One of the biggest fears associated with a fleet deployment of electric vehicles is what will happen when things do not go as planned. In other words, what if the unthinkable happens? What if my driver needs to charge while on the road? What’s more, what if my driver is far from familiar locations, facing a deadline?

The last thing you want your drivers asking is “Where can I charge my EV now?”

Hopefully most businesses will first do an EV suitability assesment prior to replacing vehicles. This will help them to understand if specific vehicles doing specific tasks are viable for replacement with an EV. If the normal use of a vehicle is within the range expectations of the EV replacing it, there should be no issues. But we all know, the unexpected can happen.

One of the greatest things about living in the 21st century is Crowd Sourced Open Data Initiatives. These are projects like Open Street Maps or Wikipedia, where individuals just like us contribute what they know to the greater community. This allows the project to amass a great deal of usable data and serve it back to the public on the web. In most cases, they will suggest users volunteer donations, rather than charging any user a fee.

ChargeHub.com is providing the solution to “Where can I charge My EV?” through their website.Â

When you visit the site you will find it easy to navigate. You are able to add the charging stations you have found or search the map for a charging station near your location. You can even check the map first, and plan your route based on the availability of charging stations along the way.Â

Now that your fears about finding a place to charge are put to rest, it is time to evaluate what fossil fuel vehicles to replace and what EV to replace them with. That is the subject of an upcoming post on tools to evaluate, based on your current vehicle use, what are the logical choices for your fleet.

Are you using all of the resources that can take your business to the next level?

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GPS Tracker Comparison

by Lynn Rios | Jul 21, 2023 | Fleet Management, Assets and Equipment, Data Integration, FMCSA-ELD-DVIR, Geotab, GPS Installation, GPS Tracking

Finding the right GPS tracker can mean thousands toward your ROI.

GPS Tracker Comparison

There are a wide variety of GPS trackers on the market today. Almost anything can be tracked but not everything can be tracked well. Understanding the basics of GPS tracking technology will help you make a quicker and better decision for your asset tracking needs.

Being familiar with the industry terminology and technology will actually lead to an increased ROI. If you are looking for a fleet safety tool but realize you can also benefit from productivity data, you can find a GPS tracker that can help in both areas.

Let’s get started with your GPS Tracker comparison.

Vehicle v. Asset Tracking

The first step in your GPS tracker comparison is determining the proper type of tracker based on what you need to track.

Vehicle Trackers

Vehicle tracking provides a consistent and generally protected environment inside the vehicle. Devices don’t need to be IP67 rated like asset trackers which are more expensive. Vehicle GPS trackers typically use cellular communication due to a desire for more data, at a lower cost, because satellite coverage is not needed. Vehicle tracking services typically update every few seconds to no more than 2 minutes depending on the monthly cost. More data means a higher monthly cost.

Asset Trackers

Asset tracking can be done with satellite tracking systems or cellular GPS trackers depending on where the assets operate. Frac tanks used in the oil and gas industry generally use satellite trackers. Skid steers in urban construction almost always use cellular GPS trackers. Customers generally choose to receive more data at a lower cost; even if they cannot track an asset live 100% of the time. All GPS trackers have dead spots where they cannot communicate for some reason.

Backup Batteries

Another factor in GPS tracker comparison is determining if you need a device with a backup battery. Backup batteries (BBs) are often requested and needed for unpowered assets. GPS devices require power from the asset or from a battery to operate. Assets, such as trailers, often sit without power for extended periods until connected to a tractor where power is restored. In these cases, a backup battery is needed. In vehicles, GPS devices receive constant power from the car battery.

In vehicle tracking, backup batteries are less important. BBs don’t enable the device to function as normal. BBs put the device in a reduced performance mode so the battery lasts longer. Customers often think BB will enable them to track the driver after they remove the GPS tracker as if it were still installed. BBs range from a CR2525 watch battery to lithium ion batteries. Vehicle trackers typically use small BBs which generally show you where the employee tossed the GPS unit out the window but not much more.

We sell all of the above options and have seen every scenario over the last 16+ years.

Tracking, Telematics, Diagnostics

Tracking

Vehicle location and speed data. Where an asset went, where it stopped and how long it was there.

Telematics

Data provided by the vehicles computer network and sensors (excluding engine data). This includes RPMs, accelerometer data for jack rabbit starts, harsh breaking, and reckless driving. It is the data used in accidents. Read more

Engine Diagnostics

Data transmitted by the engine through the OBD or J-Bus port generally consisting of fault codes and status data. There is a wide range of data available and GPS companies claim to offer these if they provide one data point out of several hundred. Ask good questions.

Installation & Tampering

GPS Tracker comparison needs to include installation considerations. There are essentially two types of installation used today; 3-wire and plug and play. The 3-wire installation is considered more reliable but it isn’t if the plug-and-play installation is done right with a Y-harness. View more on installations. 3-wire installations can be done on small to mid-size fleet trucks by most anyone that can install a car stereo. On bigger trucks and equipment it is best to use a trained installer or mechanic. Learning to install and troubleshoot the technology can save your operation a lot of time and money.

Tampering has been an issue for over 16 years. Tampering occurs with plug-and-plan (P&P) and 3-wire devices about equally. OBD devices that are installed without a Y-harness (moves GPS into the dash) are the most likely to be tampered with. Companies that sell devices requiring 3-wire installs will tell you OBD devices are always an issue. We sell both and the tamper rate is about the same. Tampering stops when you put your foot down. Read more about introducing GPS trackers to employees.

Equipment Considerations

Several equipment considerations such as backup batteries and communication networks are discussed in other areas of this blog. GPS tracker comparisons should also include details of the physical design and construction of the GPS device itself.

First, all GPS trackers are not made equal. Significantly more engineering goes into some devices like the Geotab GO device. Other GPS units are almost “dumb” in comparison and everything else is in between. We sell them all so we are communicating facts as we know them, not opinions.

GPS devices vary in construction quality. Some have thinner plastics and others more robust internal components. A good GPS chip set means faster acquisition time from a cold start and more accurate coordinates in tough environmental conditions. Some devices do well in heat where others shut down in the Arizona sun. Ask for the technical specification sheet and the warranty on the device.

Warranty Considerations

If you think about GPS trackers like a cell phone you will be able to easily understand the general conditions. In short, most have a limited warranty period if you are not on a perpetual lease or rental. Second, if you break it you buy it. If it breaks, you keep paying for the service until fixed. If it fails due to manufacturing the device is replaced and you are responsible for the service cost to swap the unit.

Backup Battery Size and Type

Lithium ion batteries are the only real choice for a battery due to durability and long-life. The size of the battery in milliamps determines how long the battery will last based on the draw from the GPS unit when asleep and when it wakes to transmit without constant power. Since batteries don’t last forever be sure the device will use off the shelf batteries to keep your cost down. Having to special order custom batteries drives up the operational cost. If you can replace the batteries you will save big money on service work.

ELD & Dispatching

Electronic Logging Device (ELD for FMSCA compliance)

ELD is a big deal which is coming at certain industries fast and furious. Selecting the right GPS tracker means you will also get ELD options, if and when needed. Those fleets not yet AOBRD compliant by December 17 2019 will be in violation and taken out of service.

Read the full 126-page ruling here.

Dispatching

Dispatching is the process of sending stop or route data to a driver. Most ELD devices will offer some type of dispatching as an additional service. If you need both getting a GPS tracker that offers both will be significantly more convenient than two systems, which aren’t integrated, from two vendors.

Cellular v. Satellite

There are really two types of communication technology used for GPS trackers – satellite and cellular. Don’t confuse GPS satellite with communication satellites. GPS satellites broadcast a radio wave like an FM radio station and you cannot “talk” back to it. Cellular and satellite communication generally talks 2-ways but satellites can be 1-way.

Most GPS trackers use cellular networks to move GPS and other data from the vehicle, to a cell tower, to a server, to the Internet. Because of the low cost, most fleet operators use cellular. Understanding the carrier used and the coverage footprint will enable you to know when you will receive “live” tracking data. Cellular is also more reliable because it can communicate with the towers more easily due to the radio frequency used.

Satellite communication is more of a specialty technology used when assets are operating in very remote areas where cellular service is not an option. Communication satellite signals do not penetrate objects such as trees or buildings and costs significantly more than cellular. Satellite systems also manage battery power differently which leads to less detailed track data.

Cellular networks generally use GSM or CDMA technology. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA and are generally being phased out and replaced by 4G or LTE service which also SIM cards. GSM is the international standard and is easily identified by a SIM card. SIM cards offer some flexibility but you cannot take a GPS device from one vendor and use it on another vendors website.

Log, Update & Refresh Rates

In any GPS Tracker comparison, understanding the relationship is important to sort out the information from various sales reps. Unfortunately, most sales reps in call centers don’t understand these concepts so you will have to prompt them to explain each in detail so you know what you are getting.

Log Rate

The frequency which the GPS tracker logs the position of the asset. This varies from a few seconds to once per day.

Update Rate

The rate at which the log data collected is transmitted to a cellular or satellite communication tower.

Refresh Rate

The rate at which the website refreshes and displays newly received log data.

Integration

GPS Tracker comparison may also iclude aspects of how the data generated can be integrated. Integration refers to the sharing or movement of data between applications, databases or services in order to increase the overall use and value of data already paid for.

If you have a need to utilize the GPS tracker data in other areas you want to be sure the GPS vendor offers APIs. APIs are an industry standard method of moving data via the Internet in a secure manner.

Integration can also be accomplished through add ins that are installed in your user interface. Camera video can be viewed alongside the gps tracking data on the map for instance.

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DriveTRAX – How’s My Driving Program

by Eron Iler | Jul 14, 2023 | DriveTRAX

Click to enlarge

Maintain a Positive Public Image

DriveTRAX fills in where GPS tracking cannot provide information. As much as we love GPS tracking technology, it cannot give you the needed data in all situations. Your brand is on your fleet and every interaction with the public builds or diminishes your brand.Â

We have seen many situations like the one to the left which provides a terrible public perception of the city and their workers. This photo was taken alongside a busy 6 lane road during the lunch rush hour. The driver may have been on break from a 12-hour shift but the public perception is still negative.

The DriveTRAX program automates and digitizes the traditional How’s My Driving concept. With a fully automated system, there is no need for payroll expenses. Fleetistics took this How’s My Driving concept further by integrated reports with live vehicle tracking data. We can determine if the vehicle was in the area at the time and date of the report to protect drivers from false allogations.Â

DriveTRAX provides another layer of insight that is provided by citizens. Fleetistics integrates the GPS tracking data with the citizen reports to keep your public perception strong.

Focus on the Positive

The goal is not to catch employees doing something wrong. The goal should be to catch drivers doing what you want them to do, rewarding that behavior, and quickly addressing the unwanted behavior.

Unfortunately, some people don’t learn and they make a choice to work some place else, like your competitor, that isn’t using Fleetistics technology.

DriveTRAX is very cost effective alternative to a traditional How’s My Driving program, plus the value of our GPS vehicle tracking service integration.

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