Small trucking companies to large national or international logistics companies can use technology to improve cost savings while boosting efficiency and compliance on the road.
Choosing the correct fleet management system is an investment in the future of the company. A poorly designed or a technically flawed system will not provide the data you need to make the right decisions for your trucking service. Choosing the right system will provide you with reliable, real-time data to assist in customer service, top driver retention and even a long lifecycle for the trucks and trailers.
Tracking Ability
Most people use some type of GPS in their vehicles or with their smartphones. This technology can be configured to provide specific information needed by trucking companies that is more than just the physical position of a vehicle.
Before choosing any fleet management system, make list of what you want to be able to track and monitor with regards to information about the truck and the driving methods in use. You will also need to consider the current number of vehicles in your fleet and if you are planning on expanding what your final number of vehicles on the road will be.
Additionally, makes sure that data transmitted from the truck to the system can be viewed in real-time. Not all GPS systems will continuously update, so make sure that you can see real time reports on fuel consumption, mileage and also alerts for scheduled maintenance on the vehicle.
Look for Features of Importance to the Business
The best fleet management system is not just a passive system. It can be used to actively manage driver behaviors, such as sudden braking or turns at high speeds, as well as to assist in route planning and even scheduling to decrease the work of dispatchers.
Many of these systems also provide driver support as well. This can include time clocks to verify driver adherence to regulations, roadside assistance and even alerts if there is an attempted theft of the vehicle.
