The good news is that managing your truck fleet is now easier thanks to advances in technology. We are seeing improvements in several areas that benefit fleet owners who manage heavy trucks. Here are nine ways truck fleet management software can help you operate a more profitable and productive fleet, especially with world-class solutions, such as those available through Verizon Connect.
- Paperless compliance
HOS and DVIR logbooks to improve reporting, maximize uptime, and reduce administration costs
Many drivers struggle to keep up with paperwork, which is indicated by DOT data showing errors of form and form (incorrect or incomplete HOS log books) top the list when it comes to non-compliance.
The deployment of electronic recording devices as required by the ELD mandate is now complete with the AOBRD transition period ended. ELD's paperless log books can be configured to automatically collect driving data, allowing drivers to maximize driving time by logging in units of one minute, not the traditional 15-minute increments. Roadside inspections are usually faster and more efficient as well.
DVIRs can now be completed electronically using just a smartphone to capture necessary information and photographic evidence, and to sign past reports. Data is uploaded automatically, which means you can schedule vehicle maintenance and order new parts sooner.
- Bring your own device (BYOD)
Drivers can use iOS or Android smartphones and tablets
The BYOD revolution is significantly reducing IT costs for fleets as drivers can use their own iOS device (iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch) or Android. Benefits include lower hardware costs, minimized training requirements, zero software license costs, and better user adoption.
GPS vehicle tracking solutions offer a growing range of mobile applications to cover compliance, navigation, driver behavior, vehicle inspections and work order management. The apps can be easily installed and in many cases do not require any hardware to be installed in the vehicle.
It's an easy way to simplify the number of solutions and devices your mobile employees have to deal with. Keep it all together in one handheld device and enhance your work experience.
- Built-in telematics with trucks
Integrated with Ford, Hino, Mack, Volvo and Ram and pre-wiring options with Freightliner.
Traditional telematics used to require fleet managers to program each truck for transportation & trucking consultants to be equipped with aftermarket GPS tracking hardware before they could be managed. It meant unwanted downtime, added administration, and added costs.
Built-in telematics is changing all that by delivering new trucks directly to the buyer with all the necessary hardware installed; you simply need to activate your account online and you have instant truck fleet management.
The built-in option is now available with a growing number of truck manufacturers, including Hino, Volvo Trucks and Mack.
The pre-wiring option for Freightliner means it is compatible with our GPS vehicle tracking solution and hardware installation is easy.
- Specific routes for trucks based on the load and size of the truck
Commercial truck drivers need more than standard navigation - they need navigation software that understands the stress of safely maneuvering an 80,000-pound machine from one destination to another.
GPS vehicle tracking, used by more than 150,000 professional drivers across North America (and growing globally), here offers a number of significant benefits in keeping driver stress to a minimum and taking them to their next waypoint. with maximum efficiency and safety.
-Truck Specific Routes: Avoid roads with low weight limits or bridges. Comply with HAZMAT restrictions.
-POI Database - Over 10 million POIs (and growing) to highlight safe places for drivers to get off the road, including rest stops and safe overnight parking areas.
-Real-world views: realistic maps that simulate the next turn, help prepare drivers for what comes next and react safely.
-Trade Routes - Some trucking dispatch companies use trade routes, which are generally not shown on common consumer maps / navigation systems.
-Road updates: Get up-to-the-minute notifications of road closures or detours. Verified feedback also helps drivers better respond to route changes.
-Custom Messages - Custom location-aware messages can be added to alert the driver with the information they need.
-Right Side Approach - Minimize dangerous turns by ensuring that destinations are always on the correct side of the road.
Don't risk your drivers' safety with anything less than the best truck navigation your fleet can afford - it's one of the most effective safety measures you can take.
- Private yard mapping for turn-by-turn directions to the loading dock
Most navigation software will take you to the street address, but for commercial truck drivers that is not always enough. The sites allow private roads, shopping malls, and shipping yards to be mapped and included as part of the step-by-step instructions given to drivers. Include helpful information such as door codes, recommended entrances and exits, or potential hazards.
Since the last mile is the most expensive and often the most dangerous, complete navigation for the driver bringing the truck to its final stopping point is a valuable asset to any commercial fleet.
- Preventive maintenance to maximize uptime
Advanced telematics is providing fleet maintenance managers with a wealth of new diagnostic data on the mechanical health and performance of their trucks.
Combined with exclusive OEM data provided by medium and heavy truck manufacturers such as Hino, Volvo and Mack, fleet owners get a much more accurate picture of how their work trucks are performing, as well as early indicators of the next. maintenance.
This advance notice gives fleet service centers time to order necessary parts, schedule work, and correct any minor problems before they become a problem.
Additional vehicle health data also helps companies analyze their fleets to help plan vehicle life cycles or develop best practice guidelines.
- Trailer tracking to monitor location, movement, and door opening events
Robust battery-operated GPS tracking hardware can be attached to trailers to monitor real-time location, movement, and even when doors are opened.
Trailer monitoring 24/7/365 improves safety and GPS coordinates allow you to direct drivers to a specific trailer if it needs to be moved.
A GPS vehicle tracking application allows you to see where all your trailers are on the map, search for them by tag, and view them in relation to other assets.
Rules and geofences can be set up so that in the event of trailer activity, you can be notified automatically, such as when a trailer leaves a yard.
- ETA notifications to work efficiently with senders / receivers
Accurate ETAs allow you to make reliable appointments with senders and receivers to avoid bottlenecks and improve performance. Back-office and dispatch teams get a clear view of which trucking business are arriving, where, and when.
Truck fleets can share this ETA information with their customers to help them coordinate deliveries and pickups. Faster response time keeps drivers productive, which is important because if the wheels don't turn, you don't win.
- Geofence alerts for proof of automatic delivery and faster delivery
A geofence is like a virtual perimeter that surrounds a specific location. Using GPS tracking, it allows you to detect when a vehicle, employee, or mobile asset enters or leaves the area, and has many cool applications.
One way geofencing can be used is to automatically confirm a delivery; When a GPS-tracked truck leaves the delivery location, the job is electronically tagged as completed. This event can be used to trigger other actions, such as billing or submitting the next job.
Because everything happens automatically, it reduces the paperwork and pencil whipping that can often delay the arrival and departure of your trucks.
We facilitate fleet management
Fleet vehicle management often presents its own unique challenges. Fortunately, we measure up to all of them and continue to develop customized solutions for the specific needs of truck fleets. We go a step further by addressing the needs of start a trucking company drivers and by providing easy ways to make your job easier, less stressful, and safer.