Technology is a driving force for today’s fleets

Unless you’re living completely off the grid, today’s technology plays a major role in your life. Your mobile devices let you manage your portfolio, pay your bills, communicate with friends and colleagues, catch up on the latest news, alarm your home, and so much more. And that’s just utilizing the internet. Technology has also made your cars safer, improved medical treatments, and made your homes smarter.

Technology is transforming the trucking industry

As it has in people’s personal lives, so has technology transformed industries of every conceivable type; the trucking industry is no exception. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, companies that optimize their use of technology gain an advantage over those lagging behind. For fleets, that means finding ways to reduce costs, increase operational efficiency, optimize fuel consumption, and schedule regular predictive maintenance. To do this, truck fleets are turning to innovative fleet management technologies.

Route optimization

Getting product to its destination at a time when fuel costs are volatile, weather is unpredictable, and infrastructure repairs (on roads, highways, and bridges) can cause extensive detours and delays, has never been more logistically challenging. That’s why efficient route planning is so essential. Route optimization tools help fleets minimize delivery times, optimize fuel consumption, and increase productivity. Analyzing real-time data on issues like traffic patterns, road closures, and weather conditions enables fleet management and logistics professionals to chart optimal routes for their trucks. Route optimization translates into a reduction in fuel costs, idle time, and unnecessary mileage. It also, in the end, leads to greater customer satisfaction as deliveries are made on time.

Fleet management systems

Fleet owners and fleet managers have to oversee more than just moving product while controlling costs. They have to ensure their drivers put safety (and efficiency) at the forefront; they need to keep on top of truck maintenance; and they need to know where every vehicle is at any given time. Fleet management systems make all of this possible, offering comprehensive solutions to streamline fleet operations and provide valuable insights into the fleet’s performance. Integrating technology like GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and driver behavior monitoring enables real-time monitoring of vehicle locations, fuel consumption, and engine health. With this data, fleet managers are able to make informed decisions, optimize maintenance schedules, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

In the age of nuclear verdicts that can threaten a fleet’s survival, safety continues to be a top concern for fleet owners. Advanced technology like ADAS focuses on improving safety on the road – and it seems to be working. A CCJ article notes that ADAS systems contribute to a significant reduction in on-highway truck crashes. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that automatic emergency braking (AEB) alone could prevent more than 11,000 crashes, 7,700 injuries, and more than 170 deaths involving heavy vehicles.” As far as other ADAS technologies, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “lane-departure warning systems reduce crashes by 14%; electronic stability control by 19%; forward collision warning by 14%; and blind spot warning by 5%.” The numbers speak for themselves; it’s easy to see how ADAS technology offers huge benefits for fleets.

Telematics

Communication is key in any industry, but for the trucking industry, that communication, along with data exchange, needs to exist between the truck itself and a fleet management system. The data gleaned from that system then informs fleet personnel, including logistics, operations, maintenance, and even finance, enabling them to optimize fleet operations, identify potential mechanical issues before they escalate, and note potential issues of driver behavior (like hard braking or excessive idling). This data enables fleet professionals to make data-driven decisions that will enhance vehicle and driver performance. By equipping trucks with telematics devices, truck fleets can collect a wealth of real-time data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and fuel efficiency in real-time.

Predictive maintenance

Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance is an expected and necessary component of fleet maintenance. But that practice will not always be able to identify a minor problem that may escalate into a major issue. Preventing a breakdown is certainly more cost-efficient than fixing a problem once a breakdown occurs. Predictive maintenance leverages advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to predict when a vehicle is likely to require maintenance or repairs. Maintenance managers analyze data from truck sensors and look at historical maintenance records to identify potential issues…helping to reduce downtime. By acting proactively to resolve issues, predictive maintenance can help extend a truck’s lifespan, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize disruptions.

Customer satisfaction

All of the technology above will help optimize a fleet’s operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, increase safety, and improve profitability. But there’s one additional benefit that every business needs; an increase in customer satisfaction. Whether you’re talking about a carrier or a private fleet, there’s always an end user who needs to be happy with the outcome. That satisfaction breeds trust and that, in turn, can lead to a long and profitable working relationship.

Discover how Corcentric’s fleet management solutions help drive down costs and maximize efficiency.