New tech is changing every industry in the world and the trucking business is no different.
Improved vehicles, enhanced route planning, and better communication practices have transformed how trucking companies operate. And with gas prices as high as they are right now, it is even more important for trucking companies to make innovative adjustments as they adapt to a changing business landscape.
Each business fleet adopts new technology at its own pace, but no matter how quickly new methods are incorporated, technology has made the trucking industry much different than it was 20 years ago.
These new technology options are giving trucking companies a leg-up today:
GPS Fleet Tracking
GPS fleet tracking has changed the way managers oversee their fleet and monitor driver behavior. It works by tracking vehicles’ locations at all times, with GPS tracking devices installed inside the vehicle that transmit their location to the end user (fleet manager).
Fleet tracking services make it easy for managers to check on their vehicles in real-time because they can access the tracking dashboard on their office desktop or on their smartphone.
But it is far more than just a GPS. Fleet tracking also tracks fuel usage, estimated arrival times, and engine diagnostics. It also helps companies monitor driver behavior by updating managers on vehicle idling, route progress, and aggressive driving.
More insight into how a fleet operates helps companies because they can use the knowledge to become more efficient and cut out bad habits. All of this information will lead to a business fleet saving money by limiting gas consumption and aggressive driving, and optimizing their route patterns.
Fuel Price Apps
Make sure your fleet does not spend more than it has to on gas. Fuel price apps help drivers find the cheapest gas prices by showing a map of their area with the best deals at local gas stations.
Apps like GasBuddy, Fuelio, and Gas Guru are some of the most popular fuel price apps that help drivers and fleets save money. Forget the days of driving around looking for the lowest price at the pump.
Dash Cam and Backup Cam
Installing dash cams and backup cameras gives managers the driver’s view. They record from the front and the rear of a vehicle so managers and drivers alike can look back at the footage to improve their driving. Some GPS providers also provide multi-camera options.
Some dash cam products allow managers access to the view in real-time, which helps monitor driver behavior. Another benefit of dash cams is that they capture exactly what happened in an accident, so it is simple to figure out who is most liable.
Backup cams offer more convenience. It is not always easy to back up a car or light duty truck without bumping into something, and it is far more difficult to do that in a semi truck. Backup cams make it easier for drivers to see what is behind them, which will result in fewer accidents affecting the company.
Both types of vehicle cameras would be able to capture unexpected events as well, such as weather damage, theft, and vandalism. All of this video proof will help drivers improve on the road and limit accidents, which means less expensive insurance for the fleet.
Pre-Trip Inspection Software
Going through endless pre- and post-trip inspection paper forms is not fun for any fleet manager. Streamline this process with pre-trip inspection software.
Pre-trip inspection software is generally an app on a driver’s phone that they use to check off issues as they inspect their vehicle at the beginning and end of their shift. Those results are then sent to the back-office so managers know what the issues are right away and can get them fixed if they are severe enough.
This way, damage is repaired early and vehicles are not in operation with a lot of defects. It’s a quick and easy way for managers to know vehicle status so they can take next steps.
It is also a more accurate way to record inspections. Paper reports get lost very easily, often come in with bad handwriting, come in late, or just don’t get turned in at all. This inefficient process leads to vehicle damage getting worse and worse without any record of it to begin with.
Switch your pre-trip inspection reporting to a digital solution to keep track of everything better and save money in the long run.
Wrapping Up
Fleet managers should be jumping for joy with all the cutting-edge technology available to trucking companies. These new options can help companies shave off costs without significantly altering daily operations.
Implementing new technology across an entire fleet can sound like a daunting task at first, but most fleet management products are fairly simple to install and many services offer customer support to help with learning curves. Get the most out of your fleet with the best tech on the market.
