Fleet management requires excessive efforts in managing commercial vehicles over a large geographical area. Constant maintenance, tracking, navigation, routing, and routing are part of management activities conducted on a daily basis. As a fleet manager, one should always be updated about the changes in the performance of the fleet and work to increase the efficiency of the vehicles.
Problem With Older Trucks
One tough challenge that every fleet manager faces is the management of older trucks. Commercial vehicles that have been in use for a long time are prone to damages and require more maintenance. This can lead to reduced efficiency and can also affect the overall performance of the fleet. The latest technology and fittings are missing in older trucks and require more attention from the managers.
In the current digital era, there are solutions to everything. By using the right technology, one can easily put the older trucks to use and can easily manage the fleet without the hassle of giving more attention to the older trucks.
Check the below discussed changes that will help to improve the trucks and help in proper tracking and maintenance of the fleet.
Dynamic Routing
As the fleet keeps moving people and goods from place to place, routing is the major factor that can add adjustability to the older trucks. With the real-time data, it becomes easier to avoid traffic and weather struck roads, and one can fulfill the promise of on-time delivery. By equipping the trucks with a GPS system, it is possible to cut down extra miles and find a quicker route for early deliveries.
Dynamic routing software is quite smart and can help in automatic optimizations and money savings by cutting the fuel cost. It makes sense to use the system for planning the trip of older trucks and have better control over the services.
Camera Systems
Front camera systems have been in use for a long time and have found great usability in the management of the fleet. It has become a must for older trucks and helps to defend the fleet drivers in the case of collision and false insurance claims. The system has a higher storage capacity and can record high-definition images in low light and visibility.
Another reason to use the systems for the fleet is the study conducted by the Federal motor safety administration.
The study shows that in 70% of the collision cases between a truck and car, it is the fault of a car driver. To prevent such incidents of false claims and lengthy court procedures, it is always better to install the cameras in the trucks.
Collision Mitigation Technology
As discussed earlier, older trucks are more prone to wear and tear, and that can create trouble on roads.
It has been observed that heavy older trucks can cause major damage in a collision, and that can result in paying heavy fines and insurance amounts. The latest and advanced collision mitigation technology has great sensing and monitoring capability to avoid crashes by taking emergency action.
Most of the new trucks are already equipped with the system, and it can easily be fitted into the older trucks at lesser costs. The radar system and video monitoring aids in the electronic stability of the trucks against loss of control accidents and rollovers.
Electronic Logging Devices
It has become a mandate by the USA government for the commercial trucking operations to use electronic logging devices.
It is done to ensure the drivers are compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s requirements.
Fleet management companies are mandated to use the devices to record and track the hours of service (HOS) of the truck drivers. The devices have to be installed in the older trucks as well to monitor and control the driver’s activity.
Fleet Management Software
Fleet management software works on a central information system to control the overall operations of the fleet.
The system takes care of the navigation, reporting, routing, and maintenance of trucks.
By installing the system, one can easily take charge of the activities and monitor the movement even from a remote place.
It helps in providing reports that are important for the safety and proper maintenance of the fleet. By pre-planning the route and asset utilization, it can help in reducing fuel consumption and better resource utilization.
Trailer Tracking
The system not just involves the installation of the GPS system to monitor the assets but also has a wireless technology enabled with the Internet of things to feed data in the fleet management software.
The data helps in better monitoring of the older trucks and also creates data-driven insights for better performance and maintenance. The system also checks for the safety of the trailers and alert the fleet managers about the placement of the trailers in the area of threat.
By using new technologies and systems, older trucks can be improved to perform better. The maintenance and operation of trucks can be easily tracked for efficient operations.