In modern business, the proper management of fleets has become a major factor in attaining sustainable growth. Fleet optimization is not just about improving transportation. It is a strategic approach that uses cutting-edge technologies and smart management to heighten overall business performance. The following will explore the topic of fleet optimization strategies in assisting with business growth.

Gain a Full Understanding of Fleet Optimization

At its core, fleet optimization involves the systematic organization and management of a company’s vehicle fleet to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. This strategic initiative encompasses any number of aspects – from route planning and vehicle maintenance to driver management and fuel efficiency. Basically, it is a holistic approach that makes the entire fleet operation leaner, greener, and more profitable.

Harness the Power of GPS Tracking Devices

Central to any strong fleet optimization strategy is the use of GPS tracking devices. These devices have evolved beyond simple location tracking. They are now equipped with advanced features that provide real-time insights into vehicle performance, driver behavior, and route efficiency.

Real-time Location Tracking

GPS tracking devices help businesses monitor the exact location of their vehicles in real time. This feature improves security by preventing theft. But it also allows for more accurate and efficient routing, reducing fuel consumption and improving delivery times.

Driver Performance Monitoring

Understanding and optimizing driver behavior is recommended for effective fleet management. GPS tracking devices provide valuable data on driver performance, including speed, braking habits, and idle time. This information can be used to create targeted training programs, promote safer driving practices, and reduce the risk of accidents.

Fleet Tracking Software: A Game-Changing Solution

For use alongside GPS tracking devices, fleet tracking software is a powerful tool that consolidates and analyzes data, providing actionable insights for strategic decision-making.

Data Integration and Analysis

Fleet tracking software collects data from sources like GPS devices, vehicle sensors, and maintenance logs. Through advanced analytics, businesses gain a complete understanding of their fleet’s performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.

Predictive Maintenance

Proactive maintenance is critical to preventing costly breakdowns and assisting with the longevity of vehicles. Fleet tracking software uses predictive analytics to anticipate potential maintenance issues, allowing businesses to schedule timely maintenance and minimize downtime.

Compliance Management

In the heavily regulated transportation industry, adherence to compliance standards is non-negotiable. Fleet tracking software helps businesses stay compliant with regulations by monitoring things like driver hours,  and fuel tax reporting.

Continue The Path to Business Growth

The implementation of strong fleet optimization strategies, powered by GPS tracking devices and fleet tracking software, sets the stage for clear business growth. By improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction, companies can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive market.

Cost Reduction and Increased Profitability

Efficient fleet management leads to cost savings. From reduced fuel consumption and maintenance expenses to optimized labor use, businesses can allocate resources more effectively, resulting in increased profitability.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

Timely and accurate deliveries are necessary in today’s customer-centric environment. Fleet optimization sees to it that goods are delivered promptly, heightening customer satisfaction and loyalty. This positive customer experience can translate into repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Agility and Scalability

A well-optimized fleet is far more agile and adaptable to changing market conditions. As businesses grow, their fleets can scale smoothly, thanks to simplified processes and data-driven decision-making – courtesy of fleet optimization strategies.

Enjoy Peak Efficiency with Fleet Optimization Solutions

Simplify and improve operations and slice costs with powerful fleet GPS tracking. Our cutting-edge systems offer real-time visibility, boosting productivity and assuring optimal asset use. Get your competitive edge by overcoming daily challenges with customizable, industry-leading vehicle tracking solutions. Contact us for a tailored approach that drives profitability.

Effective dispatching is the heartbeat of operational success in fleet management. With the advent of advanced technologies, fleet dispatching has evolved way past the need for just coordination. Modern solutions, like GPS route trackers and fleet tracking software, allow fleet managers to improve operations and increase overall efficiency. Here are six key tips to boost operational efficiency in fleet dispatching.

Use GPS Route Trackers for Real-Time Insights

One of the necessities of efficient fleet dispatching today is the integration of a GPS route tracker. These tools provide real-time insights into the location and status of vehicles, allowing dispatchers to make the best, smartest decisions. 

Whether it’s rerouting to avoid traffic congestion or responding promptly to unexpected delays, GPS route trackers help dispatchers streamline their fleets more effectively. This not only improves delivery times but also reduces fuel consumption, contributing to cost savings.

Using Fleet Tracking Software for Comprehensive Monitoring

Fleet tracking software means more than simple location tracking. It offers a complete view of each vehicle’s performance, including fuel efficiency, engine health, and driver behavior. By using such software, fleet managers gain valuable data to assess and improve overall operational efficiency. Monitoring driver behavior allows for the identification of areas for training or improvement, promoting a safer and more efficient fleet.

Prioritize Predictive Maintenance for Vehicle Health

Efficient fleet dispatching is not just about getting from point A to point B. Assuring the health of the fleet is equally necessary. Predictive maintenance through advanced fleet tracking software allows managers to anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate. 

By monitoring engine diagnostics and other parameters, fleet managers can schedule maintenance tasks proactively. This lessens downtime and unexpected breakdowns that can disrupt dispatching schedules.

Plan Delivery Routes Using GPS Directions

Use GPS fleet trackers to gain insights on how to get to a certain location or how long it will take to a destination. Knowing precisely how long it will take to reach a destination helps in planning delivery schedules more accurately. Businesses can provide customers with reliable delivery windows, improving customer satisfaction and trust. Accurate timing predictions also help in optimizing the scheduling of pickups and deliveries to ensure vehicles are fully utilized, reducing downtime.

Improve Communication with Mobile Integration

Smooth communication is the backbone of effective fleet dispatching. Mobile integration in fleet management solutions allows drivers and dispatchers to stay connected in real time. 

Whether it’s sending updated route information, providing alerts about potential issues, or receiving confirmation of completed deliveries, mobile integration increases communication efficiency. This reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and delays, contributing to a smoother dispatching process.

Enjoy Data-Driven Decision-Making

In this digital age, data is king. Fleet dispatching can greatly benefit from a data-driven approach. Fleet tracking software generates a wealth of data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and operational efficiency. 

Analyzing this data assists fleet managers in making the best possible decisions. Whether it’s planning delivery routes, adjusting maintenance schedules, or identifying areas for improvement, data-driven insights contribute to the continuous refinement of fleet dispatching processes.

Grasp the Power of Real-Time Fleet Tracking

At Track Your Truck, we understand the unique needs of small and mid-sized businesses, fleet managers, owner-operators, and heavy equipment companies. With years of industry expertise, our dedicated team offers personalized solutions tailored to your operational requirements and budget. Unlock the full potential of your fleet today by calling 888-434-3848 or requesting a quote through our online form.

Today, sustainability and cost-effectiveness are at the forefront of every business strategy. A fleet fuel management system has proven a game-changer for industries that revolve around transportation. Among the many benefits these systems offer, the clear impact on fuel costs is undeniable. Together, let’s check out the ways in which fleet fuel management systems, powered by GPS tracking devices and fleet tracking software, revolutionize efficiency and reduce fuel expenses.

Precision Navigation with GPS Tracking Devices

The basis for efficient fleet fuel management is the use of advanced GPS tracking devices. These devices, equipped with cutting-edge technology, provide real-time location data, allowing fleet managers to monitor the exact position of each vehicle in their fleet. The implications for fuel efficiency are amazing – to say the least.

With GPS tracking devices, businesses can improve operational efficiency. Fleet managers can analyze historical data, identify the most fuel-efficient routes, and make the best decisions. This not only reduces fuel consumption but also lessens the wear and tear on vehicles, leading to additional long-term cost savings.

Better Route Planning and Reduced Idling Time

One of the primary causes of excessive fuel consumption is unnecessary idling. Fleet tracking software, coupled with GPS data, allows for dynamic route planning that takes real-time traffic conditions into account. By rerouting vehicles around congestion or road closures, fleet managers can greatly reduce idling time and cut down on fuel expenses.

The ability to monitor vehicle speed and adherence to predetermined routes means that drivers follow efficient driving practices. By curbing aggressive driving behaviors like speeding and abrupt braking, fleet managers can optimize fuel usage, extending the lifespan of vehicles and minimizing the environmental impact.

Proactive Maintenance for the Best Fuel Efficiency

Fleet fuel management systems do not simply focus on real-time tracking. They also play a big part in predictive maintenance. Through the analysis of vehicle performance data, fleet tracking software can anticipate potential issues before they get worse. Addressing maintenance needs promptly means that vehicles remain in optimal condition, directly contributing to better fuel efficiency.

Regular maintenance checks, based on data-driven insights, can identify issues like clogged air filters, faulty oxygen sensors, or suboptimal tire pressure. All of these can negatively impact fuel economy. By taking care of these issues in a timely manner, fleet managers not only prevent breakdowns but also make sure that vehicles operate at their peak efficiency, leading to fuel savings over time.

Data-Driven Decision-Making for Continuous Improvement

The integration of GPS tracking devices and fleet tracking software creates a wealth of data that can be used for continuous improvement. Fleet managers can analyze historical fuel consumption patterns, identify areas of inefficiency, and put targeted strategies in place to address specific challenges.

By employing data analytics, fleet managers gain valuable insights into driver behavior, vehicle performance, and overall fleet efficiency. This data-driven approach allows for the refinement of fuel management strategies, leading to a continuous cycle of improvement and cost reduction.

Kick Your Fleet Handling Up a Notch with Fleet Fuel Management Systems

Boost your fleet operations with cutting-edge GPS tracking technology. By investing in a fleet fuel management system, you gain unparalleled visibility and control over your assets, helping you simplify operations, reduce costs, and maximize productivity. 

At Track Your Truck, we understand the unique challenges faced by small and mid-sized businesses in all sorts of industries, including fleet management, owner-operators, and heavy equipment companies. Take the first step towards transforming your fleet management today. Contact us at 888-434-3848 or request a quote through our online form. Let our knowledgeable team guide you on the path to efficiency and profitability.

It can be difficult to keep track of your fleet while managing all other aspects of your business. If you’re a small business just starting out, it’s important to have certain resources dedicated to making life easier for you and your employees. Fleet management software offers endless benefits to help you optimize your existing procedures and save on operational costs.

With fleet tracking, you can simplify your manual processes and eliminate many time-consuming tasks that make it difficult for you to get ahead of the competition. GPS tracking enables you to improve safety, stay in communication with your drivers and provide excellent service to your loyal customers.

Why Do Companies Track Vehicles?

As your business grows, so does your fleet. The larger your fleet, the more challenges arise and the more equipment you are responsible for. While you trust your employees and drivers to work independently, tracking your fleet vehicles give you more visibility and verification on the status and location of your vehicles — letting you stay ahead of the competition. 

Though using GPS tracking to monitor drivers can cause some employees to worry about privacy issues, it’s important to let your drivers know that using a vehicle tracking system benefits their safety. Using fleet management software allows you to be proactive and transparent with your employees to avoid compromising their trust while complying with the law, keeping your records accurate and monitoring overtime. 

Tracking your business’s vehicles also allows you to increase your operational efficiency and streamline your travel and delivery processes — all while making sure your employees are engaging in safe driving behaviors and complying with traffic laws. When tracking your fleet, you can find solutions to your questions, such as:

My driver hasn’t gotten back to me about a delivery — where are they located?
Is my employee using my vehicle for purposes that aren’t business-related?
Which of my drivers is closest?
How long are my workers spending with our customers to get the job done?
I have a customer claiming my technician was a no-show — did they show up for their appointment on time?
Why are my vehicles logging more miles than usual?

What Is Fleet Management Software?

Fleet management software allows managers and business owners to monitor their drivers, vehicles and equipment through a simple platform or application. 

This fleet tracking software provides valuable capabilities, such as:

Driver behavior
Simplifying compliance
Vehicle movement
Performance measurements
Scheduling maintenance
Operational activities

Depending on the software you choose, your fleet management tools can also help you optimize your driver routes and create actionable insights to identify areas for improvement and better business opportunities.

What Are the Benefits of GPS Tracking? 

While GPS and fleet tracking capabilities can benefit any trucking and transportation business, it can be particularly useful for small businesses trying to grow their customer base. With a system that can streamline your operations and increase your productivity, you’ll have the power to satisfy your customers and gear your business in the right direction. 

Here are the top six ways fleet tracking benefits small businesses. 

1. Cutting Fuel and Operational Costs

Optimizing your resources, particularly fuel, can also help you reduce overall costs. Behind driver compensation, fuel costs are the second-highest line item in operational costs for trucking companies. Whether you’re managing a few dozen vehicles or a thousand, fuel costs add up quickly. For example, unauthorized vehicle use also increases fuel costs, and a GPS tracking system allows management to see if drivers are using business vehicles for other purposes. 

GPS tracking also allows fleet managers and owners to know when their vehicles are in operation or when drivers are speeding, which decreases fuel efficiency. With dispatching and route planning tools, you can ensure your team uses the most direct, efficient routes to their appointments and job sites to limit fuel use, eliminate idle vehicle time and make a positive impact on profitability. Many carriers report that using telematics solutions for their fleets reduced their overall fuel consumption by 10% to 15%.

Obtaining data from your fleet management system enables you to gain more visibility into your operations and route history, helping you identify other areas for saving money, such as reducing insurance costs. Many insurance companies provide special discounts for vehicles with GPS tracking systems. These systems also allow you to monitor the status of your vehicle and track your engine oil and other indicators. 

With GPS tracking, you can also ensure your calculations for your workers’ time on job sites is accurate for invoicing, billing and payroll by using your location-based data. 

2. Enhancing Safety and Driver Behavior

Having well-maintained and serviced vehicles is a key step in upholding driver safety, but GPS tracking also provides many safety measures for your fleet and operators. Drivers with patterns of poor driving — such as speeding, harsh accelerations, running red lights, getting into accidents or ignoring traffic laws — can put their own lives and the lives of others at risk. Not to mention, they can run up fuel costs and damage your vehicles. 

Being able to monitor their driving behaviors will make it easier to coach them on safe driving practices to reduce the likelihood of a collision or traffic violation. GPS tracking also allows you to schedule regular maintenance and enable drivers to report vehicle faults or issues that need to be inspected.

In addition to monitoring your drivers for their safety, GPS tracking can also help you prevent vehicle and cargo theft. When you have a real-time, consistent location of all your fleet vehicles, you can quickly take action if one has been stolen or deviates from its instructed path. As a manager or owner, you can also have control over customizable geofences — virtual borders set for a designated location or area — that notify you when your vehicles are not where they’re supposed to be.  

Real-time location tracking is particularly beneficial for smaller businesses that may not have many backup or replacement vehicles available in their fleet. You will also be able to locate your business vehicles if your driver should get into an accident and stop responding to your attempts at contact.

3. Boosting Productivity and Reducing Administrative Burden

GPS tracking enables you to increase fleet productivity by monitoring how long drivers and workers spend on each job site and checking that the nearest vehicle dispatches to a job for optimal workflow. Fleet management software like NetTrack lets you digitize your processes and tasks that help you become more competitive in your industry. You can stay on top of delivery times, assign tasks to idle vehicles and increase your number of trips per day to keep your business flowing. In addition to detailed tracking reports that provide valuable insights into operating hours, idle time, and miles traveled, NetTrack also offers productivity gains. By taking the burden of routine tracking off their shoulders, staff members are free to focus on higher-value operations.

4. Reduce Administrative Labor 

Easily accessing important information through your GPS fleet management software makes it easier to keep track of critical details and eliminate billing discrepancies due to digital timekeeping. GPS tracking will also help you reduce manual paperwork and minimize calls to drivers — letting you rely on your real-time dashboard and spend more time optimizing your supply chain and financial management processes. 

When keeping track of your assets with physical paperwork, it’s easy to make mistakes, misplace files or retrieve information when you need to double-check something. By handling your tasks in one central system, you can:

Plan your operations more productively.
Reduce administrative burden. 
Speed up your processes.  
Reduce human error.
Get notified every time your vehicles enter or exit scheduled destinations. 

5. Enhancing Customer Service and Transparency

While keeping your business productive benefits you and your drivers, it also benefits your customers and lets you improve your customer service. With GPS tracking, you can inform customers of real-time vehicle location ahead of their appointment to provide them with accurate estimated arrival times.

Keeping your customers happy will help you sustain a successful transportation business by responding to calls quickly, delivering items on time and remaining predictable and reliable for your loyal customers. Bringing your customers these enhanced processes will also help you stay competitive. This is especially true for smaller and mid-sized fleets, who have to contend with much-larger competitors. Offering transparent service and rapid response enabled by Track Your Truck’s solutions can be a powerful differentiator for these companies. With free devices, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and two-year warranties, Track Your Truck makes it easy to gain the capabilities needed to boost customer satisfaction.

6. Ensuring Compliance and Managing Risk

GPS tracking helps ease some challenges of your day-to-day operations, regardless of the size of your fleet. One of the most important aspects of your business is maintaining safety and compliance across your entire organization. Tracking your driver’s hours of service (HOS) — their time on duty and driving time — is required for many businesses under the Department of Transportation’s FMCSA. In addition, many insurance providers will offer premium reductions when fleets install GPS tracking and dashcams because of the improved safety benefits they provide.

No matter how big or small your business is, it’s critical to accurately keep track and record information about your drivers, such as how long they’ve been on the road, the length of their rest breaks and how many hours they have left to complete their driving period. 

With GPS tracking and other fleet management software tools, you can notify drivers in real-time when they need to pull into a rest stop to take breaks or when they’re approaching the end of their shift. Making sure your driver’s hours are correctly logged will help you avoid violations and ensure your drivers are well-rested and productive during their shifts. GPS technology helps fleets mitigate their risks and gain greater accountability from their drivers.

Implementation Best Practices and Considerations

If you’ve never used GPS tracking before, following some tips to maximize your efficiency and ensure compliance is important. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using GPS tracking and fleet management software:

1. Update Drivers on the Best Traffic Routes: GPS tracking allows you to find the fastest routes for your drivers, so staying in contact with them is key to helping them in the field with live traffic data. However, getting them to their destination quickly and making delivery and appointment times on schedule comes second to their safety on the road. While it’s great to surpass customer expectations and delivery estimates, it’s more important that your drivers practice safe driving and avoid speeding just to make it in record time. With GPS tracking on hand, you can make your communication with drivers more efficient and guide them to the routes that will help them arrive quickly without compromising their safety and that of others on the road. 

2. Keep Your Tracking Transparent: If possible, try to let others on your team see your vehicle tracking map along with you. Depending on the number of business devices you have and how often your workers can check the dashboard, they can see a real-time view of where your fleet vehicles are and help your dispatchers and customer service representatives quickly locate your drivers. Letting your team have access to the tracking capabilities will also help determine which drivers are free or in the middle of another job, which allows them to find the next available team member to quickly make the next appointment. 

3. Give Employees Your GPS Tracking Policy: To keep up with this organizational transparency, it’s also a good idea to have a written policy regarding your GPS tracking and fleet management software so your employees know exactly what you’re tracking and how it impacts their day-to-day tasks. Your policy should cover the reasons you use GPS tracking, how it improves driver safety and how you use the data you collect. You can also outline the same topics for GPS tracking on any company devices such as cell phones or tablets. Communicating this policy to your employees will help them understand why they’re driving and other tasks may be monitored and how it helps your business stay compliant and productive. 

4. Reward Your Responsible Drivers: While your GPS tracking software can monitor your drivers’ braking, acceleration and speed to ensure safety, you can also use this information to reward drivers who practice safe driving. Your drivers represent your business and its’ reputation, so if they’re regularly getting into accidents or pulled over for speeding, it can have detrimental consequences as potential customers pass them by with your name on the vehicle. Using GPS tracking for your fleet allows you to offer incentives to your drivers who treat your company vehicles with respect. These rewards could include company recognition, bonuses, gift cards or other creative prizes to show your drivers you appreciate their safe practices. 

5. Be Responsible and Considerate: It’s not always easy for employees to feel comfortable being monitored on the job, even if they know it’s important for their safety. However, you can still monitor your employees on the road while being considerate of their privacy. For instance, you should only ever engage in monitoring when it’s justified for a business need, such as during work hours. You should also let your employees know that you keep all GPS-related data secure for compliance and security reasons. For example, if a customer calls and says your technician never showed up for their appointment, you can pull up your tracking information and show what time your driver arrived at the destination and how long they were with the customer. This type of information can help you avoid such issues by allowing you to quickly retrieve exactly where your drivers are at all times. 

6. Only Track Business-Owned Vehicles and Devices: One of the most important practices to implement when using GPS and fleet tracking services is to ensure you’re only using it on employer-owned vehicles and devices. While you should include this in your GPS tracking policy, it’s a good idea to remind your employees that their personal vehicles and devices, such as phones, tablets and laptops, will never be tracked.

See How Track Your Truck Can Help Your Business

With Track Your Truck, we value exceptional reliability and service. Our software and devices allow you to customize and configure solutions to meet your specific business needs. Whether you want to improve your distribution of company resources, gauge employee efficiency, refine your fleet operations procedures or enhance driver safety, we have the technology to help get you started. Our software provides you with:

Specific locations, direction, status and speed of your vehicles.
As many logins as needed for people to view tracked vehicles.
The ability to track any device with an internet connection.
Satellite views and color-coded traffic conditions for specific routes.

We also offer many other customization and add-on services so you can gain more visibility into things like driver behavior, driver identification, customer map integration and alerts for departs and arrivals. If you want to learn more about Track Your Truck’s services and how we can help make your business more efficient, request a custom quote online to get started.

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Commercial motor vehicles play a substantial role in the economy. Nearly two-thirds of freight transported across the U.S. is moved by motor vehicles. In addition to transporting billions of tons of products, motor vehicles also transport people from place to place. The commercial motor vehicle industry also employs millions of people.

Safety is one thing that keeps motor vehicles moving. Without safety measures and regulations in place, deliveries would be less efficient, and passengers would have a more challenging time getting to their destinations. 

For that reason, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations that aim to reduce fatalities, injuries and crashes among buses and large trucks. Your fleet most likely needs to comply with FMCSA’s guidelines and regulations. Here’s how to do it.

What Is Fleet Compliance?

The FMCSA has a series of regulations that drivers and fleet managers need to follow when they are on the road. If a fleet doesn’t comply with the rules, they risk penalties and fines. The fines for non-compliance can be hefty. 

The regulations cover all areas of the motor vehicle industry. There are regulations overseeing:

Drivers
Licensing
Permits and registration
Vehicle acquisition
Maintenance and repair
Parts
Safety and risk mitigation

Fleet compliance is crucial to keeping your drivers safe and ensuring your business performs at its fullest potential.

What Is the DOT?

The U.S. DOT is an executive department responsible for creating policies for an economical and efficient national transportation system. The department was established by Congress in 1966 to provide an executive-level position for transportation and to replace the under-secretary of commerce for transportation. Its first official day of operation was April 1, 1967. 

Today, the DOT consists of 13 administrations responsible for air, land and sea travel. 

What Is the FMCSA?

The FMCSA is one of the DOT’s 13 administrations. It regulates the trucking industry and has the primary goal of reducing crashes and fatalities. 

The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 created the FMCSA, and the agency came into existence in 2000. Today, some of the roles of the agency include:

Educating operators and fleet managers or owners on regulations and how those regulations affect business.
Working with drivers to modernize safety practices and technology.
Identifying commercial drivers who are at risk of violating safety standards in an effort to improve public safety.
Revising equipment safety standards as necessary.
Conducting inspections and other compliance measures to enforce safety regulations.
Fining operators or fleet companies that don’t comply with regulations. 

To achieve its mission and goals, FMCSA has three primary programs:

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA): CSA is a compliance and enforcement program that aims to prevent crashes, fatalities and injuries and improve safety. It’s a data-driven program consisting of three components: interventions, evaluations and measurements.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) and Driver Restart Study: The Driver Restart study examined five-month work schedules and health and safety outcomes of drivers who had a one-night rest period and drivers who had a two-night (or longer) rest period. 
National Registry: The FMCSA’s National Registry program lists certified medical examiners who can determine if drivers meet the agency’s physical health standards.

What Are the DOT’s Fleet Compliance Regulations?

The FMCSA enforces the DOT’s rules and regulations. Some of the regulations your fleet needs to comply with include:

Hours-of-service (HOS): HOS is the maximum time drivers can be on the road. It includes driving time as well as breaks. The goal of hour-of-service regulations is to keep drivers alert and awake.
Driver vehicle inspection reports: Drivers need to inspect their vehicles at the beginning and end of each day.
International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reporting: Drivers need to record how many miles they’ve driven and where and when they purchased fuel. The information determines how much fuel tax they need to pay and which state or province they need to pay it to.
CSA Scores: The FMCSA’s CSA program assigns scores to motor carriers based on roadside inspections. The lower the score, the better the carrier complies with safety standards.
Pre-employment screenings: Pre-employment screenings give a fleet manager an idea of a potential driver’s history on the road and crash data. Drug and alcohol testing is also part of pre-employment screening. Managers should test their drivers randomly after they’re hired to remain compliant.

Does Your Fleet Need to Be in Compliance?

Any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operator in the U.S. needs to comply with the DOT’s regulations and guidelines. The Federal Register defines a CMV as:

A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds.
A vehicle that can transport more than 15 people, including the driver.
A vehicle that transports hazardous materials and that needs a placard.

If there are any CMVs in your fleet, you need to ensure you comply with the DOT’s regulations and guidelines.

How to Comply With Hours-of-Service Guidelines

Tired drivers are a serious safety concern. Hours-of-service requirements aim to limit driver time on the road. Drivers who have time to get the rest and sleep they need are safer drivers. 

How long a person can drive a CMV depends on the type of vehicle they’re driving and what they’re carrying in the vehicle. Someone transporting products can drive for up to 11 hours after a 10-hour rest. A driver transporting people can drive for up to 10 hours after an eight-hour rest. Drivers have either a 14 or 15-hour window to drive their allowed 10 or 11 hours. 

After driving for eight hours, a driver transporting products needs to take a 30-minute break from driving. They can still be on duty during the break. They just can’t be behind the wheel.

During a seven-day period, drivers can’t be behind the wheel for more than 60 hours. In an eight-day period, they can’t drive for more than 70 hours. Taking at least 34 consecutive hours off allows a driver to reset the clock on the 60 or 70-hour drive limitation.

Drivers can comply with the hours-of-service regulations by using electronic logging devices (ELDs). A mandate requires drivers to use ELDs to track their driver time and ensure they aren’t on the road for longer than allowed. 

How to Comply With Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports

FMCSA regulations require drivers to inspect their vehicles before driving for the day. Drivers also have to inspect their vehicles and fill out a report at the end of the day or after each trip. These reports are called Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR). 

Even if the FMCSA didn’t require DVIRs, having drivers inspect their trucks before and after trips is a good idea. Regular inspections allow drivers to detect safety issues or problems before they can cause considerable damage or lead to a crash or injury. Filling out DVIRs regularly will help drivers recognize things that are out of the ordinary with their vehicle quickly. 

If a driver is on the road, they can get stopped by a DOT agent. The agent will use a DVIR checklist when inspecting the truck. If the agent finds an issue that the driver didn’t notice or didn’t bother to repair, the fleet operator and driver can be subject to fines, and the motor vehicle won’t pass inspection. 

Some of the steps found on the DVIR include checking the truck’s:

Battery
Air compressor
Brakes and accessories
Fifth wheel
Engine
Mirrors
Tires and wheels
Muffler
Oil pressure
Steering
Windows
Transmission
Lights
Mirrors
Windshield wipers
Safety equipment

The checklist also includes items that should be checked on the trailer, if there is one, such as the trailer’s wheels and tires, brakes and coupling pin.

When completing a DVIR, the driver should provide details about any issues in the remarks section. They also need to state whether the vehicle is safe to drive or if repairs must be made before the truck is taken on the road again. If problems get fixed, both the driver and the mechanic must sign and date the report.

How to Comply With International Fuel Tax Agreement Reporting

Before the early 1980s, drivers had to get fuel tax permits for each state they operated their trucks in. They had to display their permits on a license plate attached to the truck. Getting the correct permits was a complicated process. The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) sought to simplify things.

The lower 48 states and 10 Canadian provinces have adopted IFTA. Alaska and the Canadian territories also use it. Under the IFTA, drivers of certain vehicles need to complete an IFTA report every quarter. They need to log the number of miles driven, their fuel purchases and the locations where they bought fuel. 

A driver submits the report, plus receipts for gas purchases, to their local IFTA office each quarter. The IFTA office decides which provinces and states get fuel taxes based on how many miles truckers drive on the road. 

Remembering to log hours and purchases can get complicated, particularly if a driver does it after the fact. GPS tracking makes it easier for drives to keep tabs on where they drove and accurately record that information on their IFTA report.

How to Get Good Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) Scores

The CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) conducts roadside inspections to identify which motor carriers pose the biggest safety risk and evaluate carriers’ safety performance. The CSA’s program is meant to keep fleets and carriers, rather than individual drivers, in check. If a CSA inspector notes numerous issues during a roadside inspection, it’s the carrier that will face the consequences, not the driver.

The CSA SMS uses seven categories, called Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs), to determine safety on the road. Knowing the criteria of each category can help you improve your CSA score. 

Vehicle maintenance: Properly maintaining a CMV is key to its safe operation. During an investigation, a carrier might have to provide roadside inspection reports, maintenance logs, vehicle inspection reports and DVIRs. Violations in this category can affect a carrier’s score for 24 months. 
Driver fitness: Driver fitness falls into three categories: training, medical qualifications and experience. A driver who doesn’t have the proper license for the vehicle they’re operating or who’s deemed medically unfit to drive can affect a carrier’s CSA score. It’s essential to have your drivers complete the right training programs, provide proof of license and undergo medical evaluations as needed.
Unsafe driving: Drivers who speed, skip stop signs or otherwise violate the rules of the road are unsafe. Monitoring your driver’s speeds is one way to keep hazardous driving in check and minimize its impact on your score.
Controlled substances: Drivers need to be drug and alcohol-free while on the road. An inspector might ask a driver to take a drug or alcohol test or require carriers to provide the results of tests.
Crash indicator: The crash indicator BASIC logs the number of crashes or collisions a carrier has had and the intensity of those accidents. 
Hours-of-Service compliance: The CSA also examines a carrier’s HOS logs to ensure that its drivers aren’t staying on the road for longer than allowed. Hours-of-service compliance also requires a carrier to provide proof of the logs. 
Hazardous material compliance: Hazardous materials need to be appropriately labeled and contained. To comply, you need to know the rules for the specific materials your drivers are transporting.

The ideal CSA score is zero or very close to it. The closer your score is to 100, the more safety issues the SMS program has detected. You’ll likely see lower insurance premiums and fewer inspections if you have a lower score. Having a low score also helps to improve your fleet’s reputation, leading to more business.

How to Conduct Pre-Employment Checks

Your fleet’s drivers play a major role in overall safety. Their behavior on the road and off also affect your company’s reputation. Before hiring anyone, it’s crucial to conduct a pre-employment screening. FMCSA regulations require employers to gather specific information on drivers before they’re hired.

Screening a potential driver involves attaining their driving history and accident record. You can examine their crash data to see if they are likely to drive unsafely. Reviewing any roadside inspection reports involving the potential new hire gives you an idea of whether they have a history of due diligence and maintenance. 

Drug and alcohol screenings should also be part of the pre-employment check. You can have potential hires take a drug test. You can also search in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to find any past violations.

Track Your Trucks to Stay Compliant

GPS fleet tracking software helps you see where your drivers go each day and can help you comply with FMCSA’s regulations. Fleet tracking systems from Track Your Truck also help you streamline your operations while staying compliant. We are committed to providing quality tracking systems for your fleet and have more than 23 years of experience in vehicle tracking. Call us at 888-434-3846 or request a quote today.

When you want to understand how much value you’re getting out of your fleet and your contracts, you need to know your trucking cost per mile. Your variable and fixed costs play a role in your expenses per mile, and you’ll likely want to be more aware of how much you’re spending for every mile your drivers travel. By knowing your expenses at this granular level, you can better understand your primary costs and make more accurate bids for new contracts.

Find out more about what trucking cost per mile calculators are and why they matter. You might also be interested in learning how to calculate cost per mile and the ways fleet management software can help.

What Is Included in a Trucking Cost Per Mile Calculation?

A trucking cost per mile calculation examines your expenses to determine how much it costs to operate and maintain your fleet’s vehicles on a per-mile basis. Typical items involved in calculating cost per mile include fuel, maintenance, driver and non-driver compensation, insurance and variable driving expenses. By figuring out your cost per mile, you have a much more detailed view of what expenses are affecting your bottom line. 

Why Do Trucking Cost Per Mile Calculators Matter?

When you employ a trucking cost per mile, you can better define your return on investment for every job your fleet handles. Alongside helping you identify your ROI, it enables you to make more accurate bids on the loads you hope to haul. Since trucking companies often operate on thin margins, you need a comprehensive idea of your total cost of ownership to take steps to reduce it.

Understanding Cost Per Mile

As you attempt to determine your costs per mile, it’s crucial to understand what factors go into calculating them. Figuring out your costs per mile starts by assessing your expenses. You can place these into two categories — variable costs and fixed costs. Fixed costs refer to expenses that occur regularly without any changes. Primary types of fixed costs include insurance, taxes and permits. 

In contrast, variable costs refer to expenses that fluctuate based on factors like your fleet’s use, efficiency and size. Significant sources of variable expenses include maintenance and fuel, as an area’s gas prices can change without warning, and unexpected repairs can spring up from time to time. Other variable costs can also include tolls, drivers’ wages and replacement parts. 

How to Calculate Trucking Cost Per Mile 

Calculating your cost per mile is a reasonably straightforward equation after you determine your variable and fixed costs. All you have to do is add these two numbers, then divide the answer by your miles traveled. The total will be your cost per mile.

Why Companies Turn to Fleet Tracking Software to Help Them Determine Their Trucking Cost Per Mile

While the equation for calculating your cost per mile is simple, many companies struggle to make reliable calculations. One significant reason for this inaccuracy is a company’s inability to determine its overall variable costs. If you lack a central location for storing your data and the capabilities to record costs, you’ll probably have incorrect information about your variable cost totals, thus leading to imprecise calculations about your trucking costs per mile.

Since correct information about variable and fixed costs is critical to receiving accurate results, your trucking company might want to consider using fleet tracking software. With this solution, trucking companies can keep more accurate records by using devices to track their fleet and place all the gathered data in a centralized platform. 

Fleet managers can use the software to track all their trucking costs and analyze them to see where they could improve. Centralized data also helps companies quickly calculate their fixed and variable costs and receive more accurate trucking cost per mile results. Some software programs even allow users to automate many central processes to make the calculation process faster and more accurate.

How Truck Tracking Software Can Reduce Costs

While it’s critical to calculate your cost per mile, you probably also want to lower your expenses. Besides helping you more easily calculate your expenses, fleet management software makes it easier for you to reduce your overall costs, resulting in a lower cost per mile. Review some of the top ways you can use fleet management software to minimize your expenses below.

Improve fleet safety: Keep track of your drivers’ habits by using fleet management software. If a driver constantly speeds or exhibits other dangerous behaviors, your team can address the issue and ensure your drivers always operate their trucks safely. Improving in this area can reduce variable costs from accidents, tickets and repairs.
Optimize routes: When drivers take longer or more dangerous paths to get to their destination, your fleet’s expenses will increase. Fleet management software helps you optimize your fleet’s routes by giving you the tools to plan the best paths for drivers to take. By getting to destinations faster and ensuring drivers go on the safest routes, you can reduce expenses related to fuel, delivery delays and accidents.
Reduce fuel costs: Fleet management software can also control fuel waste to reduce your fuel costs. This software can identify when a truck idles for extended periods or a driver operates their vehicle in a way that increases fuel consumption. By having this information at your disposal, you can identify drivers who tend to waste gas and help them engage in best practices to reduce fuel waste.
Eliminate unauthorized use: Some drivers like to take advantage of their company’s trucks by using them on side jobs. When drivers use your vehicles for unauthorized trips, they raise the chance of accidents occurring and the truck needing maintenance sooner than you planned. Fleet management software often connects with real-time GPS tracking devices, letting you see where your trucks are and ensure drivers only use them for authorized activities.

Choose Track Your Truck for Your Fleet Tracking Needs

Since accurately calculating your cost per mile can help you plan for the future and get more value from your fleet, you might be interested in fleet management software. At Track Your Truck, we make tracking your expenses easy with our software and GPS tracking devices. Our innovative vehicle tracking system makes it simple for you to spot inefficiencies and excess costs. Reduce your expenses, increase your ROI and get more value for every mile your drivers travel.

Learn more about our fleet management software today. If you have any questions, please free to request a demo or a free quote.

Your vehicles and equipment are one of your company’s most valuable assets, so you should adequately track and care for your fleets. Effective fleet management is a vital part of increasing fleet productivity so your company can cut costs, protect its drivers and provide optimal service. By evaluating your needs, you’ll be able to optimize fleet performance with the right tracking system. 

Discover fleet management best practices to increase customer and employee satisfaction and maximize your profits. 

Analyze Data

Fleet management software collects data that helps you manage your fleet to boost productivity. Proper data collection and analysis allow for fleet utilization for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Maintaining your current fleet by tracking data expands the capacity of your existing resources so you can accept new business. 

You can use telematics to optimize fleet performance. Telematics deals with monitoring fleet logistics by gathering data about driver and vehicle performance. Telematics helps you understand the bigger picture of how a vehicle operates and how it may be costing you money. 

Telematics tracks multiple metrics, including: 

Driver behavior, including reckless or non-efficient driving practices 
Vehicle location, route and distance traveled
Vehicle usage hours 
Idle time
Fuel level and efficiency 
Vehicle status and maintenance

Track Your Truck’s fleet management software records and keeps historical data about a fleet for up to one year, graphing information so you can see patterns to predict future trends. Examining historical data with telematics can help you target and address specific problem areas and establish clear fleet management policies to share with drivers. 

Explain to drivers why you’re implementing the new policies, and ensure your team understands the consequences of violations. Making sure drivers clearly understand policies derived from telematics data can help them more efficiently complete tasks and drive fewer miles. For example, if you and your drivers know the locations of vehicles, you can more effectively route drivers to customers. 

Consider Fuel Costs 

Fuel is the leading expense of managing your fleets. Inefficient routing or poor driving behaviors can lead to fuel waste. Drivers who quickly accelerate, brake hard, excessively idle or speed lower their gas mileage by 30% on the highway. Other drivers lack knowledge about best practices to minimize fuel usage.

For example, some drivers may think that turning off and restarting their engines will waste more fuel. However, idle commercial trucks waste 0.44 gallons of diesel per hour or 0.84 gallons of gasoline. Full delivery trucks waste even more fuel at 1.1 gallons per hour. Overall, idling engines waste more than 6 billion gallons of fuel annually. 

Educating drivers about practices that lead to excessive fuel use and having a fuel conservation plan and spending program can help ensure you’re maximizing fuel efficiency to cut costs. Assign each driver a company credit card to pay when filling up their tanks so you can track how much each driver is spending and how often they’re stopping to fill up. Company cards will also help you track how much your company spends on fuel each month to prevent overspending. 

Improve fleet management and minimize fuel costs further by monitoring vehicles with GPS tracking software. You’ll be able to route drivers to their destinations for maximum fuel efficiency. Shorter trips tend to waste more fuel. However, tracking software can help ensure you’re planning long enough routes. Further, you’ll be able to identify and correct bad driving habits, which use more fuel than necessary. 

Tracking software can also monitor when vehicles require maintenance or when a fleet is at the end of its lifespan and needs replaced. When replacing older vehicles, consider choosing fleets with better mileage or one that would better serve your company’s specific needs and particular geographies. If you’re not ready to make replacements, maintaining your current fleets will help extend their lifespans and save more fuel. 

When packing vehicles, ensure you include as little weight as possible, as excess weight leads to inefficient fuel use. A general rule of thumb is that for every 100 pounds you remove from a vehicle, you’ll increase fuel efficiency by 1-2%. 

Go Green 

Striving to make your fleets more eco-friendly and use less fuel will save your company money while limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Fleet tracking systems allow you to find the most efficient routes, encourage positive driving habits, monitor maintenance to expand a vehicle’s lifespan and identify which vehicles are least fuel-efficient. 

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Federal Energy Program recommends a four-step fleet management program to limit petroleum use: 

Plan: During the planning stage, your company should evaluate its goals to establish a strong fuel usage reduction plan. Your company’s multi-year sustainability strategy should include overall fleet management goals, quantifiable targets and a plan to acquire vehicles that emit lower levels of greenhouse gases. 
Collect: To implement your plan, first gather data about your fleet with enterprise vehicle tracking. Telematic data should inform your decisions and help you better understand your fleets by making a fleet profile. 
Strategize: Analyzing fleet data will let you identify both fleet management best practices and areas for improvement. Consider whether a vehicle is the proper size for a particular task, how to reduce the number of miles a vehicle travels and how to increase fuel efficiency. You may even want to consider using alternative forms of fuel, like biodiesel or electric. 
Implement: The implementation stage is where you put your plans into action. Teach drivers sustainable habits and create a strong company culture that supports a sustainable fuel infrastructure. As you implement your strategy, be sure to refine your methods as needed. 

Perform Regular Maintenance 

Regular fleet inspections help give you peace of mind that your vehicles are performing at their full capacities, preventing malfunctions and mitigating costly extensive repairs. Everyday wear and tear and corrosion decrease a truck’s productivity. Regular maintenance inspections will identify corrosion, a major cause of engine problems. Rather than waiting for issues to arise, preventative maintenance and performing vehicle diagnostic tests are key in saving your company time and money. 

Keeping up with maintenance comes with multiple benefits, including: 

Increased safety: Regular preventative maintenance and repairs prevent malfunctions and mechanical failure, increasing driver safety. You could lower insurance costs and the risk of liability while improving employee health. Improving safety also saves your company money, as you can avoid the costs associated with accidents. 
Reduced costs: Regular maintenance can help predict and minimize repair costs. Maintenance efforts like providing clean fuel filters, changing old tires and adding fresh oil help expand your mileage. 
Higher team member morale: Your drivers will know you care about them when you provide them with safe, clean and properly maintained vehicles. Reliable trucks will also help drivers feel less frustrated by breaking down less often. 
Positive company reputation: Reliable vehicles lead to more satisfied employees and customers, as vehicles are more likely to arrive at a location at the scheduled time. Happier drivers are also more likely to engage with customers pleasantly, reflecting positively on your company. Your company will earn a reputation of reliability. 

Schedule monthly checkups for your vehicles. Conducting regularly scheduled maintenance will ensure driver safety and repair minor malfunctions before they evolve into significant damages. Technological advances like GPS tracking software automate maintenance scheduling and reports to help maximize productivity and ultimately profit. 

Ways tracking software enhances maintenance scheduling to optimize fleet performance include: 

Alerts: Fleet tracking systems can alert you when it’s time for preventative maintenance by notifying you of factors like the total number of miles driven in a specific period or how many hours a truck has been on the road. Systems also send reminders before inspection time to keep you on track with your maintenance schedule. 
Record keeping: Keeping maintenance reports to analyze will help you monitor historical data and identify any inconsistencies. Records will also provide proof for warranty claims for uncommon damages and help determine whether repair services were actually rendered.
Driver habits: Poor driver behavior can take a significant toll on vehicles, leading to inefficient performance. By tracking which drivers have the most aggressive practices, you can better predict repairs and identify which drivers need further training. 
Regular schedules: Optimize your maintenance schedules by identifying patterns in the data. Establishing a maintenance schedule will also allow you to perform services outside of a vehicle’s regularly set maintenance time. 
Automation: Tracking systems automate repair notifications, record keeping and scheduling, so you can focus your attention where it’s needed most while still keeping up with maintenance schedules. 

In addition to performing regular preventative maintenance, you should also establish a vehicle replacement program. When vehicles require frequent repairs, you should replace them. Keeping fleets past their lifespan can lead to increased maintenance costs and even mechanical failures, costing your company more time and money. You should maintain a fleet portfolio and analyze historical data to establish replacement schedules and determine which vehicle models frequently fail.

Increase Driver Safety 

Safe driving is a crucial fleet management best practice. Helping drivers develop safe habits will save on fuel costs and wear and tear, ensuring your vehicles can last as long as possible. Having safe drivers and properly maintained fleets will help your company build and sustain a positive reputation. 

You can take the following steps to increase driver safety: 

Establish a strong safety culture: Safety should be at the forefront of all fleet operations. You should present drivers with clear safety policies. Create a strong company culture of safety by performing proper driver background checks, limiting driver hours to prevent fatigue and encouraging team members to report risky behavior. Tracking safety data also allows you to incentivize and reward employees who are practicing safe driving habits. 
Monitor driver behavior: You can use fleet tracking systems to monitor drivers for reckless behavior. Driver tracking systems identify where each driver is and their actions. Unsafe driving practices like sharp turns, sudden braking, speeding, distracted driving, jackrabbit starts or fatigue from not taking the required breaks could cause accidents and harm drivers and others. Using driver tracking technology also supplements timesheets and identifies which drivers could benefit from driver safety training programs. 
Implement driver training programs: After identifying which drivers need special attention, you can implement driver safety education programs. Programs should focus on preventing reckless driving and the importance of preventative maintenance. Accidents lead to injuries, lawsuits, drug tests, job rescheduling, late deliveries, paperwork and possible termination, all of which impede your productivity. 
Find the safest routes: Tracking can help you see which routes are the safest. Determining which routes are safest overlaps with efficiency, as you can map out which roads drivers should use and where they should stop for fuel. Tracking how long the engine is running can demonstrate if drivers are taking appropriate breaks, and efficient routes can discourage speeding. 
Keep up with maintenance: Maintenance saves you money by saving on fuel costs and preventing costly repairs. It also increases driver safety by preventing major malfunctions and potential accidents. Systems will alert you when it’s time for regular maintenance and develop records stored in the cloud to identify historical trends. 

Covert tracking can help you discreetly monitor and target negative behavior without the driver even realizing. These trackers keep drivers from disabling the devices and prevent accidental unplugging. Because covert trackers are hidden, they can also alert you to theft and help you recover the vehicle or notify you when a vehicle is being used outside of approved times. 

Efficient route planning with fleet management software helps drivers feel less rushed — and therefore less stressed — and keeps customer satisfaction high by safely delivering products or services on time. Some drivers are prone to speeding due to an inefficient route or a failure to plan for factors like traffic, breaks or construction. Using a vehicle speed tracking system can help you plan the most efficient routes to prevent speeding, set boundaries in particular speed limit zones or set alerts when drivers exceed a certain speed. 

Maintain Compliance With Federal Regulations and Licenses 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers who must keep records of duty service to have an electronic logging device (ELD). ELDs virtually log fleet data and driver hours to ensure drivers remain compliant with hours of service (HOS) laws and stay alert while driving. You’ll want to ensure you stay compliant with the ELD rule, as penalties can cost thousands of dollars.

ELDs are proven to increase compliance with HOS laws by automatically recording how long an engine is running, whether a vehicle is moving, how many miles a driver traveled and whether a driver took the required breaks.

ELDs come with a variety of benefits, including: 

Driver availability: Dispatchers can track HOS to see when drivers will be available and when they are taking mandatory breaks. 
Accountability: If law enforcement officials pull drivers over, electronic logs are easy to read and are accurate, keeping drivers accountable. 
Record keeping: While paper logs are easy to falsify, ELDs allow for more accurate record-keeping. Rather than relying on the driver to keep track of copious amounts of paperwork, all data is stored electronically, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.

Fleets are also subject to state and federal regulations. You should stay on top of preventative maintenance to give your drivers more confidence during inspections and have a higher compliance, safety and accountability (CSA) score. You should also ensure you’re up to date with licensing requirements to avoid paying late or non-compliance fees. 

Track Your Fleets 

One of the most effective fleet management techniques is tracking your trucks with fleet management systems. You can find the most optimized routes for improved customer satisfaction and provide more accurate arrival estimates by checking how long each delivery takes and evaluating the effectiveness of different routes. Maintaining high customer satisfaction helps customers stay loyal to your company. 

Fleet tracking comes with a variety of other benefits, including: 

More control: GPS tracking gives you more control over routing and helps you plan future routes with features like NetTrack’s Map Replay. The map shows the vehicle’s direction with an arrow icon. When you click on an icon, you can see how long a driver was at a location, the vehicle speed, its cardinal direction and the location’s street address. 
Mobile apps: Mobile apps empower you to monitor vehicle location and activity in real-time. You can easily monitor information like driving habits, fuel use and speed to detect which fleets are most productive. Apps have also streamlined fleet management, taking care of tasks like mapping that you previously had to do by hand. Because they efficiently store data in a paperless digital format, you’ll be able to clear up space at the office.
Customer service: Accessible digital data facilitates conversation between managers, drivers and customers, so you can provide customers with more accurate arrival times. Plus, GPS tracking’s ability to help you efficiently route drivers will get them to customers efficiently, leading to faster delivery times.
Employee benefits: Fleet tracking systems benefit employees by automating processes like timesheets and safety data that drivers previously had to fill out by hand. Plus, the information in the tracking system is more accurate than manual methods. These systems also help keep drivers safe by identifying dangerous driving habits and maintenance notifications. Fleet tracking systems optimize fleet performance so you can spend more time and resources addressing your drivers. 

When selecting a tracker, you’ll want to consider your particular organization’s needs. Factors to consider when choosing a tracker include:

Tracking or updates: You’ll want to determine whether you want real-time tracking or periodic updates. While real-time trackers allow you to keep a closer eye on vehicles with constant updates, periodic trackers send updates once to several times a day. 
Assets you need to track: Determining which assets your company needs to track will help you determine what type of tracker to select, as different models are designed for different vehicles and purposes. 
Metrics: After deciding which vehicles you’re going to track, you should then determine what information the tracker needs to record. For example, you may want to track driver safety or monitor the temperature of your shipments. 
Types of trackers: You’ll want to consider which tracker style will best serve your purposes. A GPS plug-in fleet tracker plugs into an OBDII port to track location and speed. GPS hardwired trackers provide more frequent updates to monitor driver activity and fleet location.

Optimize Fleet Performance With Track Your Truck 

Because your fleets are a valuable asset to your company, you’ll want to practice effective fleet management. Track Your Truck’s fleet tracking systems can ensure you’re properly maintaining your fleets to maximize productivity and profits. Our software will scale with your business, with all programming updates and changes done in-house, individualized customer support and access to a customer service site with training materials. 

Contact Track Your Truck today to request a free quote and learn how our fleet tracking systems can help you optimize fleet performance! 

A shortage of qualified drivers has been plaguing the transportation industry for years, and the trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. According to a 2019 American Trucking Association report, the shortage increased from approximately 20,000 drivers in 2005 to roughly 60,800 in 2018. At the current pace, the number may grow to 160,000 by 2028. 

Besides struggling to find enough drivers to transport their loads, companies are having trouble keeping truckers on the payroll. The spike in online deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drivers bouncing from one company to another to take advantage of higher wages, as evidenced by the 95% turnover rate. The grueling lifestyle that requires long hours on the road can also cause some drivers to burn out and pursue other career paths. 

What Are the Benefits of Improving Driver Retention?

While keeping qualified drivers is challenging, companies that make an effort and achieve successful outcomes can experience numerous benefits.

Better service: When a driver leaves, it creates an open route that can lead to delayed shipments — and unhappy customers. Retaining drivers can prevent this issue and ensure your customers are receiving their loads on time. 
Lower costs: It typically costs a company around $11,500 to hire, onboard and train a new trucker. You can avoid this prohibitive expense by hanging onto capable drivers. 
Boosts morale: Working hard to retain drivers shows you care about them and value their service. You’ll foster a positive attitude that leads to increased productivity. You’ll also create a favorable reputation throughout the industry that allows you to attract qualified candidates. 
Saves time: Higher driver retention reduces the time you’ll need to spend on staffing. You can devote more of your energy and resources to other areas of your operation.

Tips to Improve Truck Driver Retention

Is your business one of the many struggling to hold on to skilled, experienced drivers? Implementing the following driver retention strategies can increase your success rate.

Allow More Time at Home

One of the trickiest parts of the job for many drivers is being away from home for several days or longer. By working with your team to create more accommodating schedules, you can help them attain a more suitable work-life balance. They’ll be happier, experience less stress and family-related issues and reduce their risk of health problems that often result from long hours on the road. 

Route optimization software can prove invaluable when attempting to shorten trip times. You can use this tool to plan routes more efficiently and enable drivers to get home sooner. 

Adjust Your Compensation Package

Because the labor shortage has increased the demand for their services, competent, experienced truckers are in the driver’s seat — literally — regarding compensation. If you’re not paying your freight haulers as much or more than your competitors and offering them a comprehensive fringe benefits package, it’s only a matter of time until you lose them. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late to sweeten the pot for your drivers. Besides increasing their mileage rate, you can also offer more health plan options and extra paid time off. You can also get creative by providing bonuses for safe driving and reaching specific service time milestones. 

Make Training a Priority 

While spending more time training drivers might create an additional upfront cost for your company, it can generate a significant return on investment by improving driver retention. Training demonstrates to drivers that you care about and have invested in their success, increasing the likelihood they’ll stay with you longer. It also helps cut down on mistakes that can lead to costly accidents. 

Your driver training program should be ongoing — even experienced drivers can benefit from a refresher. You’ll also have more opportunities to interact with them and exchange valuable feedback. 

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

It’s crucial to communicate as much as possible with your drivers. The job’s solitary nature can sometimes make truckers feel isolated. By regularly keeping in touch, you can determine if they’re encountering any problems while on the road. Communication also eliminates guesswork, preventing confusion and enabling drivers to execute their routes more efficiently. 

What’s more, reaching out to drivers makes them feel like the valued team members they are. When retaining skilled workers, this matters nearly as much as money and working conditions. 

Maintain Your Fleet

Operating trucks that underperform or frequently break down is frustrating for drivers. If it happens too often, they’ll likely seek employment at a company that takes better care of the equipment. 

Implementing and adhering to a regular maintenance schedule can minimize repair issues that take truckers off the road and make their work lives less enjoyable. It also leads to safer vehicles and fewer accidents and disruptions to your customers’ crucial deliveries. 

Hold Drivers in Higher Esteem

The public — and in some cases, the businesses — that employ truckers sometimes take an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” attitude toward drivers or don’t treat them like the professionals most of them are. You can make your drivers feel more wanted — and more likely to stay around — by treating them respectfully. Include mentions of your driving team in marketing materials and other promotional publications when possible. 

Use the Latest Technologies

These days, transportation companies and drivers have access to numerous technological tools and resources to make the job easier and increase productivity. They can help drivers adhere to the new ELD mandate, which requires them to use electronic logging devices to record various operational and driver activity data. 

Mobile apps are also available to assist drivers with the various tasks required for maintaining compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines. And you can use fleet management systems that can assist drives with start-of-day inspections, generating and submitting fuel reports, recording delivery proofs and much more. 

Your drivers will benefit by investing in advanced, easy-to-use technology solutions that meet their unique on-the-road requirements. They’ll also have more confidence that your company has their best interests in mind. 

Contact Track Your Truck to Learn More

Track Your Truck offers an innovative GPS fleet truck tracking system that will help your drivers improve performance and enjoy a safer and less stressful work environment. You’ll have happier, more productive drivers, which will reduce costly turnover in your organization. 

Contact us today to learn more about how our solutions can positively contribute to your driver retention strategies. We’ll also be happy to provide a no-obligation quote. 

One challenge that many trucking and service delivery businesses face is employee monitoring. How do you know whether your drivers are practicing safe and efficient habits? Could they be violating the rules of the road without your knowledge?

Speeding can compromise the safety of your fleet and decrease fuel efficiency for your business. That’s why many companies look for ways to reduce employee speeding with fleet tracking solutions. With a reliable fleet management system, you can become aware of speeding drivers and stop the behavior right away.

Why Do Drivers Speed?

Drivers receive training before getting behind the wheel. They know not to speed. Yet people exceed the speed limit every day, putting themselves, other drivers and your company at risk of disaster.

The reasons drivers choose to speed will vary based on the individual and situation. Some of the most common include:

• Poor planning: An intelligent route will provide drivers with enough time to make all their required stops or reach their destination. A failure to plan for events like traffic, weather and construction can increase the pressure they feel to get there on time, making them want to speed.
• Distracted driving: It’s vital for drivers to pay attention whenever they’re behind the wheel. If they’re looking at their phones, eating or otherwise distracted, they can easily wind up exceeding the posted limit.
• Bad habits: Some people are just comfortable speeding. Other drivers think that going just slightly over the limit is okay and that law enforcement will leave them alone. These, and other bad habits, can lead to expensive speeding violations.

Why Is Speeding a Problem?

Speeding occurs any time drivers go over the posted limit or too fast for current conditions. Violations are bad news any time they occur, and professional drivers should know this better than anyone. Speeding comes with obvious safety risks, and it creates challenges for drivers, fleet managers and the company as a whole.

Some of the ways that driver speeding leads to issues include:

• Speeding tickets: Speeding tickets range in price depending on the violation and where it occurred. No matter the scenario, being pulled over creates delays in your schedule. A ticket also will cost time and money to resolve, and it can have a negative impact on your company’s CSA (Compliance, Safety and Accountability) score.
• Fuel consumption: Going over the posted speed limit is a great way to burn extra fuel. Excessive and unnecessary fuel consumption from speeding, jackrabbit starts and hard accelerating will lead to higher overhead costs. Consuming more fuel will also adversely impact your company’s sustainability goals by increasing your carbon footprint.
• Vehicle accidents: Whether it’s a single- or multi-car collision, a fender bender or a total loss, an accident can have a lasting and costly impacts on your company. Things will become even more complicated and expensive if the accident causes significant property damage, the driver is hurt or an innocent bystander gets injured.
• Unnecessary wear: All vehicles require scheduled maintenance. Every time they go down, it costs time and money. Speeding accelerates wear on vehicle engines, tires and brakes. It can also place added stress on engines that can cause parts to fail, leading to repairs and downtime that you might otherwise avoid.
• Bad publicity: In most cases, adorning your vehicles with your branding and logo is a great way to advertise products and services to the public. This same visibility will work against you if your drivers get pulled over, sending the message that your company plays loose with the rules and places a low priority on safety.

How to Track Fleet Speeding

There are many ways you can use GPS fleet tracking solutions to keep track of driver speeds, including:

• Use driver scorecards: Driver scorecards allow you to measure risky driving behavior through a tracking system. You can determine which drivers need additional training or discipline.
• Set alerts: With tracking alerts, you’ll know each time a driver goes over a certain speed. Many GPS systems have features that monitor driver speeds relative to a set number or the current speed limit.
• Define speed limit zones: Tracking software allows you to define special speed limit zones. You can set boundaries around certain areas and get alerted when a driver moves in and out or exceeds a specific speed.
• Plan better routes with a GPS tracking system: The efficiency of your routes can have a major impact on driver speed. You can use a GPS tracking system to plan, change and execute the best routes so your employees can safely reach their destinations on time.

How to Stop Speeding in Your Fleet

Once you know that there are speeding drivers in your fleet, how do you stop it from happening? A few ways to reduce employee speeding include:

• Driver training: Employee education is one of the most important parts of keeping your operations safe and efficient. Making sure drivers understand the risks before hitting the road may help them think twice before speeding.
• Incentives for safe driving: Encourage safe driving with positive reinforcement methods such as special benefits, bonuses or prizes. A little extra incentive can go a long way toward helping your team improve their driving habits.
• Tell them their speed is being tracked: If all else fails, letting your employees know they’re being tracked for speed may help improve driving behavior. This could make a huge difference for employees who want to maintain excellent job performance.

Reduce Speeding in Your Fleet With Tracking Software

These are a few of the ways you can monitor and lower truck driver speeding within your business. When you operate a delivery service or trucking business, your priority is to uphold a positive reputation while keeping employees and other drivers safe. With the help of a new GPS tracking system, you can take more control over your fleet and encourage smarter driving behaviors.

Interested in learning more about fleet tracking systems from Track Your Truck? Contact us today with any questions!

Your drivers have an important responsibility. Whether they’re transporting people or cargo, it’s critical that they use the safest, most efficient driving practices to reach their destinations on time. Holding fleet drivers accountable is the best way to keep your operations up and running. Driver accountability comes with a variety of benefits that can save you time and money while reducing safety risks.

Reduce Idle Time

One of the greatest benefits of implementing driver accountability strategies is that it can help you reduce excessive idle time. When your employees are all traveling in different locations, you need to be able to monitor them from anywhere. Are they using time wisely? Are they leaving the vehicle idle for too long?

With today’s fleet management software, you can track location as well as idle times. This information allows you to identify employees who are remaining idle too often so you can implement more effective time- and fuel-saving strategies. Additionally, drivers who know they are being tracked may be less likely to leave their vehicles idling for too long.

Increase Safety

In addition to monitoring idle times, many fleet tracking solutions provide alerts and reports for hard braking, hard acceleration, hard turns, speeding and more. This advanced technology helps you determine whether your drivers are practicing safe habits.

By holding your drivers accountable for their actions with fleet management software and the proper training, you can prevent accidents and reduce the risk of major profit losses. Access to driver habit data can also help determine who was at fault in the event of an accident or claim.

Ensure Efficient Routing

Another benefit of driver accountability monitoring is that you can determine whether your drivers are taking the most efficient traveling routes. If an employee is using company time to operate a vehicle, they’re responsible for making the most of that time. 

You can use fleet management technology to set the fastest routes and keep a close watch on your vehicles during business hours. This measure helps keep your employees on task and allows you to take steps to correct time-wasting behaviors.

Improve Customer Service

Your relationship with your customers is paramount to business success. Driver accountability helps speed up operations, which reduces wait times for deliveries and allows you to provide more accurate updates.

You can improve customer service by making sure your employees reach their delivery spots in a timely manner. Greater transparency may also lead to greater trust and loyalty between you and your customers.

Boost Your Fleet’s Productivity Today

In today’s competitive market, fleet management software is your best chance to boost fleet driver accountability. Customized alerts, constant monitoring during business hours and reliable data provide the resources you need to build an efficient, dependable workforce.

Holding your fleet drivers accountable is the key to improving driver productivity and maintaining a smooth flow of operations. With fleet tracking software, you can monitor company vehicles and keep your drivers in line while they’re out on transport or delivery. Track Your Truck offers affordable tracking software for a wide variety of industries, so feel free to contact us if you’re interested in learning more.