Author: Devin Johnson

Better Time Management For Fleet Managers Part 2

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Time Management Techniques For Fleet Managers

Yesterday, we addressed how managers can manage their time better using technology and prioritizing in “ Better Time Management For Fleet Managers ”. Today, we will go over other helpful time management techniques fleet managers can use to control their time.

Delegate

If you are fortunate enough to have staff to assist you, you need to make sure you take advantage of them by delegating tasks and authority. Most fleet managers feel that they have to do everything themselves but this is simply not the case. That is a sure-fire way to get stuck working weekends and late nights trying to catch up on your long list of tasks. There is no reason to be involved in every driver call. Your staff can handle many issues without involving you. If there is a problem that needs your attention, your staff can let you know. This way you can attend to the most important work during the day.

Do Not Put Things Off

Although many things are unpleasant, complex and/or difficult, do not put them off. Use a priority system to get all things done even if you are not looking forward to them. When faced with a problem, research the issue and resolve it. Putting something off is not an option.

Keep A Schedule

To improve your productivity, keep a schedule and stick to it. Understand that there are going to be events that will arise to disrupt your schedule and that is okay. Keeping a schedule ensures that you will not be scrambling around trying to accomplish everything that needs to get done. You can keep a schedule in an old-fashioned datebook, on your mobile device or in the computer. Use whatever is easiest for you.

Write It Down

Fleet managers are faced with many issues throughout a day. Whether you use a notebook, computer or mobile device, you can organize your records by writing it down. Many issues may not be high priority; however, you will need to follow up on them. If you do not write it down, you will most likely forget about it.

Route Optimization Software Increases Fleet Efficiency

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Increase Fleet Efficiency With Route Optimization Software

Automated route optimization software can be used to reduce operating costs with fleet tracking and performance reporting. There are many advanced tools to help companies schedule the most efficient routes, track performance and analyze their fleet operations.

Route optimization software is available as an add-on to the GoFleet GPS fleet tracking solution. It allows you to deliver a higher level of customer service because you can receive automatic alerts, visual notifications as well as advanced operational reporting. The tools can be used to help you schedule efficient routes, increase fleet effciency and keep your drivers productivity up. Your customers will notice a big difference with accurate estimated times of arrivals, short service windows and quick dispute resolution.

Optimized routing also reduces the amount of miles your drivers travel. Driving less miles is actually the most effective way to reduce your fuel costs. Since your routes will be automatically planned out for your drivers, they will actually have more time to visit more customers. The more customers you are able to provide service to, the more money your business is able to make.

Route optimization software allows you to monitor your drivers’ progress and identify any drivers who are incurring an excessive amount of miles. If a driver travels out of an authorized area, you will be immediately notified via email or dashboard message. You will immediately gain control over whether your drivers are going where they are supposed to when you add-on the route optimization software.

In addition, you will also be able to identify any drivers that have inefficient fuel usage behaviors such as excessive idling for climate control. You can also set up instant notifications if your driver idles excessively so you can immediately correct the behavior. A driver’s behavior is actually the key to how much fuel is used. Other driving behaviors that affect fuel consumption include speeding, shift patterns and excessive rpm. Route optimization software provides a better insight into your drivers’ habits so that you can work with them to improve their behaviors over time.

GPS Tracking System Software Can Help Prevent Dangerous Driving

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Help Prevent Dangerous Driving With GPS Tracking System Software

In addition to ensuring your drivers are safe, business owners need to avoid unnecessary costs from careless or dangerous driving. Some people might think there is not much you can do to prevent dangerous driving when your drivers are on the road; however, with GPS tracking system software you can prevent this behavior.

GPS tracking system software can provide insight into your drivers’ activities allowing you to easily identify dangerous driving patterns. Dangerous activities include speeding, hard breaking, engine revving, rapid acceleration and sharp cornering. The GPS tracking system software does not only give you data about what your drivers are doing on the road today, you can also see how they were driving in the past.

The GPS tracking system software allows you to proactively communicate with your drivers using audible alerts inside of the vehicle. The alert is actually a beeping sound to notify your driver they have broken one of your customized safe driving rules. The driver can then realize what they have done and immediately correct their behavior. These beeping alerts will help your driver correct their own mistakes and, over time, their driving habits will improve.

You will be able to review customized reports using the GPS tracking system software. These reports can illustrate any risky drivers, the drivers who speed the most frequently and at the highest speeds, and the driving patters of each driver.

With GPS tracking system software, you can easily set up customized notifications that can be sent to your email or software dashboard. These notifications will let you know when a driver breaks one of your rules, in real-time. For example, notifications can be sent if a driver speeds, drives out of the authorized area, hard breaks, idles excessively or drives aggressively.

The key to preventing dangerous driving using a GPS tracking system software is to develop a safety plan for your fleet drivers. You need to make sure your business has adopted a culture of safety and awareness to help prevent accidents from occurring.

Better Time Management For Fleet Managers

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Better Time Management for Fleet Managers through Technology and Prioritizing

For fleet managers, they are usually busy with no extra time on their hands. With the internet, mobile devices and cell phones, fleet management has become a 24/7 job. There is no such thing as in their “free time” or “spare time”. This means they have to manage the time they do have.

Since much of a fleet manager’s job is reactive, they are constantly responding to inquiries and reacting to crises. This can often take up the majority of the day without the fleet manager getting to regularly scheduled requirements, forecasting and planning which is also required. The pressure can become unbearable if the fleet manager is unable to manage his or her time.

Technology

One of the best tools for fleet managers to help them better manage their time is a GPS tracking system for fleet management. Having vehicle locations, vehicle histories, automatic notification for issues with drivers’ behaviors and maintenance reminders can help free up fleet managers’ time so they are able to focus on other aspects of the business.

Before GPS tracking systems, fleet managers had to try to keep track of all of their fleet vehicles wherever they were located. This is extremely time consuming and complex. With a GPS tracking system for fleet management, fleet managers can easily access the web based software from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection to see every move their fleet makes.

Prioritize

A good manager knows he or she needs to prioritize activities. Any activity that requires direct interaction should be top priority including senior management interactions, meetings, reporting, communications, and follow-ups.

Remember, every driver with an issue thinks it needs to be addressed immediately. Ask yourself “Will the driver be able to conduct business if I do not respond to him immediately?” If the answer is no, then you need to respond immediately.

True emergencies will require your immediate attention such as accidents and breakdowns. If a driver just has a question about company policy or general vehicle information, that driver can wait until your top priorities are met. Sticking to your priorities can help your day run smoothly.

Commercial GPS For Trucks: Simplifying Fleet Management

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Simplify Fleet Management With GoFleet’s Commercial GPS For Trucks

Managing a fleet can be extremely stressful and complex. When the fleet is a critical component of your business it causes the fleet management task to be even more stressful. Commercial GPS for trucks by GoFleet can make your life easier by simplifying the fleet management process.

Commercial tracking system lets you see where all your vehicles are located at all times right from the convenience of your computer or mobile device. That information is extremely useful; however, that is only the beginning of what a fleet management solution can do for you. It also provides a complete vehicle history of where the vehicle has been since the commercial GPS for truck system was installed in your fleet. If you notice an issue with a vehicle, you can easily download the vehicle’s history and analyze why the issue is occurring. This feature allows you to be able to identify any issues and take immediate correction action.

Another great feature of GoFleet’s commercial GPS for trucks is the instant alerts that can be set up. If a driver is speeding, driving aggressively, idling excessively, hard breaking or driving out of the predefined area, an instant alert can be sent to your email or displayed in the fleet management system dashboard to notify you of the issue. Knowing this information when it happens gives you the opportunity to address the problem and have it corrected immediately. The notifications can also be set up to remind you of upcoming vehicle maintenance based on engine hours, time or mileage. Making sure your vehicles receive all necessary preventative maintenance can increase the useful life of your fleet vehicles.

For more information about how our commercial GPS for trucks can simplify your fleet management with vehicle histories, instant alerts and preventative maintenance reminders, Contact Us.

What GPS Fleet Tracking Can Do For Your Small Business

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

GPS Fleet Tracking: What It Can Do For Can Do For Your Small Business

GPS fleet tracking is no longer just for large corporate fleets. It is now an affordable option available to help you gain control of your small business’ fleet. Even if you just have a few vehicles, fleet tracking is an essential business tool. You do not need expensive satellite equipment or a big investment to take advantage of the fleet management tools that your larger competitors are using.

The fleet tracking system will give you a greater transparency into your fleet operations. Most small businesses find the greatest impact for their smaller fleets is their ability to reduce overhead costs, increase fuel efficiency, improve vehicle maintenance and lower their insurance premiums. Your small business can easily save thousands of dollars by managing your fleet more efficiently.

The web based fleet management software, provides an easy to use dashboard that is completely customizable. You can set up email or desktop alerts to be immediately notified if your drivers speed, drive aggressively, hard break, idle excessively or drive out of an authorized zone. This allows you to immediately address the issue and make sure it is corrected right away. You will be able to make sure your fleet is operating at the same level of efficiency as large corporate fleets.

The GPS fleet tracking system works as an automatic timesheet. This accurate time information will help you reduce your overhead costs. Drivers will no longer accidently turn in timesheets that are inaccurate or be able to take advantage of you by purposely turning in unworked hours. Many small businesses find that they are able to immediately reduce their labor costs by up to 20 percent.

You will also be able to provide your drivers with the most efficient routes. Coupled with improving your driver’s behaviors, you will be able to increase your fuel efficiency. For most businesses with a fleet, fuel costs are the largest fleet expense. You will finally be able to control this expense even when you cannot control the cost of fuel.

fleet fuel management systems

Fuel Management Systems: Make Smarter Fuel Purchases

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Make Smarter Fuel Purchases Using Fuel Management Systems

Fuel management systems are a great way to track your fuel purchases and make the smartest decisions regarding fuel purchases. Using a fuel card integration helps business owners and fleet managers understand their fleet expenses better. Using GoFleet’s technology and fuel management systems, you can increase your return on investment significantly.

With GoFleet’s fuel management systems, there is no additional software needed. The fuel management system is an add-on to your GoFleet GPS fleet management software. In addition to managing your fleet, driver behavior, idle time, safety violations and maintenance requirements, fleet managers can also confirm, track and view fuel card purchases each day. The fuel data is processed daily so you always have information that is up to date.

GoFleet’s fuel management systems have a fully customizable dashboard. The dashboard can be set up with customized charts, fuel metrics or notification. Your fleet managers can configure alerts for fuel purchased, fuel usage and inefficient driving practices to keep track of all fuel information. Alerts can be sent by email or be displayed on the dashboard daily, weekly or monthly.

Fleet managers will be able to eliminate driver fuel theft with GoFleet’s fuel management systems. Most business do not realize how much fuel theft is actually occurring before they implement a fuel management system. When employees steal fuel, they are taking money right from your bottom line. If fuel theft is occurring at your business, you will be able to save money immediately upon implementing the fuel management systems by eliminating the theft.

With GoFleet’s fuel management systems, your fleet managers will be able to view the exact location of the merchant and the vehicle at the time of fueling up to ensure your drivers are getting gas at an authorized location. It will also ensure that the drivers are fueling up your fleet vehicle and not their own personal vehicles.

How To Reduce Fuel Consumption In Your Fleet

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Tips on How to Reduce Your Fleet’s Fuel Consumption

Companies with fleet operations would love to reduce fuel costs; however, many do not know where they should start. Check out these tips you can do to reduce your fuel consumption:

Tires

Use a tire monitoring system.
Fleets using automatic tire monitoring systems reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1.4%.

Make sure your wheels and tires are balanced.
When wheels and tires are not properly balanced, it causes vibrations and irregular wear. This wastes energy and increases fuel usage. If you make sure your wheels and tires are balanced, you increase fuel efficiency.

Fuel Purchasing And Usage

Consider a fuel card program.
You should use a fuel card program is your drivers are responsible for fueling up when they are on the road. These programs not only help you control and track fuel purchases, they also offer additional discounts on fuel.

Make sure you review your fuel invoices.
Reviewing fuel invoices is a great way to catch billing errors and identify any unusual purchases. Make sure your employees are held accountable for the fuel they purchase (This can be done easily through a fuel card program as mentioned above).

Implement a GPS fleet management solution

GPS fleet management solutions gather various information about your fleet, driver behaviors, fuel consumption and diagnostics to help you make the best possible decisions about your fleet’s fuel consumption. This information can also be used to reduce fuel consumption by identifying and correcting inefficient activities that increase fuel usage.

Keep track of fuel data.
Make sure you keep track of important fuel data including miles per gallon, fuel consumption, idle times, road speed, and hard breaking. All of which can be monitored easily all in one place using a GPS fleet management solution.

Optimized routing.
When your routes are optimized and efficient, you will use less fuel.

Monitoring idling times.
If you use a GPS fleet management system, you can monitor your drivers idling times. Excessive idling wastes fuel, costing your company money. Alerts can be set up to notify you if a driver is idling for an extended period of time.

Network Fleet Solution: The Ultimate Tool For Management

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The Ultimate Tool For Management: GoFleet’s Network Fleet Solution

When you use GoFleet’s network fleet solution, you open up the possibility of many tangible financial benefits. Any businesses that rely on their fleet to provide services and products to their customers should install GoFleet’s network fleet solution. Real-time GPS fleet tracking allows you to gain complete control of your fleet, reduce costs significantly and improve driver productivity.

Reduce Fuel Costs

GoFleet’s network fleet solution works to reduce your fuel costs. It provides dispatchers with location-based information that they can use to properly route your vehicles to job sites or locations. You will also be able to
send the closest vehicle to a job site. Drivers will not be driving all over town with efficient truck routing.

A huge factor in fuel usage is speeding. When your drivers maintain proper speeds, you can reduce the fuel usage significantly. GoFleet’s network fleet solution provides automatic alerts and speed information when a driver exceeds the speed threshold.

Another factor in fuel usage is excessive idling. Often times, drivers use excessive idling in their vehicle as a form of climate control. This causes you to lose money directly from your bottom line. Using GoFleet’s network fleet solution, you can reduce idling times. You will be automatically alerted to the issue so that it can be immediately corrected.

Excellent Customer Service

GoFleet’s network fleet solution allows you to provide better customer service. You will know exactly where your drivers are at all times. Your fleet managers can provide better dispatching and routing to your customers’ locations. Your drivers will not be able to make “off-route” stops causing a delay for your customers.

In addition, GoFleet’s network fleet solution will allow you to provide an accurate estimated time of arrival to your customers. They will greatly appreciate knowing exactly when your driver will arrive at their location. You will find that it is much easier to provide excellent customer service with a tracking system installed in your fleet.

For more information about how GoFleet’s network fleet solution can help your company, Contact Us.

Develop A Competitive Advantage: Quality Customer Service

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Quality Customer Service: Develop A Competitive Advantage

In order for your business to survive long-term, you must develop a competitive advantage to differentiate your business from your competitors. There are several ways you can do that. One main way you can develop a competitive advantage is to deliver the highest level of customer service that far surpasses your competition.

Train Your Employees

The first thing you need to do is train your employees. Your training needs to provide your employees with all the tools to do their job to the best of their ability and how to interact with your customers. Make sure you emphasize the importance of your customers and the level of service your customers expect from your business. It is essential you invest in developing and training your employees to deliver the highest quality customer service. Focus on reliability, efficiency, personal service and quality.

Deliver Customer Service

Remember, it is more cost-effective to retain your current customers than it is to attract new ones. To retain your customers, you must offer services and products that are not offered by your competitors. High quality customer service adds more value to your customers because it improves your customers’ overall experience. This makes them feel valued and increases the chance they will become a repeat customer.

It is important that you keep the lines of communication open, provide clear information and great service even after the sales. Customers want their questions, comments and issues dealt with quickly, accurately and competently. When a customer pays for a product or service they want to feel like they are getting the best value for their money and they are receiving the highest level of expertise and knowledge.

Provide each customer with specialized attention. The advice you provide each customer must be accurate and available when your customers need it. After a sale has taken place, make sure the customers are taken care of with the same level of care.