The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that every 12 minutes someone dies in a vehicle collision and every 5 seconds a crash occurs. The large majority of these accidents happen during workday hours, mostly within the to and from work commute. This can then directly effect the driver or even employer with a ton of different short and long term costs depending on the damage and injuries incurred. You would think that these costs would provide enough motivation to avoid risky driving behaviour but a research study by The Nielson & Harris Poll confirms otherwise.
For example, 2,045 adults were surveyed between May 27th and May 29th, 2014. Over 90% of those surveyed agreed texting while driving is a dangerous activity, however, over 70% admitted to doing so anyway.
Posting on social media, watching online videos, doing your makeup/hair, and driving after having a few drinks is common practice for many. All drivers make the choice to preform these unsafe driving actions, why not make the smarter choice to keep you and the others on the road safe?
As a fleet manager, it can be hard to face the fact that even though your drivers are aware of what is dangerous, they still do it anyway. Simply educating your drivers with safe driving practices may not be enough.
So how exactly can fleet managers and supervisors effectively reduce on-road risks, improve driver safety, illustrate measurable improvements, while still somehow managing their daily operations?
Implementing a Driver Safety Program
One of the most effective ways to improve on-road safety is by developing and actively implementing a driver safety program. Investing in workplace health and safety initiatives that are being backed by the support of an organization’s most senior levels of leadership has been known to result in a reduced number of illnesses, injuries and fatalities.
Empower your fleet operations with more visibility than you knew was possible. OnCommand™ Connection is the industry’s first and only remote diagnostic system for fleets of all models and makes of vehicles. Proactively identify potential issues, improve vehicle uptime, control maintenance and lower repair costs all with OnCommand™ Connection by Navistar.
How OnCommand™ Connection Works
Product Features
Proactively schedule maintenance and repairs to reduce en route events
Plot truck locations, nearest dealers, hotels and local towing providers
Quickly and easily understand fault codes with descriptions in plain English
Gain more insight with fault code action plans that provide severity information and recommend solutions
Product Benefits
Transmit truck data (location, speed, faults, etc.)
Diagnose faults and identify the severity
A single portal provides the health status of the entire fleet
Lowers repair costs and increases uptime
Work for a Navistar Dealership?
Partner with GoFleet to get the most out of OnCommand™ Connection.
HOW OnCommand™ Connection BRINGS YOU MORE SERVICE WORK
A device installed in the vehicle detects engine events and vehicle service requirements through engine performance data on the engine control module. When an alert is detected,
a message is sent to the Navistar OnCommand Customer Support Center. An OnCommand Repair Advocate then identifies the closest International dealer, confirms the right parts and tools are available and contacts the customer to schedule the maintenance appointment.
Simple. Scaleable. Low Cost.
+ GoFleet helps onboard & train your customers
+ Simple, plug & play self installation
+ Industry leading diagnostics for odometer, hours, fuel & faults
+ A fleet management solution that adjusts to changing needs
+ Reliable & fast fault codes to OnCommand
+ Powerful HOS/DVIR Compliance
Unfortunately, some unions are against the use of GPS fleet tracking devices, as many Government fleet managers are already aware. In an article in the Fairfield Citizen, union workers often refer to GPS devices as a morale buster. Union workers are fixated on the misconceptions of GPS fleet tracking and are normally not aware of the many benefits that are present.
Misconceptions Union Employees Have About GPS Tracking
Constantly monitoring them is an invasion of privacy
It will only be used to punish employees
Shows staff that management does not trust them to do their jobs
GPS devices are too expensive
Firstly, just because a GPS device is installed in your vehicle, does not mean management spends their entire day watching your every move. Do you think managers have the time to do that? If there were an emergency and a driver was needed on site as fast as possible, they could then easily pull up the map and locate the closest driver and dispatch him or her to the emergency location. This is more of a realistic scenario the devices would be used for, not constant 24/7 monitoring.
The fleet managers we work with on a daily basis are much more focused on rewarding positive driver behaviour rather than ‘punishing’ the negative. Of course if negative driver behaviour is an issue, they will address it, but they would rather focus on promoting the positive.
If a driver is constantly speeding, the manager is not only protecting the company image, they are protecting the driver from getting a ticket and potentially increasing insurance premiums and hurting his or her driving record.
It is not that management does not trust the employees, it’s that they are looking to better optimize business operations as a whole.
Our GPS fleet management system offers the ROI people are looking for. With limitless reporting options, driver coaching, route planning, and so much more, you can expect a return on investment sometimes in as little as a few months!
How to Successfully Introduce Union Workers to GPS Fleet Tracking:
Communicate Effectively: It’s no surprise that your union drivers may have an issue with GPS tracking devices being installed in their vehicles; which is why it’s important to educate them on the benefits of the system for the organization as a whole. The more they know, the more likely they are to see the benefits and accept the system.
Coaching, Not Punishment Make sure union drivers are aware the technology will be used for coaching not for punishment.
Share the Benefits When workers know they are doing a good job, they often excel even further. If one or multiple employees have greatly improved their driving habits make sure you tell them. Consider also having an incentive program for workers to work toward to improve their driving habits.
Protect Union Workers from Discrepancies You will always have solid proof if there is ever any misunderstandings, fraudulent claims, etc. between a citizen and a worker.
What Does GPS Tracking Actually Offer?
Improve and Simplify Dispatching = Better Response Times
Creating a successful dash cam program within your fleet requires a few key ingredients. Optimal installation, platform integration, driver coaching, clear company policies and rewards programs are all important factors to consider. As we’ve mentioned in this post, getting your drivers’ buy-in is the lynch pin to any successful program; this is especially true for businesses that employ union drivers.
It’s understandable that unions will have questions and concerns on behalf of their members regarding tracking technology; how it works, but more so how it will be used. That’s why the most successful dash cam programs are those that put the needs, opinions and safety of their drivers first.
John Hamill, a Business Agent at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, began studying video-based safety back in 1994, when cameras were first being used in ambulances. Since then, Hamill has helped design strategic risk-management policies as part of successful collective bargaining agreements that advocate for video-based safety technology.
As an expert in strategic planning for ambulance and passenger transit companies, Hamill brings more than 30 years of experience in transportation, training, and risk management. An expert on safety change management, Hamill knows how to craft responsible dash cam programs that work for companies, drivers and their unions.
Hamill offers recommends the following four best practices to implement a responsible and successful dash cam program for union drivers.
Best Practice No. 1: Engage the Union, First
Driver and asset safety is the entire purpose for creating a dash cam program, and unions and fleet companies have the shared goal of keeping drivers safe. For these reasons, companies are advised to value and build on their union partnerships by engaging the union prior to any rollout.
“My biggest tip to companies with union drivers is this: before going to your drivers, get the union to buy in first,” Hamill says. “Not going to the union first can lead to so many issues down the line. If, for example, the union hears about an issue first, they may want to shut down the initiative entirely. That can set a precedent that’s hard to overcome.” When unions help in crafting the policies and rollout, future misunderstandings are avoided, and everyone wins.
When beginning the dialogue with unions, Hamill recommends that companies communicate the many benefits of video-based safety for drivers. To fully articulate such benefits, says Hamill, “use data and proof points from other companies to really show the value of cameras.” This means expressing, with evidence, such benefits as:
Annual decreases in the frequency of preventable accidents as a result of video-based driver coaching and alerts.
Number of drivers exonerated from road accidents because of dash cam evidence.
Increase in driver retention and decrease in turnover after implementation of video-based driver recognition and driver rewards programs.
Many companies employ a mix of union and non-union drivers, often after negotiating annual contracts. However, notes Hamill, even in cases where the contract has already been negotiated and the dash cam program is not part of the collective bargaining agreement, companies can still utilize a side letter or a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Side letters or MOUs “are the best way to implement cameras before the next contract,” Hamill states.
Best Practice No. 2: Survey Your Drivers to Alleviate Anxiety
After starting a dialogue with the union, open the lines of communication with your drivers. Hamill recommends that you survey your drivers, introduce the topic, and ask for their opinions. Then, says Hamill, “you can build policies to alleviate their anxieties and really help create that trust.”
Hamill suggests using initial surveys that allow for broad questions and free responses, such as How do you feel about dashboard cameras as they pertain to safety? “That will give you an overall sense of sentiment. You might be surprised what the answers reveal about their specific concerns or experiences,” says Hamill. “Doing a survey can really help inform what your policy should address.”
These surveys will highlight key concerns from your team. One recurring fear of drivers is the belief that dash cams will be used to ‘spy’ on them and watch their every move. This is a common misconception that can be addressed early on. “Before you install a single camera or even build out your policy, transparent communication about the technology is key,” Hamill states.
Communicating how the technology works and what types of road events will be recorded will help build trust and transparency. Be sure to identify the following:
What are the specific dash cam capabilities
What types of events will trigger footage to be recorded and uploaded
Whether audio is being captured
What other dash cam features may be activated or deactivated
Whether in-cab coaching and safety alerts will be turned on.
“Communication will help combat fear and anxiety—which are so dangerous not only to your safety program and the culture of your company, but actually to the drivers themselves,” Hamill notes. Instead, drivers should feel comfortable and secure, with their focus safely on the road.
Best Practice No. 3: Create & Follow Clear Safety Policies
Hamill states that the key to successful fleet operations lies in designing thorough safety policies so your company’s expectations and driver requirements are clear, and following those policies.
While every company will have different needs and safety requirements, he recommends articulating the basic rules required by law—such as DOT standards—and then building out company policy from there. Safety policies may include:
A ‘zero tolerance’ policy for dangerous or illicit activities, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A tiered system of discipline based on the seriousness of an infraction, such as distractions or texting while driving.
A strike (or point) system for infractions such as speeding, close following distance or not wearing a seatbelt.
Coaching drivers and explaining clearly in advance which behaviours will result in training or coaching, and which behaviours will result in progressive discipline.
Both drivers and their union representatives should be provided with written documentation of your company’s safety and coaching policies, guidelines for coaching, and a clearly outlined process for any disciplinary actions. You can also use GoFleet’s driver coaching tools to ensure follow-through and accountability, and provide benchmarks such as driver scorecards and compliance reports.
Best Practice No. 4: Make Good Driving Rewarding & Fun
“It’s so important to make safety fun,” Hamill says, “and reward the people who are driving safely.” The ‘gamification’ of any activity—be it taking the stairs or good driving, has been proven effective by countless studies. When an activity is made more fun or rewarding, people are far more likely to do it.
Hamill notes that as a safety manager for MV Transportation, they offered a $200 bonus to drivers who went without incident for a year. This created genuine excitement and excellence from drivers. “If you don’t offer that positive incentive, you’re not encouraging people to strive for excellence,” Hamill says. “By default, you’re rewarding complacency.”
GoFleet helps incentivize driver performance through KPI metrics and driver rankings. We recommend creating a Driver Safety Rewards Program to encourage and reward safe drivers; we can also help you start a Safe Driver Contest to reinforce good practices. Our telematics devices allow you to rank driver safety so you can reward safe drivers and help ensure driver retention.
Hamill notes that while the initial perception of dash cameras can be challenging, the long-term benefits in fleet safety and efficiency make all the difference with regards to a company’s safety culture and success. Certainly, the same holds true for the safety and success of its drivers.
Interested to learn more and talk to one of our dash camera specialists? Contact us today!
At its core, the fundamental goal of fleet management software is to ensure the proper utilization and protection of every driver and vehicle. Managers can leverage fleet tracking data to evaluate the demand for vehicles throughout all four seasons, predict growth, and track driver safety. Most important to effective fleet management? Choosing the right software to support their specific industries.
ACHR News recently sat down with Vishal Singh, CEO of GoFleet, a provider of industry-leading digital fleet tracking technology. They asked Singh for some pro tips on strategies for fleet management, and what to look for before you invest in fleet tracking software.
Fleet Management Responsibilities: 5 Key Areas
“Fleet management is about responsibility,” says Singh. While ensuring the safety of each driver and vehicle is the top priority, Singh believes any proactive focus should concentrate on:
Safety: The primary responsibility; making sure drivers and vehicles are kept safe.
Productivity: Keeping fleet operations productive and on target.
Compliance: Assuring compliance, not just on the road but with regards to company policies.
Maintenance: Being proactive instead of reactive and decreasing vehicular down time.
Sustainability & Growth: Making sure fleet scalability is integrated so it can expand as your business grows.
“When I’m looking at fleet management software, I’m thinking, ‘how can I best manage these five key areas?’” says Singh. “You need to think about what’s best for you and ask yourself ‘what suite of tools can best help me operate in my industry?’”
Choosing Fleet Management Software
Digital fleet management software has expanded since general GPS tracking, first introduced two decades ago. “Today, we can track a lot more than dots on a map,” says Singh. Using two-way dashboard cameras, fleet managers can actually observe drivers and their driving habits and prevent emergencies before they happen.
Collecting the right data is perhaps the most important criteria for choosing fleet management software, and the data you need will depend on the industry in which you operate. “If it’s for food delivery, I need something to monitor the temperature of the food,” Singh says. “If I’m in a high-risk area, where I’m delivering something of high value, I need cameras. I might also want to monitor and have video recordings, which can connect to the on-board devices for live-streaming.”
For example, if you are an HVC contractor, Singh emphasizes having good maintenance routines and a proactive seasonal maintenance strategy. “With fleet management software you can set up maintenance reminders to service every vehicle,” he says. Singh also warns that failure to do regular checks means you might miss something, leading to costly repairs.
The Advantages Of Fleet Management Software
Electronic tracking devices are essential tools for locating vehicles and monitoring road safety, but they can’t operate alone. When paired with fleet management software, companies can access a rich ecosystem of telematics data. “Fleet management software allows companies to monitor vehicle faults, making sure there are no issues with the vehicles,” says Singh. “We can also, depending on the software, have software that signs work orders for the vehicles.” This can simplify regular seasonal maintenance, routine inspections and more.
Predictive maintenance is a major benefit of fleet management software. Plugging an electronic tracking device into a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics provides a holistic overview of that vehicle’s health. “We can measure how well they’re being maintained, or if there are faults on the vehicle,” Singh explains. “Understanding those faults can tell us if we need to troubleshoot.”
What does tracking actually measure? “[Tracking allows me to] measure the actual behaviours that can help me in each of those key areas,” says Singh. This can include monitoring the temperature of goods being transported, the safety of your drivers, allocating resources — the list goes on.
“With this technology you can create a way to engage keyless ignition, making it easier to pool vehicles,” Singh says. “People can share vehicles a lot easier if anyone can use their phone to start the vehicle.”
Also important, says Singh, is knowing exactly where the failure points are in fleet operations. For fleet managers, the benefits of streamlining records collections for rich, actionable data improves operational efficiency while making the best use of your fleet.
Singh goes on to explain how an integrated system of dashboard cams, video recordings, sensors and management software can all work together to protect company liability and improve safety. “Vehicle tracking is one thing; tracking the behaviours, harsh breaking and all those conditions,” says Singh. “But having video evidence helps people be more accountable.”
How? “Having cameras onboard limits your risk,” said Singh. “If there’s an accident and you have video evidence, you’re going to avoid a potential lawsuit.” Having video footage of road incidents can also help exonerate your driver “so you don’t have to deal with investigations and claims. Now, if the driver was at fault, you can deal with the payout or settlement and then move on,” he adds.
Moreover, this niche tech an help avoid accidents altogether. “When you have all this data —cameras, video — you don’t need to wait for the accident to happen. You can proactively know who your at-risk drivers are,” he says. “Then, you can work on coaching them and help them take the necessary steps to improve their driving habits.”
Knowing When To Expand
To evaluate when it’s time to expand, he recommends first measuring vehicle utilization. “Generally, companies will set up a threshold where if the utilization is above a certain amount, it’s a trigger indication that they need more vehicles,” says Singh.
“Using fleet management software, I can evaluate the demand of my vehicles through my seasons,” Singh says. “When you evaluate things like engine usage, or miles driven, you want to evaluate that against the total available hours you can drive these vehicles.”
While utilization metrics will vary with each industry, Singh recommends the following: “If you feel that utilization is above, say, 80% or whatever metric — you can then evaluate the utilization to determine how many more vehicles you need to purchase.”
With the current supply chain challenges due to COVID-19, he notes it has become more difficult to acquire new vehicles, making it even more important to plan ahead. “If you see some vehicles are not well utilized, you can cut vehicles from the fleet by pooling them,” he advises. Singh also suggests leasing additional vehicles from pools to expand fleets in a cost-effective manner.
Sustainability & Beyond
While fleet managers look to the future, there has been a big move towards electric vehicles. Singh warns, however, that there are a lot of things to consider before plugging into the electric vehicle trend. “You have to consider installing electric chargers and charger sites. You have to consider how many miles or kilometers you are driving each day,” he says. If vehicles are traveling more than 200 to 300 miles, that might be more travel time than the range of the battery can offer.
For those transitioning to electric vehicles, Singh recommends adding one vehicle at a time. Despite the initial investment, Singh says the cost savings on electric vehicles is impressive, including lowered fuel, vehicle usage and maintenance costs.
Whether you have a few vehicles or an entire fleet, electric tracking devices paired with fleet management software provides your business with benefits that are scalable, cost-effective and safe. The real beauty of fleet tracking, Singh explains, is that “when you’re evaluating this data on a monthly basis, you’re going to be ahead of the curve.”
Running your commercial fleet requires more than simply sending vehicles from point A to point B. The success of your drivers and your business depends heavily on optimizing the things you can’t see once a vehicle leaves your warehouse. Vehicle Tracking Devices can optimize your fleet by providing real-time GPS updates, collision notifications, and even engine fault detection.
In this post, we’ll break down what Vehicle Tracking Devices are, the latest generation of tracking devices currently available, and how your business can benefit from this advanced fleet protection.
What Are Vehicle Tracking Devices?
A vehicle tracking device is like the black box of an airplane; it receives GPS signals, collecting and sending navigation data and other critical vehicle information. This small piece of hardware can be as small as a matchbox, or as large as a shoebox.
Most tracking devices come equipped with a SIM-card slot and an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) plug to connect to your vehicle. Once connected, it receives GPS signals and sends vehicle information — such as vehicle location or driver speed — using the internet, satellite networks or cellular services. Tracking devices differ with regards to the data collected, how they attach to the vehicle, and their respective power source. Types of devices include:
Factory-fitted Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) devices
Plug-In devices
Hardwired after-market devices
Smartphones or tablets enabled with real-time GPS tracking
Installing tracking units can be as simple as plugging into a vehicle’s OBD-II port, or may require a qualified technician to connect the tracking device to the wiring harness of the vehicle. Most light commercial vehicles purchased since 1996 already have an internal OBD-II port, often found behind the panel below the steering wheel.
Once connected, GoFleet’s specialized tracking software can collect GPS and vehicle data. It then transmits the data in real-time to a wide variety of pre-programmed devices, such as a cell phone or a computer IP address.
Internal Data-Protection Safety Features
Each of our vehicle tracking devices has a unique code, known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This allows GoFleet’s patented tracking software to match the unique code of each vehicle, preventing confusion and maintaining fleet management integrity.
The information collected and sent from GoFleet’s tracking devices also has a range of security features that prevent third-party penetration. These cryptographic features include:
Data encryption
Authenticated end-to-end telematic security
Verification of message integrity and unique IMEI tracker codes
Non-static security keys, which impede faking a device’s unique identity
Firmware with digitally-signed pre-programming to verify the source of updates
Validation of technology by independent third-party experts
What Type of Data is Collected?
GoFleet’s vehicle tracking devices collect and transmit a rich array of information. Even when the vehicle is parked underground or indoors, the telematic tracking unit begins recording the moment the key turns in the ignition.
Using AI and the enhanced data security features, some of the telematic information collected by GoFleet’s tracking devices include:
Precise Vehicle Tracking: This includes vehicle location, driving speed, engine idling, trip distance, time markers, driver ETA and more.
Fleet Health Assessments: Our software extracts and collects essential vehicular information such as engine faults, odometer readings, service maintenance needs, vehicle VIN, even risky driving habits such as acceleration, fast cornering or harsh braking.
Advanced Telematics Capture: Our trackers receive data from a variety of internal vehicular sources, such as the engine, instrument clusters, drivetrain, diagnostics and other subsystems. This allows for methodical and data-driven dashboard reports.
Collision Notifications: If a collision is detected, GoFleet’s superior tracking devices use AI and patented algorithms to collect and send detailed forensic data. This allows for forensic reconstruction of road events, including in-vehicle reverse collisions. This data is automatically uploaded from the tracking device, and collision notifications are sent in real-time via email or desktop alerts.
Driver Coaching: By providing your drivers with immediate feedback, you can improve fleet integrity and security, reduce risk to your drivers, and encourage immediate corrective action. Visible or audible alerts, as well as spoken guidance, can be given in cases of speeding, excessive idling, or unsafe driver behaviour.
GoFleet’s Advanced Vehicle Tracking Devices
Below are the latest and best vehicle tracking units available on the global market. They also come equipped for IOX expansion. This means that your tracking system and third-party integration management can expand with your fleet, allowing for scalable telematics solutions and greater fleet flexibility. IOX add-ons include: satellite tracking, driver ID, temperature tracking, hours of service (HOS), dash cam systems and more.
GoFleet’s GO9+
Welcome to the future of vehicle tracking devices. The GO9+ is the most advanced telematics device on the planet, providing industry-leading insights on the health of your fleet vehicles, as well as trip details, driver safety and much more. The GO9+ provides everything needed for advanced telematic capture and transmission, all in a tiny, compact package.
Best of all, the GO9+ brings its own Wi-Fi hotspot on-board, allowing your vehicle to stay connected to high-speed Internet without siphoning data from individual plans. In addition to reliable Wi-Fi wherever your drivers go, GoFleet’s GO9+ offers the following state-of-the-art features:
Unparalleled GPS tracking technology
G-force monitoring
LTE connectivity and secured communications capability
Intelligent in-vehicle driver coaching and alerts
Advanced collision detection and notification
Expandability of the external device via IOX Technology
Built-in gyrometer and auto-calibrating accelerometer
Instant vehicle data, including engine and battery health assessments
Accelerated GPS acquisition time via Almanac OTA support
GPS+GLONASS support and connectivity
Advanced native support for a variety of vehicle protocols
End-to-end cybersecurity measures, including non-static security keys
Easy installation
Recommended for: Small businesses, heavy-truck fleets, corporate vehicles and ride sharing.
GoFleet’s GO9 RUGGED
If you need a vehicle tracker built for harsh environments, meet the GO9 RUGGED. This device is designed to withstand external installation, protecting against elements such as dust, water, dirt and other solids.
The GO9 RUGGED builds on the GO Rugged family, providing even more speed, reliability, security features and telematic power. That’s because the GO9 RUGGED is powered by a 32-bit processor, offering 4 times the memory and 5 times the RAM of its predecessor, the GO8 RUGGED. Using GoFleet’s AI algorithms and tracking platform, the GO9 RUGGED can accurately recreate vehicle trips, analyze incidents, provide in-vehicle alerts to notify drivers of infractions in real-time, and provide end-to-end data encryption. Features include:
State-of-the-art GPS technology
G-force monitoring
Simple and sturdy design for covert installations
Smart, live in-vehicle driver coaching capacity
Industry-leading collision detection and notification
Instant vehicle data, including engine and battery health assessments
On-board auto-calibrating accelerometer and gyrometer
Accelerated GPS acquisition time via Almanac OTA support
GPS+GLONASS support and connectivity
LTE connectivity and secured communications capability
End-to-end cybersecurity, including authentication, encryption, message integrity verification, and non-static security keys
Advanced native support for a variety of vehicle protocols
Expandability of external device via IOX Technology
FIPS 140-2 validated by the NIST
IP68 & IP69K certified for protection from water, dust, sprays and other external pressures
Does not require a dash-mounted antenna or wire splicing for installation
Recommended for: Fleets using heavy equipment, farm machinery, powered trailers, yellow iron and other major assets.
Main Benefits of Fleet Vehicle Tracking
GoFleet’s tracking devices provide businesses with the hard data required to ensure smooth operations and peace of mind. Our software works seamlessly with vehicle tracking units to integrate command centre visibility into your fleet operations.
We recommend using tracking devices for businesses that manage fleets of any size, including cars, trucks, limousines, ride-sharing, pickup trucks, trailers, farm equipment, plumbing, roofing or construction vehicles. Our devices are scalable and can connect you to your vehicles, whether you have one or 100.
Among the most prominent benefits to using vehicle tracking devices are improved fleet management and maintenance, enhanced driver safety, lower labour costs, reduced fuel costs and superior theft deterrence. Additional benefits include:
Precision GPS technology, eliminating guesswork
Live updates and visibility, providing regular updates as often as every 2 seconds
An integrated, user-friendly fleet command dashboard; giving you access to your fleet with just a few swipes
Individualized regular servicing dashboard with service records for your vehicles
The ability to capture and view telematics data such as vehicle speed, direction, and fault codes
Asset monitoring, such as temperature data and asset location
Immediate 24/7 support for fleet owners
Integrated Software and Dispatch Performance
GoFleet’s tracking units let you view your entire fleet simultaneously, regardless of their location. Our devices work synergistically with individualized driver management software, letting you streamline and fine tune your fleet’s performance to ensure peak performance and compliance.
Our integrated software monitoring system allows businesses to capture when the driver’s workday starts and ends, displays routes in real-time, and records driver stops — both scheduled and unscheduled. Our data captures also record idle periods, fuel consumption, driving speeds, mileage, and even provides alerts on lost drivers or thefts.
The benefits of our integrated platform command centre to monitor dispatch performance include:
Ensuring drivers are on schedule and automatically sharing ETAs with customers
Confirming driver HOS & PTO availability, which reduces check-in calls
Recording Driver Scorecards and 365-day performance history
Alerting to acceleration, harsh breaks and collision detection
Streamlining routing options and dispatch management
Recording miles-by-state for IFT
Assuring FMCSA 395.15 compliance
Locating lost drivers and aiding the recovery of stolen property.
Ready to Protect Your Assets?
With all of the benefits of vehicle tracking devices, can your business afford not to invest in a telematics solution that saves you time, money and resources? Our experts can help you determine which asset tracker best suits your fleet’s needs. Schedule your free consultation and demonstration today.
In the most general terms, telematics is the fusion of telecommunications (e.g. phone lines and cables) and informatics (computers) to create a holistic overview of one’s enterprise. Most often, telematics solutions are applied to commercial fleets, automating and leveraging the collection of GPS data across any number of assets.
While certainly not a new industry, the telematics field stands at the precipice of massive growth opportunities.The following is GoFleet’s primer guide on telematics; we’ll show you how it works, the types of data sets that are collected, and how to harness the power of telematics to increase your productivity and profitability.
How did telematics start?
The digital science of merging telecommunications channels with information technology (or informatics) began In the 1960s, when The Department of Defense in the U.S. developed GPS — the Global Positioning System. GPS was created specifically to trace the movement of their domestic military assets and improve internal communications.
As the internet expanded, more telecommunications networks went up, transferring data in real-time and enabling information to travel remotely, automating the capture of detailed data for a variety of purposes. Telematics was also made possible due to technological breakthroughs in machine-to-machine communication (M2M) — highly intelligent computer devices that gather and analyze mass data to manage real-world systems.
Today, vehicle telematics integrates wireless communications, GPS navigation, third-party software platforms, hands-free cell phones, automatic driving assistance systems and message encryption. Telematics systems can report on a vehicle’s speed, idling, tire pressure, driver habits, engine fault codes, collision detection and much more.
Added to the tracking device hardware, GoFleet’s software platform, AI algorithms and other patented knowledge allows for accuracy, quality and protection of GPS and other data transference. Known as ‘curve-logging’, this allows our software to discard unnecessary information, while preserving and logging the most useful vehicle maintenance data.
How telematics works
With regards to fleet tracking, vehicles equipped with Vehicle Tracking Devices; small, durable black boxes that provide superior GPS and asset tracking technology. These telematics devices often plug into an OBD II or CAN-BUS port in the vehicle. Paired with a SIM-card and on board modem, the units enable constant communication across all cellular networks.
The asset tracking, vehicle information recording, and communications transmission devices involved in telematics logging include the following key components:
GPS receiver
Engine interface
SIM card
Accelerometer
Buzzer or other audio messaging
Interface for input/output (expander port)
The devices then retrieve and record an enormous amount of data generated by a vehicle, and transmit that data through cloud technology, providing fleet towners with dashboard reports and command-centre visibility into their operations.
Since telematics devices connect to a vehicle’s sensors and hardware, the type of data they process and analyze includes:
Real-time GPS positioning
G-force and vehicle speed, measured by a built-in accelerometer
Trip distance, routing and time
Idling time records
Fuel consumption
Harsh braking, hard cornering, rapid acceleration and other bad driving habits
Seat belt usage
Vehicle faults, engine light information and other engine data
Battery voltage and vehicle temperature
Service reminders and other vehicle maintenance warnings
All of that data is captured, encoded and then transmitted through fleet management software. It is then decoded for authorized, preprogrammed users, allowing for secure transmission of actionable data to IP addresses or cell phones.
This provides the command-centre data needed for generating, viewing and exporting dashboard reports. Business intelligence insights can even create driver scorecards — identifying safe drivers, speeding incidents, or opportunities for scheduled maintenance.
Telematics in fleet management
Telematics has become an essential tool for commercial and government fleet management. In addition to tracking major assets across the globe using GPS, advances in machine learning and data analytics mean improved fleet performance and productivity. Fleets can even use benchmarking measures to compare safety, fuel consumption or other standards against similar fleets.
One indispensable feature of telematics in fleet management is the creation of advanced analytic comparisons. This provides fleet managers with hard data that can be used to identify optimal travel routes, deter theft and protect assets.
Though telematics data can be stored and sent from closed-vehicle systems, most often a fleet’s telematic technology is shared through open platforms via proprietary software. This allows businesses to integrate other hardware, after-market accessories, and third-party apps for greater efficiency, expandability and insight into business operations, while retaining data privacy.
As telematic devices continue to improve, the most popular telematics integrations for fleet management currently include:
In fact, vehicle security and identification sensors have improved so much that fleets can now authenticate a driver’s identity before they are able to start the vehicle.
Every day, more businesses, nonprofits and government agencies move toward the hard data and superior protection that telematics affords. According toAllied Market Research, the automotive telematics market was valued globally at $50.4 billion in 2018. By 2026, experts believe it will reach $320 billion.
The benefits of telematics are self-evident; they offer diagnostic tools that prolong the life of vehicles, warn of pending issues and identify areas of concern. Telematics contribute to ROI and savings so exponentially, Verizon recently wrote: “32% of fleets using fleet management technology achieved a positive ROI in less than a year,” sharing this and more data points in their2021 Fleet Technology Trends Report.
Industries currently employing telematics for their fleet tracking include:
The applications for telematics cannot be understated; it harnesses a rich ecosystem of information — from granular drivetrain details to post-collision reconstruction of driving events — ensuring the health of your vehicle and the safety of everyone on the road.
Safety tracking:
Fleet managers can use telematics to monitor the speed and location of their vehicles, as well as ensure that drivers employ good driving habits now and in the future. In the event of an accident, telematics can help identify who was at fault and what the road conditions were prior to the event, ensuring the safety of their drivers and preventing future incidents.
Maintenance:
By understanding the entire operational life cycle of their vehicles, including hours of service (HOS), warranty recovery and preventative maintenance scheduling, managers can find areas of improvement and identify problems before they occur.
Insurance:
Insurance companies can leverage telematics data to assess risk factors within a fleet and adjust premiums accordingly. Factors such as accidents, fuel consumption and engine wear can all determine — and possibly lower — insurance rates for your fleet.
GoFleet telematics support
GoFleet and our trusted partners have identified seven key areas where fleet management receives the greatest direct advantage from telematics support:
Improved Productivity: Using real-time GPS tracking and automatic trip reporting, fleets can greatly improve dispatching, routing, ETA notification and customer service.
Increased Safety: In-vehicle driver coaching alerts to drowsiness or other risky driver behaviours; collision reconstruction and theft location notifications help protect your assets.
Optimization of Fleets: Streamlining vehicle servicing with predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics improves fuel management, driver habits and vehicle integrity.
Fleet Compliance: Automates FTA reporting, inspections and compliance logging.
Platform Integration: Makes sure all your mobile asset apps and equipment communicate seamlessly, integrating camera, sensors, CRM technology and more.
Adaptable Sustainability: Reduces the environmental impact of carbon emissions, adapts to emerging power sources, and analyzes the cost effectiveness of electric vehicles.
Insurance Premiums: Because fleets can now share their safety compliance data as proof with insurance companies, risk assessments often generate lower premium costs.
The future of telematics
As GPS tracking systems and M2M technologies advance, the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow; every advance made brings us closer to the edge of a telematics revolution. From enhanced collection and capture of intelligence data to performance benchmarking and reporting for fleet optimization, the future of telematics is bright. Contact your GoFleet consultant to discuss how telematics can bring tomorrow’s technology to your fleet, today.
Back before the days of automation, truck drivers had to manually log their trips. Even after countless hours on the road, drivers were still responsible for tracking their movements, often spending additional hours accounting for every stop and start. Fortunately, the advent of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) removed that labor-intensive step by digitally automating the logging process.
Over the past four years, governments in the U.S. and Canada enacted ELD mandates for most commercial vehicles. Transport Canada has been working diligently to align with the ELD Mandate passed in the United States, which states that providers must obtain certification from a third-party to ensure their solutions meet the complex technical standards set forth by Transport Canada.
Fortunately, the jump to electronic logging has made issues of compliance far easier. GoFleet’s electronic logs capture all necessary logging information automatically, allowing drivers to record on-duty hours with great detail and freeing them up to focus on the road..
In this post, we’ll cover some of the many advantages of using ELDs; we’ll simplify how they work, what they record, and identify the key dates to comply with the current ELD mandates.
What Is an ELD?
Electronic logging devices often plug into a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. The ELD vehicle tracker then connects directly to the truck’s engine, sending data safely through mobile apps and GoFleet’s software and fleet management platform.
These telematics devices can send granular engine data — when it was turned on or off, how much fuel was used, how far the vehicle travels — along with GPS global satellite system location data. The telematics are collected and then sent securely to a server, for easy ELD mobile app viewing.
Drivers can likewise access their electronic logging information on their smartphones or tablets using our ELD mobile app. RODS and HOS records can be displayed for vehicle inspectors. This technology streamlines the capture and retrieval of massive amounts of records and receipts.
Types of Logging Data Captured
ELDs help fleet compliance managers monitor and analyze safety protocols. GoFleet’s data captures translate into real-time ELD reports showing location information, maps and a wide range of notifications. Data logging captures include:
Automatic recording of on-duty driving time, driving behaviour and driver authentication
ELDs communicate directly with the engine control module for internal synchronization
On-board gyroscope and accelerometer detect movement, providing data around safety-related events such as harsh braking or collisions
Automatically records locations, date and time stamps, engine hours, ignition status, vehicle miles driven, motor carrier type and more
Provides driver recertification records at the end of every 24-hr period
ELDs offer tamper prevention, sending out real-time vehicle location information
ELDs also transmit data—constantly to fleet command managers, and locally, on an individual basis, to DOT and other commercial vehicle inspection sites
Displays reports on-demand (on screen or print-outs) for safety officials
The Advantages of ELDs
Smart technology has revolutionized most industries, and its effects on commercial vehicles is no exception. ELDs offer enormous advantages for drivers and their parent companies. Among the most frequently cited:
1. Road Safety
Most ELDs have a gyroscope and accelerometer, which detect trigger events such as harsh braking, harsh turning and collisions. The resulting data can be used to coach drivers on safe driving, alert to driver drowsiness and even provide collision reconstruction data, which can be used to exonerate drivers from false claims. Electronic logs for truckers have become so effective that governments are mandating their use to improve driver safety, increase vehicle efficiency and save lives.
2. Streamlining Record Keeping
Record keeping and reporting is an important — if not tedious — part of any fleet’s operations. ELDs help commercial fleets simplify the process, automating the collection of Records of Duty Status (RODS), tabulating drivers’ Hours of Service (HOS) for compliance, and enabling robust reporting while simplifying administrative tasks.
Automated tracking minimizes the risk of records errors, which ultimately makes the process of enforcement checks faster. Using GoFleet’s integrated software platform, ELDs can also provide dashboard reports and internal checks on each vehicle’s integrity, with alerts for scheduled servicing dates to avoid problems before they start.
3. Asset Security
The security and loss prevention provided by ELD solutions includes real-time GPS satellite data, encrypted from end to end. Vehicles can be located easily in the event of theft, and in many cases theft can be prevented altogether.
The geofencing feature on ELDs creates a virtual boundary around a given location, and sends an alert any time a vehicle breaches the boundary, minimizing loss and reducing the cost of replacing assets. Real-time data captures everything from micro data on drive-chain stability to macro data on driver behavior and HOS, granting your fleet command-centre visibility.
4. Cost Benefits & ROI
By streamlining and upgrading the record-keeping process, your fleet can travel faster and smarter. Moreover, fleet managers can more easily identify areas for efficiency and cost savings. This is especially true with route mapping and capturing idling time, both of which dramatically reduce fuel costs.
In the event of a collision, forensic accident reconstruction and recording of harsh driving events help minimize liability and reduce insurance premiums while also serving as an opportunity to effectively coach your drivers on better driving habits.
5. HOS Compliance
The Hours of Service (HOS) Rules ensure that commercial drivers operate their vehicles within the daily limit and log working hours accurately using an elog app or electronic logbook. Because ELDs connect directly to the vehicle, they make it easier and faster to track, manage, share and improve the accuracy of a driver’s hours of service record.
The devices ensure drivers comply with the Canadian Government’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers HOS Regulations by tracking when drivers have been at the wheel and for how long.
In this light, ELDs will make it easier for drivers and motor carriers to comply with the regulations by staying within legally allowed driving hours.
Recent ELD Mandates: Who Needs ELDs?
Deadlines loom for recent inter-country ELD mandates, making it likely that all North American commercial vehicles will have to adapt to this technology soon. At present, only commercial vehicles older than model year 2000 are still exempt. Some highlights on the mandates:
Canada’s ELD Mandates & Key Dates
Canada recently published itsRegulations on Commercial Vehicles, which require Electronic Logging Devices for all commercial fleets by June 12, 2022.
Canada’s move to ELD reporting began in 2017. By June 13, 2019, Transport Canada had begun mandating ELDs for bus operators and commercial trucks. By June of 2022, Canada is expecting all fleets to have switched from daily paper logs to ELDs. Other regulatory mandates include:
Canadian ELDs must be third-party certified, not self-certified by the manufacturer, as in the U.S.
Canadian drivers will not transfer logs electronically to a federal system, like eRODS in the U.S. Instead, drivers will be required to email transfer files to officers.
There will no longer be a two-year phase-out period for ERDs; fleets must achieve ELD compliance by the 2022 date.
Canadian ELD Exemptions
Canada offers four main exemptions in their recently updated ELD regulations. Commercial vehicles may be exempt from the eLogs mandate if they meet the following criteria:
Operate the vehicle under a specifically issued permit
Are subject to rental agreements with terms under 30 days
Have a prior statutory exemption
Operate a vehicle that was manufactured before model year 2000
Canadian drivers of commercial motor vehicles manufactured before 2000 can continue to keep paper logs to track driving time and on-duty hours records.
U.S.A.’s ELD Mandates & Exemptions
ELDs are currently required of all fleet industries in the U.S. whenever any one driver logs in eight days worth of duty status logs or more (out of 30 days). The U.S. ELD mandates went into effect back in December 2017, with an expectation of full compliance by December 2019. TheFMCSA will allow exemptions for drivers who:
Are not required to keep Record of Duty Status (RODS)
Drivers who use RODS for no more than eight days during any 30-day period
Tow-away drivers, if the vehicle driven was part of a shipment
Drivers of commercial vehicles older than model year 2000
The FMCSA also recommendsconsulting their site to verify how your fleet is affected by the ELD trucking rules changes.
Meeting ELD Requirements
There are many similarities between the American and Canadian ELD mandates. Both require engine synchronization, GPS tracking, automatically capturing on-duty and off drive-time, and the use of an on-screen display to show records to roadside inspectors.
There are also some major differences between the two nations; Canadian mandates will require the ELD system to actively alert drivers when they are running close to their hours of service limits. The hours of service rules in Canada are also quite different from the U.S.
As a fleet manager, it’s important to stay detail-oriented. For trucks travelling within Canada, fleet managers should choose an ELD vendor and carrier that supports Canadian hours of service rules, and are committed to achieving third-party certification.
GoFleet to Get the Details
As everyone works towards full compliance, we at GoFleet are tracking recent electronic logbook changes to stay apprised of any developments or changes. Our ELD solutions provide industry-leading insights, while our electronic logs for truckers help simplify record keeping, providing commercial fleets peace of mind.
As technology and connectivity become ever more integrated, it’s important to choose your solutions wisely. Ask us about ourGeotab Drive ELD, an FMCSA compliant app for mobile devices that provides Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting (DVIR) and Hours of Service compliance solutions, in real-time.
All ofour integrated ELD solutions save you time and money. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or trial demonstration to see how your fleet will be affected. Our experts can help you strategize and streamline.
Local government and public works agencies rely heavily on datasets to improve their operations, satisfy their constituents and plan their community more effectively. What typically remains top of mind for most government agencies is the safety and satisfaction of their citizens. To this end, telematics can help achieve these goals by providing visibility into the inner workings of their services and fleets, creating a partnership with the public rather than an autocracy.
From vehicle tracking to functionality, telematics can have a positive impact on government operations. For example, a winter maintenance fleet manager can have specific data at his fingertips, including when plowing occurred and when, and even how much salt is left in a vehicle. The right telematics solution will help save costs, improve safety and overall operational efficiency, and help fleet managers monitor the status of services while tracking their assets on a single platform. Here’s how telematics can improve your government operations.
Single sign-on
Not all government vehicles are plows and spreaders, which is why it’s important to be able to manage all assets within your organization through one system. Managing your entire fleet through one platform reduces training, reinforces information and highlights inefficiencies.
A centralized, cloud-based “single source of truth” allows you to track assets in real-time while managing their maintenance and controlling costs. Telematics can automate your processes and eliminate hours of manual data processing, giving you more time to focus on decision-making, training and efficient operations.
Automate and manage your assets
Government organizations provide essential services and critical infrastructure that support the daily activities of residents and businesses. In addition they are responsible for maintaining service level agreements, infrastructure planning, policy and ensuring the best use and deployment of expenditures and assets.
Because government fleet managers and leaders typically oversee a diversity of vehicles and assets (usually in the form of unique GPS tracking), an integrated telematics solution would offer full visibility into the operational data of all government vehicle types on a single platform, providing the tools to maintain compliance and road safety while reducing costs.
When you increase your fleet’s capabilities, you can measure material usage and ensure equal delivery of services within the community. Ultimately, these datasets lead to lower costs and a reduced environmental impact.
Asset health
Whether seasonal or otherwise, repairing infrastructure and conducting road work is tough on vehicles and assets. Telematics allow you to monitor asset performance to ensure you get the most out of them. When you track asset utilization, such as average daily mileage and service history, you can increase their lifespan and improve your bottom line.
The right telematics solution will compile both historical and real-time data usage so you can proactively decide how best to maintain and use your assets. From forecasting future repairs to predicting vehicle replacement, the fleet reports offered from telematics data give valuable insights into performance and maintenance, giving you a holistic overview of your fleet’s health.
Increase productivity
The unfortunate truth about many government operations is the tendency towards using old management methods, such as spreadsheets, that offer little to no insight into asset usage. When you don’t know the health of your fleet, you can’t prepare for potential work, which can lead to unplanned downtime and reduced efficiency. It is essential to have an automated telematics management system that can track and manage your fleet in real-time so you can maintain productivity.
Manage public perception
In the end, government fleets answer to the governed. Give your community access to visibility and help fight false claims with historical reporting and analytics. Provide proof of vehicle location and services rendered; show your constituents how to track vehicles themselves with a public map they can easily access and maneuver. Transparency can foster a positive relationship with the public and improve overall satisfaction.
Use telematics to turn your fleet data into insights and action. Support your key government business drivers, including asset management, compliance, accountability, and efficiency. Contact your GoFleet specialist for your special offer, and schedule a demonstration today.
Time is of the essence for fleets and a lot of time is wasted in weigh station line ups. For some fleets, the hidden costs of waiting in long lines can add up to thousands of dollars each year in idling or longer than expected route completions. As a result, bypass programs are becoming increasingly popular, and new software-based bypass programs offer easy over-the-air installation and fast ROI.
Real Expectations From Using Transponder-Less Bypass Services
As previously mentioned, the cost savings is one of the main reasons fleets are looking into implementing a bypass program. However, it’s important to note that there are several other benefits as well:
Fast ROI so the monthly solution is paid off when one or two bypasses happen each month
Streamlined workflows in relation to driver delivery times and expectations
Increased driver retention as carriers address delays and on-the-road stress
Smaller carbon footprints as idling is reduced
How Bypass Programs Work
Bypass programs maximize existing tech stacks. Meaning the program uses already in place cellular networks and in-cab hardware, like the GO9 device to boost route completion performance. By using the GPS location of vehicles, cellular networks and strategically placed motion scales in highways, the bypass system will automatically screen the details of the fleet in relation to the weigh station requirements and whether the weigh station (regardless of if it is a fixed or mobile inspection site) is participating in the bypass program. Before the truck reaches the station, the bypass program transmits for the vehicle’s US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which is used to locate the fleet’s ISS (Inspection Selection System) score in the federal system. The software then employs imaging, sensor information, and authoritative data sources to give law enforcement a detailed snapshot of that vehicle and its carrier. . If digitally approved, the driver will be prompted through their already in-use GPS device to bypass the weigh station, or pull in.
A great ISS score will typically result in more bypasses; a truck with an outstanding score could receive bypasses up to98% of the time.
If you want to learn more about how you can leverage telematics and connected networks already in place check out: Maximizing Your Existing Tech Stack
What Is Required By The Carrier
The ease of a bypass program is heightened as the solution works over the air and requires no additional hardware. As previously mentioned, the program leverages data from already existing GPS tracking devices that carriers are already using for ELD compliance and fleet management purposes. All of which means the software is already integrated into your GO9 device and simply flipping a switch on the back end will activate the software over-the-air.
Where To Begin
In April 2020, GoFleet partnered with Drivewyze, North America’s largest weigh station bypass network. With the program being available at over 840 vehicle inspection sites across 45 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, it is a game changer for long haul transportation carriers.
To start a free trial of Drivewyze PreClear weigh station bypass for your fleet, contact us today! With over-the-air implementation, the ability to test the bypass program to measure your own results is faster than most solutions. Meaning you can start to improve efficiency and save faster!
Most 
