Category: Blog

FAQs – Asset Tracking Services

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

What do warehouses, schools, and construction sites all have in common? All of these places have valuable assets lying around. In order to protect and control these assets, people started using asset tracking services.

Here are some of the FAQS for asset tracking services.

 

What are asset tracking services and how does it work?

Asset tracking services manages a business’s tools or inventory. Management can include anything from locating to labeling assets.
There are typically three ways where this works – either by barcode, sensors, or tags.

Barcode

Barcode tracking is probably the most common asset tracker. People use it all the time. For instance, stores would attach barcodes to keep track of their stock.

Sensors

Sensors are another way to track assets. Some sensors are attached to an asset through hardwiring, while others sensors are easily screwed onto the asset. Once attached, the sensor uses satellite to locate and follow the asset.

Tags

Tags are very similar to sensors. Like sensors, tags are easily attached to assets. The main difference is that tags send data to a receiving device. For instance, some tags use Bluetooth to send data to phones.

What can asset trackers do?

The top 3 uses for asset tracking services include location tracking, geofencing, and environment sensors.

Location tracking

Location tracking is still the biggest reason why people use asset tracking services. Asset trackers provide real-time accurate location updates, which improves asset management.

Geofencing

Geofencing is a tool where users can draw zones. When assets enter or leave these zones, an alert is triggered. These alerts are helpful for preventing theft.

Environment sensors

Besides location data, asset trackers can collect other data points such as motion, light exposure, or temperature. Some businesses came up with creative ideas to use these data points, such as using motion sensors to create reports on how often the assets are used.

What are some real-life applications of asset trackers?

Case study – facility

Issue:

Some facilities process and ship hundreds of inventory. When facilities are large scale, they run into issues such as lost inventory and poor asset management.

Solution:

Bluetooth tracking tags are a great tool to improve asset management. Facilities frequently install Bluetooth tags to track inventory from manufacturing to shipping.

After installing Bluetooth tags, employees were able to quickly locate inventory on their phone. Also, before sending out the order, the tags confirm that all items in the shipping order have been loaded into their truck. As a result, the Bluetooth tags decrease missing inventory and increase productivity flow.

Case study – construction site

Issue:

The average construction job takes several months. Because constructors take a while to complete a job, a lot of them are required to leave equipment on

site. This makes their equipment an easy target for thieves. In fact, a recent example happened in Gatineau, where thieves stole a $160,000 lift from a site.

Solution:

Construction companies are installing sensors to monitor assets. A popular technique is drawing a geofence zone around the construction site. If an asset is stolen and taken off-site, then an alert is triggered. From here, the company can share live location data with the police to quickly recover the stolen asset.

Links
Ottawa Sentinel: Gatineau police seek assistance in heavy equipment theft investigation 

2017 Was a Big Year for Electric Vehicles (Pt. 2) | GPS Tracking for Electric Vehicles

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

“Does GoFleet provide GPS tracking for electric vehicles?”, a customer asked this year.

That question is a fantastic sign for electric vehicles! EVs are gaining steam with the general public and with fleets.

For example, a number of city fleets are planning to mass purchase EVs. Major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco and Portland plan to add electric police cruisers, street sweepers, and trash haulers.

What if their next step is installing GPS tracking? Then there is good news! GPS tracking for electric vehicles is totally possible and is a good solution for common EV issues.

GPS tracking for electric vehicles solves the following issues:

 

1) How can I plan routes so electric vehicles do not run out of battery?

Battery life is one of the biggest barriers to running a EV fleet. A lot of EVs have limited range and need to recharge during the day.

This causes headaches for route planners. Which vehicle should I assign to the job? When does the vehicle need to recharge? What if the vehicle gets stuck on the road? Indeed, route planners can spend hours or days answering these questions.

Thankfully, route management tools answer these questions.

Here’s an example of how route planning works. First, all jobs are imported into the the system. Then, restrictions such as vehicle range are entered. Afterwards, the software calculates each vehicle’s route. Finally, drivers receive the route on in-vehicle displays.

 

2) How can I maintain my electric vehicle?

One of the benefits of EVs is that it requires less tinkering than regular vehicles. This doesn’t mean EV maintenance should be ignored!

Battery, motor, and tire checkups are all important areas to look at. Some EV fleets use CMMS to track these jobs.

CMMS is a computer software that tracks vehicles and schedules their maintenance. For instance, fleets can digitally remind and track motor checks. As a result of using CMMS, fleets extend a EV’s useful life.

 

3) How can I protect my vehicle from theft?

Owners need to protect their electric vehicles from thieves. EVs are an attractive target because of their high value … except for this one!

Thieves avoid the Tesla Model S like the flu! It’s not because they think the Model S is a piece of junk. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Most thieves know that the Model S has built-in GPS tracking. Stealing a Tesla S is an invitation to get caught!

However, what if tracking devices are not included with the EV? In that case, installing a GPS tracker is the best move.

A lot of GPS trackers are easily installed. For example, Geotab units can be discreetly installed in about 15 minutes. After installation, owners get peace of mind – the tracker will quickly locate and recover stolen vehicles.

4) How can I keep a strong battery life?

Similar to anything that’s battery powered, EV owners need to prevent battery drain. Some tips to preserve battery life includes:

Batteries should be kept away from hot temperatures. EV batteries are damaged by overly hot temperatures.
Stop charging the battery once it’s full. Battery damage can occur by overloading the battery with voltage.

GPS tracking is a great way to implement these tips. Consider the following example.

Example

Geotab can prevent overcharges by creating voltage level reports:

  • The first step is creating and checking voltage alerts. Let’s say the manager notices that a particular driver has a lot of alerts.
  • The manager can then check the location of these alerts. Voilà – the manager then notices that these alerts occurred at a charging station.
  • What does this mean? It means that the driver is charging the EV, even when it’s full! The manager can now train the driver to stop overcharging.

We’re excited for GPS tracking for electric vehicles to grow even more in 2018!

Links:

IEA: Electric vehicles have another record year, reaching 2 million cars in 2016

Geotab: Drivin Smart Deliveries

Tech Times: Everyone loves Tesla Motor S except thieves: Here’s why

CleanTechnica: Battery Lifetime: How Long Can Electric Vehicle Batteries Last? https://cleantechnica.com/2016/05/31/battery-lifetime-long-can-electric-vehicle-batteries-last/

CRS Automotive: What Maintenance Do Electric Vehicles Need?

Geotab: Telematics for Hybrid & Electric Vehicles 

Safe Driving Guide | From Coaching to Collision Warning Systems

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

Where did you learn how to drive? A lot of people learn from driving schools or from family members. In my case, my dad sat in the passenger seat and he was my extra set of eyes. It sure was a relief to have someone correct my mistakes! Besides driving school or family members, people also learned from tools such as in-cab coaching and collision warning systems.

Here are 3 ways where drivers can learn how to drive safely.

ways to drive safely

1) Driving Schools

Driving schools are an awesome place to learn safe driving. So how important is driving school? Compared to people who never attended driving school, driving school graduates get 75% fewer tickets and have 16% fewer accidents. That’s a big difference!

Driving schools, typically, are a combo of classroom and hands-on training. Both training methods are important and save drivers from tickets and accidents.

Classroom training

A lot of students only look forward to hands-on training. From my driving class lessons, I recall some of my classmates dozing off in the classroom. Big mistake! Classroom training teaches driving rules and makes a difference in avoiding traffic tickets.

Hands-on training

Most students sign up for driving school because of hands-on training. Hands-on training is where students get in a car with an instructor. The instructor then teaches students how to drive safely.

The best part is that this is all done in a safe car. Because instructors have their own brakes, they can stop the vehicle before it gets in an accident.

… And new ways of training!

The exciting part is some driving schools go beyond classroom and hands-on training. Driver simulation, for instance, is a growing area.

In driving simulations, students practice with virtual reality and a driving seat. As a result, students can safely practice anything from basic driving to emergencies.

2) In-Cab Coaching

In-cab coaching is like having a personal driving instructor. A coaching device monitors driving habits and uses a speaker for verbal feedback.
Example

Let’s say a new driver is being trained on driving to the speed limit. In this case, a zero-tolerance speeding rule is set up on the device. The driver is then actively monitored and trained by the device. If they exceed the exceed the limit, an audible alert reminds the driver to slow down.

In addition to speeding, drivers can be trained on other areas. Other common areas include acceleration, braking, cornering, and seatbelts.

3) Collision Warning Systems

If in-cab training is the coach, then collision warning systems are guardians. They warn and stop drivers from getting into collisions with vehicles and pedestrians.

So how exactly do collision warning systems work? The exciting answer is that it depends on the system!

Basic collision warning systems warn drivers by using visual and audio alerts. Advanced systems, on the other hand, brake the vehicle before it crashes. They are so advanced that the system is being used to develop self-driving cars!

More information about driving safety systems:
In-cab training: GoTalk
Forward collision warning: Mobileye
UNL News Releases: Study: Driver’s ed significantly reduces teen crashes, tickets

Top 10 Dash Camera Features

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

Dash cameras are one of the fastest growing gadgets. Drivers are realizing that dash cameras protect them from accident liability. In addition, businesses are realizing that dash cameras are the next big trend for fleet safety. Accordingly, let’s determine the best camera solutions by navigating through the top 10 dash camera features.

In no particular order, here are our top 10 dash camera features!

 

1- High-quality hardware

Camera quality is one of the most important features. Dash cameras have a huge cost range, all with different quality levels. Some are $100. Others are well over $1000. It all comes down to if the cameras will work. Nothing is worse than having a broken camera when footage is needed!

Accordingly, it’s important to consider the camera’s reviews, manufacturer, and warranty. The best cameras should have no red flags.

2 – Live streaming

Live streaming is important for businesses. Businesses use live streaming to check if drivers are following rules or to train drivers in real time. For instance, one manager used live stream to check if drivers were wearing their uniform.

3 – HD video

Video quality should be clear for reviews. HD video quality is a must because lower quality cameras might not be able to catch things like license plates.

4 – Incident-Based Recording

Let’s say a driver gets in an accident and needs to review footage. What happens next? A lot of cameras require the driver to take out the SD card and review footage on the computer. They would then need to find the exact moment where the accident happened.

Incident-based recording is a much more efficient process. Dash cameras with this feature detect accidents and filters the footage. As a result, users do not need to review hours of useless footage.

5 – GPS Integration

Businesses love GPS integration. GPS devices measure things like driver location and driving habits. A recent trend is to connect that data to video footage.

For example, let’s say a manager needs footage of when drivers are at a specific site. This can be done with an integrated system! The manager would first enter that location into the system. From here, the GPS detects when drivers arrive at the location and then tells the camera to record and save footage.

6 – Panic Button

The last two features let drivers and managers save footages. What if drivers need to save footage? Some dash cameras have a panic button. When a driver presses the button, the camera saves footage for before and after that time.

7 – Cloud storage

A common concern is the camera’s storage space. Many cameras have limited space because they only rely on SD cards. SD cards need to be wiped when it’s full in order to record new footage.

Cloud storage is another way to store data. This feature is handy if a user wants unlimited storage. In this process, important footages from crashes, GPS rules or panic buttons are saved online. People are then able to dig up saved footage from many, many years ago!

8 – Wireless uploads

A related concern to cloud storage is how the footage gets online. This is usually done by one of the following two ways.

The first way is a manual upload. Owners need to eject the SD card, plug it into a computer and then save it online.

Alternatively, the second way is through wireless uploads. Wireless uploads are much easier than manual uploads. Cameras with this feature can upload videos to wifi. It is also important for large companies, where drivers can remotely upload footage instead of traveling to headquarters.

9 – Tamper-free

Tamper-free cameras are another important business feature. A recent problem is that some company drivers tamper with camera footage. In one company, a driver got in an at-fault accident. The driver ejected and destroyed the SD card.

In order to prevent tampering, some cameras are tamper-free. For example, certain cameras lock the SD card slot with a key. The key, which would be kept by the manager, is required to eject the card.

10 – Expandability

Is it enough to have dash cameras? Some people say no because they need multiple cameras. Some dash cameras allow owners to add side and back cameras. As a result of setting up multiple cameras, incidents can be recreated from every single angle.

Did you enjoy our top 10 dash camera features list? Take a look a ZenduCam, which includes all of the top 10 dash camera features!

Link:
Grand View Research: Dashboard Camera Market Worth $1.84 Billion By 2022

The World of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

Tire pressure monitoring systems evolved from a manual system to an automated system.

Why do fleets care about tire pressure monitoring systems?

Tires are important to a fleet’s success because they affect 2 categories – safety and cost.

Safety

Tires must be in tip-top form to prevent accidents. One reason is that tires are a big factor in determining braking time.

TireRack ran an experiment between new tires and worn out tires. What was the difference in braking time? The truck with worn out tires took twice as long to brake. Yikes! Instead of risking an accident, fleets use tire pressure monitoring systems to maintain healthy tires.

Cost

Tires are the 3rd leading fleet cost.

Some people stop accounting beyond repair costs. It’s a great start but tires have a greater financial impact.

One of the biggest tire costs is wasted fuel. Flat tires cause fleets to use more fuel. And, of course, fuel cost adds up! Instead of breaking the bank on fuel, tire pressure monitoring systems are installed to ensure tires are properly inflated.

How have tire systems evolved?

evolution of TMPS

Then

Tire systems used to be a manual process. This meant drivers were supposed to regularly check their tires and report any problems.

Unfortunately, manual processes leave room for human error. Not all drivers complete regular checks. Also, not all mechanics receive or finish repair jobs. As a result, manual processes increases safety and fuel cost risks.

Now

Tire pressure monitoring systems moved towards an electronic process. This is done through either an indirect system or a direct system.

Indirect system. Indirect systems estimate tire pressures by measuring the truck’s tire revolution speed. If a tire spins at a different pace than the other tires, then a tire pressure warning is created. This system is less costly but also less accurate than a direct system.

Direct system. Direct systems, on the other hand, means installing a tire pressure monitoring device directly on the tire. This device reads and reports tire pressure. As a result, drivers can take a live look at tire readings.

Case Study: PressurePro

PressurePro is an example a direct tire pressure monitoring system. Here is a quick video rundown:

 

Some of PressurePro’s most important uses include:

In-cab displays and alerts

PressurePro looks like one of those fancy gadgets on a airplane cabin. Just like a plane’s control panel, PressurePro shows tire pressure and tire temperature. Drivers can also set up alerts if the tire pressure and temperature is outside of the normal range.

Office reports

Besides sharing data with drivers, PressurePro also sends reports to the geniuses in fleet operations. This is done by integrating PressurePro with fleet management solutions. As a result, managers can review tire patterns to make decisions on tire purchases and maintenance policies.

Results

Fleets report that PressurePro’s active tire program saves money from fewer accidents, better fuel economy, and longer lasting tires.

Links
Tire Rack: Test Tire Results

Best GPS Tracking & Fleet Management Trends to Follow in 2018

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

2017 was a crazy year for GPS tracking and fleet management. Last year, fleets saw logbook mandates, electric trucks, and anything in between! 2018 also promises to be an exciting year. Here are some of the best GPS tracking and fleet management trends to follow in 2018!

fleet management trends 2018

Safety

Marijuana

Marijuana will be legal in Canada starting July 2018. One of the concerns, however, was preventing impaired driving. As such, impaired testing apps are gaining interest. For instance, engineers created apps like Good2Drive to test driver alertness at the start of the trip.

Cameras

Cameras are one of the fastest growing safety gadgets. Vehicle fleets and individual drivers are both seeing the value of dashcams. Because of dashcams, drivers are capturing accidents and successfully defending themselves against false claims.

Distracted driving

Another big newsmaker is distracted driving. Thankfully, the public is much more aware about the dangers of distracted driving. This concern is also reflected by businesses – many fleets created strict policies against texting and driving.

Autonomous Driving

Self driving cars continue to appear on the news. Last year, the FMCSA had a public hearing about the future of self driving cars.

In addition to the hearing, another big step was the Tesla Semis conference. These trucks are electric and are able to self-drive on highways. Several companies have already publically pre-ordered up over 100 trucks!

Although the trucks might not yet hit the road, the market is definitely there. Nonetheless, we can expect further debate and policies in 2018 around self driving trucks.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime is another thing to look for after an eventful 2017. 2017 was indeed a big year for cybercrime, where businesses and even governments were hacked.

Cyber criminals can also target GPS and fleet management systems. These systems contain treasure boxes of data. Hackers can access sensitive data and can even control vehicles in some systems! How can fleets prevent cybercrime?

The best GPS systems have strong cyber security systems. For instance, Geotab includes security in their company culture. Their system has many levels of protection, including encrypted data, secure cloud storage, and controlled firmware updates.

Driver Engagement

Driver recruiting and engagement remains an industry challenge. Older drivers are retiring and that is causing a driver shortage. In order to adapt to a changing workforce, driver recruiters are using creative techniques.

One company used social media to attract new young drivers. They shared pictures of community events, driver birthdays, and driver awards. This resulted in thousands of followers and regular job inquiry messages on social media.

More Data

For a long time, GPS tracking meant just looking at vehicle location.  Only a few years ago, many businesses were resistant to GPS tracking. Fast forward a few years and that attitude has now changed. Fleets are not only buying into GPS tracking but are also asking for more data!

The best GPS tracking services have driver, fuel, and diagnostic reports. Customers are starting to realize this.

In 2016 and in the early parts of 2017, purchasers often ask for “basic location tracking”. As the year progressed, purchasers were asking for more reports. In 2018, we expect fleets to collect and measure even more data.

Regulations

2017 was a big year for rules. Many businesses revamped their logbook policies in order to get into compliance with the ELD rules.

Some of the biggest 2018 fleet management regulations include:

  • Canadian ELD mandate. Transport Canada is drafting its own version of the ELD mandate. It’s expected to be similar to the American rules and should be released shortly.
  • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Food carriers are required to keep storage reports. Companies are using temperature monitoring systems to report and alert temperature changes.

Enjoyed our list on 2018’s best GPS tracking & fleet management trends? Sign up to our newsletter to receive regular industry updates!

Links
Geotab: Best Practices for Cybersecurity Management in Telematics

5 Tips for Getting Home Safely this New Year’s Eve

Posted on | by Samantha Tung

Written by Samantha Tung, Caliber Collision

New Year’s Eve is a day full of excitement and celebration. However, all of that celebrating can create a dangerous situation out on the roads.

On New Year’s Eve, there are more alcohol-related car accidents than most other nights. In fact, when compared to an average weekend night, there is about 71 percent more alcohol- and drug-related accidents between 6 pm on December 31 and 6 am on January 1st.

Because these crashes are so common, it is especially important that you stay safe when on the roads.

Follow these five tips to ensure you make it home safely this New Year’s Eve.

safe NYE driving

1. Have a Designated Driver

One of the easiest ways to get home safe on New Year’s Eve this year is to have a designated driver pick you up and drop you off at home. You probably won’t have to pay your designated driver! You can always buy them dinner or non-alcoholic drinks in exchange for a safe ride home. Just make sure you choose someone who won’t drink at the party or event you’re going to. Even a single drink can be dangerous!

However, if you don’t have a friend that’s willing to be a designated driver, Dryver offers designated driver services across 76 cities in the United States via a smartphone app. You can easily hire a designated driver pick up a few guests for an event, by the hour, or for order pickup services all through the app. Plus, the driver uses your car, so there’s no need to worry about Uber drivers and cabs fighting over who picks up whom.

2. Use Public Transportation

The easiest and cheapest way to get home safe on New Year’s Eve is taking public transportation, whether it be using a bus, boat, or subway.
Fortunately, most cities have public transportation, so it won’t be challenging to find a safe route home. Also, most major cities offer reduced or free late night services for public transportation on New Year’s Eve and other major holidays.

3. Book a Cab or Use a Rideshare Service

Clearly, one of the more popular ways to get to and from a destination safely is taking a cab, Lyft, or Uber. However, more often enough, rideshare services are becoming increasingly more popular than cabs. You can hail a ride and pay for it right from the app.

When you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, make sure you avoid the costly surge charge. Usually, during major holidays when traffic is bad or there are fewer drivers on the road, rideshare services charge users a “surge charge,” which is usually twice the cost of a normal ride. However, Uber representatives predict that the surge on New Year’s Eve will last from 12:30 to 2:30, so make sure you get a ride either before or after!

4. Consider Staying Over

If you can’t find a designated driver or don’t have the money for a rideshare service, there’s no need to worry. If you’re at a party, consider staying over until the morning.

Most cases, your friends are already planning on staying over, and it will be easier for your convenience. However, just make sure you ask the host of the party beforehand, to make sure they have enough room for you to stay over. Plus, they might even offer you a ride home in the morning, once everyone is sober.

5. Contact AAA

If you have an AAA membership, you may be in luck. AAA offers pickup service to over 20 regions in the country on New Year’s Eve. Although this means that their services aren’t available to everyone, you should try to contact AAA and schedule some sort of pick up after your party to ensure a safe drive home. You can also check online to see whether or not their service is available in your area.

Samantha Tung is a contributing writer and media specialist for Caliber Collision. She often contributes content for a variety of car safety blogs. 

2017 Was a Big Year for Electric Vehicles (Pt. 1) | Electric Truck

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

The electric truck, led by the big Tesla reveal, is making a big buzz!

Earlier this year, Elon Musk dazzled the audience by revealing the Tesla Semi. The Tesla Semi is Tesla’s all-electric truck and is an amazing feat for electric vehicles!

What’s with the electric vehicle buzz?

Electric vehicles are soaring in popularity. A lot of people wrote off electric cars. Just a few years ago, there was even a documentary called “Who Killed the Electric Car?”. For a long time, electric cars were slow selling and were tagged as a toy for green geeks.

This isn’t the case anymore! For instance, there are now at least 34 electric vehicles on the American market. In the last few years, engineers designed electric cars to be affordable, quick charging, and powerful.

In addition to regular people looking into electric vehicles, many fleets are doing the same. Let’s take a look at why fleets are excited about the Tesla Semi.

year of electric vehicles

Highlights on Tesla’s big electric truck reveal:

Pure electric

The Tesla Semi is fully electric! The truck can be used for both short haul and long haul jobs.

For short-haul jobs, the Tesla Semi can be used on a single charge per day. This is because its battery life has a range of 500 miles. How convenient!

What about long haul? Long-haul truckers can quickly charge their Tesla Semi throughout their route. The Tesla Semi uses Megachargers, which are mega powerful solar-powered battery chargers. As a result, truckers can fully charge their truck during their 30-minute break.

Economical

Elon Musk promises that the Tesla Semi will save money from the start. He went as far as saying that using diesel trucks would be “economic suicide”.

To Tesla’s point, a lot of people were surprised at the Tesla Semi’s affordable price tag. The trucks start at $150,000, which is in line with some diesel models.

The real savings, however, start after using the truck. The Tesla Semi only has a cost of about $0.85 per mile. This is lower than diesel trucks and rail alternatives.

Super performance

Sure, the Tesla Semi runs on electricity and might be cheaper per mile. That’s all cool, but how does the Tesla Semi perform against traditional trucks?

Alas, the Tesla Semi does not disappoint. Onlookers felt giddy about the technical specs. For example, the tractor can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds! Musk also promised that the truck is sturdy enough to have 0 breakdowns in its first million miles.

Safety and autonomous driving

Another big part of Tesla’s reveal is autonomous driving. In addition to just being an electric truck, Musk said that the Tesla Semi can drive itself on the highway.

Indeed, to the crowd’s amazement, the Tesla Semi uses collision avoidance and lane assist technology to get the job done. These tools ensure that Tesla Semis can drive safely and avoid accidents.

Also, it allows Tesla Semis to “platoon”. Platooning is where trucks are connected together and drive in a line. As a result of platooning, driving efficiency and traffic flow is improved.

How are fleets reacting to the Tesla Semi?

The Tesla Semi is popular among fleets and will soon be on the road. Production is scheduled to start in 2019 and some fleets already committed to adding these trucks.

Just like digital products, fleets eagerly pre-ordered the Tesla Semis. Companies on the preorder list include JB Hunt, Walmart and Loblaw.

Electric vehicles are indeed alive!

Check back in for part 2 of our electric truck series, where we explore tracking for electric trucks!

Links:

Truck News: Tesla semi hits the streets

BGR: Tesla reveals pricing for the Tesla Semi and it’s surprisingly competitive

Wired: Meet the Tesla Semitruck, Elon Musk’s Most Electrifying Gamble Yet

Mashable: Tesla’s new ‘Megachargers’ will give its Semis power for 400 miles in 30 minutes

DOT HOS Regulations

DOT HOS Regulations | A Driver’s Intro Guide to ELDs

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

Across the country, many drivers are starting to electronically record their DOT HOS logs. Since a lot of drivers are used to paper logs, switching to ELDs is a big change.

In fact, one common concern is teaching drivers how to use ELDs. “A lot of our drivers don’t even have phones and other drivers still use flip phones,” said a concerned fleet manager. “How are we going to get drivers to learn these new gadgets?”

Fortunately, DOT HOS compliance does not have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What devices will drivers use to record their DOT HOS logs?
  • How do drivers use such devices?

What devices are needed to record and display DOT HOS logs?

Drivers need a device that is compliant with the FMCSA rules. In most systems, this involves a plug-in device and a screen to display the data.

For example, GoFleet supplies Geotab units. These units are compliant with ELD rules and records DOT truck driving hours. Drivers can then use a compatible smartphone, tablet, or Garmin to display their hours.

How do drivers use ELD devices?

ELDs are easy-to-use – even for people who are new to the tech!

Here are a few steps:

1 – Start the application.

Drivers can download the Geotab Drive app on a personal device. After downloading the app, drivers log in with their username and password.

Geotab Drive app

2 – Syncing vehicle data.

After logging in, the app will automatically sync driving data from the Geotab unit. Then, drivers can select their vehicle and claim their log entries.

syncing vehicle data geotab

3 – Completing DVIRs.

After claiming their logs, drivers can electronically fill in their DVIRs. Instead of having to work on paper, drivers can use the app to fill in a DVIR form. Drivers can also review previous inspections.

Completing DVIRs

4 – Using the HOS display.
Drivers can select the “HOS” button to view their hours. This handy screen shows how many hours drivers have left and their current status.

The device automatically switches to “Driving” when the truck is moving and switches to “On Duty” if the truck is stopped for 5 consecutive minutes. Otherwise, drivers can select “Off” if they are taking a break.

Using the HOS display

5 – Verifying and summarizing logs.

Drivers can also verify and summarize their logs. Under the “Graphs” page, drivers can see a history of verified and edited logs.

If drivers need to show their logs for a roadside inspection, drivers can quickly create a report. The app would then generate logs over the past few days.

eld report

Need training with Geotab Drive? Simply schedule a training session with our support team!

Getting Through Winter 2018 | Part 2: Winter Fleet Operations

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

Fleets are gearing up for winter fleet operations. Recently, weather forecasters predicted that winter 2018 is going to be a big one!

According to their forecasts, this winter will be snowier and colder than normal. In Ontario and Quebec, forecasters are calling for a classic Canadian winter with snowfalls lasting until March. This is because this year’s weather system closely matches some of the strongest winters in recent years.

In our second guide for winter 2018, we will take a look at how to improve winter fleet operations.

Common Winter Fleet Operations Issues

Mother Nature

Issue: Winter weather disrupts business.

Imagine this. A client schedules a job and needs timely service. The truck goes on the road and everything seems to be going smoothly – until we check the forecast. The forecast warns, “Blizzard warning in effect. Traffic will be delayed.” Then, the driver calls and says that they are stranded. Ouch!

Winter can be brutal for fleets. Drivers often struggle with weather delays and have to go through unsafe roads. How can fleets balance customer expectations with weather delays?

Solution: Fleets need to plan ahead and regularly communicate with drivers.

Although delays are unavoidable, a big part of winter fleet operations involves tracking and planning for storms. Fleet tracking programs are able to do both of these things.

For example, the Geotab system has a Road Weather Hazard feature. With this feature, fleets can track bad weather and warn drivers ahead of time. Also, the system takes a look at road closures and delays. Dispatchers and drivers can then use this info to avoid getting stuck on the road.

Defensive Driving

Issue: Winter driving is dangerous and drivers need to be extra careful.

Winter is one of the most dangerous times to drive. In an average year, there are hundreds of thousands of crashes due to weather. As a result, drivers are trained to drive defensively.

Some of the best practices of winter driving include:

  • Making sure all lights, windows and mirrors are visible
  • Driving extra slow and braking early, especially at intersections and ramps
  • Keeping a safe distance from other drivers

The challenge, however, is for fleets to get drivers to follow these best practices.

Solution: Companies can monitor and track defensive driving habits.

Fleets are solidifying their safety policies by measuring defensive driving rules. For example, fleets might encourage slowing down on ramps by setting maximum ramp speeds. In order to monitor if drivers are slowing down, fleets rely on tracking software to look at custom ramp speed rules.

Communication

Problem: Drivers need a reliable way to communicate.

One of the risks of winter driving is getting stranded on the road. Unfortunately, there are many cases of stranded drivers each winter.

As a result, a lot of drivers carry winter survival kits in case they get stranded. These kits include enough food and water for a few days. It also includes a reliable radio or phone. In addition to winter survival kits, what are other ways to provide drivers with peace of mind?

Solution: Fleets are equipping trucks with emergency contact systems.

Some fleets are adding a satellite mandown system to winter survival kits. These systems provide a way for stranded drivers to call for help, no matter where they are. “My drivers have asked for a mandown system for a long time. It lets them call for help when their cellphones don’t work.”, said a fleet manager.

Is your fleet prepared for this year’s classic winter?

Links:
Weather Network: ‘Classic’ Canadian winter making a comeback
Geotab: Protect Your Fleet from Winter Weather Hazards
C.H. Robinson The Road: Winter Weather Impacts Trucking