Category: Blog

How to Change Drivers’ Behaviors

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Change Drivers’ Behaviors: The How To Guide

Now that you have a GPS fleet tracking system implemented, you want to start changing your drivers’ behaviors. One of the best ways to encourage good driving practices is to use peer competition. Peer competition can play a huge role in changing your fleet drivers’ behaviors. Data from GPS fleet tracking system can be used to promote open communication and friendly competition. One company reports speeding alerts over 15 miles per hour have decreased by 50% and speeding alerts under 15 miles per hour have decrease by approximately 25%. Reducing speeding and improving other drivers’ behaviors does not only increase safety, it improves fuel efficiency, decreases liability risk, and improves productivity.

Encourage Healthy Competition

Run monthly or weekly reports about various driving behaviors such as speeding, excessive idling, aggressive driving and route deviation. Post the reports in a place all of the drivers can see their performance and compare it to the performance of their co-workers. This form of open reporting will encourage healthy competition among your drivers.

Put Money On It

If you are really serious about changing your drivers’ behaviors, consider providing a small cash prize each month to the driver with the smallest percentage of driving alerts per 100 miles driven. Using the smallest percentage of alerts instead of just the lowest amount of driving alerts levels the playing field. That way a driver who works part-time does not get rewarded just because they have less driving alerts than a driver who puts in 10 hours each day on the road.

Use A Two Tier Speeding System

Create two types of speeding alerts, regular speed alerts (up to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit) and severe speed alerts (over 15 miles per hour over the speed limit). All speeding is not considered equal. Regular speed alerts can act like warnings to the drivers. Whereas severe speed alerts are a more serious infraction and should have consequences.

The key to encouraging healthy competition and changing drivers’ behaviors is to create an environment of safe and efficient driving practices. Even the managements driving alerts should be posted. It is important that management sets the tone from the top and exemplifies safe driving practices. The workers will follow suit.

Live GPS Tracking Device Used To Make HVAC Companies More Efficient

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

HVAC Companies Use Live GPS Tracking Device to Help Make Them More Efficient

Heating ventilation and air conditioning companies can use GoFleet’s live GPS tracking device to manage their trucks. If your workers are scattered all over the region tending to your clients, you need to keep track of your employees and equipment without having to add additional field managers.

GoFleet’s live GPS tracking device for HVAC tracking will allow you to know exactly when your employees arrive and depart the job site. It will also decrease your business expenses while it increases your bottom line.

Using GoFleet’s GPS tracking device for your HVAC company will reduce unauthorized use. When you know exactly where your equipment and trucks are located, you can eliminate any unauthorized use. You can set up as many alerts as you would like to let you know if your trucks are where they are supposed to be at a given time.

In addition to reducing unauthorized use of your equipment, using GoFleet’s live GPS tracking device will also help you save on fuel costs. There are real-time alerts that can be sent to you by email and/or SMS text message. You can be alerted if your vehicle is in an unauthorized area. You can also set up alerts to let you know if your drivers are speeding or excessively idling for climate control. Additionally, you will be able to provide your drivers with the fastest and most efficient route to get to their job sites.

When you use GoFleet’s live GPS tracking device, you will be able to keep your crew on schedule. Customers will receive better service because your drivers will arrive on time and you will be able to give them a realistic time of arrival. The efficiencies you will gain using GoFleet’s live GPS tracking device will help you obtain more clients and provide a faster service.

Software Management Tools For The Transportation Industry

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Transportation Industry Software Management Tools

The transportation industry is able to take advantage of virtually all software management tools that GPS fleet tracking systems have to offer. The benefits are not just for large transportation corporations; small transportation companies can take advantage of all of the software management tools too.

– Reduce operating costs: Software management tools can reduce many unnecessary overhead expenses by eliminating unauthorized usage of vehicles, unnecessary overtime, billing discrepancies and excessive fuel consumption.

– Improve customer service: The software management tools allows transportation companies to provide first class customer service with accurate times of arrival, exact vehicle locations and shorter service windows.

– Superior routing and dispatching: GPS fleet tracking systems provide efficient route planning with predictable scheduling which reduces driving time between destination points. The system also improves dispatching by preventing inaccuracies. It also improves communication between dispatchers and drivers.

– Maintenance management: Software management tools allows fleet managers to organize and stay on top of preventative maintenance schedules. Fleet managers can also set up reminders for all maintenance activities based on engine hours, mileage, engine hours or time.

– Improve driver safety: Enhance driver security and safety by monitoring driver behavior, tracking vehicle activity, and providing direct support and assistance to the driver.

– Competitive advantage: Transportation companies can gain a competitive advantage by implementing a GPS fleet tracking system with software management tools. The company will provide better service, reduce costs and increase the bottom line.

– Vehicle real-time tracking and location information. When a transportation company uses software management tools, they will always know where their vehicles and drivers are. In addition, they will be able to locate vehicles in the event they are lost or stolen with exact vehicle location details.

GoFleet offers a wide range of software management tools for transportation companies of all sizes. For more information about how your transportation company can benefit from a GoFleet fleet tracking system, Contact Us.

Survival Guide For Fleet Managers

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Fleet Managers’ Survival Guide

In today’s tough economic economy, fleet managers face many stressful challenges from budgets being slashed to a greater demand on their drivers and fleet vehicles. For fleet managers to survive, they need to try to look for an upside in the down economy and learn to manage their stress.

Stress must be managed because it is extremely easy to become overwhelmed with fewer resources and greater responsibilities. If stress is not managed, it can lead to health issues, burnout and diminished job performance.

Lean On Your Vendors

Many vendors such as fleet management companies, specialty equipment manufactures and OEM representatives can provide additional assistance and knowledge that can make a fleet manager’s job a little easier. Often times there is no extra charge for the assistance these vendors provide.

Demonstrate The Value Of Your Fleet

Senior management often view their fleet department as a necessary cost center that doesn’t create a tangible value for the business. This misconception results in their fleet department becoming the primary target when budget cuts roll around

Fleet managers can help prevent this initial impulse by making the fleet department more visible to the business’ senior management. A good way to do this is to provide a regular report to management demonstrating the fleet’s impact on the business. Include important factors such as total vehicles, miles driven, cost per mile, fuel usage and the amount of money saved on fuel and operating cost.

Develop Expertise

Fleet managers must be knowledgeable and effective in many areas including contract negotiation, effective communication, crisis management, staff motivation, policy development and cost reduction. Fleet managers must be competent in all areas; however, it is helpful for them to specialize and become an expert in two or three areas.

Leverage Your Technology

Technology can be a fleet manager’s “best friend” when leveraged properly. Many fleet managers lean heavily on mobile devices such as laptops, iPhones, tablets or smartphones. These devices allow fleet managers to work from anywhere, manage drivers, and stay connected

In addition, GPS fleet management systems can really be a valuable tool for all fleet managers. These systems can be used to make fleet operations more visible, reduce fleet operating costs, manage driver behavior, organize fleet preventative maintenance, improve productivity and measure performance

Computerized Maintenance Management Software Features

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Features of GoFleet’s Computerized Maintenance Management Software

Businesses face many challenges trying to manage their fleet’s maintenance. Handling the process manually can prove time consuming and complicated. It is not difficult to overlook the scheduling of preventative maintenance. In addition, unexpected repair costs, scheduling issues and inefficient fuel usage can increase the operating costs for each vehicle and hurt the business’ bottom line.

Fleet managers can improve their operations with GoFleet’s computerized maintenance management software add-on. This software lets managers gain control of their operations and manage maintenance costs. GoFleet’s computerized maintenance management software is easy to use and fully customizable to meet each business’ individual needs.

Fleet managers are able to quickly resolve their fleet maintenance issues and anticipate maintenance requirements in the future. GoFleet provides a wide variety of computerized maintenance management software tools to handle vehicle service issues, preventative maintenance and scheduling repairs.

The computerized maintenance management software is fully integrated with GoFleet’s GPS fleet tracking system allowing managers to track, capture and analyze all of the fleet’s metrics including vehicle usage, engine hours, fuel consumption, vehicle data and fleet operation costs. This data allows fleet managers and business owners to make informed business decisions to optimize their fleet operations, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the bottom line.

Advantages of Computerized Maintenance Management System

Fleet managers can easily schedule maintenance activities and reminders for all necessary maintenance including oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotation, license renewal and lease expiry. Customized reminders can be set up for any other maintenance activities. Reminders can be set up as a one-time event or recurring events based on vehicle mileage, vehicle engine hours or a set time frame.

Fleet managers can define as many triggers for preventative maintenance as necessary. These triggers can automatically complete vehicle maintenance work orders and other maintenance tasks. Meter readings are also monitored automatically.

With GoFleet’s computerized maintenance management software, fleet managers will be able to manage their vehicle’s full life-cycle with a complete view of all mobile assets and equipment. For more information about the computerized maintenance management software, Contact Us.

Distracted Driving Is A Major Concern For Fleet Managers

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

A Major Concern For Fleet Managers: Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems fleet managers have to deal with. According to the Official US Government Website For Distracted Driving, distracted driving has become a dangerous epidemic. Each year, there are over 3,000 people killed in crashes caused by distracted driving. A driving distraction is any activity that takes the driver’s mind and attention off of the road or reduces the visual connection with the road, traffic and surrounding environment.

For fleet managers, drivers getting distracted while driving can turn into huge financial losses due to injuries and damages to the vehicles. In addition, it can cause reduced productivity when drivers are in an accident caused by distracted driving.

Visual distractions occur when the driver takes his eyes off the road. When a driver’s thinking process about driving is interrupted, it is known as a cognitive distraction. While visual distractions are more obvious, cognitive distractions are often less recognized. For example, although the driver many only be visually distracted for a couple of seconds when dialing a phone number, he is cognitively distracted for the entire length of a telephone call.

Sometimes the fleet managers are actually to blame. They could be assigning tasks for the driver to completed en route to job sites such as calling the office or calling a customer prior to arriving. Furthermore, a fleet manager may not provide their drivers with adequate training. Not all fleet managers are aware of some of the really great training programs available that will teach their drivers the skills they need to drive safe and efficiently. All drivers should receive basic skills driver training regardless of their experience level when they join your organization.

Types Of Distractions

When fleet managers are creating driving policies, promoting compliance and enforcing policies, it is critical they first identify the current distraction trends and their potential impact on their drivers.

Fleet managers must be aware of distracted driving behaviors such as:

– Visual and cognitive distractions

– Talking on the telephone (using both hands-free and handheld devices)

– Data entry (texting, dialing, GPS data entry, etc.)

– In-vehicle activities (drinking, eating, smoking, grooming, reaching for items, etc.)

– Roadside diversions (disabled vehicles, billboards, advertisements on vehicles, rubbernecking, etc.)

– Drowsiness

Distractions Caused By Mobile Devices

While there are many types of distractions drivers face, talking on a cell phones, using other mobile devices and texting while driving are a primary concerns for fleet managers. In fact, many studies uncovered that talking on a cell phone while driving (hands-free or handheld), increases the risk of accidents similar to the risk of accidents with drivers that have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08. Fleet managers should focus on eliminating the use of these mobile devices while the vehicle is in motion or stopped briefly at traffic lights, stopped signs or in traffic. Drivers should be trained to pull over on the side of the road or into a parking lot if they need to use a mobile device.

Fleet managers should strongly consider implementing a policy banning the use of hands-free and handheld cell phones while the vehicle is in motion. Many companies are beginning to adopt no cell phone usage policies. Although there will be an adjustment period, companies have not reported any loss in productivity. In fact, 9% of fleet managers actually reported an increase in productivity after implementing this type of policy. All drivers will adapt. Before drivers leave their location, they will begin to stop and think if they have made all calls that need to be addressed right away.

For long-term results, the entire organization needs to be held accountable including the business owner and managers. To begin, fleet managers need to make all drivers understand that the policy has no exceptions. It is important that drivers are not just told “do not text or talk on the phone,” they must be told why the policy is so important and solutions must be provided. For example, make a suggestion that drivers keep their phone on silent while they are driving so they are not tempted to answer the call if it rings.

Strict policies need to be developed with clear consequences if a driver uses the phone while in the vehicle is in motion. Policy follow-through is extremely important. If fleet vehicles have an event data recorder installed for recording activities leading to a crash, make sure that the drivers are aware that the recorder will record their mobile device usage as well.

More and more companies are adopting distracted driving policies and no cell phone usage policies. However, a policy is not effective without having a well-developed strategy to back it up. Fleet managers need to step up the policy, allocate the budget and focus to ensure full compliance. Whether it is implementing compliance technology or employing consequences, drivers need to know your business takes distracted driving issues very seriously.

Fleet Technology Can Improve Driver Safety

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Improve Driver Safety with Fleet Technology

Safety should not be estimated or second guessed. Fleet managers cannot afford to skimp on training for their drivers. To improve driver safety, the first step is to make sure the entire business adopts a culture of safety. If the company owners and managers do not participate and support safe practices, the fleet safety improvements cannot be accomplished. Fleet managers are now turning to technology to help guarantee their drivers perform their jobs securely and safely.

Ongoing Safety Training

Fleet managers need to foster an environment of safety and a culture of personal responsibility promoted for all employees. This will ensure that the drivers are all performing safely and to the best of their abilities. Upon hiring, all drivers should participate in a training orientation program including requirements for driver fitness, the proper way to perform vehicle inspections, driver qualifications, driver wellness and company rules.

Using constantly evolving technology, drivers should comply with an ongoing safety regimen. Telematics can be used to closely monitor drivers’ behaviors on the road such as speeding, hard acceleration, hard breaking, and utilization of seat belts. There are limitless amounts of measurements GPS fleet tracking technology can be analyzed. Each company should choose the core behaviors that impact the safety of their drivers the most.

In order to continuously improve driver safety, keep the number of driver performance indicators to a manageable amount. If a driver is found to exhibit a red flag behavior, the driver should be required to complete additional driver training for that behavior. Red flag behaviors can include collision, speeding, usage of seat belts, or aggressive driving. The telematics measurements allow fleet managers to customize the driver training to the driver’s specific unsafe driving practices. Focusing on the specific behavior allows fleet managers to help improve driver safety when there is an opportunity for improvement.

Adding ongoing driver training does not have to be time consuming or complicated. The training can actually be done on a mobile device such as a tablet or in the office.

Use The Technology To Create Friendly Competition

By posting the telematics measurements in an area where all the drivers can see, the drivers will try to improve their own safety habits as a form of friendly competition. Recognizing the drivers with the lowest percentage of unsafe driving practices is also helpful in the promotion of safe driving. The driver scorecards should be posted for all levels of the company including the business owner, fleet managers, other management and all of the drivers. This will show that the entire organization holds safe driving practices to the highest standard.

Preventative Maintenance Programs Benefit Fleet Managers

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Fleet Managers Find Many Benefits In Preventative Maintenance Programs

Fleet managers are turning to preventative maintenance programs to help them get a handle on fleet maintenance, reduce breakdowns, and improve vehicle safety. These programs consist of various maintenance activities such as vehicle inspections, servicing, repairs, adjustment, replacement of worn parts, testing, and oil changes.

There are many reasons fleet managers are concerned about keeping up with the preventative maintenance schedule for their fleet. One major reason is that preventative maintenance maximizes the availability of all of the vehicles. If employees do not have access to the company’s vehicles when they need them, productivity is drastically reduced because they are unable to do their job. In addition, if a vehicle does not receive regular preventative servicing, the vehicle’s lifespan can be greatly reduced.

From a safety standpoint, adhering to a preventative maintenance program improves drivers’ safety and helps prevent litigation. If vehicles are unsafe due to repairs not getting done or lack of maintenance, the fleet manager and business can be held liable for negligence entrustment. Vehicular negligence occurs when an employee is provided with a dangerous vehicle while the manager either knowingly or should have reasonably known that using the vehicle could cause harm or unreasonable risk to others.

Preventative maintenance previously had to be manually scheduled, which was a tedious and time consuming task for fleet managers. Their schedules are already hectic with many important issues on their mind like lowering fuel costs, trying to stay in budget and managing drivers while they are on the roads. It is easy to understand how preventative maintenance schedules often got forgotten or pushed to the side. Although many fleet managers had good intentions with strictly sticking to their preventative maintenance schedules, vehicle maintenance was more of a reactive occurrence than a proactive occurrence.

With many advances in technology, especially in the fleet management industry, fleet management software provides an affordable, efficient option for fleets of all sizes. These systems allow fleet managers to set up vehicle maintenance schedules easily based on the maintenance activity, engine hours, miles driven or time frame. Reminders can be sent directly to the user’s computer or email when the vehicle is due for maintenance. Customized reports can be printed out to detail maintenance histories, work orders, fuel usage, and accident claims. Fleet managers are now better able to manage their fleet and maintain fleet vehicles on a more efficient, proactive basis.

Global Tracking System: Food & Beverage Service Industry

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Food & Beverage Service Industry: Global Tracking System

Businesses in the food and beverage service industry have many different distribution points spread over a wide area. Their fleet vehicles are constantly traveling all over the map to distribute food and beverage products. These companies need a system to keep track of their vehicles, manage their drivers and provide efficient product delivery to their customers. In addition to helping companies in the food and beverage service industry run smoother fleet operations, a global tracking system can ensure the security of the vehicles and products. GoFleet’s global tracking system is the optimal solution.

Know Your Specific Business Needs

Before you implement a global tracking system, it is important that you know what your business needs are specifically. Consider the following questions:

– How are you currently ensuring the security of your food and beverage service distribution vehicles?

– How often do your delivery and pickup locations change?

– What type of information do you need to collect about your distribution points?

– Do you need remote temperature monitoring for your food and beverage refrigerated trucks?

– Do you need truck routing software to improve your dispatching and routing?

– Do you find it difficult to keep track of your vehicles’ maintenance?

GoFleet’s global tracking system can be used to keep your assets secure and ensure they are being used properly. MyGeotab is GoFleet’s web-based fleet management software. Custom reports can be used to improve driver behavior, increase productivity, organize vehicle maintenance, drastically reduce fuel costs and improve customer satisfaction.

GoFleet’s global tracking system provides the ultimate solution for businesses in the food and beverage service industry. GoFleet offers many add-ons that are fully integrated with their global tracking system and can be used to enhance food and beverage distribution services. For example, a remote temperature sensor can be installed in your refrigerated trucks. Every 4 seconds, the real-time temperature monitor sends the current temperature wirelessly to the fleet management software. If the temperature goes over or under the set threshold, an immediate email alert will be sent to the fleet manager. This will ensure the food and beverage products being distributed do not spoil during transportation and the product quality remains high.

For more information about GoFleet’s global tracking system, Contact Us.

Businesses Use New Technology To Improve Road Safety

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Fleet Management Technology Is Being Used By Businesses To Improve Road Safety

Businesses with fleet operations must be proactive in improving road safety. They have an obligation to protect the drivers whom they employ and other drivers on the roadways. That is why many businesses are turning to new technology to help the improve road safety. Many business owners and fleet managers are working hard to cultivate a workplace culture that promotes safe driving practices. While businesses are striving to stay competitive in these hard economic times, many are finding it equally as important to stay dedicated to supporting their community and encouraging their employees to improve their driving practices.

Reducing Speed

Driving at an increased speed increases the likelihood of a crash and its consequences. If a driver gets into an accident driving 35 miles per hour, it is twice as likely that someone will be killed in that crash than if the driver was only going 30 miles per hour.

There are many ways to reduce vehicle speeds including stricter speed enforcement, road design and legislation. Businesses with fleet operations are using their GPS based fleet management system’s automatic notifications and management reports to reduce speed violations while drivers are on the job. If a driver’s speed goes over a set threshold, an alert will automatically be sent to the fleet manager’s email or be posted in the web-based software’s dashboard. In addition, custom management reports can be created to inform the fleet manager of the drivers speed violations and other dangerous driving violations.

Wearing Seat Belts

The seatbelt is, perhaps, the best safety device that was ever developed for the automobile. Wearing this simple strap can reduce the risk of a car crash related death by up to 60%. If all drivers drive according to the posted speed limits and wear their seat belts, each year approximately 12,000 lives could be saved and 180,000 injuries could be prevented in the United States. While seat belt laws have increased the use of seat belts, some drivers still choose not to wear it. This does not have to be the case when a driver is on the job. Fleet managers can use their GPS fleet management system software to receive alerts and management reports informing them of whether or not the drivers and/or their passengers are wearing their seat belt.