There are many benefits to tracking your fleet. It can help you increase safety for drivers; it can help you identify unsafe driving behaviors and cut down on fuel costs. However, this is easier said than done if your company doesn’t have the right tools in place to do so. Here are some tips that will make it a lot easier for you to track your fleet!
Update Your GPS System
As GPS technology has continued to improve, it is becoming more affordable for small businesses to have a powerful fleet tracking system. One of the key benefits here is that you won’t have to rely on your drivers just telling you where they are or how long it’s taking them – you can actually track their location in real-time! This way, if they’re running late, you can get them back on track, and if they drive unsafely or recklessly, your company is liable.
Another way to do this with a GPS is by using it in conjunction with other fleet tracking software so that you can easily monitor things like mileage, idle time between deliveries, and more. Ensure you incorporate this into your fleet tracking software to see all the data you need in one place!
Install a Tracking Device on Each Vehicle
Other than the GPS device, you can also have a tracking device installed on each vehicle so that you always know where they are. These trailer tracking solutions will help you keep tabs on your vehicles, so you can know if they’re parked at the wrong location for too long or how often they are speeding. The more detailed information you have access to, the easier it will be to manage and improve driver behavior!
Tracking devices can last for up to two weeks with one charge and give you real-time location information wherever the driver is! They are discreet enough not to draw attention from drivers but can still be used as a deterrent to know their behavior is being monitored. Ensure that each vehicle has a tracking device installed on it and that all of them are maintained regularly.
Create a Thorough Checklist of All the Items in the Truck and Trailer
To improve your fleet tracking, you’ll also need to ensure that your vehicles are always up-to-date and following the law. You can do this by creating a detailed checklist of all items in each truck, including things like oil levels, tire pressure, wiper fluid levels…etc. This way, if anything is missing or low on fluids at any given time, you won’t be held liable for not paying attention to the details.
This is also helpful if you’re creating a driver rotation schedule and ensure that each vehicle has been inspected regularly by different employees. Hence, they know what needs fixing or replacing in their assigned vehicles.
Keep Track of Fuel Levels Versus Distance Traveled
One of the best ways to keep track of your fleet is by keeping a close eye on how much fuel they are using versus the distance traveled. This way, you can easily see which drivers need additional training or if there’s been an increase in traffic that has contributed to more idling times and thus higher gas costs.
These stats will also help with your monthly budgeting so you can see which areas are costing more than others to run, allowing you to make better decisions in the future about where your drivers should be traveling.
Track Mileage to Ensure You’re Not Exceeding the Traveling Limits
Mileage is an important part of fleet tracking because it will give you a clear picture of how much your drivers are traveling in the course and where they’re going. If there’s an increase in mileage that you can’t explain, then this might mean that they’re doing runs for other companies or taking personal trips while on work time.
This is a clear violation of company policy and can lead to disciplinary action. So keep track of the distance traveled and any available information on your fleet tracking system to catch problems like this early. This also avoids having issues with the law.
Get Regular Maintenance Done on Your Vehicles
Keeping your fleet up-to-date and in good working order is the best way to avoid problems with your vehicles. With automatic updates, you’ll never miss an important checkup or preventative maintenance that can extend the life of a vehicle and save you money over time.
With the proper fleet tracking system in place, you can also monitor when your vehicles are due for a tune-up or other kind of service. The best way to keep track of all this information is by using a detailed checklist that includes everything from tire pressure and oil levels to scheduled maintenance checks.
If you’re struggling to track your fleet, these tips should help. Ensuring that all of the items in a truck or trailer are listed on a checklist, and tracking fuel levels will go a long way towards helping keep things organized. Keeping an eye on mileage can also ensure that you aren’t exceeding driving limits for each vehicle. Finally, regular maintenance is always important for keeping vehicles running smoothly and reducing wear and tear from heavy use.