7 Reasons Transport Operators Are Investing in Technology

The beginning of a new year offers a fantastic opportunity to set new goals and projects for the business. Whether you’re responsible for one or one hundred vehicles, day-to-day fleet management involves jumping hurdles – from keeping costs down and customers happy, to managing a safe and compliant fleet. Our recent benchmark survey revealed transport professionals are overwhelmingly turning to technology to make life easier.

A shift to digital technologies is vital as a drive towards efficiency and productivity heats up in 2018 Around a third (33 percent) of respondents are planning to invest in integrating technologies and systems, whilst 27 percent are investing in technology to assist them in regulatory compliance. GPS tracking systems are proving a game-changer in fleet management.

Here are seven benefits transport professionals are seeing as a result of implementing the technology.

1. Peace of mind

When it comes to the business benefits of fleet management solutions, knowing exactly where vehicles and equipment are tops the list. Respondents were also keenly monitoring speed, distance driven, driver hours and proof of job completion, making for a detailed picture of the fleets real-time activities. Peace of mind extends to the safety of all drivers on the road. Pespondents monitored driver performance and harsh braking, to highlight unsafe driving incidents and improve health and safety.

With a view of your assets at any given time, you can be confident that they’re being used efficiently, safely, and according to company policy. This data also allows you to accurately respond to customer enquiries, effectively schedule jobs and cut down on unauthorised vehicle use.

2. Compliance

From Road User Charges (RUC) licencing to fatigue management logbooks, managing regulatory compliance is an ongoing challenge for transport businesses.

A telematics solution not only captures accurate data but makes compliance a simpler task by automating manual processes like the RUC licencing and rebate process . By switching to an electronic system, you no longer need to hunt for lost paperwork or trawl through stacks of paperwork to complete an audit.

3. Happier customers

Telematics is often implemented as a productivity measure, but this extends to better service for your customers. One third (31 percent) of respondents saw expanding their customer base as a top business goal, a goal which goes hand in hand with efficient and accountable service.

Having access to vehicle data lets you manage workflows, respond to requests quickly and optimise routes to spend less time on the road and more time where it matters the most — with your customers. With the time you save, you can extend ordering windows or cut-off times to meet customer demand. Sharing route data with customers to keep them in the loop with an expected delivery or arrival time will also separate you from the competition. The happier your customers are, the more likely they’ll spread the word about your business.

4. Safer driving

Encouraging drivers to act safely is a necessity in today’s modern environment, and with accurate data on driver behaviour you can objectively discuss and put into action safer habits. Nearly a quarter of respondents have lowered their rate of accidents after implementing a telematics system.

With a tracking system you can monitor risks like speeding and harsh cornering or braking to identify repeat offenders and implement training to help them drive more carefully. You can also set up in-cabin alerts that will address unsafe driving immediately, like a notification when a driver is travelling over the speed limit or needs to take a rest break.

5. Optimised routes

Traffic congestion in New Zealand is the top pain point for Kiwi fleet operators, naming it the number one issue. Construction projects and roadway design followed up as frustrating issues, which means the ability to navigate roads in real-time is a major advantage.

The visibility provided by a fleet management system means you can pull live data on traffic congestion and weather along with complex scheduling requirements to work out the most efficient route for each job. This lets you put all your vehicles to good use and may even help you identify an opportunity to operate fewer trucks or take on more jobs.

6. Fuel savings

Fuel prices continue to nudge their way up in New Zealand, which adds to the strain of operating costs when paired with major highway closures, ongoing roadworks, and heavy congestion. Even minor savings made each time your drivers fill up at the pump add up immensely over a period of time. Promisingly, almost one half of respondents reported fuel savings since implementing telematics in their fleet.

7. Time and cost savings

Ultimately all these benefits add up to less time and money spent on unnecessary manual tasks, fuel wastage or vehicle maintenance. Given the fact that reducing operational costs was the top business goal for 41 percent of our survey respondents, this is a serious competitive advantage.

Telematics provides historical reporting as well as live data, so you can identify trends that are costing your business and begin to reverse engineer them to have minimal or no impact. This helps with more accurate forecasting and planning for vehicle utilisation amongst your fleet.

The proof is in the pudding

While financial pressures and compliance are major concerns, our benchmark survey revealed that technology is helping to tackle major issues for transport businesses – from traffic congestion and fatigue management to improving customer service and employee health and safety.

Traditionally, telematics was implemented for ‘dot-on-the-map’ tracking to help get the job done, but today businesses are seeking its benefits to impact the entire organisation. As technology becomes even more of a mainstay in business, it will become increasingly useful for forward-thinking strategies that help you stay ahead of the curve.