Why video telematics the next step in tackling driver distraction
Whether you have 1 truck or 1000, operational costs for your fleet can seem like money being poured down a bottomless hole. With a GPS fleet management solution, you’ll know exactly where your overheads are going thanks to data captured from your vehicles. Knowing where these costs are going can help you budget, plan, and price work more accurately, enabling you to be more competitive in your industry. Installing a GPS solution into your fleet will also ensure your business runs efficiently, safely, and that you are showing compliance with today’s health and safety laws. Here are 6 ways you can use a GPS solution to improve your transport business:
1. Streamlining Transport Processes
Data generated from a GPS fleet management solution will point out inefficiencies, help your drivers plan their daily routes, and allow head office to give better dispatching and customer service by knowing where your vehicles are. AJ Tutill utilises an integrated GPS and online transport management solution iCOS LIVE to give their customers a one-stop-shop when managing and delivering their freight. This give AJ Tutill the edge it needs to prosper in today’s transport industry.
2. RUC
GPS data from a fleet management solution can be used to claim back RUC from New Zealand Transport Agency. With an Off Road Tracker, fleet managers are able to pull an automatic report that knows when your vehicles have travelled off road – putting more money in your back pocket. Swanson Transport use Off Road Tracker to claim back RUC from trucks that travel off road.
3. Time Sheeting
Drawing back costs from your vehicle data can also be used with time sheeting. With a GPS fleet management solution, your time sheets will be automatic and accurate right down to the minute, allowing you to invoice customer jobs accurately and eliminate incorrect time keeping by staff.
4. Scheduled Maintenance
Trucks that aren’t maintained properly can be very costly and dangerous should they break down. Your vehicle would need to get towed, assessed, repaired, and the cost of how long it was off the road and not booked for work can cost your business dearly. A Scheduled Maintenance tool helps fleet managers keep track of their trucks service and registration requirements, keeping your trucks on the road.
5. Driver Behaviour
Trucks that are driven recklessly have higher risk of breaking down and will require more maintenance. Using a driver behaviour tool gives you insight into your fleet, such as harsh braking, speeding or idle time. Driver’s performance can be addressed and training can be provided to your drivers accordingly. You can also use the system to praise good driving practices by staff.
6. Health and Safety
With the updated Health and Safety Act 2015, business owners are directly liable for accidents, even if they weren’t driving the truck. With a GPS fleet management system, data provided from the solution can help you enforce safe driving practices, and keep your drivers safe should they have an accident in a remote location and aren’t able to contact emergency services.
The new laws coming into effect are less than 3 months away. Your health and safety policy will need to be reviewed upon the passing of the new law. To help you understand the updated act, download our free ebook to get you up to speed and compliant.
Some of the most important facets of your business is your bottom line, customer service, and the well-being of your staff. A GPS fleet management solution is proven in helping fleet owners manage these efficiently. In most cases, businesses owners have been able to increase revenue and cut costs from the smooth operation and total visibility of vehicles and staff. All of this put together will see you managing your fleet with no presumptions and guesswork, giving you the competitive edge you need in your industry.