How connected vehicle data can improve traffic safety

Connected vehicle data is rapidly transforming the transportation industry. Thanks to advanced sensors, cameras, and GPS technologies, vehicles can now collect and transmit real-time data about their surroundings, including traffic patterns, road conditions, and other vehicles. This data can be used to improve traffic safety, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall driving experience. In this article, we will explore how connected vehicle data can improve traffic safety.

Real-Time Traffic Alerts

Connected vehicle data can provide real-time traffic alerts to drivers, warning them about potential hazards on the road ahead. This includes accidents, construction zones, and other obstacles that can slow traffic or pose a danger to drivers. By receiving these alerts, drivers can adjust their driving behavior accordingly, avoiding potential hazards and reducing the risk of accidents.

Automatic Emergency Braking

Connected vehicles can use sensors and cameras to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate an accident. This is known as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and can be a lifesaving technology. By using AEB, connected vehicles can reduce the risk of accidents caused by driver error, such as distracted driving or failing to react to a sudden hazard.

Intelligent Speed Adaptation

Intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) technology uses GPS and mapping data to adjust a vehicle’s speed based on the posted speed limit. By using ISA, connected vehicles can help prevent accidents caused by speeding, which is a leading cause of traffic fatalities. This technology can also reduce congestion and improve fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.

Predictive Maintenance

Connected vehicles can also help improve safety by providing predictive maintenance alerts. By collecting data about vehicle performance and maintenance history, connected vehicles can predict when a component is likely to fail and alert the driver or maintenance team before it becomes a safety hazard. This can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failure and improve the overall safety of the vehicle.

IFTA Fuel Tax in the US

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a cooperative effort between the United States and Canada to simplify the reporting and payment of fuel taxes by interstate motor carriers that operate in more than one jurisdiction. This agreement is designed to eliminate the need for motor carriers to obtain fuel tax permits for each state or province they travel through. Instead, IFTA provides a unified system for the collection and distribution of fuel taxes, based on the number of miles traveled and the amount of fuel consumed.

Under IFTA, interstate motor carriers are required to file a quarterly tax return that reports the number of miles traveled and the amount of fuel consumed in each member jurisdiction. Motor carriers must maintain detailed records of all fuel purchases and miles traveled, including information about the date, location, and amount of fuel purchased, as well as the odometer reading at the beginning and end of each trip.

Link2Pump can easily track and reconcile all information required for filing fuel tax refund claims with a one-click report. It is easy to save money with our service. The best part is that facilitating the tax refunds process is one of the many features of our equipment, and you don’t have to pay anything extra for it.

So with Link2Pump you can automate your managing process, have up to 25% fuel savings, more than 10 hours in time savings, and have your fuel tax refunds made easy. If you want to learn more about our solution and are searching for alternatives to improve bottom line and productivity, please get in touch.

 

How the integration of IoT and 5G is shaping the construction industry

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technology is revolutionizing the construction industry. The construction sector is a notoriously slow adopter of new technology, but the combination of IoT and 5G is making it difficult for even the most traditional firms to ignore the potential benefits of these innovative technologies.

What is IoT and 5G?

IoT refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity. These devices can collect and exchange data with each other, making it possible to create smart homes, cities, and industries. IoT technology is being used in a range of applications, including healthcare, transportation, and agriculture.

5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology, which promises to deliver faster data speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than its predecessors. This technology is expected to have a transformative effect on many industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

How is the construction industry benefiting from IoT and 5G?

  1. Improved Safety

Construction sites can be dangerous places, with a high risk of accidents and injuries. IoT technology is being used to improve safety by monitoring workers and equipment and detecting potential hazards. For example, sensors can be placed on equipment to detect if a worker is too close, and smart helmets can monitor workers’ vital signs and alert supervisors if there is a problem. 5G technology provides the high-speed connectivity needed to transmit this data in real-time, allowing supervisors to respond quickly to potential safety threats.

  1. Increased Efficiency

The construction industry is notorious for its inefficiencies, with projects often delayed and over budget. IoT technology is being used to increase efficiency by streamlining processes and reducing waste. For example, sensors can be placed on equipment to monitor usage and schedule maintenance, ensuring that machines are always operating at peak performance. Smart buildings can also be designed to optimize energy usage, reducing costs and minimizing the environmental impact of construction projects.

  1. Improved Collaboration

The construction industry is a highly collaborative sector, with multiple stakeholders involved in every project. IoT technology is being used to improve collaboration by providing real-time data and insights that can be shared between stakeholders. For example, sensors can be placed on materials to track their location and condition, allowing project managers to monitor progress and identify potential issues before they become a problem. 5G technology provides the high-speed connectivity needed to transmit this data in real-time, allowing stakeholders to make decisions quickly and collaboratively.

Fuel management is also an essential aspect of the construction industry, as it is crucial for keeping projects running smoothly and efficiently. Effective fuel management in the construction industry involves several key factors, including monitoring fuel usage. Construction companies must monitor fuel usage and track their fuel consumption to manage costs effectively. 

Link2Pump offers a simple solution that automates the entire fueling and tracking process. This way, you will always know where every drop of fuel is going, keep your inventory under control and do much more to drive fuel efficiency and performance to your fleet.

In conclusion, the integration of IoT and 5G technology is not only transforming the construction industry but also creating a more sustainable and efficient future. The benefits of IoT and 5G technology for construction are numerous and have the potential to revolutionize the industry. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications and increased adoption of these technologies by the construction industry. 

How IoT Can Improve Sustainability in the Automotive Sector

The environmental impact of gasoline-powered vehicles is staggering. One-fifth of global carbon dioxide emissions come from the transportation sector, and road vehicles account for 74.5 percent of transportation emissions worldwide.

If you’re still using paper forms or other cumbersome systems to keep your fleet running, there’s a better way. Fleet management technology, which includes everything from dashcams and GPS sensors on trucks, to real-time displays and mapping tools in the logistics center–can be a game changer for fleet managers. Advanced tools include solutions to monitor fuel usage in real time, automatically plan more efficient routes, and view driver behavior for fuel-sucking habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration.

That is why automotive industry leaders can use IoT solutions to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of their products. Incorporating IoT monitoring systems increases vehicle efficiencies and enhances precision around maintenance, driver behavior, and navigation.

IoT technology to add sustainability efforts in the automotive sector

1 – Monitoring Vehicle Location and Driver Behavior

Using IoT sensors to track vehicle location and monitor driver behavior can yield insights over time along with instant alerts that let managers address problems and optimize routes, helping to minimize gas consumption and time stuck in traffic.

2 – Enabling Predictive Maintenance

From new spark plugs to replacement air filters, preventative maintenance can be worth its weight in fuel savings. A finely tuned fleet vehicle runs more efficiently and can also reduce the risk of larger, even more expensive repairs farther down the road. Having access to this information helps minimize downtime and keep vehicles running smoothly and efficiently, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent and lowering cost and emissions as a result.

3 – Enabling More Energy-Efficient Routes

Without big data, micromobility providers struggle to spot use patterns. That leads to a lot of unnecessary fleet transportation. In the shipping and delivery sectors, real-time location data can help fleet managers craft more efficient routes for every truck. Connected C02 trackers can even measure emissions before and after adjustments to verify that sustainability efforts are paying off.

IoT connectivity is an incredibly valuable tool for implementing environmental sustainability in the automotive sector, empowering efforts at every level. Connected sensors provide a spectrum of data that, combined with the power of AI and predictive analytics, provides drivers with a precise, accurate picture of a vehicle’s performance. That knowledge can maximize efficiencies and reduce emissions in fleets of traditional vehicles.

Tips to prepare your trucks for winter

Falling temperatures, snow, and ice hitting large swaths of North America, presenting challenges for trucks and fleets. Now is the time to prepare. Here are some tips to avoid no-starts, frozen doors, and windows, engine freeze-up, and accidents. 

Battery 

Cold weather drains batteries fast. Check the age and strength of your battery.

 

Cooling system

You have to worry about cooling systems in cold weather. A comprehensive winterization check should include inspections of the radiator, belts, and hoses for potential failures. Also, check the coolant to see if it’s at the optimum freeze point.

 

Tires and brakes

Remember that driver assistance technologies like stability control and collision mitigation rely on the maintenance of complementary systems like tires and brakes to ensure performance in the field. Maintaining these systems is especially critical in winter when electronic systems may be called on more often to help mitigate crashes. Check tires for adequate tread depth and proper wear, and wheel-ends for tight bolts and cracks.

 

The fuel filter and water separator

Monitor the truck’s water separator daily and drain it when full to avoid contamination. Replacing old fuel filters also protects the engine.

 

Cabin Air Filter

Cabin air filters often get neglected on late model cars and trucks. You may not consider this important maintenance, but a clogged cabin air filter can dramatically reduce airflow through your car’s heater, stressing the blower motor and overheating the blower motor resistor.

 

Fuel efficiency

Remove accessories that can increase wind resistance: a large roof-top cargo box can reduce fuel economy by 2% to 8% in city driving, and 6% to 17% on the highway, reports FuelEconomy.gov.

 

Try to park in a warm place: your engine will stay slightly warmer in the garage than it would if you park outside in the elements. There are two major benefits to this: it will reduce the time needed for your engine to warm to a fuel-efficient temperature, and it will save you from needing to use a defrosting feature in your vehicle that can lead to getting fewer miles per gallon.

 

Monitor your tire pressure: To ensure that your vehicle is getting the maximum fuel economy possible, keep a close eye on your tire pressure. Winter temperatures can cause changes in tire pressure and those changes can hurt your fuel efficiency.

Trucker Health Must Improve

Many truck drivers end up caring a lot about the integrity of the loads they carry or the truck itself, but they forget the most important thing: their health. More than 50% of truck drivers are obese, compared to 26.7% of all U.S. adults. Similarly, diabetes is 50% more common in truckers than in the general population, and 54% of truckers smoke, compared to just 21% overall. These health issues can put drivers at greater risk of disease, increase their medical bills, hinder their quality of life and even endanger their lives.

Many of these health trends result from the industry’s long hours, little flexibility and limited options. Consequently, the trucking industry must change to promote healthier lifestyles. Here we list some examples of what can be done. 

 

Provide Health Information Resources

Trucking companies and truck stops should offer resources to teach truckers how to improve their eating, exercise and other health habits. Information alone won’t solve the sector’s health issues, but it provides a starting point. Without it, becoming healthier is far more challenging.

 

Make Schedules More Flexible

One of the reasons so many truckers face health issues is because of their schedules. Since truckers work long hours, they may not have the time to exercise regularly. More flexible schedules would help give drivers the time they need to become more physically active.

 

Reward Healthy Behavior

Trucking companies can encourage healthier lifestyle choices by rewarding them. A sense of competition, or even just the thought of a prize, can convince drivers who may not otherwise be interested in health programs. Companies can create a tier system where drivers who meet different goals receive increasing awards.

Drivers can also do their part by including some of these items in their daily routine:

 

  1. Stay Hydrated
  2. Eat Fruits & Vegetables
  3. Avoid Stimulants
  4. Eat light
  5. Eat less junk food 
  6. Sleep and rest
  7. Get exercise

 

Healthier truckers will spend less on medical bills, have a higher quality of life and live longer. While health may be a matter of personal choices, trucking companies can help improve the safety of their employees by promoting better options.

Fuel Management Systems Market to Reach $654.6 Million by 2024

Fuel management systems are used for the maintenance, monitoring, and control of fuel consumption in industries that use various modes of transport, such as road, rail, air, and water, for commercial purposes.

The fuel management system’s purpose is to reduce the consumption of fuel and to improve the efficiency of operations. It uses a variety of technologies and methods for keeping track of fuel inventories, purchases made, and fuel dispensed. 

Computerized systems are used for storing data, which can be used for generating reports and for further analysis. The systems also help in controlling errors in fluid dispensing from fuel tanks into vehicles which provides important information about any leaks.

The numerous benefits offered by fuel management systems, including monitoring fuel usage and dispensing to reduce loss and theft, improved efficiency of operations, increase in overall productivity, and reduced risk of errors due to automation of tasks, continue to fuel adoption of the systems in various end-use industries.

The global market for fuel management systems is projected to reach US$654.6 Million by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% over the analysis period. The United States represents the largest regional market for fuel management systems, accounting for an estimated 40.3% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$273.9 Million by 2025. 

The significant developments in transportation infrastructure space and the escalating demand from logistics, mining, and construction sectors are fueling growth in the fuel management systems market. The market is also expected to benefit from the growth of the automobile industry worldwide and the continuous increase in the number of fuel stations in operation. 

Since fuel represents a significant proportion of operating costs in the transportation sector the need to prevent fuel pilferage is extremely important, thus driving the adoption of fuel management systems. With fuel accounting for around 40% of the overall operating costs of fleets, fuel losses can cause significant financial losses. Fuel management systems also play a role in reducing errors that are possible during manual fueling. 

The fuel management systems market is also benefiting from the increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions. With cloud computing becoming an increasingly viable option for data management and data storage, its role in fuel management is also growing.

As you can see, technology plays a crucial role in almost every money-saving tactic and strategy discussed above. If you’re looking for a fuel management partner that can help you reduce your fleet’s expenses, contact us.

How to Improve Efficiency With Fuel Tracking Technology

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How to save fuel is a very common question among people who own vehicles. Among fleet managers, therefore, knowing how to answer this question is essential for the success of the business.

That’s because, when monitoring the expenses of a field operation and accounting for everything that goes in and out, the percentage that the cost of fuel represents is surprising.

For example, did you know that annual fuel costs can represent 15% to 20% of the cost of a vehicle? The amount spent per year is second only to the cost of the vehicles. 

So, how can fleet managers get more control over fuel costs when prices are unpredictable? Not knowing these details can bring many losses, such as a fleet that uses more fuel than it should and vehicles being stopped for more frequent repairs.

Companies that manage the cost of fuel well spend up to 30% less than companies that do not control the expense. Which one is yours? 

But how can Fuel Tracking Technology help you save fuel?
  • Reduce engine idle time
  • Have better control of the routes taken by vehicles
  • Know how efficient drivers are being
  • Create the best routes for vehicles

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, idling a heavy-duty truck uses up about 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour. Trucks usually idle for about 1,800 hours a year, which uses about 1,500 gallons of fuel. Overall, idling costs the U.S. about $3 billion annually.

You can monitor idling time and fuel usage with tracking technology and ask drivers to consider how they can reduce idling without sacrificing comfort, safety, or productivity.

Also, overspeeding or driving beyond speed limits consumes more fuel. However, a fuel management plan is a right way of ensuring you aren’t using up a lot of fuel.

Fuel planning includes key metrics such as fuel tendency, chances of fuel reduction, and permitted fuel card usage. The plan can be used to determine vehicle fuel usage and fuel card transaction information.

If you want to learn more about our solution and are looking for alternatives to improve the bottom line and productivity, please, get in touch.

Vehicle Telemetry: what you need to know

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In fleet management, it is very important to keep looking for new technologies that help the control system of different KPIs, such as fuel, routes, loads, mechanics, drivers, among others. Vehicle telemetry is yet another of the digital innovations that assist in this process, collecting vehicle information remotely.

With telemetry, it is possible to check speed, distance, location, downtime, and fuel consumption. In this way, operations are optimized and controlled in real-time to verify all the information necessary for effective fleet management.

How does it work? 

Vehicle data is generated in real-time. The onboard computer is essential in this process since telemetry is the management system with all the data collected. The system is usually wireless, whether radio or satellite, to identify all the information.

Usually, equipment is installed in vehicles, which arrive wirelessly at a server, accessed by the manager. The data can be tracked in any environment, and bring opportunities to further optimize the functioning of the processes. 

Fleet managers can make a mapping according to the required KPI, seeing issues such as mileage on specific routes, and more. Telemetry is a tool to manage the vehicle’s handling, but the system can be even more detailed, also controlling fuel consumption.

That is why your telemetry tool must integrate with other solutions, like fuel management, for example. This way the vehicles in the fleet that are monitored by the telemetry system are fueled according to the release determined by the manager.

There are a lot of benefits that telemetry can bring to your business. Increased security, cost reduction, conservation and security of assets, and optimization of processes are just a few of them.

How Often Should You Conduct Safety Training?

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Companies that value well-trained employees often have ongoing training programs in place. Ongoing does not mean continuous, so how often should you provide ongoing training to employees?

Certain safety training topics have to be refreshed or retrained on a set schedule. In most cases, safety or other training courses that result in or require certification will only be valid for a certain length of time before retraining is required. It is always a good idea to take note of what safety training expires and when so that you can ensure that all employees are properly trained and certified.

When you first train a new employee, they will take security messages seriously, but without any follow-up training, they will probably incorporate some unsafe habits. That puts you, them, and everyone on the road with them at risk. You need to make safety training a regular part of driving for your company.

If you want to protect your people and reduce accidents, safety training must be a continuous process. It’s not just an onboarding event.

An effective safety training program:

  • Uses monthly safety meetings to reduce your biggest loss-leaders
  • Delivers important safety messages daily
  • Features larger training events throughout the year

Organize monthly safety meetings to reduce your biggest loss leaders. Make safety training a part of everyday work life with daily safety tips and briefings to start the day. Host larger training events a few times a year to dig into complex safety issues.

Preventive training aims precisely at correcting bad behaviors, conscious or not, that lead to risk. And it is not just the company that has had a serious or fatal accident that should seek training – ideally, the risk is identified to avoid the accident.

This is where the safety culture comes in: a set of good practices that are shared with employees. Uniform training and guidance among those responsible for work safety and drivers help foster this type of culture.

More than that, training manages to put the risky habits into context, making the act of driving more conscious than unconscious – that is, avoiding recklessness and distraction.

What are the advantages for cloud computing

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How cloud computing can help your business be more efficient and keep your data safe

Cloud computing benefits for your business

The last decade was an incredible one for the data industry. We have advanced a lot in processing and storage capacity and today we can use that in our business.

The concept of cloud computing is wide, but, to put it simply, it means accessing files, programs, or computing resources (such as memory or processing) that are not on your computer over a network. It means that having an internet connection at your disposal, you can access data from any computer, tablet, or cell phone, anywhere in the world.

But how can it help manage the whole fleet company?

  1. You’ll be ok in case of an IT emergency

If you have a problem with your hardware and don’t have a cloud fleet management solution, you will surely lose important data. But, if you have a cloud solution, you’ll have access to your data from any device, no matter where. These solutions reduce downtime and improve data security. If your data is stored on a cloud service, everything remains up and running in any case.

  1. You’ll need less physical space

With cloud computing, you can get rid of the physical infrastructure to manage your fleet. These can benefit fleet owners in terms of reduction in cost, time, and space required. Your management team can work from home, being happier and more efficient. And you can also check how the company numbers go whenever you want, using your phone. 

  1. Real-time reports

With all your data in the cloud, it is much easier to have insight and reports in real-time. Link2Pump portal is very friendly and you can easily navigate through menus and clean dashboards. And with inventory management, you have real-time visibility into tank levels, fuel deliveries, and transfers.

With the ability to manage big data, cyber-security, and quality control, managing a large fleet has never been easier. Cloud computing is a transformational technology that will continue to help organizations and businesses deliver their services in a better way than before.

5 qualities that make a good leader

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“A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” This is how John C. Maxwell defines leadership. Having the right people in leadership positions is essential to success and employee retention. Surveys have shown that one of the top reasons employees leave their job is because of a bad boss.

To have a successful business, you want to have the best team at your side. But when you invest in the training and development of your employees, the goal is that you can keep the level of turnover low.

That’s why we are sharing some qualities that make a good leader so that you can evaluate your leadership and improve. 

01 – Aspiration and enthusiasm

It doesn’t matter if the desire is to increase the company’s online presence or conquer international markets, what separates good leaders from the best leaders is aspiration and enthusiasm. The big winners in the business world share the ability to develop bold strategies and the ethics to put them into practice. Successful leaders also inspire their teams to go beyond the day-to-day reality and work to achieve their best. Their sense of ambition is stronger than the fear of failure and it helps them to turn things around.

02 – Resilience

Sometimes, just striving for business goals can lead to failure. Self-confidence and ambition are not enough to withstand market challenges or to eliminate mistakes made in the past. Great leaders are incredibly resilient – they can turn a disaster into a victory in the last hour. This talent to recover when everything seems lost is a powerful quality in the long run.

3 – Empathy

The best bosses know that relationships are vital to their business trajectory and always exercise their emotional intelligence. They know how to empathize with their customers and teams and are always prepared to help or even to back off. In the view of a great leader, empathy does not diminish the value of the business – it adds value and helps it to grow. This attribute strengthens ties of loyalty and can stimulate partnerships.

04 – Creativity

To achieve goals, it is often necessary to set aside the rules and redefine established practices. The most powerful leaders innovate tirelessly and foster a culture of creativity, empowering their teams to follow suit.

05 – Feedbacks

For the “gear” of the system to function correctly and always keep moving, periodic meetings with the team must be held. In this way, the leader can offer feedback on the activities performed and the development of each of the professionals within the company. This is one of the best strategies to ensure that work remains aligned with the pace of production.

A lifetime warranty is included in our management system

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Normally, if a manufacturer or company is offering a lifetime warranty on their product this means they have confidence in the quality of their work, and they want their customers to have that same confidence when they purchase as well. And that’s how we work. 

Link2Pump Pedestal automates the fueling process on-site, capturing data points you need and sending them to your online account in real-time. We also offer mobile applications that pack the same technological power from L2P Pedestal into a compact enclosure to fit fuel trucks, tanker trucks, or any kind of mobile tanks.

And when you choose to use Link2Pump fuel management solution, you also have included a lifetime warranty. Our unique lifetime warranty protects your investment and eliminates unexpected expenses. We offer a hassle-free parts replacement policy, where servicing is simple and easy and can be done quickly by the customer, reducing downtime to a minimum. And you don’t need to overpay for it. 

Why Warranties Are Important

A warranty provides peace of mind and protection. Your fleet can accept all possible demands, with the certainty that the supplier will ensure that the supplied equipment is always in perfect condition.

If you are a fleet manager, you know that having confidence in your team and your equipment is essential to keep the business always running. So, don’t be afraid to ask us questions about our warranty. 

Our company has solutions for several industries, such as agriculture, aviation, construction, government, marinas, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and utilities. If you want to learn more about our solution and are looking for alternatives to improve your bottom line and productivity, please get in touch.

Everything you need to know about fuel tax refunds

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In 1933, the federal gasoline excise tax was implemented and taxed each gallon of gas at one cent. Current federal gasoline rates in May 2019 have escalated to 24.4 cents for each gallon of diesel and 18.4 cents per gallon of gas.

These tax refunds can reduce fuel costs, but still a lot of companies lose a lot of money each year by not accurately filing for fuel tax refunds.

When you purchase gasoline or diesel fuel, the federal government isn’t the only one taking a cut. You’ll also be taxed on gasoline by your state. Each state has its discretion as to the gallon rate of fuel you buy. States such as Pennsylvania, California, and Washington are at the highest level. Their tax rates range from 49.5 cents per gallon to 58.7 cents per gallon. States like Alaska, Virginia, and Missouri are at the low level with a range of 8.9 cents per gallon to 17.3 cents per gallon.

It would be impractical to set up separate gas stations and fuel depots all over the country to sell different taxed and untaxed fuels, so the government essentially taxes all fuels with a few exceptions, then allows credits for nontaxable uses. 

In most states and for the federal government, motor fuel excise taxes are collected and designated for highway and road construction and maintenance. Fleets using fuel for powering vehicles and equipment at off-road applications may qualify for federal and state-level refunds. 

Link2Pump can easily track and reconcile all information needed for filing fuel tax refund claims with a one-click report. It is really easy to save money with our service. 

The best part is that facilitating the tax refunds process is part of our service and you don’t pay anything extra for it. 

So with Link2Pump you automate your managing process, you have up to 25% fuel saving, plus 10 hours in time savings and also fuel tax refunds made easy.

If you want to learn more about our solution and are looking for alternatives to improve bottom line and productivity, please, get in touch.

What to expect at World of Concrete 2021

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World of Concrete has been serving the global concrete & masonry construction industries for 46 years. The event connects and educates buyers and sellers through live and digital events throughout the year. 

The face-to-face event normally takes place every January or February in Las Vegas. This year the World of Concrete Las Vegas was rescheduled to take place on June 8 – 10. 

“Moving the event from winter to late spring in 2021 will allow additional outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy in the big city of Las Vegas,” says Jackie James, director of World of Concrete Group.

Drawing record numbers year after year, the 2021 World of Concrete, sometimes referred to as the Concrete Convention Las Vegas will feature a week of exciting new products, cutting-edge technologies, the latest equipment, exciting spectator events and competitions, and more than 150 educational sessions including luncheons, interactive workshops, and industry hands-on training.

Important! There will be no onsite registration this year due to new COVID safety protocols. You must register online before coming to the show.

With a detailed set of measures developed collaboratively with industry associations, event organizers, and venues, World of Concrete aims to deliver the highest levels of hygiene and safety at its event, providing everyone with reassurance and confidence they are participating in a safe and controlled environment. 

They recommend that every attendee read the safety requirements needed to enter the event, along with safety and hygiene measures guests can expect.

Early this year Link2Pump was part of World of Concrete Virtual Industry Forum. Over 300 industry professionals attended our VP of Sales session on how to reduce fleet costs by managing and claiming fuel tax rebates. Concrete producers and contractors can secure significant federal and state tax rebates for the fuel not used for on-highway activities, on average about 60 cents per gallon.

Have you already scheduled to go to the event this year?

Tools you must have for contractor fleet management

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Fleet management is a complex activity. It involves legal obligations, costs, payment of fines, expenses with maintenance, purchase, team management, and much more. If you need to be more efficient, you should have softwares and technologies that will help you with these tasks. With the right tools in place, you can save time and money. Also, if you choose cloud-based software, you can manage from anywhere on any device!

Fleet Maintenance Software

A fleet maintenance software will help you avoid unexpected fleet vehicle and equipment breakdowns. You can track your vehicles and assets data to maximize value and minimize costs. With cloud data storage, you can manage vehicle information and track vehicle maintenance history from anywhere. Preventive maintenance schedules will also help you save time and money. 

GPS Tracking Software

GPS can be very helpful in a fleet management system. A good GPS tool can help increase the productivity of drivers, speed delivery times, bring efficiency levels high, and give businesses a pool of data that they can study to ensure operations are in best shape. GPS-based fleets are two times more successful than those without.

When you save time, you increase your productivity. Instead of drivers spending time waiting for traffic to move, they can, for example, make multiple deliveries. Not only will your customers be happy with the fast service, but your drivers and employees will be able to get more work done, saving you both labor and transport time.

Fuel Management Solution

With automated supply, the logistics become much more agile: times are shortened and you no longer depend on external factors that reduce business efficiency. In addition to being able to be placed in strategic locations, a fuel management solution allows the entire fueling process, including vehicle identification and odometer reading, to be completed very quickly.

The main advantages of installing your own fueling point are:

  • Fuel quality assurance, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring that the entire fleet can have the same performance;
  • Elimination of the costs of moving machinery/vehicles to the gas station;
  • Practicality and speed of supply, since it will have the availability of supply 24 hours;
  • Fuel tax refund; 
  • Centralization and rationalization of consumption control.

Technology is a very important part of the fleet industry. If you are looking for a fuel management partner that is a complete high-tech solution to control commercial fleets fueling, contact us.

5 tips for fleet equipment maintenance management

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Fleet maintenance is the process of keeping your vehicles operating in a good enough condition so that they are safe, reliable, and can stay on the road longer. Developing a preventative maintenance program is an important part of managing a fleet and helps businesses reduce operating costs and improve vehicle inspection outcomes, among other benefits.

Without a proactive approach to fleet maintenance, you risk compromising your employees’ safety and paying for costly emergency repairs and unplanned downtime. That’s why the health of your vehicles is a good overall indicator of the health of your business.

1 – Preventive maintenance

There are three types of fleet maintenance:

Corrective maintenance: Made when the defect has worsened and needs repairs, and aims to restore the vehicle’s normal use condition;

Predictive maintenance: The purpose of predictive maintenance, as the name suggests, is to predict when a failure may occur, based on wear, vibration, noise, heating, or other indicators, depending on the type of equipment, machine or vehicle in question, this avoids unnecessary downtime and breaks that would harm productivity;

Preventive maintenance: This type of maintenance aims to reduce excessive expenses with the fleet, as it is based on scheduling stops in advance for adjustments, lubrication, and replacement of components. Its cost is usually between 30% to 40% lower than the other modalities, in addition to increasing the time between maintenance, increasing safety, and reducing the probability of problems on the road.

To use these benefits, it is necessary to draw up a maintenance plan: in an agenda, or a fleet management software, point out which vehicles and components will be overhauled and the respective dates. Do it in a way that meets the need for maintenance of each type of vehicle, in addition to not leaving the fleet without enough units to operate and meet the demand of the company and its customers.

2 – Know the vehicles of your fleet

Know all the specifications of each vehicle in the fleet, this will help to structure the fleet maintenance plan mentioned above, as you will know the ideal parts, the exact moment, and how to maintain each one. Some of the most important information about each vehicle is:

  • maintenance recommended by the manufacturer;
  • frequency of filter and lubricant changes;
  • performance characteristics and load capacity;
  • wear ratio per load weight;
  • characteristics of your travel routes, such as roads in poor condition.
3 – Get qualified labor for fleet maintenance

As important for companies as investing in good quality vehicles, tires, parts, and components, the investment made must be preserved through the use of qualified labor for its driving and maintenance. 

The more specialized and competent the mechanic, the higher the quality of the maintenance provided, which will result in savings in maintenance, longer life of the truck, fewer stops due to breakages, and consequently, profitability on the fleet will be higher.

Besides, hire conscientious and responsible professionals who know how to take proper care when driving the vehicle, this helps to reduce wear and prevent possible accidents.

4 – Invest in fleet management and maintenance software

The use of fleet control spreadsheets, parts stock control spreadsheets, and maintenance control spreadsheets, in general, is often quite complicated and unreliable, in addition to the fact that preparing and feeding these documents is time-consuming for employees. Also, an ineffective control causes unnecessary parts to be purchased, maintenance periods go out of control, mathematical failures occur, data may be lost, among other problems.

These complications can be overcome with the simple implementation of fleet management and maintenance software, the program automates the entire bureaucratic process, issues maintenance alerts according to the launched fleet maintenance plans, issues more detailed and comprehensive reports, help to eliminate human error, reduces the need for typing and rework and allows employees to spend more time on their core activities.

With Link2Pump you can take control over everything related to fueling, improving delivery planning and fuel distribution, and also with a lifetime warranty. We offer a hassle-free parts replacement policy, where servicing is simple and easy and can be done quickly by the customer, reducing downtime to a minimum. 

5 – Track equipment maintenance expenses

A good fleet manager knows how to work together with the financial sector and the company management to create a budget plan that will allow you to define the limits of each type of spending on your fleet, so that on a day-to-day basis you can identify possible deviations and excesses, and work to heal them, preventing them from compromising the company’s profitability.

What skills will a future fleet manager need?

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Fleet management is a very important part of modern business. Companies in many industries rely on fleet vehicles to deliver products and services to customers, and those fleets must be properly and efficiently managed.

Fleet managers are responsible for selecting and maintaining vehicles to keep deliveries and distributions on schedule and within established budgets. To succeed, fleet managers need significant experience and skills in operations, logistics, and software programs to monitor both fleets and drivers.

With such a rapid transformation in business, it is easy to think that whoever is in the market today does not need to do anything to prepare for the future. But that is not true. Fleet managers can start preparing now for the future that is increasingly present!

So, here are five skills fleet managers can start building today, to prepare themselves for tomorrow. 

1 – Data-driven 

Most managers are already aware of this need and deal with it daily. They know they need to make choices and decisions based on statistics about vehicle usage, route efficiency, fuel economy, and so on. But it is necessary to go further. You also need to understand how the general data is offered and find out how to make your fleet even smarter.

2 – Software integration 

You don’t need to know everything about programming, but you do need to know what to ask for your IT and development team. You have to understand what these people do and what they can deliver to make your work more efficient. Integrated software and systems provide a very accurate summary of everything you need to know. Much better than joining the parts manually.

3 – Adaptability

If there is a sector in which things go very fast, it is ours! We have changes in technology and even legislation very often, so it is necessary to adopt flexible working methodologies. You need to be aware of the changes, understand how they will affect your fleet, and find the best ways to deal with them.

4 – Performance optimization

Markets that have already gone through the digitization process are already used to using tests and development methods to find possibilities for optimization, which can then be implemented in the entire business.

With vehicles traveling thousands of kilometers a week, fleet managers need to test different fuels, lubricants, driving techniques, and other variables to continually optimize their fleet.

5 – Goal driven 

Successful people do not give up but keep trying new ways until their goals are met. To be goal-driven and become successful requires at least two components namely preparation and motivation.

In preparation, you should be aware of the tasks ahead to be undertaken, and establish time-saving mechanisms to efficiently utilize your time. Be motivated and keep a track of your progress, it might be necessary to reassign time to tasks so that they do not build upon you.

Again, technology is a very important part of the fleet industry. If you are looking for a fuel management partner that is a complete high-tech solution to control commercial fleets fueling, contact us. 

How remote work is running for fleet management

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After almost a year in the lives of many people, in some cases unexpectedly, today it seems that most employees are already getting used to the home office. According to a Kaspersky survey, 48% of employees now make their video calls in a slightly more comfortable outfit and 27% prefer to update reports or other bureaucratic tasks while working in the garden or on the porch.

Unlike the first few months of confinement, today people have a home office routine much more adjusted to their lifestyle. Technology, connectivity, and collaborative work are factors that helped a lot for this.

And while the home office lasts for a few more months in several companies, we ask ourselves: how remote work is running for fleet management. 

This virtual world has resulted in fewer miles driven and more time in front of a computer for company drivers. Most companies still have restrictions on guests at their offices (many are 100% virtual), which means having an in-person sales call will require that it be held offsite.

As more jobs involving company drivers become permanently remote, it may result in less travel that will cause a reassessment of optimal fleet size. 

Other changes should also appear with this new model of work. With many employees opting to work from home, corporations may not require as large a building to accommodate a smaller office staff. Another ramification may be an ongoing reduction in the budget for business travel.

It is difficult to say whether these changes will be permanent, but at least for now, it is the reality of many companies. But it is likely to take advantage of the positive points going forward. And the best way to ensure remote work is efficient is to invest in the technology necessary for your fleet to be controlled from the cloud. 

Your fuel supply control can be done quickly, intelligently, and 100% in the cloud with Link2Pump. If you’re looking for a fuel management partner that can help you prepare for the future, contact us. 

Tips to motivate and connect with the remote workforce

You may be wondering why employee engagement is so important. Today’s employees want to know how what they are doing contributes to the overall success of the company. Communication is one of the keys to keeping employees engaged and smart businesses are staying close to their employees on a variety of platforms. 

In addition to regularly communicating with your employees, it is also important to continue to recognize employee achievements. So, it is very important that even though they are away, managers work hard and make the extra effort to make sure employees stay engaged. 

As we establish what the new normal will be for businesses, the sector needs to prepare and make the necessary changes to deal with the current situation. Waiting for things to go back to how they were before can make you lose a lot of money. 

How data can help to lower your fleet costs?

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Fleet owners and operators face unique financial challenges. Rising fuel costs, compliance violations, and driver turnover can keep your fleet costs rising and profits stagnant. Unfortunately, reducing fleet costs is not an easy task, but some tools and systems can help significantly. 

Data-driven management can help you analyze the daily work routines without manual work because this is always a source of failure that can be avoided by setting up automated solutions. The more data points can be connected, the more insights a report can give. And, above all, it can help you save some money! 

Right now, fleet managers can use integrated data fleet management solutions to improve real-time monitoring, reporting, analysis, and outcomes in areas such as driver safety, operational efficiency, fuel management, maintenance, and vehicle utilization. 

According to analysts at Frost and Sullivan, effective use of data can help fleet managers:

Increase productivity by 10 – 15%

Save 20 – 30 minutes of labor time per driver per day

Reduce overtime by 10 – 15%

Cut fuel expenses by 20 – 25%

Reduce vehicle idle time by 20 – 30% 

Boost vehicle utilization by 15 – 20%

Cut total miles driven by 5 – 10%

The data as a product evolution in fleets will allow for much smarter decision-making based on real-time data, rather than guts, as we mostly see today. Predictive modeling uses the data continuously streamed by telematics to identify everything from maintenance needs, to equipment requirements, and even through to patterns and peaks in future customer demand.    

Fuel is one of the biggest and most unpredictable cost centers for fleets. While you might not be able to affect the price at the pump, you do have the ability to ensure your drivers there are getting the most out of each mile per gallon.

Driver education can help, but how can you be sure they will follow these policies when they’re on the road? The real savings in fuel cost, just like other expense areas, comes from data. Here’s how:

  • Companies that use fuel cards can monitor employee fuel-spending and usage
  • Some systems can integrate with a fuel card. This allows you to manage where and when your drivers are filling up and identify which routes your vehicles are taking, alerting you to out-of-route miles driven. It also gives you the ability to track fuel fill-ups against miles driven to identify any fuel misuse issues.
  • Driver performance programs allow fleet managers to monitor driver behavior, such as speeding and idling. These programs give you the ability to deliver better-tailored coaching that will change behavior and result in decreased fuel consumption.

Advanced tracking systems can also detect when the engines of vehicles in the fleet are about to experience issues that require maintenance or potential repair. Using best practices for maintenance and predictive software that anticipate problems can cut down on the cost of engine repairs and time lost as a vehicle is repaired. This can also help a company determine when it’s no longer cost-efficient to repair a vehicle and instead put money into a new vehicle.

As you can see, technology plays a crucial role in almost every money-saving tactic and strategy discussed above. If you’re looking for a fuel management partner that can help you reduce your fleet’s expenses, contact us.

What have fleet managers learned in 2020?

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2020 brought a great lesson for business. It showed the need for preparation, connectivity and resilience. Fleets across industries have had to navigate uncertainty and adapt to new ways of operating. It was a year that forced fleet leaders to evolve continually, learning how to operate in totally new ways and, especially, doing more with less. 

As we enter in 2021, it’s time to think how fleet managers can apply what they’ve learned in 2020 to help shape future plans and practices? Let’s look at some scenarios. 

Adapt your business model

Many fleet leaders had to evaluate their existing business models, with some pivoting  to  service  essential  industries. One  example  of  this change  involved  repurposing  fleet  vehicles  to  fulfill  last-mile  delivery. If your fleet is not being fully utilized, you can look up and find new markets to operate. 

Keep a good relationship with suppliers

Fleet management companies depend on supplier relationships. These relationships can become complicated when fleets have reduced needs, such as fewer tires, less preventive maintenance, or a pause in vehicle acquisitions. 

The best you can do to prevent the loss of relationships with suppliers is to be proactive in their outreach. When business gets back at full capacity, the transition back to regular work will be complicated if supplier relationships haven’t been maintained. Remember that they are fundamental to your business and make the necessary effort so that the relationship remains healthy.

Identify possibilities for automation

From GPS tracking to fuel management, there are a lot of opportunities to automate your fleet operation. Automated operations can help to make  the  transition  to  remote  work  easier, for example. With automation you can manage, control, analyze, optimize, and schedule tasks for your business. Automated processes also help to save time and money. 

Controlling vehicle costs and yields in relation to usage indicates how much each item in your fleet is consuming. This measure is essential to generate savings in the short and long term, as well as to verify the performance of each truck. With Link2Pump you can control your fuel supply quickly and intelligently. We can install our system in your fuel pumps, ensuring safety and data accuracy for managing your fleet. All fleet fueling data is sent in real time to the system and only authorized drivers and vehicle are able to pump fuel. In addition, you can generate several reports, with all fuel consumption information. If you want to learn more about our solution, get in touch . 

Stay more connected than ever 

Working from home it’s not new, but the trend has increased as governments all over the world have introduced lockdowns in a bid to fight the coronavirus. For some it was a very bad experience, but many others want the flexibility to continue. Companies are not only adapting their policies to allow working from home, they’re also downsizing their offices and other expenses. 

That’s why it is very important that you hire talented managers for fleet, mobility, facilities and other key departments. Managers who are connected with the present and future of the company and are ready to act.

These are some lessons to anticipate solutions for the future and it is also an opportunity to make your business thrive in difficult times. One thing is certain, data-based technology is already making a difference in many companies.

How Link2Pump can help your business 

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Link2Pump services accounts all across the US, helping businesses to save human and financial resources in the fuel tracking and reporting process. By automating and managing fuel dispensing from bulk storage tanks, we turn a complex process into a simple experience. In 2020 we teamed up with CTASmart, a multinational leader in fuel management from Brazil, aiming to extend our culture of simplicity and intelligence to Latin America and worldwide. CTA Smart & Link2Pump has already tracked over 500 million gallons of fuel  by managing  600,000 assets at over 3,000 fueling points 

We made fuel tracking and reporting simple. In the era of data and connectivity, Link2Pump empowers businesses to take control of their fuel usage. Our solution combines a web portal and a device connected to your fuel dispenser. 

Our solutions

Link2Pump Pedestal automates the fueling process on-site, capturing data points you need and sending them to your online account in real-time. Account access is available from any device, anywhere, any time. Fully compatible with mechanical, digital and electronic dispensers, each unit controls up to 4 fueling points and features extensive data input options and restriction capabilities.

We also offer mobile applications that pack the same technological power from L2P Pedestal into a compact enclosure to fit fuel trucks, tanker trucks or any kind of mobile tanks. Whether used solo or combined with an L2P pedestal, filling up equipment out in the field is safely tracked in real-time, with in-unit and cloud backup for added security.

As we know, more assertive route planning, more robust management systems are among the investments required for this moment. The resumption of services provided with excellence also has a major problem: the price of oil. 

That’s why we need to improve delivery planning and fuel distribution management, saving money without losing effectiveness and deadlines.

How it works? 

The Link2Pump Pedestal unit connects to your fuel dispenser, protecting your fuel from unauthorized use. The operator will be prompted for  key information, like driver, vehicle number and mileage. Only then the L2P unit activates the pump. While the operator fills up the tank, L2P records the gallons being pumped and uploads all fueling data to your online account once the transaction is overfueling data is available in real-time and you can see and manage it from any device. Cloud backup guarantees zero chance of data loss.

Lifetime warranty

Our unique lifetime warranty protects your investment and eliminates unexpected expenses. We offer a hassle-free parts replacement policy, where servicing is simple and easy and can be done quickly by the customer, reducing down-time to a minimum

Popular Integrations

Link2Pump also offers open API for seamless and free integration with 3rd party softwaresYour fuel transactions and tank inventory data in the L2P system can interface via web service with basically any software platform, such as fleet fuel cards, billing programs, fleet maintenance, telematics, and much more. You can also export to text and spreadsheet files. 

Our company has solutions for several industries, such as agriculture, aviation, construction, government, marinas, manufacturing, mining, transportation and utilities. If you want to learn more about our solution and are looking for alternatives to improve bottom line  and productivity, please get in touch. 

Benefits of having a fuel management system

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A very common question today is: Do I have to set up a fuel supply system for my company’s fleet or continue to refuel at gas stations? If your company has a minimum demand , you can start thinking about enjoying the benefits of your fleet supply system.

Agility and speed in routine

With automated supply, the logistics become much more agile: times are shortened and you no longer depend on external factors that reduce business efficiency. In addition to being able to be placed in strategic locations, a fuel management solution allows the entire fueling process, including vehicle identification and odometer reading, to be completed very quickly.

Avoid and reduce fraud

Another important point is to avoid and reduce fraud. Companies tend to lose a lot of money in the risk management process. A software system solves this issue by ascertaining that the right vehicle is fueled at the right time and place. Indeed, managers can monitor their fleet conveniently and at all times.

Focus on your core activities

You can also increase focus on your core activities, as management of fuel can consume a lot of time from your time. After engaging a professional to build an on-demand fuel delivery app, most of the manual work is handled by the features and tools. It is, therefore, possible to focus on other management functions such as planning, controlling, and coordinating activities to achieve goals. 

Improve maintenance

Fleet management systems provide everything you need to develop a preventative maintenance schedule, helping you manage maintenance costs. Kilometers traveled, engine hours, fuel usage. These are some of the data points that can be used to create a preventative maintenance schedule. 

Easy fuel tax refund

In most states and for the federal government, motor fuel excise taxes are collected and designated for highway and road construction and maintenance. So, fleets using fuel for powering vehicles and equipment at off-road applications may qualify for federal and state-level refunds. Some fuel management systems, like Link2Pump, easily track and reconcile all information needed for filing fuel tax refund claims with one-click reports. 

The real picture of the operation

Fleet management software gives you a more comprehensive picture of your fleet’s operations. When you have this well-rounded view of your fleet, you can expand it more efficiently. By understanding your current fleet, you can find opportunities to bring in more jobs.

So, to sum up, the main advantages of installing your own fueling point are:

  • Fuel quality assurance, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring that the entire fleet can have the same performance;
  • Elimination of the costs of moving machinery/vehicles to the gas station;
  • Practicality and speed of supply, since it will have the availability of supply 24 hours;
  • Fuel tax refund; 
  • Centralization and rationalization of consumption control. 

If you want to learn more about our solution and are looking for alternatives to improve bottom line and productivity, please, get in touch.