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.

 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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