Fuel management system: does your company need it?

Your company’s fuel management is a fundamental strategy for reducing costs within the vehicle fleet. At the end of the month, fuel supply expenses are higher than expected and the financial sector is unable to identify the source?

Carrying out fuel management is a great challenge for companies in the transport segment, it is no wonder that the search for the best technological solutions on the market continues to expand. 

Link2Pump develops the best software for fuel management, generating the opportunity to save resources, analyze metrics and take actions aimed at precise results.

Here are some reasons why a company might need a fuel management system:

Cost control

Fuel is often a significant expense for companies that operate vehicles or machinery. A fuel management system can help companies control their fuel costs by providing real-time visibility into fuel usage and consumption patterns. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to reduce fuel costs.

Improved fleet management

For companies with a large fleet of vehicles or machinery, fuel management can be a complex and time-consuming task. A fuel management system can help simplify the process by automating many of the manual tasks involved in tracking fuel consumption, such as monitoring fuel levels, tracking fuel purchases, and generating reports. This centralized platform can help companies gain a deeper understanding of fuel consumption patterns and identify opportunities for improvement.

Inventory management

Fuel inventory management is a critical task for companies that store large quantities of fuel. A fuel management system can help track fuel levels in real-time, reducing the risk of running out of fuel and reducing the need for manual checks. In addition, a fuel management system can provide alerts when fuel levels are low, allowing companies to schedule deliveries and avoid downtime.

Fuel efficiency

A fuel management system can help companies improve their fuel efficiency by tracking and analyzing fuel consumption patterns. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and introduce changes to driving habits, routes, and machinery usage that can help reduce fuel consumption. In addition, a fuel management system can help companies monitor the performance of their vehicles or machinery, allowing them to identify and address any issues that are affecting fuel efficiency.

Integration with other systems

A fuel management system can be integrated with other systems, such as accounting, fleet management, and GPS tracking, to provide a more comprehensive view of a company’s operations. This integration can help companies streamline their operations and make more informed decisions by accessing real-time information from multiple sources.

It can provide many benefits to companies that operate vehicles, machinery, or store fuel. By reducing fuel expenses, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with regulations, a fuel management system can help companies gain a competitive advantage and improve their bottom line.

Link2Pump developed an innovative — yet simple — device that automates your fuel consumption and helps you control your fleet. Designed to automate fuel dispensers located in yards and garages (internal fueling), access to the system is completely web-based, meaning there’s no need to install software, and it can be used from any computer or smartphone. It’s a one-touch solution for monitoring fueling times, fueling by vehicles, fueling volume, fueling agents, distance traveled by hours worked, average consumption and virtual storage in the tank.

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

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Landscaping trends for 2023

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Landscaping is an ever-evolving field that incorporates various aspects of design, horticulture, and environmental management. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of human activities on the environment, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping solutions has increased. In this article, we will take a look at some of the latest landscaping trends that are shaping the future of this industry.

Sustainable Landscaping
Sustainable landscaping refers to the design and maintenance of outdoor spaces in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes using native plants that are well-adapted to the local climate, reducing water usage through the use of drought-tolerant plants, and implementing sustainable irrigation systems. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, instead of synthetic ones is also becoming more popular in sustainable landscaping.

Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens are a creative way to add greenery to urban environments, where space is limited. They are designed to grow up instead of out and can be attached to walls, fences, or even free-standing structures. Vertical gardens are not only a beautiful addition to outdoor spaces, but they also provide numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing air pollution and providing shade.

Outdoor Living Spaces
The trend of creating outdoor living spaces that can be used for entertaining, dining, and relaxing continues to gain popularity. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and comfortable seating areas are becoming increasingly common in residential and commercial landscaping projects. These spaces can be designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, using materials like stone, wood, and gravel.

Low Maintenance Landscaping
With busy schedules, many homeowners are looking for low maintenance landscaping options. The use of native plants that are well-adapted to local conditions, as well as the implementation of sustainable practices, can help reduce the amount of time and effort required for landscaping maintenance. The use of raised garden beds and mulch is also becoming more popular, as these methods help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the need for watering.

Green Roofs
Green roofs, also known as living roofs, are becoming more popular in commercial and residential landscaping. These roofs are covered with vegetation and soil, and can provide numerous benefits, such as reducing heat absorption and improving air quality. Green roofs are also a great way to add greenery to urban environments and provide habitat for wildlife.

Landscape Industry Statistics

According to statistics from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the landscape industry in the United States generates over $100 billion in annual revenue and employs approximately one million people. The industry has grown steadily over the past decade, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8% between 2015 and 2019. This growth is projected to continue in the coming years, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increased demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly landscaping practices.

One of the most significant segments of the landscape industry is lawn care services. According to a report from IBISWorld, the lawn care services industry in the United States generated $87.6 billion in revenue in 2020 and employed over one million people. This industry is projected to continue growing in the coming years, with increasing demand for services such as fertilization, weed control, and pest management.

According to the NALP, the landscape design and installation segment of the industry generated $22.6 billion in revenue in 2019 and employed over 200,000 people. This segment is also projected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly design practices.

The landscaping industry is constantly evolving and adapting to new trends and technologies. From sustainable and eco-friendly practices to innovative lighting solutions, the future of landscaping is looking bright and promising. Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or landscaping professional, these trends can provide inspiration for creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces that will enhance the quality of life for years to come.

Link2Pump made fuel tracking and reporting simple, and it can help your landscaping business. 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.

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

 

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5 strategies for reducing your fleet’s cost per mile

The costs of operating vehicle fleets can add up quickly. Fleet owners deal with typical expenses like maintenance and fuel, and the price of gasoline and diesel can be volatile, especially with supply chain disruptions and international conflict causing spikes. The unpredictability leads logistics professionals to consider every option available for saving. 

Reducing the cost per mile of a fleet is essential to maximize profitability and ensure the sustainability of a transportation business. Here are five strategies that can help you reduce your fleet’s cost per mile:

  1. Implement fuel-efficient driving practices: Encouraging your drivers to adopt fuel-efficient driving practices such as accelerating and braking smoothly, reducing speed, and avoiding idling can significantly reduce fuel consumption and, in turn, the cost per mile.
  2. Regular vehicle maintenance: Regular vehicle maintenance not only extends the life of your vehicles, but also improves fuel efficiency and reduces costly breakdowns. This includes routine checks of the engine, transmission, tires, and brakes, as well as timely replacements of filters and lubricants.
  3. Invest in fuel-efficient vehicles: Upgrading your fleet with fuel-efficient vehicles can significantly reduce fuel costs and decrease the cost per mile. Vehicles equipped with modern fuel-saving technologies such as aerodynamic designs, low-rolling resistance tires, and advanced engine management systems can deliver substantial fuel savings.
  4. Manage routes and schedules efficiently: Efficient route planning and scheduling can reduce miles driven, fuel consumption, and ultimately, the cost per mile. By optimizing routes, reducing unnecessary idling, and avoiding backtracking, you can significantly reduce fuel costs and improve productivity.
  5. Use telematics and data analytics: Telematics systems and data analytics can provide valuable insights into fleet performance, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions that can reduce the cost per mile.

    For example, Link2Pump offers an open API for seamless and free integration with 3rd party software. Your 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.

Reducing the cost per mile of your fleet requires a combination of effective management strategies, including fuel-efficient driving practices, regular vehicle maintenance, investment in fuel-efficient vehicles, efficient route planning, and the use of telematics and data analytics. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce your fleet’s cost per mile, improve efficiency, and maximize profitability.

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How to save fuel on the road

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The cost of fuel is one of the biggest expenses for fleet managers. The past few years have been challenging because of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Here’s how to encourage drivers to save fuel while on the road.

Implementing new policies

The most direct way to encourage fuel-efficient driving habits is to enforce new policies for drivers. Fleet managers could set efficiency metrics for the team and have them aim for specific targets each quarter. Some companies establish a speed limit for their drivers to ensure they get the best mileage possible. 

Training drivers from the beginning

Fleet managers should communicate their expectations from the beginning to make policies effective. Hiring managers and supervisors can encourage fuel-efficient driving habits by showing new people in training. These workers could be entry-level, first-time employees or seasoned veterans. Either way, fleet managers should ensure they know the expectations and metrics they need to reach.  

Giving feedback to drivers is important

Providing feedback is a great way to improve driving habits. Letting employees know how they’re doing and if they’re being fuel-efficient gives them direct knowledge of whether they’re performing well or need improvement. Today’s technology is beneficial because supervisors don’t have to sit with people while they operate. 

Changing driver schedules

Based on traffic patterns in the area, fleet managers should create routes daily. The time of day can impact congestion significantly. One highway could have traffic jams frequently in the morning, but be mostly clear by midday. Driving at night typically brings less traffic on most routes. 

Be aware of fuel capacity

Drivers can go for long stretches in rural areas without seeing a gas station. For example, vehicles on Interstate 70 in Utah can travel for over 100 miles without coming across a service station. Drivers who encounter roads like this should calculate their vehicles’ fuel range to avoid running out of gas. 

Getting regular maintenance checks 

Fleet managers can extend the life of their fleet by getting routine maintenance checks. These appointments increase fuel efficiency by ensuring all parts work at their peak level. Some elements fleet owners should examine are:

  • Tires: Tires can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency. Fleet managers and drivers should track the PSI constantly and ensure it’s optimal for each tire. Underinflated tires compromise fuel mileage by about 0.2% for every pound dropped.
  • Air filter: Another maintenance point affecting fuel economy is the air filter. It will have difficulty with airflow once it traps debris and dirt from the road, resulting in lower efficiency. Fleet managers should regularly replace the air filter to improve fuel economy.
  • Engine: Engine tuneups are a necessity for fleets. Supervisors may see they need to replace the spark plugs or oxygen sensors when tuning the motor. Another way to help the engine is to upgrade the oil to a low-viscosity blend.

Also, having a 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. 

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 the bottom line and productivity, please get in touch.

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Electric vehicles dominated CES 2023

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CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is a massive, annual event where some of the most important technology makers and innovators show off their latest and greatest releases. The show began all the way back in 1967 in New York City, and was a bi-annual event until the late 1990s. Recently, the formerly transient show has settled into Las Vegas as its regular home, typically taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In 2023, CES was once again at just about full, in-person capacity, housing major reveals from companies like Samsung, Acer, Asus, HTC, Lenovo, and many, many others.

This year, in addition to the many screen launches, another hot topic was electric cars. Even for those who visited the event, would not be wrong if they thought that all cars in the world are now electric. After all, pretty much everything, from the next generation of motorcycles to a soon-to-be unveiled U.S. Postal Service delivery van, is now battery-powered.

With the Biden administration’s recent announcement of an expected March increase from the present $7,500 incentive for consumers who purchase an electric vehicle, there will soon be an additional financial benefit for buyers. To that end, there is no shortage of options.

About each brand’s releases

At CES, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Stellantis (parent company of Chrysler, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and Fiat) and Volvo all unveiled their versions of EVs that are either presently in the market or slated for delivery later this year.

Finland-based motorcycle manufacturer Verge introduced its 201 HP all-electric super bike, most-powerful two-wheeled vehicle ever produced, while Oshkosh Defense is producing 60,000 new zero emission delivery vehicles for the U.S. Postal Service — 75% of which will be fully electric — slated for 2026.

Dodge most definitely turned heads with the introduction of its new Ram 1500 Revolution fully electric pickup truck, with two 14.2-inch touchscreens, one of which is removable for use outside the vehicle, and its innovative Shadow Mode, which allows the truck to follow its owner at low speeds, perfect for delivering items to multiple nearby locations.

But the unquestioned star of the show was the partnership between Sony and Honda, which are working together to manufacture and sell their unique, entertainment-infused line of electric vehicles under the brand name Afeela.

With 45 integrated cameras and sensors, and safety a top priority, the new line will ultimately feature Level 3 automated driving capabilities under limited conditions, meaning the car can drive autonomously in heavy traffic, but the human driver must take over when the system requests it.

The innovation in one area often launches a movement, and nowhere was that more apparent than in the dozens of power stations and charging options present in the exhibition hall.

Technology industry professionals attend the show to learn about what is new, what is hot, and what is coming. The world’s largest gathering for innovation and technology also allowed us to see and imagine the future.

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Tips to conduct a great road test

Comprehensive road tests offer one of the best tools to evaluate an applicant’s technical skills and driving behaviors. But the process involves more than ensuring the truck driver completes the journey. Let’s check some tips to improve this process. 

Create a trusting environment

Before a road test begins, it is important to take some time over a coffee to get to know a job candidate better. This helps break down psychological barriers and establish a sense of trust that will help better gauge the driver’s character, skills, and attitude.

Check the attention to detail

After the candidate has done a circle check, he or she can be measured in the fleet yard. Having a driver couple a tractor to the trailer offers the chance to monitor their attention to details, such as ensuring that the fifth wheel’s jaws have properly closed around the king pin.

Look at what they see

Once you’re on the highway, start a conversation about family, friends, and social activities. Ask questions about the number, location, and even color of vehicles to their left, right or in front of the truck at any moment. And how often are they looking at their mirrors?

Drivers should be seen following the Smith System of Driving’s five key rules. Looking far ahead, expanding their visual field, keeping their eyes moving, ensuring they are seen and predictable, and ensuring they don’t leave themselves boxed in without an escape.

Ask drivers to tell you what they can’t do

The things a driver avoids are just as important as what they do. As they move through an urban environment, can they identify signs that prohibit trucks from entering specific streets? Do they know how to identify routes that cannot accommodate heavy vehicles?

Watch how they behave

Calm drivers are safe drivers. Is a candidate aggressive in their maneuvers and braking? Do they seem aggravated when someone cuts them off or drives too slowly in front of them?

Back up observations

Several skills and approaches can be observed by asking a driver to back into a space or loading dock. Does the candidate get out and look (GOAL)? Back up smoothly and at a low speed? Do they demonstrate patience – especially if they have to repeat the maneuver?

More than anything else, the candidate should love driving. Any person who loves his/her job does it well. Driving a truck or a car is good employment for those who do not want to work within the confines of an office. These are some of the best ways in which you can hire drivers for your fleet of vehicles.

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Government plans to require large contractor emissions reports

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Federal regulators have proposed a new climate-reporting rule that would require large federal contractors to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, climate-related financial risks and science-based emissions’ reduction targets.

The new proposal, known as the Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Proposed Rule, would amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). It was announced by the Department of Defense, General Services Administration and NASA. The agencies are recommending adding the climate reporting as a revision to the FAR, which governs federal contractors.

The federal government is the world’s single largest purchaser of goods and services, spending more than $650 billion in contracts in fiscal 2020 alone, according to the announcement.

The new proposal provides a targeted, risk-based approach by focusing primarily on major federal suppliers. The largest supplier category includes federal contractors receiving more than $50 million in annual contracts, and contractors with more than $7.5 million but less than $50 million in annual contracts.

A science-based target is a target for reducing GHG emissions that is in line with reductions that the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (or 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees C (34.7° F).

The SEC proposed rule change, first announced in March, would require registrants to include certain climate-related disclosures in their registration statements and periodic reports, including information about climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on their businesses.

So, if you have government contracts, it is more than ever important to be able to measure all processes, for the greatest possible transparency.

IoT and telematics tracking in trucks can help on this mission. Fleet managers can then perform repairs to make them more fuel-efficient or replace them with newer, more economical alternatives. Similarly, data over time can highlight which routes lead to the highest diesel consumption, informing future route planning.

Currently, Link2Pump is an alternative that helps fleets managers to save fuel. If you want to learn more about our solution and are searching for alternatives to manage your fleet, please get in touch.

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What to expect from IoT in 2023

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The Internet of Things will be present in 95% of electronics in the coming years. As a result, interest in and demand for products capable of combining management, control, and monitoring will grow rapidly. The scenario serves as a tip for every supplier, at the very least, to make plans to implement IoT in their products, considering the new opportunities and needs of the market.

To keep pace with industry changes and stay competitive, it’s critical to be aware of major trends. Here are the top trends to keep an eye on, shared by Zipit. 

  1. A wider range of connectivity options

The last few years have offered a wider range of connectivity choices for IoT, both by expanding existing technologies like LPWAN( Low-power wide-area network) and through newer technologies like 5G. With the continued proliferation of 5G’s ultra-low latency and higher data transfer rates, we’ll continue to see exciting new solutions evolve and improve. 

  1. Increasing challenges related to cybersecurity

Cybersecurity continues to be top of mind, particularly since the rise in remote work. Seeking new and improved ways of protecting IoT products and systems is and will continue to be a top business priority for years to come. 

  1. Edge computing

One particular technology that continues to advance on the Internet of Things is edge computing. In this model, the IoT data captured by sensors is analyzed and stored at or near the physical site where it’s collected. Edge computing provides the opportunity for more real-time data processing, and it allows businesses and governments to serve customers in new areas while providing greater control and flexibility. Some exciting edge computing use cases include autonomous vehicles, smart cities, healthcare and medicine, industrial IoT, and more.

  1. Advances in big data and machine learning

Learning how to harness the data to further automate decision-making is proving to be an exciting challenge to solve and a key aspect of continuing to enhance the value of IoT. Big data and machine learning will continue enabling IoT to support better and more informed recommendations as we learn to leverage it well.

  1. As-a-service delivery model improvements

Through IoT, using cloud-based services without a large financial outlay will continue to improve the service delivery model. IoT provides a “consume what you need” delivery method through the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud services, and other advances. 

  1. Artificial intelligence (AI)

According to Bloomberg, the $422+ billion global artificial intelligence market is likely to grow at over 39% from now through 2028. This tremendous growth provides incredible opportunities for businesses and governments alike to foster innovation and respond to customer and constituent needs. Artificial intelligence has been advancing IoT by leaps and bounds and shows no sign of slowing down. 

  1. Internationalization

The final trend for 2023 is that device-making customers are expanding their offerings into different countries. Some US-based OEMs are growing by deploying solutions into Canada and various countries in Europe, for example. Likewise, Canadian companies are expanding into the US and various parts of Asia. And this trend continues in other countries as well. Now that more companies have already deployed their solutions in their home countries, they seek to offer their solutions in different markets and regions. 

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Tips to managing a downturn

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Trucking is a cyclical business and after most carriers enjoyed some record financial quarters, the economy seems poised to turn south. The risk of a U.S. recession is now 60% according to consensus estimates. But there are things trucking companies can and should be doing to safely weather any kind of looming economic storm.

Be transparent

Reporting on business metrics positively will help managers and stakeholders make lucrative decisions that limit the risk to employees.

  • Create a scorecard for each month detailing fleet size, fuel consumption, and repair costs, while highlighting any benefits received from vendor discounts or partner programs. Then compare those losses to profits gained by holding fast with effective business practices and structured evolution.
  • Provide higher-ups with ways to cut expenses and impact operational efficiency without sacrificing quality, ability, or continuity. If assets aren’t being utilized, propose ways to impact the bottom line by repurposing or removing them.

Don’t stop investing

The worst thing to do in a downturn is to stop investing. You can’t cut your way to profitability. You have to have a plan and stick to the plan. Investments in IT projects, facilities, and new equipment should not be shelved. Every time the economy starts to slow, we want to extend the life of our equipment. But this way, repair costs will rise, putting the carrier in a hole that’s difficult to emerge from. So, continue to invest in your good people, your drivers, your employees.

Optimize your network

Examine your network and focus growth and investments in the most profitable lanes. Discuss with customers which lanes are a good fit and which aren’t, and allocate available capacity to those that make the most sense for both parties. Fleets need to assess each load and lane in their network, based on the revenue they generate and the cost and time it takes to service those lanes.

One thing many carriers don’t have access to is accurate transit times. Take that into account. Give a profit score to every load. Right now would be a good time to start if you’re not already doing that. If you’re responding to RFPs (requests for proposals) without this data, you’re loosing money.

It’s hard to predict when the economy will level out after tanking, so taking steps to prepare for the worst will prevent negative consequences. For fleet managers, the first steps should be protecting employees and assets, removing unnecessary processes, and digitizing manual methods to save on supplies and retain valuable time.

IoT and telematics tracking in trucks can reveal whether specific vehicles use more fuel than others. Fleet managers can then perform repairs to make them more fuel-efficient or replace them with newer, more economical alternatives. Similarly, data over time can highlight which routes lead to the highest diesel consumption, informing future route planning.

Link2Pump is an alternative that helps fleets managers to save fuel. You can improve delivery planning and fuel distribution management, saving money without losing effectiveness and deadlines.

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IKEA begins autonomous freight delivery

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Kodiak Robotics joined IKEA Supply Chain Operations in piloting autonomous freight deliveries in Texas. The partnership includes a Kodiak autonomous heavy-duty truck transporting IKEA products seven days a week between its distribution center in Baytown and its store in Frisco.

Kodiak said the main purpose of running the route is to get a better understanding of how its autonomous driving technology contributes to increased road safety and better working conditions for truck drivers on the longer distances. The driverless truck has a professional safety driver behind the wheel who picks up a loaded trailer at the distribution center each morning and oversees the autonomous delivery to the store by late afternoon.

Kodiak said it’s able to leverage its built-for-scale solution to rapidly and safely add new lanes. These include the recently announced launch of commercial operations between Dallas and Oklahoma City and service between Dallas and Atlanta. Kodiak has been delivering freight daily between Dallas and Houston since mid-2019, and delivering freight between Dallas and San Antonio since mid-2021.

Automated driving

While self-driving passenger cars tend to get the most attention, autonomous driving tech is poised to have an even greater impact on the global trucking and logistics industry.

Autonomous trucks aren’t yet commonplace on the world’s highways, but recent advances in autonomous trucking technologies mean that self-driving trucks could soon become a vital part of modern logistics operations — and an everyday sight for millions of motorists. Autonomous trucking could hugely increase efficiency and reduce costs, as well as help shore up critical weaknesses in many supply chains that cause shortages during disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Investors are starting to pay more attention to the space, backing increasingly larger deals to autonomous trucking startups lately.

Some recent developments in autonomous logistics are transforming trucks themselves, as auto manufacturers envision a future in which truckers’ cabs serve as mobile offices, fully connected to the grid via 5G and other wireless networking technologies. But beyond the vehicles, an entire industry of supportive technologies has emerged to provide solutions for logistics and goods haulage, from fleet management to freight matching.

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