How to improve fleet productivity with telematics

Fleet companies have relied on telematics solutions to track and monitor vehicles, improve safety and enhance productivity in the last couple of years. According to a survey by Bobit Business Media, fleet businesses that have deployed telematics technology witnessed a decrease in accident costs and fuel consumption by 21% and 10%, respectively. Further, the telematics industry projects to grow by more than $62 billion by 2025.

Now let’s share some tips to improve your productivity with telematics:

Job schedule and paper work

Fleet managers typically spend 80% of their work time on phone calls matching drivers to jobs. It can be exhausting to understand which drivers are available, which are closest to the job destination, and where they are currently. 

Companies that bring in a telematics solution should use it to tap into information on historic journeys, real-time traffic status, and other crucial highlights that can be used to find the closest vehicle available. By effectively planning and dispatching jobs, fleet businesses can also offer accurate ETA (estimated time of arrival) to customers and team members, ensuring smooth operations.

Optimized routing

Optimized routing works with job dispatching to complete more jobs in a day. Using GPS tracking, drivers can get information on road congestion, unexpected traffic, roadblocks, and much more. The telematics system can then recommend the best alternative route, circumvent delays, and ensure timely delivery to consumers.

Eliminate idling time

Many transportation companies worry about fuel and maintenance cost concerns due to fleet vehicle idling. Traffic, breakdowns and unexpected repairs are common reasons for this issue. Not only does idling cause fuel waste and pollute the air, but it also increases the wear and tear of the fleets.

Telematics systems can be used to deliver vehicle location, performance, and engine information. As a result, fleet managers can also check when a vehicle is on but not running, which can help them take necessary steps to reduce idle time. That can save a significant amount in repairs, while minimizing CO2 emissions and improving overall fleet productivity.

Investments in efficiency-driven solutions like telematics systems have one final and significant benefit: They can ultimately help to improve the customer experience, increasing business revenue and profitability.

How technology can impact truck drivers

In the age of modernity and with easy access to information and benefits that technology is providing us, investing in innovation is what makes companies stand out in the market, creating great differentials.

Following this path, companies will certainly be able to increase their income, their productivity and reduce costs. Only positive points will come if they are well managed.

For a long time even communication was difficult between the truck driver and the company and also between family members. But today, with the cell phone in the palm of your hand, it’s much easier to call to solve a problem or to kill the homesickness.

However, this device doesn’t have to be used just for that, right? Technology is everywhere and could not be left out in the cargo transport segment. Improving routines is something that technology in the modern truck driver’s life does best.

Technological advances are increasingly benefiting the work of drivers, providing more safety, tranquility, agility and assertiveness in carrying out their tasks.

  • Having vehicles with GPS has several advantages, such as enhanced visibility of the fleet’s location. However, the reality is that the benefits of GPS fleet tracking extend far beyond identifying location, and include route optimization, increased security, more efficient dispatch, reduced cost, and enhanced customer experience.
  • By taking into account specific variables such as vehicle capacities, drivers’ schedules, driver coverage areas, and delivery window times, it can create the most efficient and safest route. Route optimization is vital to the growth of the business since it reduces delivery costs and increases productivity.
  • It is essential to identify bad driving habits such as excess acceleration, cornering, and hard braking. This information is vital for businesses since they can identify drivers with these habits, reducing potential liabilities and accidents. 
  • Loss of fuel, or fuel that goes unaccounted for, is a sometimes-overlooked expense. Fuel theft is nearly a $133 billion issue that includes stolen, adulterated, and defrauded products. But here’s the good news: Fuel loss can be prevented, and the bottom line can be protected. Card-locking control technology combats the potential of fuel theft by allowing only authorized individuals to access fuel.

Drivers are, in part, the glue that keeps the transportation industry together. While supply chain management and logistics can be complex webs to navigate, against the backdrop of such unprecedented disruption, it’s critical that fleets consider how to leverage technology to capitalize on existing driver talent, optimize delivery routes and streamline overall delivery workflows to help ensure success.

Find ways to improve efficiency and cash flow in your fleet

Managing your fleet’s bottom line should always be very important – especially during times when budgets are tight. By identifying efficiency opportunities across the fleet, you can control costs while also meeting financial, safety, and other fleet performance goals. Here are some ways that your fleet can improve efficiencies and cash flow to stay moving while keeping the bottom line in sight.

 

Prioritize your safety program

One of the most significant advances in telematics and analytics-based fleet management systems is the ability to predict which drivers are most at risk for accidents, allowing fleet managers to proactively assign safety training to mitigate risk. The data also shows whether driver safety training programs are effective. Speeding, hard braking, and lack of turn signals are useful to identify risky driving behaviors, but if training and safe-driving reward programs reduce those bad habits and accident rates fail to fall as expected, managers can look at other potential issues such as fatigue or distracted driving. 

 

Put your fleet data to work

Cloud computing, big data, and connected vehicles are powering advances in-vehicle monitoring, and with each passing year, fleets have more options for capturing actionable information. One of the largest areas where fleets can drive efficiencies is through connected vehicle data, telematics, and driver behavior data. Armed with hard data about incidents such as hard braking, speeding, and harsh cornering, you can actively monitor which policies have the most significant impact on incident reduction. This focus can help you reduce the risk of accidents and drive down fuel and maintenance costs. 

 

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. If you’re looking for a fuel management partner that can help you reduce your fleet’s expenses, contact us.

 

Embrace data and integrated fleet management systems

The ability to collect data, analyze that data and distill it down to provide a true picture of the total cost of ownership and identify trends (both good and bad), is essential for determining where there is room for improvement and cost savings. The analysis that comes from vehicle and driver behavior data collection should guide the path that organizations take, and fleet management solution providers should work with their clients to customize the systems to best meet organizations’ particular needs.

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.

 

Monitor progress toward your goals

Set Your Goals: Deciding what data is most important will ultimately be driven by your organization’s goals. For example, if reducing speeding is a focus, data points such as miles per hour over the limit and the number of speeding incidents will be critical.

 

Run a Benchmark Period: Before rolling out a new program to the whole fleet, a small launch can be run for 60-90 days to gather initial data and better understand areas of opportunity. This data will essentially reveal your fleet’s “baseline.”

 

Track Performance: One of the most impactful ways to translate telematics data into action is through scorecards. Driver scorecards present information about key performance indicators, such as idling, speeding, harsh cornering, or harsh braking, to encourage changes in driver behavior.

Logistics resolutions for 2022

A new year begins with new promises and newer visions. Like it or not, it is time to reassess your previous 365 days and try to figure out what worked and what didn’t.

As we flip the calendar over to 2022 and wave goodbye to 2021, truck driver shortages, supply chain interruptions, and port congestion will likely continue. Fuel prices, in all likelihood, will continue to trend upward and maintenance costs will ratchet higher due to more companies adopting extended replacement schedules. Fleet costs will not only continue to increase but, in all probability, they will accelerate.

The reality is that most expenses impacting the fleet are beyond the control of fleet managers. Fuel is the highest operating expense facing commercial fleet managers, with price volatility creating tremendous challenges to planning and budgeting for this variable expense. 

 

Tracking

Tracking has become the calling card for all major companies in the previous year. Some companies managed to get ahead of the curve, others barely managed to catch up. Whichever category you fall in, this is the time to boost the tracking potential of your company to the next level. Here are some major pointers that top entrepreneurs incorporated in their new year plans.

 

Integrate all you can 

Integration is something you hear a lot as a transportation business owner. The more complex your delivery operation, the greater a job it is to integrate all the systems you’re using. And yet it is precisely integration that will save you time and money from day one.

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.

 

Budget Constraints

Fleet managers are facing tightening budgets, pressures to right-size their fleets and implement never-ending cost reduction initiatives in the pursuit of an overall reduction in total fleet costs. This is being complicated by increased acquisition costs from fleet service providers, upward pressures from unscheduled maintenance costs, higher fuel prices, and the lack of spare parts or delays in receiving shipments of components.

Link2Pump services account 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.

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 over fueling data is available in real-time and you can see and manage it from any device. Cloud backup guarantees zero chance of data loss.

 

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.

Clean air filter: reduction in fuel consumption

Truck and road are the perfect match. Unfortunately, road and dust, too. When managing fleets traveling on different highways, the conditions of each route need to be considered. Good scripting is essential in the logistics process, but it is not always possible to avoid places that could harm the vehicle’s health or that could bring unexpected costs.

So it is with the dirt accumulated in truck systems, the air filter is a great accumulator of this dirt. Filters are one of the most important parts of truck mechanics. The correct maintenance of the components ensures, in addition to longer service life for the engine, to avoid some problems, such as:

 

– Filter clogging

– Entry of dust, earth, and other particles into the engine’s combustion chamber

– Engine overheating

 

The last item is linked to fuel consumption, as the hotter the engine, the more performance can be harmed, thus stimulating a greater expenditure on fuel. Cleaning the air filters well brings safety and economy. However, as a fleet manager you must be aware of the conditions of all vehicles, and to take care of the filter, only specialized professionals must do the maintenance. As the filter is what helps to regulate the air intake for the fuel, cleaning and periodically changing it will also make a final difference in your fuel costs.

For each gallon of fuel burned, the engine uses up to 10,000 gallons of air; thus it is easy to understand how vital a clean air filter is to the proper operation of a car. So here we listed some benefits of changing your air filter regularly: 

 

  1. Increased fuel efficiency

One of the biggest reasons to change your air filter regularly. Some studies indicate that replacing a dirty air filter increases fuel mileage on older, carbureted cars by as much as 14 percent if the filter is so dirty it affects driveability. In addition, changing a clogged air filter can potentially increase acceleration by 6 to 11 percent on modern fuel-injected cars. Other studies claim a 10 percent increase in gas mileage and up to 15¢ per gallon fuel savings. 

  1. Prolongs engine life

Changing the air filter regularly helps prolong engine life because the air filter is designed to trap damaging dirt and debris that can damage internal engine parts such as the cylinders and pistons. Engine damage can occur from particles as small as a grain of salt and result in costly repairs. 

 

  1. Inexpensive and quick fix

An air filter is one of the least expensive maintenance components to replace and can be done by doing it yourself. It is important to make certain the replacement air filter is designed for your exact make and model of car.

In addition to taking care of filter cleaning, there are other ways to regulate and reduce fuel consumption in your fleet. One of them is with Link2Pump. 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.

Link2Pump also offers an 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 the bottom line and productivity, please get in touch.

Fuel Management System Market to rise at CAGR of 8.9% through 2030

The COVID-19 outbreak has possessed a significant impact on the fuel management system market. Worldwide factories have struggled in integrating new fuel management systems as workers are staying at home that in turn has disrupted the supply chains across the globe. As the situation improves, supply chains, production, and also the demand for such products are likely to increase gradually. The present scenario is likely to offer opportunities for organizations to think about ways of increasing their production, improving current products, and research technologies.

Increasing the adoption of fuel management systems in logistics and transportation applications will offer robust opportunities for the market. With rising investments being made in logistics and transportation sectors, the use of fuel management systems has automatically increased for the increase in efficiency, security, productivity, and the reduction in overall costs.

Fuel management systems are developed to attain optimum fuel utilization and also minimum fuel wastage as oil reserves over the globe are depleting. Besides, the increased transportation services by sectors that use oil and gas to operate various operations need fuel monitoring and control systems which are likely to boost the market growth.

 

According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), “Fuel Management System Market Research Report, Type and Application, and Region – Forecast till 2030”, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8.9% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

 

Fuel is one of the top 3 expenses in any fleet’s cost structure. Tracking and reporting where it is being spent can be challenging and time-consuming. So how do you stay on top of it? 

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.

Trends for Fleet Maintenance Management

Fleet management keeps evolving as the industry moves away from paper and spreadsheets to modern fleet management platforms that help you gather and analyze vast amounts of data.

But even as the industry continues to grow, many of the earliest, underlying principles of fleet management are still shaping industry trends today. Regardless of any scenario, we have three key points: 

  • Safety
  • Reliability
  • Cost management

 

SAFETY

Safety is one of the most important aspects of any job and, as a fleet manager, you contribute to keeping your drivers safe. One of the best ways to do that is by keeping your vehicles well maintained. 

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.

RELIABILITY

Reliability is crucial for fleet companies because customers are counting on you to show up and make deliveries on time. Every minute of vehicle downtime costs money, so it’s important to implement a fleet management strategy that emphasizes dependability.

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.

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.

 

COST MANAGEMENT

Along with your drivers, your vehicles are your most important asset. Keeping them well maintained and regularly serviced prolongs their useful life and helps avoid expensive downtime. Having all the data at your fingertips lets you keep close control over their condition, allowing faults to be dealt with before they become major issues.

Also, 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 are getting the most out of each mile per gallon.

As you can see, technology plays a crucial role in trends for fleet management. If you’re looking for a fuel management partner that can help you reduce your fleet’s expenses, contact us.

Digitalization Trends in the Logistics Industry

As the world undergoes a change around us, traditional methods of doing business are making ways for tech-oriented methods for faster solutions, less paperwork, and better results. Data and analytics have transformed businesses, and logistics is not an exception. In fact, the dynamic nature of the transport sector makes it a perfect use case for data.

The logistics industry across the globe is entering a new era. The accelerated development of digital technologies, combined with recent pandemic events, is the biggest responsible for this change.

The existence of data in the logistics sector isn’t new, but the way it is used is evolving. The information-gathering exercise now finds multiple use cases and is it possible to leverage one single set of data in multiple actionable ways.

Right from the GPS to weather, fleet information, and the delivery schedules, all add to the system which is then used to predict the optimal route of delivery. It also brings cost-efficacy for the customers and better earning visibility for the truck drivers.

Like most businesses, the logistics industry is going through several changes and is adapting to the new digital environment.

If your company has a minimum demand, you can start thinking about enjoying the benefits of your fleet supply system. 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.

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.

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.

 

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

How fleet managers can simplify preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance is essential for keeping a fleet on the road. By using a maintenance schedule and regularly inspecting essential vehicle components, fleet managers can extend the lifespan of their fleet vehicles and reduce unplanned downtime.

Increasingly, longer-term preventative and predictive maintenance is the preferred answer. And fortunately, there’s a lot of business owners and fleet managers can do to extend the life of their current fleet.

For managers, knowing how to streamline this maintenance approach will make it easier to avoid disruptions without making inspections or repairs less effective.

 

Driver safety

Utilizing data provided by fleet management technology such as GPS tracking or driver-facing dash cameras can allow fleet managers to individualize driver training and help prevent distracted driving accidents or harsh driving. 

 

Digitize Paperwork and Scheduling

Administrative work can be one of the most time-consuming portions of preventive maintenance. Digital solutions can make storing, accessing, and analyzing this information much simpler. Support staff and mechanics can generate templates for common repairs using information from previous work, streamlining the process of documenting maintenance.

 

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 grow. 

 

Putting predictive maintenance into practice

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.

 

Lifetime Warranty

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.

Technology can help with fuel efficiency

More than ever, it is time to invest in technologies that help with its management. You can estimate the fuel consumption of each vehicle, compare expenses on each type of vehicle and route, and thus plan your action to further reduce fuel costs.

 

In the scope of any project or job, the cost of fuel often accounts for one of the most significant expenses. From the cost of lost fuel to theft to engine issues associated with contaminants in the fuel, to lost productivity due to lack of fuel; storage, transportation, and distribution of Jobsite fuel have the potential to significantly affect the bottom line. However, changing technology in fuel storage is helping companies tackle those issues and mitigate costs.  

 

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

Link2Pump services account 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.

 

Link2Pump Pedestal automates the fueling process on-site, capturing the 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.

 

Loss of fuel, or fuel that goes unaccounted for, is a sometimes-overlooked expense. Fuel theft is nearly a $133 billion issue that includes stolen, adulterated, and defrauded products. But here’s the good news: Fuel loss can be prevented, and the bottom line can be protected. Card-locking control technology combats the potential of fuel theft by allowing only authorized individuals to access fuel.

When fuel can account for up to 50% of a job’s total operating costs, it’s important to do everything possible to protect fuel assets. 

 

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.

Benefits of IoT in Fleet Management Industry

Vehicle fleet management in IoT is a natural environment for the application of advantages, utilities, and benefits. The IoT is the precise tool to help you efficiently manage your vehicle fleet, minimizing costs and increasing productivity, asset life, and service quality. Research predicts the revenue of the global IoT fleet management market will reach an estimated US$15,500 million by 2024.

 

Regionally, North America has been leading the worldwide IoT fleet management market and is anticipated to continue in the dominant position in the years to come, states the IoT fleet management market study. Robust network infrastructure, implementation of strict legislations, and rapid acceptance of technologically advanced products is the main factor behind the dominance of the North America IoT fleet management market. The number of players being headquartered in North America is another significant factor that is supporting this regional IoT market.

 

IoT allows us to establish an effective interconnection between physical assets and managers, through the network. So when we install sensors in our fleet vehicles, we implement the first link in a sequence of processes that will let you know minute by minute, what happens with each unit.

 

Once connected, the sensors perform a wide range of readings, generating alerts about routes, location, incidents, or out-of-range measurements. This triggers a succession of actions ranging from the transmission of data via the Internet, through its collection and organization in a database, to the crossing and analysis of data, to transform them into useful information for decision-making as well. As for planning routes, tasks, and plans for preventive and/or predictive maintenance.

 

Key benefits of IoT in fleet management

  • Real-time vehicle monitoring
  • Risk mitigation
  • Remote data management
  • Impeccable customer service
  • Cost optimization
  • Smart reporting
  • Environment-friendly operations
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Engine performance
  • Improved fuel efficiency

 

IoT is making the adoption of these changes much easier than ever for companies. They are equipped to strategize better and increase productivity by automating routine tasks.

Therefore, integrating information technology improves the performance of your fleet business manifolds. It assures improvement in efficiency and compliance with road security standards.

Global Logistics is On The Move

As with most other industries, the outbreak has transformed global logistics in profound ways. But unlike most other industries, the decline in economic activity during the pandemic has not impacted global logistics too adversely. The consumption of goods, medicines, and other essential stuff — and thus the corresponding logistics needs — remained relatively unaffected.

According to a recent study, the growth of the global transport and logistics software market is expected to increase at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2021 and 2026. In 2021, the market is growing at a steady pace and with the growing adoption of strategies by the main players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon.

Some researchers affirm that the pandemic has been an inflection point for the transport and logistics industry too, thereby compelling organizations across the world to focus more closely on gaining end-to-end visibility in their business operations, fleet management, asset tracking, and shipment monitoring.

For your company to be a reference in the market, it needs to invest and apply the results of a new technology well. It is possible to gain an advantage over the competition, adapt to new business models, and offer services more competitively. The market demands it today, and the risk of non-adaptation is to stay out of the globalization that new technologies impose

Whether it’s automotive, financial services, food, or grocery delivery, technology has always been the biggest disrupter in any industry, and the logistics space is no different. 

Whether it is automotive, financial services, food, or grocery delivery, technology has always been the biggest disrupter in any industry and the logistics space is no different. As more advanced technologies are getting rolled out, industry pundits reckon that business processes are getting streamlined for companies to deliver better efficiencies. The advancements in technology, such as automated material handling equipment, biometrics, GPS, etc, aid organizations and businesses to work proficiently, thereby spurring the growth of the logistics market across the globe.

The impact for logistics operations is, without a doubt, having to follow these trends for the logistics market to face competitors and become more competitive in the market. It is a process that requires adaptation, versatility, effort, and learning. Are you ready for it?

Connection puts the driver at its center

The promise of capturing vehicle data and turning it into profitable new services and business models has driven significant investments in the commercial vehicle telematics space by truck manufacturers and suppliers.

 

However, despite significant investments in IT platforms, vehicle technology, and service innovations, we have not yet reached the maximum. We still have spaces to make more progress. 

 

With all the sensors that can be placed on vehicles and the large amount of data that can be collected, it is necessary to implement a data collection strategy. Players need to understand which services create value from a fleet or owner-operator perspective, how this translates into a dataset to be collected, how sufficient data quality can be ensured to define baselines, and which sensors can be effectively deployed to collect the relevant data.

 

What you need now is to find the right engagement model, collaborate on service design, and potentially co-create services together with customers. All of this is to protect the core business around predictive maintenance and dealer integration, for example in service activities.

 

From a fleet perspective, the central element that enables fleet productivity and profits continue to be the driver. Driver availability and escalating driver costs are top-of-mind for many fleets globally.

 

Making the job of a driver more attractive is a key challenge. Ways to address this are increasing cabin comfort and convenience, leveraging the right communication technology in the vehicle, and providing the right environment in terms of software and app support to drivers both from work as well as a leisure perspective. Telematics plays a role in all these areas.

 

Starting from a safety and security perspective, traffic accidents involving trucks are a major issue for all road participants. Technology that documents a crash, such as via a video camera that tracks the environment and the driver, can provide vital evidence in legal trials. Beyond this application, a basic breakdown service that communicates the severity and location of the crash as well as informing the emergency services is a clear benefit.

 

Driver health tech tracking heart rates, stress levels, and glucose levels can contribute to improved road safety as well. In emergencies, such as a heart attack, the vehicle can take over and execute a safe emergency stop.

 

On driver welfare, interior memory settings are used to adjust factors such as seating or mirror positions to meet driver needs. Radio stations and apps can be pre-selected according to driver preferences. Condition-based or predictive maintenance enhances uptime which is good for fleet managers but also for drivers who are paid per mile driven.

 

Predictive maintenance, statistical analysis of workshop activities, and their integration in the workflow have the potential to generate profits either via increased revenue or via reduced cost.

3 ways fleet managers can reduce operational costs

Try different ways of cost-cutting and still keeping safety/operational efficiency is a regular job of every fleet manager. In the last months, with the pandemic, reducing operational costs has assumed critical significance. 

There are several expenses in this line of work. The biggest, of course, is fuel fees and asset maintenance costs. The good news is that there are different ways to optimize and reduce operating expenses.

Here are three steps for fleet managers looking to reduce operating costs: 

 

Exercise control over the distance covered

In the past, fleet managers did not have direct visibility over daily fleet operations data. You could not keep track of every mile covered by all the vehicles in your fleet. This often encouraged a tendency to use company vehicles for non-essential or personal purposes.

With increased connectivity and GPS tracking, this is no longer an issue. Using technology, businesses can now optimize routes like never before, cutting down on mileage and fuel costs. Telemetry data also allows fleet managers to effectively discourage frivolous usage of vehicles.

 

Improve fuel consumption

With fuel costs accounting for the lion’s share of operating costs for many fleets, this step may seem like a no-brainer. But many fleet managers end up not worrying about this all-important detail. 

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.

 

Use technology for efficient maintenance

Maintenance is a vital function that has a value multiplier effect on your fleet – it improves productivity, reduces accident risk, and increases the longevity/resale value of vehicles. It is also an incredibly complex task, with huge potential for waste and inefficiency.

 

You can use maintenance software to boost savings without compromising on safety. These kinds of solutions give you full visibility on your fleet’s maintenance status, with automated scheduling, real-time data alerts, and other optimization options.

How does a fuel management system work?

How does a fuel management system work?

Fuel is one of the top 3 expenses in any fleet’s cost structure. Tracking and reporting where it is being spent can be challenging and time-consuming. So how do you stay on top of it? 

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. 

 

But 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 a 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 over fueling data is available in real-time and you can see and manage it from any device. Cloud backup guarantees zero chance of data loss.

Link2Pump also 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.

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.

Take your data off the paper and into the cloud and drive your business forward with Link2Pump. If you want to learn more about our solution and are looking for alternatives to improve bottom line and productivity, please get in touch.

5 ways to enhance fleet efficiency

Fleet management is a task that initially may seem easy, but in practice, it presents great complexity. Good fleet management is not only related to taking care of the entry and exit of vehicles. Good fleet management must understand the entire operation, maximizing the availability of vehicles to perform services, reducing costs with tires, fines, maintenance, fuel, and ensuring driver satisfaction.

It is a strategic activity for fleet companies and, therefore, it needs to achieve good results to ensure the company’s competitiveness and the quality of the service provided. However, with so many processes and information to deal with, how to organize fleet management to make it more efficient?

This is a big challenge for the manager and we are going to present 5 tips here that can help you with this task.

Train the drivers

Drivers have a huge role to play in fleet operations. Driver training is a popular practice adopted by companies around the world to improve efficiency. It ensures that a driver is fully capable enough to handle all kinds of situations while driving. 

With a well-trained and experienced workforce, businesses can save a lot of expense. It includes fuel costs and vehicle maintenance charges. In addition to that, a skillful driver can avoid accidents, saving companies from a lot of operational and financial problems.

Improve Fuel Management

The tracking solutions offer an excellent fuel management feature that caters to all the fueling needs. It monitors the fuel levels of the vehicles in real-time, providing useful insights about consumption trends. Also, companies that manage the cost of fuel well spend up to 30% less than companies that do not control the expense.

Use Mobile Application

It is essential to stay connected to the team all the time. The managers should be aware of the operations whether they are in the office or not. To monitor operations on the go, a mobile app can be used. With the help of the app, they can have all the main features of the management software on their mobile device. It helps the managers to keep doing their job from any remote location, ensuring smooth operational flow.

Keep Vehicles Well Maintained

Along with your drivers, your vehicles are your most important asset. Keeping them well maintained and regularly serviced prolongs their useful life and helps avoid expensive downtime. Having all the data at your fingertips lets you keep close control over their condition, allowing faults to be dealt with before they become major issues.

Improve Team Communications

Your fleet drivers are an invaluable asset, so treat them with respect and keep them fully informed. In addition to regular training, it’s important to give them the necessary information to do their work to the very best of their abilities.

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.

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.