Turning Trash into Treasure: A California City Converts Organic Waste into Renewable Fuel

In the sunny state of California, where sustainability takes center stage, the city of Roseville has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative that is reducing its environmental footprint and setting an inspiring example for the world. The initiative? Converting organic waste into renewable fuel to power their solid waste trucks. Let’s dive into this remarkable journey towards a cleaner, greener future.

In a world grappling with the challenges of climate change and pollution, innovation is key to finding solutions. Roseville has risen to the occasion by turning a problem into an opportunity. Organic waste, which often ends up in landfills, is now being repurposed into renewable fuel for the city’s fleet of solid waste trucks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a circular economy.

The heart of this remarkable transformation lies in anaerobic digestion, a natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen. In Roseville’s state-of-the-art facilities, organic waste, including food scraps, yard trimmings, and sewage sludge, is collected and processed through anaerobic digestion. This process not only diverts waste from landfills but also captures biogas, a valuable source of renewable energy.

The biogas produced through anaerobic digestion is rich in methane, a potent greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere. However, Roseville doesn’t let it escape. Instead, they capture and purify the biogas, transforming it into renewable natural gas (RNG), a sustainable and low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Fueling a Greener Fleet

The real magic happens when this RNG is used to power the city’s solid waste trucks. These trucks, once contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, are now running on clean, renewable energy. This transition reduces the city’s carbon footprint and improves air quality for Roseville’s residents.

Converting organic waste into renewable fuel isn’t just good for the environment; it’s a win-win for the community. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Reduced Emissions: By using RNG to power their solid waste trucks, Roseville has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner, healthier atmosphere.
  2. Economic Growth: By investing in innovative waste-to-energy solutions, Roseville is creating green jobs and fostering economic growth within the community.
  3. Resource Conservation: Organic waste is a valuable resource that can be repurposed, reducing the strain on landfills and conserving valuable landfill space.

A Model for Sustainable Cities

Roseville’s journey from organic waste to renewable fuel serves as an inspiring model for cities worldwide. It demonstrates that with vision, investment, and commitment to sustainability, even the most challenging environmental problems can be turned into opportunities for positive change.

As the world seeks innovative solutions to combat climate change and reduce pollution, Roseville shines as a beacon of hope. By converting organic waste into renewable fuel to power their solid waste trucks, they are leading the way towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This remarkable initiative shows that with determination and innovation, we can turn trash into treasure and transform our cities into cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities.

Success Stories: How Municipalities Are Benefiting from Advanced Fuel Management Systems

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In today’s rapidly evolving world, the integration of advanced technologies has become the driving force behind efficiency and sustainability in various sectors. One such sector that’s reaping the rewards of innovation is municipal vehicle fleets, thanks to advanced fuel management systems. These systems have transformed the way municipalities manage their fuel consumption, budgets, and overall operations. Let’s delve into some success stories that highlight the remarkable benefits municipalities are gaining from these cutting-edge solutions.

 

  1. City of Seattle, Washington: The City of Seattle implemented a comprehensive fuel management system across its diverse fleet of vehicles, ranging from police cars to fire trucks and waste management vehicles. By integrating real-time data on fuel consumption and vehicle performance, the city was able to optimize routes, reduce idle times, and monitor fuel efficiency. This initiative resulted in a significant reduction in fuel costs and emissions. The data-driven insights also facilitated better decision-making regarding maintenance schedules and vehicle replacements.
  2. City of Indianapolis, Indiana: Facing the challenge of increasing fuel costs, the City of Indianapolis turned to a sophisticated fuel management system. This system allowed them to closely monitor fuel usage patterns and identify irregularities. As a result, they discovered instances of unauthorized fuel purchases and inefficient routes. By addressing these issues, the city achieved substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency across their fleet of vehicles, which includes everything from public transit buses to garbage trucks.
  3. City of Austin, Texas: The City of Austin adopted a data-driven approach to fuel management, leveraging advanced technology to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions. Their fuel management system tracked fuel usage for different vehicle types and departments, enabling them to spot trends and implement strategies to reduce fuel consumption. For example, they identified specific vehicles that were consistently consuming more fuel than others and took corrective actions, resulting in reduced fuel expenses and enhanced fleet performance.
  4. City of Portland, Oregon: The City of Portland focused on sustainability by implementing a fuel management system that integrated with their broader environmental goals. They utilized the system to monitor fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance needs. By analyzing the data, they identified opportunities to transition certain vehicles to electric or hybrid alternatives, further reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a greener fleet.
  5. City of New York, New York: New York City’s extensive fleet includes various vehicles for public services and emergency response. By implementing a comprehensive fuel management system, they were able to track fuel usage in real-time, leading to more efficient fuel allocation and consumption. This initiative not only reduced fuel costs, but also improved response times for emergency services by optimizing routes.
  6. City of Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles deployed a fuel management system that streamlined fuel tracking and reporting across its diverse fleet. By centralizing data, they gained insights into fuel consumption trends, enabling them to make data-driven decisions to reduce costs and emissions. Additionally, the system helped identify potential maintenance issues early, preventing breakdowns and optimizing fleet availability.

These examples highlight how various cities across the United States have successfully utilized fuel management systems to improve their fleet operations. By harnessing the power of data and technology, these cities achieved significant cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and contributed to their environmental sustainability goals.

With Link2Pump you can have a complete fuel log from each vehicle and monitor fuel use for all vehicles using the municipal pumps. If you would like to learn more about our solution and are searching for alternatives to manage your municipal fleet, please get in touch.

Fuel Management Challenges and Solutions in the Concrete Market: Insights for Industry Professionals

Fuel management is a critical aspect of the concrete market, impacting both operational expenses and environmental sustainability. However, the unique characteristics of the concrete industry present specific challenges when it comes to fuel management. Let’s explore the key challenges faced by professionals in the concrete market and provide practical solutions to overcome them. By implementing effective fuel management strategies, concrete companies can optimize operations, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.

High Fuel Consumption Rates

Concrete production and transportation processes require significant fuel consumption. The machinery and equipment involved, such as concrete mixers, pumps, and delivery trucks, consume substantial amounts of fuel. To address this challenge, concrete companies can employ various techniques, including regular equipment maintenance, adopting fuel-efficient technologies, optimizing delivery routes, and embracing eco-driving practices. By reducing fuel consumption rates, companies can achieve substantial cost savings and minimize their environmental footprint.

 

Fluctuating Fuel Prices

The concrete market is sensitive to fluctuating fuel prices, which can impact overall profitability. To mitigate this challenge, concrete companies should establish effective fuel price monitoring mechanisms and develop fuel procurement strategies. This may involve negotiating favorable fuel supply contracts, exploring bulk purchase options, and collaborating with fuel suppliers to stay informed about market trends and potential price fluctuations. By carefully managing fuel procurement, concrete companies can minimize the financial impact of volatile fuel prices and maintain stable operational costs.

Fuel Theft and Unauthorized Usage 

Fuel theft and unauthorized usage are significant concerns in the concrete market, leading to substantial financial losses. Implementing robust security measures such as fuel monitoring systems, access control mechanisms, and surveillance cameras can help prevent fuel theft and detect unauthorized fuel usage. Additionally, creating a culture of accountability and conducting regular audits can deter fraudulent activities. By addressing fuel security, concrete companies can safeguard their assets, reduce losses, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Link2Pump is a cloud-based fuel management system tailored for businesses pumping fuel from bulk storage tanks. Fleet managers and business owners can prevent fuel theft, simplify the reporting process and support decision-making with comprehensive data in real time by managing and automating the fueling process.

Complex Logistics and Delivery Challenges

The concrete market involves complex logistics and delivery operations, which can impact fuel management. Optimizing delivery routes, utilizing telematics systems for real-time fleet tracking, and implementing route planning software can help streamline operations and minimize fuel consumption. Additionally, effective communication between dispatchers, drivers, and construction sites is crucial to avoid unnecessary mileage and optimize fuel efficiency. By adopting efficient logistics practices, concrete companies can enhance fuel management, improve delivery timelines, and reduce operational costs.

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

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

As a result, you can enhance the execution of delivery scheduling and fuel distribution management, preserving cash without compromising efficiency or timeframes.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

The concrete market faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Concrete companies can address this challenge by embracing sustainable practices such as incorporating alternative fuels, using energy-efficient equipment, and investing in renewable energy sources. Adopting eco-friendly technologies like electric concrete mixers or exploring the use of biofuels can significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with fuel consumption. Additionally, concrete companies can promote recycling and waste management practices to further enhance sustainability. By prioritizing environmental considerations, concrete companies can position themselves as environmentally responsible leaders in the industry.

Fuel management challenges in the concrete market require proactive solutions to optimize operations, control costs, and promote sustainability. By focusing on reducing fuel consumption rates, monitoring and managing fuel prices effectively, addressing fuel security concerns, streamlining logistics and delivery processes, and embracing sustainable practices, concrete companies can overcome these challenges and achieve greater efficiency and profitability. Implementing advanced fuel management technologies, fostering a culture of fuel efficiency, and staying informed about industry trends are key steps towards successful fuel management in the concrete market. By adopting these insights, concrete industry professionals can pave the way for a more sustainable and profitable future.

Exploring the Future of Wireless Networks: What You Need to Know About 6G

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Sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology is being developed as the successor to the 5G technology that is currently being deployed around the world. 6G promises to provide even faster speeds, greater capacity, and new capabilities compared to existing wireless networks. While it is still in the early stages of development, researchers and industry leaders are already looking ahead to 6G as the next step in the evolution of wireless networks.

One of the primary goals of 6G is to provide even faster data speeds and greater network capacity than 5G. Industry experts predict that 6G could achieve data transfer rates of up to 1 terabyte per second, which is roughly 100 times faster than 5G. This increase in speed and capacity could enable new applications that are currently not possible on 5G networks, such as real-time augmented reality and haptic feedback.

Another key feature of 6G is expected to be ultra-low latency, or the amount of time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. This could enable new applications such as remote surgery, where even a small delay in data transmission could be critical. With 6G’s low latency, doctors could perform surgery on a patient located in a remote location thanks to robotic arms, which would be controlled in real-time.

With 6G, AI is expected to play a much larger role in the functioning of the network. This could include using AI to optimize network performance, manage resources more efficiently, and enable new applications and services. For example, AI could be used to monitor network traffic in real-time, identifying patterns and adjusting the network to optimize performance.

6G is expected to make use of higher frequency bands than 5G, which could provide even greater capacity and faster speeds. However, these higher frequencies may also present new challenges in terms of signal propagation and coverage. To address these challenges, researchers are exploring new approaches, such as using massive MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) technology and beam forming.

As with any wireless technology, security will be a major concern with 6G. Researchers are already exploring new approaches to security, such as using blockchain technology to secure the network and incorporating advanced encryption methods. It is likely that security will be an area of continued focus as 6G networks are developed and deployed.

While it’s still very early days for 6G, some experts predict that commercial deployments could begin as early as 2030. However, this timeline could be affected by a variety of factors, including regulatory approvals, technological challenges, and market demand. Regardless of when 6G is commercialized, it is clear that this technology has the potential to transform the way we communicate and enable new applications and services that were previously not possible.

 

And how will it help fleets? 

While 6G is still in the early stages of development, there are several potential ways in which it could benefit fleets and improve fleet operations:

Improved Connectivity
With faster data speeds and greater capacity, 6G could provide fleets with even more reliable and robust connectivity than 5G. This could enable real-time tracking and monitoring of vehicles, as well as more efficient communication between drivers, dispatchers, and other stakeholders.

Increased Automation
As fleets become more automated and autonomous, they will rely increasingly on high-speed, low-latency connectivity to enable communication between vehicles and with the surrounding infrastructure. 6G could provide the kind of ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity needed to support these advanced applications.

Enhanced Safety and Security
With its advanced encryption methods and other security features, 6G could help fleets to better protect their data and operations against cyber threats. Additionally, the low-latency and high-capacity connectivity offered by 6G could enable new safety features, such as real-time hazard detection and collision avoidance systems.

Improved Efficiency
With greater connectivity and automation, fleets could become even more efficient, enabling them to optimize their routes, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize downtime. This could lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

New Applications and Services
With its potential to enable new capabilities such as real-time augmented reality and remote operation, 6G could open up new opportunities for fleets to provide innovative services to their customers.

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.

Link2Pump participates in important fairs in the sector and gets closer to its customers

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At the beginning of the year, Link2Pump already participated in 3 major fairs in different sectors, getting closer and closer to its customers. World of Concrete 2023, in Las Vagas; Geotab Connect 2023, in Orlando and GCSAA Conference Trade Showm also in Orlando. 

WOC 2023

World of Concrete 2023 is a leading international trade show and conference dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry industries. Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, World of Concrete attracted over 60,000 attendees from around the world. The event featured a vast array of cutting-edge products and technology from over 1,500 exhibiting companies, as well as a comprehensive education program that covers the latest developments and trends in the industry.

Attendees had the opportunity to see the latest products and services in action, attend live demonstrations, and network with industry professionals. World of Concrete also featured a number of educational sessions, including hands-on workshops, technical seminars, and keynote presentations from leading industry experts. Whether you’re a contractor, architect, engineer, or supplier, World of Concrete provides a unique opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements and trends in the industry.

In addition to the trade show and conference, World of Concrete also host a number of networking events, including a opening reception and the World of Concrete Awards of Excellence ceremony. These events provide attendees with the opportunity to connect with others in the industry and share ideas and best practices.

Link2Pump was part of WOC. Our solution helps to reduce fleet costs by managing and claiming fuel tax rebates. Concrete producers and contractors can secure significant federal and state tax rebates for the fuel not used for on-highway activities, on average about 60 cents per gallon.

GeoTab Connect 2023

GeoTab Connect 2023 is a premier conference for the GPS tracking and telematics industry. Tthis event brings together experts, professionals, and industry leaders to share their knowledge and experiences.

GeoTab Connect 2023 featured a wide range of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and technical presentations, covering the latest trends and developments in the field of GPS tracking and telematics. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about new technologies and best practices, and hear from experts about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.

Link2Pump is the only automation and fuel management partner on Geotab’s marketplace. Geotab is advancing security, connecting commercial vehicles to the internet and providing web-based analytics to help customers better manage their fleets.

By integrating Link2Pump with Geotab, fleets get increased efficiency at the pump and improved reporting tools, including automatic odometer capture, over the road and on-site transaction reports on a centralized plataform, and increased ROI by combining engine idle and private roads travel data with Link2Pump centralized off-road fuel tax refund reporting.

GCSAA Conference Trade Show

The GCSAA Conference Trade Show is an annual event that brings together golf course superintendents, industry professionals, and suppliers to share the latest knowledge, technologies, and best practices in the golf course management industry.

The conference offers a wide range of educational sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and technical presentations. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and developments in the field of golf course management, as well as best practices for operating and maintaining golf courses.

In addition to the educational component, the GCSAA Conference Trade Show featured a comprehensive trade show, showcasing the latest products and services from leading companies in the golf course management industry.

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 golf fleet vehicles.

Todd C. Hawkins, our sales coordinator, believes that attending the GCSAA Conference is a great opportunity to open new markets. “We want to meet them and help those professionals manage their fuel that they have on the course – for their equipment that takes care of the course. None of them have a fuel management system and very few have even thought of it”, explain Hawkins.

He also points out that approaching this market can be good for Link2Pump to sell into this industry and also help the golf courses themselves because they don’t track fuel and have never even thought of the fuel tax rebates they should be getting at each course. “Why? Literally, every golf course in the nation has fuel onsite. No other industry that we’ve talked to has that high of a penetration of on-site fuel, complements.

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.

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.

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.

Increase in fleet fuel in 2023

The City of Virginia Beach (Virginia) council has agreed to increase its fuel budget by $1.35 million to allow city departments to pay for the higher cost of fuel and ensure fleet vehicles continue to operate. The retail cost for regular gasoline has risen to $4.49 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

NYC also should spend more in fuel. Keeping the nation’s largest municipal fleet fueled cost the city a projected $81.8 million for the 2022 fiscal year. Nick Benson, director of communications for the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), said that’s compared to $50 million the previous fiscal year. That’s a 61% increase in fuel costs.

The higher costs are not only due to a major uptick in fuel use. The city used about 26 million gallons of fuel during FY2022, compared to 25.8 million gallons the previous year. Benson said the slight increase is due to government services resuming to a pre-pandemic level after seeing a slight drop in FY2021.

Fleet departments across the country have been dealing with higher fuel costs since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February.

The city is also working to reduce its fleet size. Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a reduction of the city’s fleet size by at least 855 vehicles, in an effort to save taxpayer dollars and reduce carbon emissions.

A good first step to control municipal fleet fuel consumption is to understand where and when fuel consumption is occurring.  This information can help municipal officials, staff, and volunteers to identify major sources of fuel consumption, and decide where to focus fuel usage reduction efforts.

Link2Pump service can be very useful in this area, as we offer solutions such as:

— instant tracking of fuel expenditures by department

— real-time tracking and reporting by vehicle, driver, division and more

— no fuel misuse, our system can prevent drivers from accidentally filling gas into diesel powered vehicles

With these tools, you can have a complete fuel log from each vehicle and monitor fuel use for all vehicles using the municipal pumps.

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. 

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.

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.

Seasonal maintenance tips as the cold weather rolls in

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The time to start thinking about the seasonal checks you need to make to prepare your trucks for the winter months is now. The extreme winter conditions only exacerbate underlying problems that may go unnoticed up to a light comes on, and your truck is sidelined.

Regular and precise maintenance will save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the long-run so here are some seasonal preparation tips to keep in mind as the cold comes trucking in.

Check tires and tire pressure

We know that the air in tires expands and contracts as the outside temperature fluctuates. Freezing temperatures can obviously make this worse than normal, so it is important to maintain proper inflation on the tires for them to function safely and not cause excess wear. If you have tires with wearing tread, this can cause slippery driving conditions as well. Having correctly inflated tires, and running winter tires in good condition, will help prevent breakdowns and accidents.

Prevent corrosion

The mix of chemicals and salt used to clear the snowy roads on top of the frigid temps can take a toll on your truck’s performance. Corrosion affects every fleet and can ruin your components if the connections are not secure and water tight. By utilizing high-quality parts meant to withstand the harsh demands of winter and prevent moisture, your truck’s uptime is more likely to increase. Using proper lubrication will additionally prevent breakdowns caused by increased friction and corrosion.

Check the battery

The battery is no exception to needing special care in cold weather. It is imperative to make sure the battery is not past its expiration date, so you know it is capable of holding a good charge. You may want to consider keeping a good voltage tester on board. It is important to keep the battery in a fully charged state and the terminals free of corrosion, which can slow or prevent a charge and leave you with a dead battery.

Keep your fuel tank at least half full

Some truckers typically usually get only filling enough fuel for each trip, however, in the winter there are benefits to keeping more fuel in the tank, such as condensation build-up that will add unwanted water into your tank. Even if you have a water separator for fuel going into your tank, condensation build-up can still allow water to get in there after the fact.

Don’t idle trucks

It’s a popular strategy, but starting a cold truck and letting it idle is not only ineffective, but also damaging to your engine. If you need to warm a truck that’s been sitting overnight, drive it around the yard or parking lot. This will exercise the truck more efficiently, allowing it to warm the engine, transmission, differential, and suspension evenly.

Whether you’re running (or driving) one or 100 trucks, maintaining a good routine relies on easy communication between your drivers, fleet managers and operations teams. It’s always a good idea to share seasonal safety messages that remind drivers of any unique conditions. Combine this with regular, thorough vehicle inspections, and it can help keep your fleet in top shape across the colder winter months.

What to expect from public fleets in the future

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With new vehicle advancements being rolled out every year, the current fleet industry is nothing like its predecessors. Telematics, EVs, and a fresh demand for parts has kept the industry moving at an unprecedented pace. To get a better grasp of the current state of the fleet industry, leaders in the field discuss what we can expect in the future.

As the world is working to bounce back from a multi-year pandemic, the fleet industry has noticed a direct hit to the supply chain for not only parts but vehicles. Industry experts have specifically noticed a shortage of a key component for fleets: microchips. The shortage doesn’t just stem from a single instance. Instead, coming out of the pandemic shutdowns, a reduction in vehicle production that was later met with a skyrocketing increase in demand, and that has all led to shortages.

But looking at the industry’s supply chain from a management side, fleets need to plan ahead with purchasing as prices go up and vendors close down. If there is one takeaway from trying to understand the future of vehicles, it’s that telematics will bring the industry into the next century. Able to provide vehicle insight and diagnostics that were previously inaccessible, telematics have created a way to better plan for the next generation of vehicles while better understanding the fleets of today.

From knowing how many miles a vehicle has traveled, to knowing the cost of travel and being able to plan repairs, telematics seems to fit with the natural progression of vehicles and a trend toward more electric components.

Telematics systems are a way to continually learn about the vehicles being driven. It’s with this learning process that he hopes fleets will succeed.

The whole idea is to try to manage your costs. And it comes down to a very basic thing. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. And that’s what they help you do.

Vehicle fuel consumption, for example, on average represents about 20% of total municipal energy usage for towns. And a good first step in reducing municipal fleet fuel consumption is to understand where and when fuel consumption is occurring.  This information can help municipal officials, staff, and volunteers to identify major sources of fuel consumption, and decide where to focus fuel usage reduction efforts.

Link2Pump service can be very useful in this area, as we offer solutions such as:

— instant tracking of fuel expenditures by department

— real-time tracking and reporting by vehicle, driver, division and more

— no fuel misuse, our system can prevent drivers from accidentally filling gas into diesel powered vehicles

If you want to learn more about our solution and are searching for alternatives to manage your municipal fleet, please get in touch.

How Trucking is Tackling the Diesel Technician Shortage

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The professionals needed to repair heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles require a set of skills distinct from the “grease monkeys” of 40 years ago. It’s time the industry pivots to reflect this change, say those closest to the issue.

The industry faces a looming question: How will it train enough technicians on alternative-fuel engines, battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell-electric vehicles, and the latest smart-screen dashboards? The need for new skills and knowledge has caused schools to upgrade their curricula. But how can fleets help address this critical issue?

There are no easy or concrete answers. But what is certain is that you want to train techs on innovative technologies now, so we have technicians who can work on them later.

Schools have enough students in the pipeline today, but not necessarily students mastering skills the diesel industry needs. Educational gaps can take some blame for this. However, fleets working in silos versus partnering with educational facilities share responsibility, too.

Heightening concerns are issues surrounding the industry’s need for technicians tomorrow and the educational pipeline of today. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for 2020-2030, demand for diesel technicians will continue to rise, albeit slightly slower than before, at about 1% a year. This growth will generate a need for 25,000 new diesel positions by 2030.

But that’s not accounting for the technicians that will be needed to replace those leaving the industry — 163,000 positions by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a giant spike in technicians changing careers, leaving the workforce or retiring early. There’s no question that the technician shortage has grown more acute in the last decade.

TechForce Foundation’s 2021 Transportation Technician Supply and Demand Report explains the void as a matter of supply and demand. The demand for automotive, collision and diesel technicians in 2021 exceeded the number of technicians completing their certification in 2020 by over 500%. That means the industry must quintuple the number of technicians entering the field just to keep pace with current demands.

People still apply the concept of dirty work to commercial vehicle repairs. It’s a stigma that persists and drives people away. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes also can steer students toward these careers. Many students gravitate toward robotics and computer electronics, both of which are in high demand in the technician space. The industry needs these skills, and they are rewarding careers.

Encouraging job shadows and internships at the high school level can attract more students to the fold, as can recruiting students while they attend post-secondary education. Penske, for example, employs recruiters to forge working relationships at vocational-technical schools and at the high school level.

Another creative method of reaching out to young people is the TMC SuperTech augmented reality game, which lets players progress through a career as a maintenance technician to a shop owner in the trucking industry. The app, sponsored by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, TA Petro, Cummins, Dana, and others, is inspired by TMC’s national technician skills competition.

Scholarships also help drive this effort. TMC and Old World Industries have partnered to offer a series of scholarships for students looking to pursue an education in heavy-duty commercial vehicle maintenance. The PEAK Performance Scholarships will support two students with up to $12,500 each for their education at a college or vocational school.

The technician shortage lacks a short-term answer. But fleets that think long-term will do better than those that don’t. These forward thinkers will partner with education and industry to access recent graduates trained to their needs. They will recruit well and from diverse groups. And they will do what it takes to keep technicians for the long haul.

 

Ready-Mix concrete market growing to exhibit a remarkable CAGR of 8.50% by 2029

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Global Ready-Mix Concrete Market was valued at USD 181.14 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 1427.31 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 8.50% during the forecast period of 2022-2029. The increasing investments in the construction industry extend profitable opportunities to the market players in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029.

North America dominates the market in terms of market share and market revenue, and will continue to flourish its dominance during the forecast period of 2022-2029. The market growth over this region is attributed to the increase in new infrastructure projects within the region.

We know that the recent outbreak of coronavirus had a negative impact on the ready-mix concrete market. The severe disruptions in various manufacturing, as well as the supply chain operations due to the various precautionary lockdowns, hampered the market. During the COVID-19 outbreak’s lockdown, the various end users of the ready-mix concrete market were impacted. Construction activity had slowed around the world, resulting in a considerable reduction in the demand for ready-mix concrete. 

On the brighter side, the increasing investments in the construction industry extend profitable opportunities to the market players in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. Additionally, due to its great convenience, improved quality, and ease of use, the product is frequently utilized as a substitute for unusual concrete, further expanding the future growth of the ready-mix concrete market.

Managing the Fleet

To deliver ready-mixed concrete profitably, communications between dispatchers, drivers, and customers are crucial. Along with time constraints of a perishable product comes the need to balance customer orders with available trucks.

The vehicle location system’s versatility has a major impact on coordinating business. That’s because the system integrates a real-time, enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS) vehicle tracking function with an onboard data recorder, wireless, real-time, and two-way in-cab communications terminals. All vehicle location and status information, as well as fleet management reports, are delivered via the Internet.

The status and location of each truck needs to be as accurate as the driver’s input. There was constant chatter between dispatchers trying to confirm or get updates on locations and the status of each truck. This results in a much quieter, much more efficient dispatch department.

Survey shows carriers remain optimistic about demand

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Carriers are optimistic about growth in volume and rates this year, despite rising fuel and equipment costs that are squeezing profitability, according to the latest Bloomberg and Truckstop.com survey. 

About 72% of respondents expect load growth over the next six months, vs. 71% in 4Q and 1Q a year ago. Temperature-controlled carriers were most optimistic with 77% expecting higher volume, followed by 74% of flatbed carriers who are benefiting from a strong housing market.

Fewer carriers are optimistic when looking at rates: About 55% of respondents expect spot rates (ex-fuel surcharges) to rise in the next six months, vs. 59% in 4Q. About 14% of carriers expect rates to decline over the next six months, in-line with historical averages. Only 2% of truckers polled expect rates to drop quickly this year, and another 32% expect them to slowly moderate.

More carriers are hauling fewer loads: Truckload spot demand rose 4.3% year-over-year in 1Q, based on the Bloomberg | Truckstop.com survey, a seventh straight quarterly gain after dropping 16% in 2Q20 as the pandemic began. Median volume growth was closer to flat, given the wide divide between those carriers experiencing growth and those not moving as many loads. About 37% of respondents hauled more loads vs. 1Q21. About 32% recorded a drop vs. 25% in 4Q21 as the number of carriers who experienced flat volume decreased to 31% sequentially from 38%.

Rising fuel costs are a concern for carriers: About 56% of carriers said that higher fuel costs are the industry’s greatest challenge. Lower rates are the second-biggest concern in 2022 at 21% of the sample, followed by the weakening economy (16%). Despite these concerns, about 69% of those surveyed anticipate the truckload market will remain tight this year.

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 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 searching for alternatives to improve the bottom line and productivity, please get in touch.

 

Ohio to use IoT tech for fleet management

More than 40 state agencies in Ohio will begin using fleet management technology by Geotab to improve operational efficiencies in areas like fuel consumption, route design, idling, and the application of materials like sand and salt.

The contract enables state and local government agencies to equip fleet vehicles with Geotab’s connected IoT technology, which can track a wide variety of vehicle data, including location, maintenance, driver performance and fuel usage. The data provided allows the state to improve vehicle utilization, maintenance, winter operations, safety and fuel efficiency, among other things, the company said.

Telematics, a shorthand for technology that brings together communications, vehicle operations and digital analysis, is increasingly being embraced by public fleets hoping to work more efficiently, as well as leverage other data collection streams beyond the general nature of the vehicles themselves. In other words, a snowplow or garbage truck can gather road quality data as well as rubbish.

But perhaps the real benefit of fleet management technology lies in its ability to better track and understand routes — like those used by garbage trucks — as well as better manage the operations of vehicles to reduce idling time, or extend the range of electric vehicles.

Geotab will provide a “telematics database” offering DAS a look into numerous data points which can be analyzed to shape decisions around using the fleet more effectively and efficiently.

Some features offered include a public works solution that is specially designed for public works fleets, particularly when it comes to applying and controlling materials like salt and sand. The keyless feature enables a vehicle to be used by multiple drivers, without the need for physically handing off the keys from one staffer to another. Fleet managers can also manage these operations remotely.

Link2Pump launches on Geotab Marketplace

Link2Pump is the only automation and fuel management partner on Geotab’s marketplace. Geotab is advancing security, connecting commercial vehicles to the internet and providing web-based analytics to help customers better manage their fleets. Geotab’s open platform and Marketplace allow both small and large businesses to automate operations by integrating vehicle data with their other data assets. They were also ranked the #1 commercial telematics vendor worldwide by ABI Research and continues to be recognized for its innovative technology and solutions.

By integrating Link2Pump with Geotab, fleets get increased efficiency at the pump and improved reporting tools, including automatic odometer capture, over the road and on-site transaction reports on a centralized platform, and increased ROI by combining engine idle and private roads travel data with Link2Pump centralized off-road fuel tax refund reporting.

Link2Pump provides open API for 3rd party system’s integration, free updates and training, life-time warranty on hardware, no questions asked. No hidden fees. No binding contracts.

When switching from leasing to purchasing is more effective

Back in the mid-2010s, the City of West Jordan, Utah, realized its police vehicles were in bad shape and began discussing ways to bring the fleet up to date while reducing repairs and downtime. It decided on leasing and began in 2015 with the first group of vehicles. However, a change in leadership brought about a cost/benefit analysis of leasing all these vehicles.

It decided on leasing and began in 2015 with the first group of vehicles. There were about 120 vehicles, marked and unmarked, divided over three years with three-year leases. The vehicles would be sold with all up fitted equipment still installed, except the radio and video equipment.

However, they decide to make a cost/benefit analysis of leasing all these vehicles.

Fleet data showed that unmarked vehicles could run for double the time the city had them, if not more; marked units could easily be kept for an additional year or two. However, since it was a three-year lease, which is less than the target life of the vehicles, they couldn’t be kept longer.

The Fleet Department found moving to a four- or even a five-year lease would save some money: the numbers showed a 32.75% savings in TCO. With lease payments per year reaching over $1.3M, that projected saving about $447K of that payment.

What the city found after taking a massive loss in remarketing that first year was it would strip the vehicles, replace any damaged interior panels, clean them, and then send them to auction. With the additional work and attention, it was able to take a gain instead of a loss.

Use your fleet’s telematics data to analyze and validate business expenses

Whether you have a trucking, delivery or commercial fleet, operating it is going to cost money. But like most businesses, you likely budget and forecast those expenses as a part of your standard operations.

By using fleet management software, you can now have connected vehicle data which in turn can help you calculate actual operating expenses which can then be compared to your budget. Comparing the numbers will help fleet managers determine areas where they can effectively cut costs, increase productivity, identify outlier expenses and eradicate them and achieve overall fleet savings. Telematics solution provides great insights into driver behavior and attitude. These insights help fleet managers observe driver performance. 

A fleet tracking device can also detect harsh use of the vehicle, which impacts its condition over time. Harsh braking can wear down brake pads, for example, reducing their life. By interceding with driver behavior, you can reduce bad habits that impact the life of certain parts and vehicle systems by replacing parts and providing service less frequently.

Where the construction industry is heading in 2022

Each year brings new challenges in the construction industry, and 2022 is no different. COVID-19 has been with us for more than two years, and the decisions made by governments and businesses in the early stages of the pandemic are still affecting the markets today – and will for some time.

According to an analysis of government data completed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), prices of construction materials jumped 20.3% from January 2021 to January 2022. The producer price index for new non-residential construction, which is defined as the prices charged by goods producers and service providers, also increased by 20.8% over the past 12 months. Steel, lumber, cement and copper prices continue to rise in 2022, and many expect it to keep increasing throughout the year due to construction activity and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

While the effects from COVID-19 have been difficult on businesses, there have been some positive changes. To support the increasing demand of projects, companies are building new warehouses and distribution centers. In addition, more businesses are shifting to e-commerce, leading to the build out of data centers to provide the appropriate bandwidth for online business activity.

Equipment Availability

Distributors are having to get creative to meet their clients’ needs, such as selling units from their rental fleets that they might not have ever considered, utilizing the benefit of fully depreciating rental fleet equipment under the 2017 tax law changes. However, this could create tax issues at a later date.

Many contractors are realizing that with the lack of availability of both new and used construction equipment, they need to re-evaluate current inventory to ensure they have the equipment needed for jobs and to limit costs. We have seen a shift in contractors opting to buy equipment rather than rent it because their monthly payments are similar, if not lower, than their monthly rental payments. As rates start to increase, the cost to finance equipment will go back to being more expensive than renting, and you will see it shift back.

As we have seen so far in 2022, it has brought both opportunities and challenges to the construction industry.

Solar-powered electric car can drive for seven months without charging

Solar power seems like an obvious step — all of Earth’s energy, fundamentally, comes from the sun, it’s just that we’ve been extracting it from carbon-heavy sources for too long. Why not cut out the middle-man and just put the power of the sun straight into your car?

The Lightyear 0 is a partly-solar-powered car which its makers claim can top itself up each day thanks to massed ranks of solar cells spread across its roof and bonnet.

The product of six years of research and development, the Lightyear 0 features a series of curved solar panels on its roof and hood to complement a small 60 kWh battery. This combination gives the car an impressive 388 miles (ca. 624 km) of range, 44 miles (ca. 71 km) of which are derived from solar power alone, according to the company.

Essentially, then, the Lightyear 0 charges itself when exposed to the sun – meaning it can be driven for short distances (i.e. commutes of less than 44 miles) for months on end before needing to be plugged back into a traditional power source.

Will it work only in sun-heavy climates — LA and Sydney? No, says Lightyear. The company is headquartered in Amsterdam, and that’s the climate its figures are based on. In cloudy climates, based on the average commute of around 35 kilometers per day, you can drive for up to two months before you need to think about charging. In sunnier countries, that could be up to seven months. The company says its “patented, double curve solar arrays” are optimized to yield up to 11,000 km-worth of power every year.

The Lightyear is meant to be practical, too with an SUV-sized boot space of 640 liters (helped by it being a big car with a relatively small battery) and it’s not heavy, either — at 1,575 kg (claimed) it’s a touch lighter than Renault’s new all-electric Megane.

Lightyear says that the 0 will be an expensive car, relatively limited in its production run of just 946, and will cost €250,000 (plus local taxes). The good news is that Lightyear has plans for a vastly more-affordable follow-up model, the Lightyear Two, which is tentatively planned for production by 2025, and which could — if all the stars align for Lightyear — cost as little as €30,000

Savings expected through newly activated GSA telematics solutions

The United States General Services Administration (GSA) Fleet team recently activated more than 19,000 new telematics devices in its vehicles on factory-installed devices. In doing so, GSA reports it avoided approximately $1.45 million in installation costs. As the agency continues to expand its telematics program, it expects to save a minimum $775,000 annually in avoided installation costs for new vehicle acquisitions.

“This is the single largest increase in the history of GSA’s Fleet Telematics Program,” said Office of Travel, Transportation and Logistics Assistant Commissioner Crystal Philcox. “It brings the total number of telematics-enabled GSA Fleet leased vehicles to over 60,000.”

The vehicles were already equipped with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) integrated telematics; however, not all features were activated. This OEM solution is a burden-free, shared government service for GSA Fleet and its leasing customers. It provides comprehensive fleet management data and automated mileage reporting.

Telematics gathers data in real time and reflects actual vehicle usage. Usage details include trip duration, idling time, fuel use, and other data elements needed for inventory management. Telematics data can also be an essential component in determining which vehicles are suitable for electrification by analyzing their use in greater detail.

How to fleet’s telematics data to analyze and validate business expenses

Let’s understand how telematics are changing fleet management systems. Whether you have a trucking, delivery, commercial or government fleet, operating it is going to cost money. But like most businesses, you likely budget and forecast those expenses as a part of your standard operations. 

By using fleet management software, you can now have connected vehicle data which in turn can help you calculate actual operating expenses which can then be compared to your budget. Comparing the numbers will help fleet managers determine areas where they can effectively cut costs, increase productivity, identify outlier expenses and eradicate them and achieve overall fleet savings.

Telematics solution provides great insights into driver behavior and attitude. These insights help fleet managers observe driver performance and also keep an eye out for collision data. When a vehicle collision occurs, it is important to know why and how, but also be able to gather essential information for insurance and potential litigation purposes.

You can also track fleet fuel efficiency

Fuel consumption is a major expense in fleet management, and time spent idling is costing you money. According to the U.S Department of Energy, an idling vehicle could cost at minimum one gallon of fuel per hour. If you do the math, you can calculate that one hour of idling per week could cost your company up to $65 per truck per year, assuming an average price of $2.50 per gallon. Fuel consumption is also impacted by load, accessories (such as refrigeration), and ambient temperature. Every vehicle in your fleet idling for even an hour a week could be costing your business thousands of dollars a year.

A fuel management system can help fleet owners who effectively use telematics to reduce fuel costs by as much as 14%. Integrating fleet management into your vehicles will help you monitor and report on idling, allowing you to adjust policies for when a driver should turn off the ignition, and coach drivers to save you money. Telematics also helps with driver coaching, which eventually translates into fleet savings.

4 ways fleet managers can leverage data to improve the supply chain

“Data is the new oil” is a common phrase among business leaders today. It’s more than a string of buzzwords, too, as digital data’s value continues to skyrocket and unlock new possibilities. Still, data won’t provide any value by itself. Companies have to know how to apply it. Fleet managers have much to gain from data if they leverage it correctly. Let’s check come possibilities: 

  1. Planning More Efficient Routes

Route optimization is perhaps the most recognizable use case for data in fleet management. UPS has famously saved 100 million miles per year through ORION, its data-based route planning platform. Systems like ORION analyze real-time data to find the most efficient path, saving time, fuel, and money.

Fleets can gather data from GPS networks, transit authorities, weather systems, and other cars on the road. Analytics platforms can then use this data to provide a more accurate, timely picture of traffic and road conditions. Those insights help these systems find the best path forward, even when that’s not necessarily the shortest route by distance.

  1. Predictive Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial for efficient fleet operation, and data can improve these processes, too. Internet of things (IoT) sensors can gather data on engine vibrations, temperatures, and other maintenance factors. They can then alert workers when the vehicle will need repair in a practice called predictive maintenance.

Vehicles can drive up to 100,000 miles before some maintenance is necessary, but others may not. It all depends on the specific factors at hand, which predictive maintenance accounts for. These data-centric repair practices offer the optimal balance between costs and vehicle safety.

  1. Managing Fuel Costs

Fuel is often one of the highest expenses for vehicle fleets, and an effectively unavoidable one. Data from various sources can reveal paths to reduce fuel consumption and costs.

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.

Currently, 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.

  1. Improving Customer Service

All of these data use cases will also help fleet managers improve their customer relationships. Each of these applications will reduce operating expenses and improve efficiency, which translates into lower costs and wait times for clients. Fleet managers will build a more satisfied and loyal client base as a result.