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How Fleet Software Can Reduce Fuel UseAdding up to 90 billion in 2016, diesel fuel is thesecond biggest cost for fleets, after drivers themselves.It’s also the easiest cost to trim, thanks to a handful ofinefficiencies that cost commercial motor vehicles inthe US billions in waste every year. Fortunately, fleetsoftware can reduce fuel use. Before we get into thesolution, let’s check out some of the habits that aremaking your fleet waste fuel – and how much that cancost you.Annual fuel use averages will depend on the type ofvehicle. At 11,242 gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE),transit buses average the most fuel used per year, closelyfollowed by Class 8 trucks at a yearly average of 10,739GGE, according to U.S. Department of Energy data.So, what exactly contributes to higher fuel costs? Andhow much wasted fuel can a fleet manager realisticallycut down on, to reduce their overall fleet managementcosts? These are the top ways trucks will waste fuel –andmoney– in 2020 and beyond.SpeedingAccording to the American Trucking Associations (ATA),a commercial truck driving at 75 mph uses up 27% morefuel than one traveling at 65 mph, thanks to strongerwind resistance. The cost of this extra fuel burn adds up09fast – much faster than any saving a truck might make bydriving at a higher speed. For example, over a distance of50 miles, that 10mph increase from 65 mph to 75 mphwill only save a driver 6 minutes and 9 seconds.A fleet that wants to save fuel can choose to monitorits drivers’ speeding habits through fleet managementsoftware (FMS) with GPS tracking. Of course, fast speedscan be unavoidable when following the flow of traffic, butfiguring out a healthy target speed can still account forthe majority of that 27% in fuel savings.Harsh Braking/AcceleratingAfter speeding, the next biggest fuel waster is stop-andgo braking and accelerating. Once again, this fuel wasteisn’t entirely avoidable, as both traffic congestion andhilly regions will naturally have drivers’ feet reachingfor the brake more often. However, researchers atthe Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge NationalLaboratory estimate the impact of harsh driving on fueleconomy to be between 15% and 30%.Harsh driving can be tracked with the accelerometerin an FMS hardware unit. Using cruise control (whenpossible) can also cut down on excessive starts and stops.

IdlingWhile excessive idling isn’t as bad as speeding or harshbraking, it still wastes gas to the tune of betweena quarter and a half-gallon per hour, depending onengine size and A/C use. The solution is easy: Shut offyour engine when your vehicle isn’t in motion. Startingthe engine only uses 10 seconds’ worth of fuel, asthe Argonne National Laboratory found in 2015.In other words, if your vehicle won’t be moving withinthe next ten seconds, you’ll cut fuel use by turning it off.The practice can boost fuel economy by 4–5%, one guidefrom the Department of Energy notes.Once again, an FMS can track idling times, lettingmanagers know when their fleet might be able to cutback.The Numbers Are In: Fleet SoftwareReduces Fuel UseWithout the savings an FMS has to offer, the averageClass 8 Truck costs 27,491.84 to fuel up over thecourse of a year. By simply accounting for the topthree biggest fuel wasters (speeding, idling, and harshbraking/accelerating), that same truck’s fuel only costs 19,244.29 across an entire year — saving a fleet ofthem almost 8,250 per vehicle. For a fleet of 50 trucks,that adds up to an annual wastage – or savings – ofover 412,000 on fuel alone. That’s a huge return oninvestment that shows how fleet software can reducefuel usage. As you can see, if used properly, a fleetmanagement system can pay for itself many times over,in terms of the fuel saved – all while improving securityand operational efficiency.How to Reduce Fuel Use in Your FleetMore Benefits of Fleet SoftwareThere are many other ways to improve a vehicle’smiles per gallon, from changing the weight of cargo toA/C use to proper tire inflation. However, the EPA hasidentified the three issues listed above as the biggestneedle-movers for avoiding excess fuel use.One of the biggest benefits of fleet software is how itcan help employees. It can exonerate them from trafficviolations, prove that they got their work done, and cutdown dramatically on their paperwork. Those are just afew of the benefits organizations notice when switchingto fleet software.It’s difficult to put a hard number on the amount of fuelany given vehicle could avoid using in a year. Factors likethe ratio of highway driving to stop-and-go traffic canbe tough to estimate, while regional topography can’t beavoided.However, by combining the varying ways a fleetmanagement system can improve its fuel efficiency –including the three main methods outlined above – theaverage vehicle can reduce fuel waste by a minimumof 10%, and by as much as 30% in a given year.Here’s what that percentage looks like as potentialannual cost savings for eight different types of vehicle,given their average annual fuel use in GGEs (andassuming a national average gas price of 2.56 pergallon).Or, to put it another way, this is how much each type ofvehicle will waste in 2020, on unnecessary fuel, by notusing an FMS.Organizations can also safeguard their brand usingfleet software. Think of every vehicle in your fleet as abillboard that advertises your organization to the entirecommunity. Without a fleet management solution, yourcommunity could conclude that you don’t care abouthow your drivers behave on the roads and the effect onthe general public. And imagine if they see one of yourvehicles involved in a crash.On the other hand, drivers that have the benefitof coaching and actionable feedback can put yourorganization’s best foot forward. And then there’spollution, but how can you get cleaner and greener ifyou don’t have fuel use data? With fleet managementsystems in place, you’ll be able to identify steps that willuse less fuel and lower your carbon footprint.Besides lowering your speeds, there’s also reduced idletimes and more-efficient route planning. With moreand more consumers preferring to do business withcompanies that commit to sustainability, this is a greataspect of fleet management software.10

How to Pitch GPS Software to Upper ManagementGPS tracking software solves many challenges, fromdriver accountability to improving efficiencies and safety.If you believe tracking software can help solve yourchallenges, here’s how to get buy-in.Identify How GPS Tracking Can Solve YourChallengesThe first step to making the business case for anysolution is identifying the problems. Depending on thesize of your organization, upper management may noteven be aware of every day or long-standing issueswithin the fleet. This is your chance to bring them to lightand provide a solution.It’s important to lay out how your fleet needs to improveand how GPS software will help achieve your goals. It iseasier to get buy-in from upper management when thereis a clear objective, such as a new safety initiative to helpreduce the number of accidents.Test-Driving a GPS Tracking SolutionOne of the easiest ways to receive buy-in is testing it onyour fleet. Some providers offer pilot programs wherethey install devices on a select few vehicles and assetswithin your fleet to gather benchmark data for you to11see the proof of the technology and that it is the answerto help overcome your challenges. It’s also an excellentchance to test out and see if the GPS tracking providercan do what they say they can.Most importantly, it’s crucial to share the data withupper management and other departments that will beaffected. Getting a benchmark of data at the beginningto reflect current performance will provide evidence thatthere are problems that need solving.During the pilot, you can put the GPS tracking softwareto work addressing these challenges.Proposing a GPS Tracking SolutionAt the end of your pilot, you will have the data youneed to demonstrate how GPS software can solvethese issues. Providing this to upper management willbe vital to receiving their buy-in to move forward withpurchasing a solution.Also, presenting the expected return on investment(ROI) can help positively position the purchase fromtheir perspective. Showing how you can hold driversmore accountable, increase efficiencies, and provide asafer work environment will be all you need to receivebuy-in to implement GPS software.

The Top Questions About Trailer TrackingThe trailer tracker might be themost-overlooked tool in fleetmanagement. Many organizationsfocus on their vehicles, which isa great first step, but trailers andtheir contents are also valuablecomponents of your business.networks. This allows them toprovide information includingreal-time and historic locationand time spent for drop-offs andpickups. This data can ensure thatdrivers don’t make unauthorizedstops or detours with trailers.Why would I want totrack my trailers?Depending on the refresh ratesetting of the installed trailertracking device, a manual ping willgive you the approximate locationof a trailer. Typically, refresh ratesupdate at intervals of a few timesper day, or even once daily. Somecan also be motion based. This alsodepends on the type of device.It’s easy to say “trailers can’t goanywhere by themselves, so whytrack them?” But trailers are oftenstolen. Using GPS allows youto check their locations, verifydrops/pickups, and much more.And the solar-powered trailertrackers won’t even increase yourcarbon footprint or cost moremoney to power. In short, a trailertracker addresses accountability,compliance, safety, and efficiency.How does a trailer trackerwork to verify location,drops, and pickups?Trailer tracking devices use GPSand cell networks or satelliteCan I use GPS to locatemy lost or stolen trailers?Trailer tracking can locate lost orstolen trailers as well as pinpointthe location of trailers incorrectlyparked. A trailer tracker can evenhelp identify illegal behavior thatcould result in lost trailers orvehicles, wrecks, and stolen goods.Can I see which trailersare used the most/least?Utilization reports show detailsof how much you are using yourtrailers. Filtering by unutilizedtrailers, daily utilization, miles, andtrips provides insight into whichtrailers your organization usesmost and least often.How can I use a trailertracker for maintainingmy trailers?A powered GPS tracking solutionallows you to stay on top ofpreventative maintenance forall your operation’s vehicles,trailers, and other mobile assets.By creating a schedule and settingreminders, you can automaticallyalert your maintenance teamwhen a trailer’s maintenance dateis approaching, due, or overdue.And with fleet maintenancereports, you can make sure trailersreceive the maintenance theyneed.12

Should I Get a Dashcam from Amazon?Right now, many people are asking if they should get adashcam online. Our answer? It depends.preventing accidents from happening in the first place.They give drivers and managers more actionableinformation about driving habits — some cameras canIf you want a dashcam for your personal vehicle,ordering one from Amazon or your favoriteonline store might be perfect. But if you want realinsights for a business with a fleet of vehicles, nomere dash cam will deliver.Dash Cam vs. Smart Fleet CameraA dashcam is great for reactive situations: Yourdriver gets in an accident. You want evidence tofind out what happened. That’s a perfect use casefor a dashcam.They are also excellent for capturing hard stops,hard accelerations, and other high-G events.If your organization would rather preventaccidents and coach its drivers, you need anoption beyond the basic dashcam. That’s wheresmart fleet cameras come in. The features thatseparate these from a dashcam are multiple cameras,driver scoring, and artificial intelligence.More important than the features, though, are how youcan use an in-cab fleet camera. They’re really for13even detect signs of distracted driving. This enhancedawareness can help them make decisions that avoiddangerous situations.And they also help fleet managers put everything thathappens in the cab into context.

What Do You Mean “In Context?”Let’s say your telematics device detects a hardacceleration, a sudden stop or even a high G-force eventlike a hard turn?Without any information, that can make your driver lookbad. But what if that data is the result of actions yourdriver took to avoid a collision? An AI-equipped in-cabcamera will see that as a positive event and give you thedata to stand by your drivers for their quick thinking andtheir skills.It automatically saves a segment whenever there’s a“triggering event” like hard braking or running a red light.The AI processor analyzes what’s happening, and itknows when to save a segment. You can also use a mobileapp to access videos on the go, in real time. The cameraitself stores 100 hours of data locally.Views and Information to Suit Your NeedsYou can select a number of views from in-cab cameras.They can give you a full 360 view, a straight-aheadview, side views, driver-facing views, or anycombination necessary.This flexibility gives you the informationyou need to make your fleet safer. Youcan tell if your drivers are focused on theroad, whether another driver’s actionsprompted them, and even how carefullythey’re following speed limits and roadconditions.A simple dashcam won’t be able to matchthe proactive approach of an in-cabfleet camera – from U-turn detection tospeeding violations tofollowing distance.This can help your organization identify and build ongood drivers. They can model best practices fleetwide.That’s good for your organization, your drivers, and yourcustomers.No Pouring Over FootageWrapping Up the Dash Cam QuestionYes, you can buy a simple dashcam from any onlineretailer. But here’s the real question: What’s your goal,a fleet that looks like it’s trying to be safer or a fleetthat really is committed to safety? If you’re in it for realimprovement, you need more than a dashcam.With a dashcam, you’ll have to comb through hoursof footage to find relevant events. An AI-equippedcamera saves you from that time-wasting exercise:14

Trio Forest Achieves an Overnight FleetSafety TurnaroundAll drivers have their ingrained habits. It’s easy for us toignore or justify them: “I slowed down enough for thatstop sign. Everybody drives 10 miles per hour over thespeed limit. It’s just one text message!”Those tendencies seem trivial. But they add up tosignificant risks.Searching for a Safety SolutionThe management team at Trio Forest Products startedresearching ways to safeguard itself from the cost ofaccidents: A fatality can cost a company 3.6 million if it’sfound at fault. The average cost of an injury accident is 200,000.15Trio Forest has relied on GPS tracking and complianceproducts since 2010. The results they gained and trustthey established with their GPS account manager ledthem to select the Driveri smart camera.a major shift, and drivers across many industries viewthem with suspicion.Drivers knew the cameras were coming. Two driverswere close to resigning, believing the company’s culturewould take a dystopian “Big Brother” turn. Barry Ruchty,inventory manager at Trio Forest Products, knew he hada challenge on his hands. In-cab cameras representedBecause his position also encompasses co-managingthe fleet and its drivers, Ruchty needed to assure themthat the Driveri cameras would function as a wingman,not a watchdog. To make that happen, he implementedpractices from his former career.

Creating a BaselineFocusing on the FactsRuchty came to Trio Forest Products after 32 yearsin law enforcement. He trained officers and deputies,showing them that safety is even more important forpeople who wear a badge.With two days of data in hand, Ruchty held talks witheach driver individually. His message?Since joining Trio Forest, he worked his way fromdriving a truck to management. With knowledge rangingfrom law enforcement to earning his commercialdriver’s license, Ruchty had his team’s confidence. Heunderstands their world, and they know it.Ruchty adapted a method he used to trained young lawenforcement officers to emphasize safety over speed inresponding to emergency calls. He monitored drivers fortwo days and let the Driveri GreenZone system scorethem; GreenZone is a driver scorecard that recordsboth good habits and safety incidents.Trio Forest Products drivers carried on as always in thedays after the camera installation. There were no bigannouncements and no dire warnings. The results camein: The drivers all scored in the 600-point range out of apossible 1,000. Many Driveri users select a score of 900as their benchmark.“I about fell over,” Ruchty said. “I wascompletely shocked by how bad it was.”Ruchty noticed a wide spectrum of violations thatresulted in the low scores.“Let me introduce you to yourself,” Ruchtytold them.He emphasized a few key points withthe drivers:How they drive at work is also howthey drive with their families.He doesn’t have time or interest inmonitoring them constantly.The only time he would watch them is ifDriveri indicated a safety event.Ruchty says no manager has time to idly peer in ondrivers without a reason. He only reviews footage whenDriveri notifies him about a possible violation.He emphasized this to drivers from thestart: “I will only see what’s created byyou.”Example Driveri Alerts16

Drivers Improve OvernightStill Getting the Job Done on TimeThe day after drivers met with Ruchty, Driveri scoresshot into the 900s fleet wide. Even better, they’ve stayedthere. The lowest score on a recent day was 931 out of1,000.There’s always a rush to get a job done. Does easing offthe gas a bit make it harder to meet deadlines?The GreenZone scores represent a 91-percentreduction in drivers triggering safety events. In the firstweek of use, they triggered 102 events. In the first weekof March 2020, they triggered nine events.Ruchty said Trio Forest drivers are making the samenumber of deliveries, even while coming to a completestop and driving slower.With most routes in the 15-25 mile range, the timedrivers can save by speeding just doesn’t help, he added.And with the longer runs, there’s still no way to get inextra jobs.Slowing down, though, pays dividends beyond thenumber of jobs. Ruchty listed improved gas mileage andless wear on brakes as additional benefits.The success with Driveri camera may help with insurancecosts in the future, too.“Our insurance carrier is absolutely inlove with this system,” Ruchty said.GreenZone scores at Trio Forest have remainedconsistent because of the constant reminders the systemprovides to drivers and managers. Improving old drivinghabits remains top of mind.Ruchty will sometimes call a driver when he receives asafety event, just to let them know that safety is a neverending goal. In short, Driveri is an outstanding success.He also believes it would help any other fleet managerwho truly cares about safety.Some drivers even exceed the maximum 1,000-pointscore with courteous, safe driving actions like slowingdown to let others merge. These actions earn DriverStars that boost their scores.Trio Forest Products also has a reward system: Thedriver with the highest average score each monthreceives a gift card. Ruchty believes rewards are moreeffective than reprimands.17“It’s something I would push onanyone,” he said.

GPS Tracking Leads to 1.4 Million BoostEvery moment that a truck is sitting in a yard is a momentit’s not making money. Even worse, that’s a moment thatmakes a customer think “where’s my delivery?”Alexander Lumber wanted to reduce the time it takes toturn a truck – to have an empty truck return to the yard,get re-loaded, and get back in action. To accomplish this,they use GPS fleet tracking tec

data that can upgrade your fleet management efforts. Odd-Hours Alert: 48% Nearly half of the alerts our customers receive are for the Odd-Hours Tracking Alert. This can tip fleet managers off to unauthorized use of company vehicles. If your company allows drivers to take their fleet vehicles