The Advantages of GPS & Integrated Fleet Management Software

In New Zealand, the trucking industry transports 92% of the country’s total freight by weight.  There is a steady year-round reliance on the sector, with natural peaks throughout the winter months and during our more recent experiences with COVID-19 related lockdowns.

During these peak times, truckers and fleet owners must endure the challenge of managing factors beyond their control – bad weather, higher traffic volumes, and increased loads among them.  These challenges can delay deliveries, threaten driver safety, and put pressure on available resources.

With freak weather conditions, population growth, Kiwi’s ever-increasing appetite for online shopping, and the threat of pandemics all here to stay, prioritising driver safety and fleet efficiency has never been more critical.  Fortunately, advances in GPS and integrated fleet tracking systems make this possible.

Here we explore some of the many advantages of incorporating GPS and integrated fleet-specific software into your business.

Physical Conditions

There is no avoiding the weather.  We can, however, use GPS and compatible technology to reroute a trip and avoid conditions that will cause delays or put driver and passenger safety at risk.

An effective fleet tracking system ensures that fleet managers receive real-time weather updates, notifications of accidents, and road closure notices.  With this information, they can implement immediate changes to routes and schedules where needed, therefore minimising any risk and reducing the impact of costly delays.

Trip and Route Details

Fantastic advances in GPS technology now allow all trip details to be recorded.  Aside from ensuring drivers remain on the correct route, data related to speed, handling, and stops are captured and measured against compliance requirements, further supporting driver safety and productivity.

Better Efficiancies with Backhauling

Ensuring that goods are transported on every leg of a truck’s journey requires careful planning and weaving together many moving parts.  Because backhauling supports greater efficiencies across the board, many fleet managers strive to implement it as standard practice.

Specific fleet management systems offer a streamlined solution to this complicated jigsaw.  Therefore, achieving effective backhauling management and maximising productivity.  For a fleet owner, the raw translation of such efficiencies?  Boosted revenue.

Electronic Logbooks

Ensuring driver safety is always the number one priority for any fleet owner.  During peak times, managing driver wellbeing is critical.  Failure to do so can result in driver fatigue and catastrophic error, which, in many cases, could have been avoided.

Electronic logbooks support drivers and managers to maintain accurate records, store data, and track insights.  Many systems will also issue comprehensive trip reports.  This information serves as an invaluable resource for managing and supporting optimum driver performance.

Technology continues to improve business across the trucking industry.  Many of these advancements prioritise driver safety and wellbeing, improve working conditions, and elevate the industry’s standard overall.

Article courtesy of Newsletter Ready.