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Trucking fleet
Trucking fleet management: Top tools for an efficient operation
How technology simplifies fleet management
Good fleet management practices can make or break a trucking company’s business operations. In recognition of its importance, there are top-of-the-line technological tools in the marketplace for fleet managers to build the most efficient management practices. Good fleet management technology allows for tightened schedules, maximized load capacity, and streamlined payment processes. In an industry that is made up of a lot of moving parts with super skinny margins, every dollar counts so getting the right tools in place is imperative. In this article we’ll cover the top tools you should have to build the best trucking fleet management operations for your business.
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1. Choose the right fleet card for your trucking business and save time and money
Learn how a fuel card can help you manage expenses
Managing your fleet is streamlined with all the tools that come with a fuel card
Fleet cards give you control over your fleet expenses. With the best fleet cards you can:
- Automatically track spending
- Gain invaluable insights into your purchases through automated reporting
- Safeguard your budget by detecting fraudulent activity or misuse
- Track fuel expenditure
- Access a network of savings
Ultimately, fleet cards can significantly improve your bottom line, so finding the one that fits your needs is your first step in building a best-in-class fleet operation.
2. Use reliable operational tools
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently listed some reliable tools that are helping fleets manage operations. The tools cover integral business functions using innovative technology and transparent reporting to help fleet managers maintain a secure and efficient fleet. They focus on:
- Tracking loads – Track detailed information for each load, including delivery date and time, truck info, driver details, and expenses.
- Generating trip reports – Run a report that includes all expenses, vehicle mileage, and maintenance to bill customers, pay drivers, and conduct IFTA reporting.
- Tracking expenses – Keep track of tolls, parking, fuel, and other expenses for each trip.
- Tracking income – Bill customers immediately after a load has been delivered or soon thereafter.
3. Most recommended fleet management tools for efficient and effective operations
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommends the following programs to assist fleet managers in running their fleets efficiently and effectively.
- Motive – This program uses artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure safe driving by using real–time dash cam and GPS data to monitor and track driver behavior. It has advanced collision detection and also offers spending management and maintenance tools.
- Samsara – It’s a cloud-based platform that offers fleet managers access to 70 pre-built integrations and includes easy equipment installation that is customizable to most vehicles. Monitoring, communication, and in-cab voice coaching are some benefits.
- Fleet Maintenance Pro – This web-based app allows fleet managers to customize their fleet operations, from reporting to maintenance scheduling. As it’s accessible from any smartphone, drivers and fleet managers can track maintenance requests easily, ensuring vehicles stay in optimal conditions.
- WhipAround – This program keeps track of vehicle health data and inspection requirements that are compliant with Department of Transportation regulations, avoiding the risk of penalty. It also has free and paid options, making it a great option for developing businesses.
- FleetUp – This tool combines reporting and real-time data to quickly alert fleet managers of any incidents on the road, helping avoid high insurance rates and fuel waste.
- AUTOsist – This digital glove compartment can allow drivers to organize and store their receipts for easy expense tracking. It also automatically sends maintenance reminders to fleet managers. A special feature of this tool is the driver leaderboard, which ranks drivers according to their driving behavior, thus incentivizing good driving habits and keeping employees accountable.
Choose the best fleet card for your trucking business and see instant results
Fleet management does not have to be daunting. The tools we’ve discussed above can simplify business operations so fleet managers and drivers can focus on the haul. When paired with the right fleet card, the cost to make business even more efficient is worth every penny.
Learn more on how to better manage your over-the-road fleet:
All fleet cards are not the same, and different types of fuel cards suit the needs of different kinds and sizes of businesses. View WEX’s fleet card comparison chart to see which fleet fuel card is right for you.
Source:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Editorial note: This article was originally published on April 29, 2019, and has been updated for this publication.