SPONSORED CONTENT: Technology can provide solutions to fleet owner concerns over safety and fatigue
The transport, logistics and freight industries have long been focused on safety, with fatigue becoming a crucial issue in the last few years.
A recent benchmark survey by Teletrac Navman revealed that managing risks and reducing incidents are key concerns, while many also try to balance effective cost management.
With a third of businesses experiencing a shortage of skilled drivers, it’s also more important than ever to tackle these challenges and create a welcoming environment for your existing team and new recruits.
The Untapped Benefits of Fleet Technology
While many organisations have implemented fleet tracking in response to these challenges, it’s not being used to its full potential.
Fatigue management remains a compliance concern for 69 per cent of respondents, but only 12 per cent are using an electronic work diary (EWD) to effectively manage fatigue, and more than half have no plans to implement one.
Considering EWDs will soon be an accepted alternative to paper diaries, this is an alarming trend. Similarly, while big data has repeatedly been shown to deliver cost efficiencies, 61 per cent of businesses aren’t using analytics and don’t plan to start in the next year.
Getting The Most Out of Telematics
Upcoming changes to Chain of Responsibility in October mean it’s no longer enough to just have the technology in place – businesses need to actively look for ways to address safety and manage risks.
Luckily, telematics goes far beyond track and trace capabilities. Those using telematics data to its full potential not only see improvements in driver behaviour and safety, but find it easier to meet compliance requirements and save on both time (in reduction of paperwork) and costs (such as reducing overtime spend and becoming more fuel efficient).
Armed with useful insights, organisations can build a safer, more cost-efficient fleet, while addressing growing demand.
While less than 50 per cent of organisations are rewarding drivers, those that invest in rewards programs see improved customer service, better driver retention and fewer safety violations.
Data on driver behaviour provides the opportunity to recognise and reward staff for safe driving and improve habits on the road by customising training programs to an individual’s needs.
It also offers efficiency benefits. Nearly half of respondents using telematics reduced fuel costs, with nearly 10 per cent seeing costs drop by 11 per cent or more. Unifying operations data offers the chance to make smarter decisions about everything from fuel use to job allocation and driver safety.
Building A Connected Fleet
Telematics allows all staff in the transport chain to manage their obligations, so you can focus on more strategic initiatives. There are huge opportunities to get ahead of the competition and address key concerns with fleet management tech.
Every vehicle produces valuable data that goes far beyond tracking dots on a map, to drive down costs, increase productivity and keep drivers safe. In the long run, this will build a culture of innovation and safety that not only appeals to new recruits, but keeps existing drivers happy at work.