Secrets To A More Productive Fleet
By Robert J. Hall, president, Track Your Truck
Today’s fluctuating fuel prices, tighter margins, and increased safety and fuel efficiency regulations are putting the pressure on fleet managers to cut costs in any way possible while still maintaining a safe and productive fleet. Fortunately, manufacturers are responding with advanced technologies that can improve productivity and reduce the total cost of fleet ownership.
Let’s take a look at four technologies that many top fleet managers use in their portfolio of “secrets” to running a successful fleet.
Alternative fuels and lubricants
With the cost of fuel being a top industry concern, many fleet managers are exploring the fuel- and cost-saving possibilities offered by alternatives to conventional diesel and gas. One of the most promising of these is natural gas. A growing number of private fleets, including those owned by UPS, Verizon and AT&T, are switching to compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles in order to take advantage of these fuels’ attractive pricing and lower vehicle emissions. Current at-the-pump prices for CNG and LNG average about $1 per gallon less than gasoline, for comparable horsepower. Natural gas also burns cleaner than conventional fuels, which can significantly extend engine life.
Electric vehicles are also catching the attention of fleet managers. Even though their cost of acquisition can be prohibitive and their use is obviously limited to areas with sufficient infrastructure, their low operating and maintenance costs make electric vehicles a smart choice for some fleets.
While alternative fuels are rising in popularity, the majority of fleets continue to utilize conventional fuels. For many of these, switching to higher performance lubricants can make a significant difference in fuel economy. Fleet managers are starting to explore the use of lower-viscosity engine oils. Doing so can increase fuel efficiency by 1 to 2 percent — significant savings for many fleets.
Automated transmissions
One of the biggest factors impacting the fuel efficiency of any given vehicle is the driver. Staying too long in a gear or failing to shift effectively can waste a huge amount of fuel. In the face of the current driver shortage, which is forcing fleet managers towards hiring less experienced drivers, many are moving toward replacing their manual transmission vehicles with automatic or automated manual transmissions (AMTs). What’s the difference? A fully automatic transmission uses a torque converter, connecting the drivetrain and engine with a fluid coupling, whereas an AMT uses an electronically controlled clutch to disengage the drive train. Both can reduce fuel consumption by 3 percent or more, which for most fleets adds up to an annual savings of over $2,000 per vehicle. Automatic and AMT vehicles are also easier for inexperienced drivers to handle safely.
Tire management systems
After fuel, tires represent the biggest operating cost for many fleets. Improperly maintained tires wear out quicker and decrease fuel efficiency. They are also a safety hazard. Installing an automated tire management system can help fleet managers and drivers keep on top of the condition of their tires by alerting them when tire pressure or tread depth become unacceptably low. These systems can help reduce fuel costs and prevent unnecessary accidents and tire wear.
GPS fleet tracking
Fleet tracking may well be the most versatile time- and cost-saving technology available to today’s fleet manager. Being able to track and locate each vehicle in real time allows for more accurate ETAs, which streamlines the delivery process and reduces unnecessary wait time. It also allows a dispatcher to quickly and easily determine the most efficient routes in order to ensure maximum productivity for each vehicle and driver. And, it helps head off unauthorized vehicle use and timesheet padding at the pass.
GPS tracking is also a tremendous help in improving fuel economy and fleet safety. Unsafe and inefficient driver behaviors such as speeding and hard braking can be monitored and addressed. By figuring out the shortest routes, dispatchers can keep fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear to an absolute minimum. In addition, vehicle-tracking devices have proven invaluable in locating lost and stolen vehicles.
Every fleet manager must weigh the cost of acquiring any new technology against its potential ROI. What works out to be a good investment for one fleet may not make the grade for another. However, it is safe to say that virtually every fleet could benefit from careful implementation of some or all of these productivity-enhancing technologies.
About Author:
Robert Hall is the President of Track Your Truck, the leading provider of vehicle tracking devices for companies throughout the United States who have a fleet of vehicles that need to be managed.