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The benefits of commercial vehicle tracking for your business

By Verizon Connect Team July 2, 2023

Technology can help improve businesses and make a huge difference to their bottom line. This rings particularly true when leveraging a commercial vehicle tracking system that seamlessly integrates automatic vehicle location and collects all vehicle activity data to help improve key strategic areas.

In fact, the recent Fleet Technology Trends Report in Europe revealed that an impressive 71% of European companies we surveyed and 75% of UK companies incorporated this technology into their daily operations and other key fleet management technologies like asset tracking and video telematics. (1)

The most common commercial vehicle tracking devices

Modern commercial vehicle tracking systems commonly rely on GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to facilitate the automatic location of vehicles. These systems typically offer two distinct types of tracking devices: passive and active. (2)

In short, the passive vehicle tracking device stores information about ‘GPS location, speed, heading and sometimes a trigger event such as key on/off, door open/closed. The device is then removed and the data downloaded to a computer for evaluation. Passive systems include auto download types that transfer data via wireless download.’ (3)

Active commercial vehicle tracking devices not only share similar functionalities with their passive counterparts but also excel in their capabilities by taking it a step further because they ‘transmit the data in near-real-time via cellular or satellite networks to a computer or data centre for evaluation.’ (4)

The potential of ‘active’ commercial vehicle tracking devices lies in their ability to provide a comprehensive, near-real-time overview of fleet operations. This includes valuable insights such as precise location, speed, distance travelled, routes taken, fuel consumption, idling, speed alerts, security alerts, and instances of theft or unauthorised use. Notably, there’s no need to download the data for regular updates, as this information can be conveniently received on mobile phones, tablets, or computers, keeping fleet managers informed at all times.

5 benefits of commercial vehicle tracking

By providing education on good driving habits, businesses can effectively reduce fuel usage while simultaneously demonstrating the associated benefits.

This approach enlightens drivers about the direct correlation between improved driving practices and enhanced job security, as it contributes to the company's profitability. Furthermore, fostering an understanding of how driving habits directly impact fuel consumption raises driver consciousness regarding their ecological footprint, as well as the safety benefits of driving more responsibly.

Let’s dive into some of the benefits of commercial vehicle tracking:

Promote safety for your team

Prioritising the safety of the team, the integration of commercial vehicle tracking technology offers valuable capabilities. This combination enables remote tracking of vehicles and seamless monitoring of fleet operations in a proactive manner, all in near-real time.

In the event of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, this set up enables swift action and the prompt dispatch of necessary assistance.

Cultivate a culture of sustainability in fleet operations

Driver behaviour plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, optimising fuel consumption and minimising environmental impact. The way we drive directly influences our CO2 emissions, carbon footprint and our overall environmental footprint.

In addition to its significance in fuel efficiency, commercial vehicle tracking and fleet management systems offer a comprehensive overview of your operational status, highlighting areas for improvement. This enables businesses to identify specific aspects that require attention, promoting both economic efficiency and a strong commitment to the environment and customers. Cultivating a sustainability culture demonstrates a dedication to doing things differently and better, resonating positively with customers.

Safe driving is crucial for a safe fleet

To effectively improve your current situation, understanding how your team drives is paramount. It serves as the foundation for making necessary changes.

Unsafe driving practices such as speeding, harsh driving, and fast cornering pose significant risks to both your team members and vehicles. Moreover, they contribute to unnecessary and premature wear and tear of vital components like the engine, tires, and brakes. Notably, these unsafe practices also lead to increased fuel consumption, directly impacting the daily operational costs and overall profitability of your business.

In fact, addressing unsafe driving practices is of utmost importance, as highlighted by a recent study conducted by ERSO. The study reveals that ‘speeding at excessive or inappropriate speed is a major threat to safety on the road. It is estimated that 10 to 15% of all crashes and 30% of all fatal crashes are the direct result of speeding or inappropriate speed.’ These alarming statistics emphasise the critical need to tackle unsafe driving behaviours diligently. (5)

Furthermore, European tests have demonstrated the effects of aggressive driving, which encompasses frequent rapid acceleration and hard braking. These driving behaviours can increase fuel consumption by approximately 40%. A simple yet effective strategy to optimise fuel efficiency is to adhere to posted speed limits. Lowering your cruising speed from 120 km/h to 100 km/h on highways can result in fuel consumption reductions of up to 20%. (6)

Boost fleet excellence

In the era of industry 4.0, data-driven decisions hold immense potential to make a significant difference. Leveraging technology that provides accurate and reliable data, reflecting the operations and costs of your business, can elevate your company and have a profound impact on your bottom line.

Technology like commercial vehicle tracking in combination with fleet management can help analyse fleet performance (vehicle activity, fuel consumption, routing, distance travelled, total idle time, etc.). Analysing fleet activity can help enhance key performance and uncover hidden costs which need to be addressed.

Applying these insights enables businesses to anticipate future scenarios, identify past trends and strategically realign their approach. This includes adapting to current resources and aligning with fuel efficiency goals, among other benefits, all within the realm of data-driven decision making.

Protect what you’ve built

Car thefts and unauthorised vehicle usage pose significant risks and can result in substantial financial losses. According to a recent study from the DVLA, a total of 58,082 vehicles were stolen in the UK, 159 cars a day, an increase of 18% from last year. (7) Beyond the economic implications, preventing such incidents is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring safety.

In this context, the integration of commercial vehicle tracking technology with fleet management provides valuable features. By utilising this combination, businesses can receive prompt alerts when vehicles are used outside designated working hours.

The technology enables tracking of the vehicle's route and precise location, offering enhanced visibility and control. When necessary, the capability to immobilise the vehicle prevents unauthorised engine starts once the vehicle has been switched off.

Additionally, we can collaborate with the authorities by sharing comprehensive information regarding the vehicle's near-real time location, route and activities.

The integration of fleet management technology offers numerous advantages to businesses. To see how it could help transform your business, why not request a short demo?

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