Every fleet manager knows the importance of organizing a strategy to create efficiency and maximize profits, otherwise, precious dollars will be thrown away. According to a report by the Environmental Defense Fund, inefficient fleet management practices can result in up to 20% excess fuel consumption and up to 15% excess maintenance costs. Creating a fleet efficiency plan can be somewhat daunting without the help of technology, but a plan is essential to save on fleet costs. Simple factors such as driving behaviors, route management, and maintenance can impact fuel consumption, and what may feel like penny-pinching is actually significant cost savings.
Driving Behaviors
Managing drivers and driver behavior is an overwhelming task, considering the lack of visibility when drivers are on the road. Thankfully telematics technology has advanced so that managers can keep an eye on driver behavior. Telematic software typically includes a hardware device, such as GPS tracking, to provide real-time data to managers. In addition to using telematic software, managers must hire reliable drivers and provide excellent training. Employing knowledgeable drivers will make a big difference in fuel consumption and holding drivers accountable with telematics software will result in better driving habits.
Integrating telematics software with Whip Around software will encourage drivers to stay accountable for fuel management, inspections, and safe driving practices. Even the most reliable drivers can get caught up in bad habits. Training drivers to avoid aggressive driving, like excessive braking and accelerating, can help minimize fuel wastage. Telematics software can promptly alert managers when a driver is demonstrating bad habits, enabling them to take timely corrective action.
How Driving Behaviors Affect Vehicle Maintenance
Driving habits can have a major impact on maintenance costs, the vehicle’s longevity, and the asset’s value. Aggressive driving can cause wear on the brakes, transmission, engine, suspension, and tires. Hard braking will deteriorate the brake pads, rotor, and calipers, all leading to premature brake failure — which will lead to more replacements and higher costs. .
Excessive and hard acceleration can cause damage to the transmission and engine, potentially resulting in complete transmission or engine failure. Unsurprisingly, the suspension and tires are also exposed to costly repairs or replacements when the driver accelerates rapidly, suddenly stops, or turns hard corners. All these components can become permanently ruined, necessitating frequent replacements while reducing the value of the vehicle. For these reasons, telematic software is an excellent investment for monitoring and correcting driver behavior.
How Behavior Saves Fuel Costs
Not only does ensuring fleet drivers are practicing proper driver behavior save on maintenance costs, but driver behavior can considerably reduce fuel consumption. Aggressive driving habits decrease fuel efficiency, eating fuel much faster than necessary. These habits include speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration. Idling is another behavior that consumes fuel without purpose. Telematics software monitors excessive idling and common behaviors that waste fuel so that management can act accordingly.
Fuel Management and Route Optimization
Fuel management and route optimization can lead to significant savings, making it a critical part of your fleet efficiency strategy. Telematics software is a great starting point for implementing a fuel management and route optimization plan. The software will help pinpoint the quickest route, taking traffic and road conditions into account. Not only will this help you save on fuel, but the vehicle will accumulate fewer miles, minimizing wear and tear and preserving its value for longer. Whip Around is a fleet maintenance software that also provides fuel management and fuel consumption tracking. Telematic software integrated with Whip Around creates a one-stop shop for management fleet efficiency plans.
Saving with Fleet Maintenance
Fleet maintenance places another advantage in reducing fuel consumption and saving on costly repairs or replacements. By keeping vehicles properly running, the components can run more effectively and efficiently, saving on fuel costs in the long run. Keeping vehicles operating in good condition saves costs on unexpected downtime and repairs while maximizing the longevity and resale value of the asset.
Fleet maintenance software is a great solution for managers seeking full control and visibility over their fleet and ensuring the vehicles are safe, compliant, and efficient. There are numerous benefits to utilizing fleet maintenance software to provide convenience and increase profitability. Whip Around is a reliable and easy-to-use maintenance software that offers an intuitive platform, including fuel cost tracking. Managers are able to track fuel consumption along with maintenance to better operate their fleet. It also directly integrates with telematic software, making the whole process simple and interconnected.
Combining fleet maintenance with fuel consumption management creates a strategy that saves the company precious time and money. A fleet efficiency plan will increase overall profitability and productivity. The task may seem daunting initially, but telematic and fleet maintenance software combine to make the mission much more feasible. Learn more about Whip Around by booking a demo and starting a free trial.
