8 ways to help improve fleet efficiency

GPS fleet tracking monitors vehicle locations and movements in real time. This technology allows fleet managers to accurately monitor their assets. That way, they can help optimize routes and save time.

Even with these benefits, it’s important to know that implementing any new technology comes with challenges. Make sure everyone on your team knows how to interact with the system. Also, explain how it can improve their workflow. Dispatchers, for example, can use GPS tracking to assign jobs to the nearest available driver. That can help minimize unnecessary mileage and supports prompt delivery.

Fuel is a big expense. In fact, according to the American Transportation Research Institute, fleet operational costs rose 21.3% in 2022 over the previous year, and fuel is one of the most concerning costs that’s on the rise. Efficient consumption management translates to major cost savings. One way to do this is by encouraging driving practices like steady speeds and smooth acceleration.

Managers also need to do their part to keep an eye on consumption. Fleet fuel cards, for instance, provide detailed records of fuel purchases, which lets you track consumption rates and identify potential issues like unauthorized fuel purchases.

As mentioned by Expert Market, 48% of people in the US fleet industry say driver safety is a top priority, and an equal amount prioritize driver training. Training boosts safety while increasing efficiency, and it will contribute to keeping your people and your assets out of harm's way. Defensive driving lessons, for example, can protect assets and curb costs from accidents and downtime.

That said, implementing training programs can be time-consuming and costly for large fleets with high driver turnover. Online training platforms can make training more engaging and cost-effective.

Sticking to maintenance schedules prevents breakdowns and optimizes performance. This helps keep more vehicles on the road and may help you avoid the costly consequences that come with downtime. Keep every part of your fleet in top shape by prioritizing regular maintenance.

You can also use maintenance software and technology to streamline the process. By using connected sensors, for example, you can get ahead of mechanical issues before they trigger failures. This shifts vehicle repairs from reactive to proactive, all with insights that manual service records don’t provide.

Minimizing idle time is critical for sustainable, cost-efficient operations. Having clear guidelines and reduction targets create a culture of accountability around this problem. And putting a stop to this wasteful practice boosts profitability.

Changing driver habits can be challenging, though, especially for long-haul drivers. Consider implementing idle-tracking technology and incentive programs that reward drivers for minimizing idle time.

Tracking relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) like fuel consumption rates and on-time delivery is important for assessing fleet performance. You’ll need to make sure you select the best KPIs for you and know how to effectively analyze the data, particularly if your fleet has complex operations.

Choose one or 2 KPIs to focus on first. This will allow you to home in on ways to make sense of the information you have and use it to your advantage. From there, you can move to tracking more metrics.

Telematics systems capture data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and asset utilization. This can help you identify opportunities for optimization. Real-time alerts and reports also empower you to make proactive interventions before issues escalate.

Integrating telematics technology across an entire fleet can be a significant investment, and data overload can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start, try a pilot program with a set of vehicles, then gradually scale up as the system proves its value.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword or a trend; it’s here to stay and it’s a team sport. That’s one reason why the United States has committed to 100% zero-emission truck sales by 2040, as indicated by Reuters. But you can take sustainable steps today that also help improve fleet efficiency.

Embracing sustainability is about being environmentally conscious—and it’s a catalyst for cost savings and more efficient operations. When your fleet runs smoother on the roads, you can potentially reduce your organization’s impact on the planet, too. Route optimization and efficient vehicles, for instance, help cut emissions and expenses.

That said, sustainable practices can require upfront investments in eco-friendly technologies or process changes. Be sure to prioritize initiatives with clear cost-saving potential for your organization to offset the initial investment.