If you manage a fleet of vehicles, running efficient operations is a must. Pedigree’s Fleet Management have burst onto the market, making it hard for companies to know what provider to go with. If you are still under the misconception that fleet tracking cost you more time and money to implement, then you are missing out on a huge competitive advantage.
Here are the top 8 myths related to fleet tracking systems:
1. There is no real value you receive
Reduced fuel consumption
Increase operational efficiencies and productivity
Dispatch and route drivers more effectively
Improve customer service
Reduce out-of-route miles and unnecessary stops
Streamline FMCSA and IFTA Reporting
2. All systems are the same
It may be true that many providers out there offer similar features, but what’s really important is the vision of a company. Yes, you probably will be able to see where you trucks are on a map, but what types of products will the company offer five years from now? Look for businesses that will grow with you, allowing you to add on other asset categories or ELDs when you are ready. While many companies have great products, their service and technical support after the sale does not back up the product. Carefully consider the training and support plans they have in place so you aren’t left with a system who don’t know how to use.
3. Employees feel it’s an invasion of their privacy
One of the first concerns many companies have is “our drivers will think we don’t trust them.” Although, many aspects of driver performance can be tracked with this system, keeping tabs on drivers isn’t the overall goal, its maximizing efficiency. With fleet tracking, you can,
Address aggressive driving and coach bad habits such as taking unnecessary stops, speeding or hard breaking.
Track delivery routes to see if miles can be shed or a more efficient route taken
Eliminate prolonged idling to cut fuel consumption
Make sure your drivers fill out their logbooks correctly by knowing how they have been driving
4. It will take too much time to learn and manage
Initially, installing and learning the system WILL take some time. However, once the training process is complete, the time savings that result will trump the time it took to learn. First off, you will need to choose one person to act as the system administrator and that person needs to know the system inside out to ensure your company is utilizing its full potential. If you don’t have the time or resources to have an office staff oversee the system, then you will need to find a provider who offers premiere support services. The most important thing to remember is that implementing a system will require a process change that both you and your employees will have to willing to embrace for it to work properly.
5. Too Expensive
Have you ever heard the phrase you have to spend money to make money? The same methodology applies when purchasing a fleet tracking system. Although there is an upfront cost for purchasing and installing the hardware and software, within just a few months your ROI will start to turn over. Despite popular belief, you can actually increase profits with tracking systems and maintain a safer, more efficient fleet.
6. It is unnecessary, we can use cell phones
Many companies think that they can easily stay updated on driver location and job status by simply using a cell phone to communicate back and forth. However, this is an inefficient method and in some cases illegal. With a fleet tracking system, instantly locate all your drivers on a single screen, without ever having to pick up a phone. With this data, you can respond to customer calls instantaneously by knowing accurate delivery and arrival times. If the driver is using an in-cab device you can also safely communicate with them to update job status or stops.
7. Not necessary for a small fleet
You may think because you manage a smaller fleet a system isn’t necessary in your business, but there is always room for improvement. Even if it means eliminating just two trips a week, shaving 10 extra miles off a delivery or providing better customer service with accurate delivery times. The little things add up and will boost your bottom line.
If you are interested in learning how a fleet tracking system could boost your bottom line? Schedule a fleet tracking demo today!