How to improve fleet maintenance and performance with telematics

Posted in Business

White trucks are parked in a line behind a distribution building.

Your approach to fleet maintenance and management can have a direct, positive impact on your business operations. Fleet telematics can help you take control of your business to increase safety and efficiency while cutting unnecessary costs.

Learn the basics of telematics and why it’s essential for proper fleet maintenance. Plus, get a glimpse into the latest technology and the benefits of modern fleet maintenance services.

The basics of fleet telematics

In short, fleet telematics uses fleet GPS technology, geofencing and other tracking data to pinpoint opportunities to improve driver performance, decrease wear and tear on work vehicles, increase fuel efficiencies and more. By using data analytics, you can determine what driving behaviors or operation practices are on track and others that could use more attention for improvement.

For example, let’s say you are a small business owner with a small fleet of delivery trucks. The maintenance work needed on one of your work trucks has increased significantly in the past year, particularly on the tires and brakes. Because all your fleet vehicles were brand new when you purchased them together, it’s unusual that one truck needs more maintenance attention than the others. This vehicle is driven similar distances and durations as the rest of the fleet, so it’s strange that this single truck keeps needing work.

After some investigating into the data of your fleet telematics, you discover the truck is primarily driven by one employee. This employee’s driving data shows they brake hard while making deliveries. That explains why the brake pads and tires are replaced more often than the other trucks in your fleet.

You use this information to have a constructive discussion with your employee about their driving behaviors. After the conversation, you notice their driving habits improve and the vehicle maintenance needs decrease.

This is just one example of how fleet telematics can help your business. Talk to your independent agent today for more information about your telematics options to learn what can boost your business.

 
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What is fleet maintenance?

Every task that tends to the upkeep of your fleet vehicles is considered fleet maintenance. Think routine vehicle maintenance, repairs, Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance and more. Fleet maintenance also includes the tasks needed to manage your fleet, such as using instantaneous feedback to assess driver behavior, create more efficient routes, and track stolen fleet vehicles. When these factors align, fleet maintenance also helps you establish a safer fleet.

Telematics makes it simple to accomplish different types of fleet maintenance all at once. From fleet equipment management to decreasing driver turnover, there are plenty of possibilities to minimize costs and improve your business. Plus, some carriers reward successful fleet maintenance with a better rate on your coverage. Talk to your independent agent to learn more.

The latest in telematics technology

Fleet telematics started as a means to manage logistics. Fleet managers could pinpoint vehicles on a route with fleet GPS technology, so it was easier than ever before to create faster routes and cut back on delayed deliveries. Then, fleet maintenance and fuel efficiency came into play to further improve safety and decrease costs.

Today, business owners and fleet managers can use all the capabilities of fleet telematics analytics to become experts of their own companies. Fleet GPS can help with improving routes and recovering stolen fleet vehicles. Dashboard data can spot poor driving behavior patterns so you can work with your employees to fix issues early on, improving safe driving habits, decreasing fleet maintenance needs and reducing driver turnover. Instantaneous feedback can give you real-time information on your fleet 24/7.

Fleet maintenance with Grange

Partnering with Grange for your fleet maintenance needs will help you simplify your business. Grange offers modern telematics capabilities that give you around-the-clock access to your data. You get to decide how to approach your data analytics and efficiencies.

If you’re not sure how to get started, our Risk Control experts are ready to help you at every step. Whether you want to minimize insurance risks or get a better understanding of the telematics tools at your fingertips, our experienced Risk Control team will assist.

For more information about fleet maintenance and telematics from Grange, talk to your independent insurance agent.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. Implementing these suggestions does not guarantee coverage. If any policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. For full details on Grange’s business insurance coverages and discounts, contact your local independent agent.


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