Upgrading your fleet is an investment in your business’s future. By prioritizing vehicle performance, you can also boost employee and customer satisfaction. The equipment you use to deliver solutions is the backbone of your entire organization. Without the most optimized vehicles, you risk lost time, profit and, in the worst case, customers. If you’re looking to modernize your fleet with upgrades, here are a few of the best ones to choose in 2022.
Dash Cams
Dash cams offer an added layer of security to drivers and companies that operate on the road. They can make the difference between paying for an accident and being compensated by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Look for models that have proven track records and collision reduction, like Samsara AI dash cams. You can also get help choosing the right vehicle dash cam for your fleet in this guide.
GPS Tracking
If you aren’t already relying on GPS to track your fleets, your business is missing crucial data that could improve its bottom line. Fleet managers should have 24-hour visuals of deployed vehicles. This not only improves performance but also strengthens driver safety. With real-time activity monitoring, businesses are always on top of their drivers’ performance. When undergoing performance reviews, GPS asset and fleet tracking systems can help you identify when miles were wasted and too much time was lost behind the wheel.
Telematics allow your company to know exactly where its vehicles are at all times. In addition to geographic location, GPS trackers can also give you vital information about a vehicle’s performance. You can be updated when a driver is moving, check how long they’ve been parked, and even monitor idle times. Being able to assess the distance between scheduled deliveries and actual arrival times can also help you improve productivity across the board. Sometimes, it takes real-time data over time to identify exactly where you need to optimize your strategy.
ELDs
You might already be required to have electronic logging devices (ELDs), but if not, they’re worth considering. An ELD helps enforce driver accountability and maintain compliance. Your management solution should integrate ELDs in an effort to promote greater transparency, productivity, and safety for all. No matter what size your fleet is, electronic logging devices are a valuable investment. This upgrade can also eliminate a large portion of paperwork and documents that slow down operations. By immediately logging and updating driver records, an ELD can ensure that work is being done at appropriate hours and in the safest manner possible.
ELDs have another benefit in that they are great for improving preventative maintenance. All electronic logging devices record information about the vehicle they’re attached to. This means you get instant alerts whenever there is cause for concern. Risk management for fleet managers is simplified and streamlined with ongoing ELD data.
Hands-Free Phone Options
To prevent collisions and create a safe environment for employees, vehicles should be equipped with hands-free phone options. While drivers are always encouraged to not talk on the road, they may still need to communicate with your business during operating hours. Rather than pull over, park or remove their hands from the wheel, a hands-free option can quickly open the line for dialogue. Many employees use their cellphones for work-reasons, but with the bulk of their job on the road, it can become difficult to manage calls and stay on schedule. Hands-free solutions via Bluetooth can fully optimize all vehicles to be safer and more efficient.
