Telematics systems are now commonplace throughout the trucking industry, as they’ve increasingly facilitated fleet management. Subsequently, in order for them to work efficiently, they need to be used strategically and proactively by dispatchers and truck drivers alike.

Telematics systems allow dispatchers to see key truck parameters throughout their fleets. Whether you need an oil change or want to make sure your battery voltage isn’t too low, truck diagnostics allow truck drivers and dispatchers to continue working efficiently.

Instead of drivers having to completely shut down their trucks for hours on end because of a simple check engine light, dispatchers can detect a problem and find quick solutions—allowing their driver to get back on the road in no time. With that said, here are three ways telematics systems have made fleet management more efficient:

Using data to optimize fleet management 

The idea here is simple: if a dispatcher is able to quickly detect a problem with a driver’s truck, they can diagnose the issue and quickly find a resolution.

Let’s say a truck driver’s check engine suddenly flicks on—the driver now needs to stop as soon as possible and spend countless hours of precious driving time trying to find out what’s wrong. With a good telematics system (cough, like UTECH’s very own GPSTab, cough) dispatchers can prevent the needless waste of time by keeping up with the following parameters: fuel usage, total idle time, battery voltage, engine coolant temperature, as well as engine and transmission oil temperatures. By making sure these parameters are dealt with before a major issue arises, drivers can do their job effectively, without having to worry about truck-related hassles. 

Allowing companies to be compliant 

Telematics systems such as UTECH’s GPSTab (another shameless plug, I know) also allow drivers to prevent citations due to simple fixes to their truck. DOT inspections can be a bit of a chore for drivers and sometimes end up in needless citations, but this could all be avoided with the detection capabilities of a telematics system. Additionally, with ELDs becoming a must-have by December 2019, trucking industry folks will have the benefit of trustworthy telematics systems integrated within their ELD solution.

Companies are able to protect assets more efficiently

Telematics systems also function as a precautionary measure for many in the industry, as their location tracking allows dispatchers to keep track of drivers and other assets. Working as a theft deterrent, companies can rest assured knowing that their products will safely arrive at their destination. 

While having an extremely experienced professional truck driver is a great way to protect company assets, the additional safeguard of tracking where they are at all times is a great backup. 

In an article released in February 2019, trucks.com, using research from SensiGuard, reported that pilferage—the act of stealing items of small value—had grown 18 percent from the previous year throughout the trucking industry. In addition, trucks.com also reported that in the United States, “electronics topped the list of most stolen products.” The mix of these two issues creates headaches for companies, as the small value products add up over time, costing them thousands of dollars.

With the help of a good telematics system, companies can eliminate such issues, as they’d have the ability to track their loads effectively. 

All-in-all, the introduction of telematics systems has provided a multitude of necessary solutions in the trucking industry. With technology only continuing to grow within the industry, do you feel telematics systems have been a positive addition? Or can a more effective system be put in place? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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