The adoption of next-generation technology solutions—which use data collected through sensors, connected devices and cameras to make commercial driving safer and more cost effective—is still in its middle phasing, even as pricing for these devices has dropped precipitously over the past two decades. Only 54% of large fleets, 51% of medium fleets, and 37% of small fleets use transportation technology solutions.
With commercial driving companies navigating a perilous business environment marked by sky-high insurance premiums and tight margins, the question becomes: Is GPS enough?
After analyzing both the available options and the cost of doing business, the answer is exceedingly clear. Fleet managers who want to remain profitable in a high-cost and uncertain environment must adopt state-of-the-art transportation technology to provide better business insights.
Transportation technology has progressed significantly since the introduction of GPS in the 1990s that allowed fleet managers to map truck routes, track and trace shipments, and access real-time information. Thirty years later, fleet managers can choose from more than 200 devices that monitor everything including maintenance requirements, driver safety and behavior, and personnel management.
How do fleet companies use these tools? Modern transportation solutions employ a combination of software and hardware such as inward and outward facing cameras and sensors to analyze both internal and third-party data, providing real-time visibility into operations and workflows. These tools enable a company to see if its driver is distracted or braking harshly and then alert the driver in the moment to correct their behavior. AI also provides predictive intelligence, allowing fleet owners to plan routes to optimize fuel consumption or prioritize preventative maintenance to keep trucks on the roads longer.
