The Significance Of Accessing Unlimited Fleet Historical Data For Trucking Companies

It requires immense skill, meticulous planning, some harsh decisions, and a whole lot of perseverance to reach the top. In fact, you need to be determined and have a very clear vision for your business to stay at the top.

In the 21st century, however, there is one more thing that takes precedence over all the others - adapting to changing technology. Technology has left no industry untouched. And of all the industries it has touched, most of them have been radically changed beyond recognition.

Technological developments have led to:

1. Improved efficiency in operations
2. Lower rates of human error
3. Less stress on workers
4. Lesser working hours
5. Greater productivity

Of all the industries it has touched, one that technology has had a heavy impact on is fleet management. It is no secret that fleets require efficiency and customer expectations are higher than they have ever been before.

For the uninitiated, let us define what fleet management is -

Fleet management is a series of diverse tasks for companies that rely on transportation. It involves reducing turnaround times, saving costs, and simply moving things as required.

Simple enough, isn't it?

Yet, fleet management is a complex task involving a lot of variables. Efficient fleet management can be a nightmare, especially in this age of immense uncertainty. 

The Significance Of Accessing Unlimited Fleet Historical Data For Trucking Companies Picture 1

Come technology to the rescue!

Technological developments have come as a savior to fleet management companies across the globe. One of the ways in which trucking companies can benefit is by accessing the unlimited fleet historical data that is made available to them. This is something that is a great boon for trucking organizations, which is often overlooked.

How is this a boon, you ask?

Read on to find out!

1. To settle billing disputes.

As with every business, disputes arise from time-to-time. One of the main disputes in every business pertains to billing.

Billing disputes can get especially hard to settle if you do not have evidence to back it up. The more the evidence, the better.

PRO TIPS:

1. Historical fleet data always comes in handy when it comes to proving past service to your clients
2. As this information is electronically stored, it is easier to share
3. You can easily figure out the costs incurred in order to bill correctly

2. To document the behavior of drivers.

Your drivers are crucial to your trucking business. The drivers are supposed to steer the vehicle as instructed and get the goods delivered at the right place, on time, every time.

However, this is not as easy as it looks. Drivers face numerous challenges that compel them to change course, prioritize some other delivery, take emergency safety calls, etc.

This where documenting driver behavior with the help of fleet historical data comes in handy. Not only does it allow you to improve driver behavior, but it also helps improve driver safety at large.

PRO TIPS:

1. Share the historical data with your drivers
2. Have a frank conversation with them about why they made the decisions they did
3. Work with them to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution

3. It serves as proof in case of legal disputes.

The trucking business is affected by plenty of factors such as:

1. Political scenario
2. Environmental situation
3. Economic stability
4. The law of the land

Among these, the legal factor is the biggest as trucking companies are subject to a wide variety of laws.

So having access on-demand to fleet historical data helps make your case stronger and increases your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in legal battles.

PRO TIPS:

1. Ensure that the data you have is well presented in order to make your case
2. Back up all your claims with facts and attached documentation proof

4. To develop a business strategy.

It is imperative that every business reinvent itself to keep up with the changing times. For this, you need historical data that can help you track your progress and develop strategies accordingly. Thanks to technology, data tracking, and analysis, it has become so much easier!

PRO TIPS:

1. Figure out the pain points of your business and get to the root cause of the problem
2. Do not hesitate to avail of the services of a consultant
3. Have a plan, a vision for the future
4. Make complete use of the data at hand

5. Because data is the new gold 

The modern world of today works on one thing - data. With the ubiquity of the Internet, you learn that every single keystroke, every action we perform, is stored. 

All of this enormous data can be used to reach your business goals, provided you know how to make use of it. 

Fleet historical data can be analyzed to know what the next step should be. 

PRO TIPS:

1. Data analysts are of utmost importance to your business
2. More than the numbers themselves, learn what the numbers mean
3. Do not ever let the data at your disposal overwhelm you

6. To prove your achievements. 

The fleet historical data can also serve as a trophy - a lasting remembrance of all that you have achieved. 

This can not only be great for personal satisfaction but also to attract more clients. 

It is easier to convince potential customers to do business with you when you have a long history and a proven track record behind you. 

This is why you must pay close attention to particularly challenging trucking services that you have successfully offered. 

PRO TIPS:

1. Learn to not only analyze your data but also present it in the most attractive manner
2. Your goal should be to build trust so that you gain more business
3. Stay away from presenting too much unnecessary data since that might put people off

In conclusion 

As I mentioned at the start, running a business is definitely a tough task. Amidst so many variables and so much uncertainty, you must learn to remain calm and composed. 

Not just that, we even suggest learning on various fleet technologies such as telematics. What matters is that you run your business successfully and do as best as you can. 

Go forth, give it your best, and may success be yours!

David Pac

Update 01 July 2020