Fleet managers aren’t immune to the rising costs of doing business that have impacted almost every industry in recent years. According to a recent fleet industry survey, the top challenge 80% of fleet companies reported in 2022 was their increase in costs.
What’s one way many have chosen to combat this trend? GPS tracking.
Those who responded to the survey represented many industries, including government, transportation, freight, construction, food distribution, and more. Results showed that 70% of those surveyed are using GPS tracking to better manage their businesses. Of those using GPS, 96% found it beneficial to reaching their goals.
Here’s how they’re using GPS to cut costs and battle inflation:
While fuel costs fluctuate, and vary by region, fuel type, and vehicle type, the average from 2021 to 2022 rose by 53.7% to 64.1 cents per mile. GPS tracking can help relieve the pain at the pump by identifying inefficient vehicles, reducing idle time, uncovering fuel fraud, monitoring speed and driving habits, and more.
GPS tracking can help you plan the most efficient routes, optimizing time and mileage. This is another way to save on fuel costs, as a 1% decrease in empty miles for one truck can save over 100 gallons of fuel. In addition, route planning can reduce labor costs by streamlining each driver’s time on the road and stops. Survey respondents reported saving 12% on labor when using GPS services.
Using GPS to track mileage can help keep you up-to-date on scheduled maintenance. The right system can also alert you to low battery status and help you detect any changes in fuel consumption that might signal a problem. Proactive maintenance is essential to keeping a full fleet on the road when parts availability might be limited and repair times extended.
Survey respondents reported a 17% decrease in accident costs using GPS technology. Operators who know their driving is monitored with instant alerts for high speed, impact, and other unsafe operation should adjust their behaviors accordingly, resulting in savings on insurance, liabilities, repairs, and time the vehicle is off the road.
Of course, GPS tracking adds another cost on its own. But of those studied, 31% of GPS users reported a positive ROI within the first six months, and 45% in less than one year. With data that shows fleet organizations of all sizes, across industries, seeing lower costs after implementing GPS tracking, what are you waiting for? Get started now.