Getting the Most Out of Your Telematics: 7 Proven Strategies

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Like most fleets, you have been running electronic logging devices (ELDs) for a while now. You may have also started using other types of telematic devices in the last few years, including in-cab cameras, mobile apps or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) embedded devices in your trucks.

Each of these devices serves a specific purpose, such as your ELD satisfying hours-of-service requirements. However, you should also consider how to maximize this data to get the most out of your investment.

How to Leverage Your Existing Telematics Data

Use these strategies to leverage your existing telematics data:

1. Route Optimization

Telematics can provide real-time traffic data, enabling your drivers to avoid congestion, reduce fuel consumption and make more efficient trips. Utilizing this feature can significantly enhance your overall operating efficiency.

2. Fuel Efficiency

Telematic devices that connect directly to the vehicle can track and analyze fuel consumption. By monitoring fuel usage patterns and driver behavior, you can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to reduce fuel costs. Specific practices to measure and avoid include over-fueling for shorter trips and excessive idling when it may be possible to turn off the vehicle or use an alternative power source.

3. Maintenance Scheduling

Connecting the telematic vehicle directly to the electronic control module (ECM) of the vehicle can help you keep track of your fleet's maintenance needs. By scheduling regular maintenance based on actual usage and wear and tear, you can extend the life of your vehicles and prevent costly breakdowns. Pairing this maintenance data with the route optimization features of your telematic devices can also allow you to schedule these maintenance activities in an efficient manner within the overall scope of your operation.

4. Driver Performance

Telematic devices provide valuable data on driver behavior, including speeding, harsh braking, harsh cornering, idling and parking locations. By using this information to drive coaching and fleet-wide trainings, you can promote safer driving practices, therefore reducing accidents and demonstrating a commitment to safety. However, this data should not only be used for remediation. Set incentives for safe operation and reward those drivers who are the safest operators.

5. Compliance and Reporting

Telematics can assist in meeting regulatory requirements and reporting obligations, such as hours-of-service compliance and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reporting. This ensures your company remains in good standing with regulatory bodies and potentially reduces liability. It should also be noted that, depending on which devices you have deployed, some telematics may be able to provide redundancy for other devices in the event of an equipment failure. Understand all your devices’ capabilities so you can determine when one telematic can serve as a back-up for another.

6. Asset Security

Telematic devices offer anti-theft and asset recovery features. In the unfortunate event of a theft or abandonment, these devices can help in locating and recovering your vehicles quickly, minimizing losses.

7. Customer Satisfaction

With real-time tracking, you can provide accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to your customers, including updating appointment times if necessary, increasing their satisfaction and trust in your services. Satisfied customers often result in fewer disputes and claims, as well as generating more business.

Finally, use your existing telematics data to help reduce your insurance costs. Your existing ELDs and other telematics generate plenty of valuable data to prove you run a safe operation. Alliant has specifically developed programs that can leverage this data to help you realize savings based on actual driving behavior, not losses. Losses alone do not tell the whole story, because other drivers and the conditions in which you operate are often out of your control.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive transportation insurance coverage and risk management strategies that safeguard your business against unexpected setbacks, minimize financial losses and allow you to focus on growing your business.

Contact us today to see how we can leverage your telematics data to save you up to 15% on insurance coverage.