In school transportation adequately managing your budget is one of the main concerns for Transportation Directors. In fact, It is estimated that fleets waste between 5% to 10% of their annual budget because of inefficiency or due to non-essential activities (Automotive Fleet). That being said, technology can help you make the most out of your budget by eliminating unnecessary spending. Keep on reading to learn all about how fleet management technologies not only get you your money’s worth but also help to cut-off on unnecessary costs.
First off, know there are different types of fleet management technologies which in most cases specialize in Routing, GPS tracking, or vehicle maintenance. Each one of these components helps you control and reduce costs in their own way.
- GPS tracking solutions allow you to view your fleet in real-time and collect data on your vehicle’s movement. They help identify unnecessary idling and speeding. Solving these types of inefficiencies could help you save gallons of fuel (Aeris). The use of this type of software has shown an average of 8% of decrease in fuel consumption according to Truck Info. Overall, GPS tracking systems have several benefits for fleet management and cost reduction is just the cherry on top.
- Routing software will help you build smarter routes. Smart routes optimize your runs for both time and distance, making sure you are using your available resources in an efficient manner. In summary, smart routes reduce fuel consumption and excessive vehicle wear. Additionally, a lot of the times implementing smart routing software translates into a reduction in the number of routes, drivers, and vehicles needed. All in all, routing software can help you reduce anywhere from 10% to 30% of transportation costs (Aptean).
- Fleet Maintenance solutions lookout for your fleet’s general health. These types of solutions track and monitor the maintenance and services made to each one of your vehicles, alert you for any mechanical or electrical issue and notify you when maintenance is overdue. This is particularly important if you take into account that depreciation makes up for as much as 40% of the total cost of running a vehicle (Chevin Fleet). Fleet maintenance software solutions can have a marked impact by helping you to keep a healthy fleet and thus greatly reducing non-programmed / non-necessary bus reparation costs.
In short, being able to rely on Fleet Management software has proven to be crucial in transportation departments’ efforts to stay within their budget while running a safe and efficient operation.
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