Enterprise Fleet Management: Modernize Your Fleet to Maximize Performance and Minimize Risk

For construction companies, the need to keep employees safe on the job is an absolute priority. But managing an environment where employees are constantly moving from site to site is complicated.

Many companies attempt to address the challenge of driver safety by checking drivers’ motor vehicle reports (MVRs) periodically, but there is more that can be done to promote driver wellbe- ing and accountability. New and emerging vehicle technologies help companies define, measure and improve upon their fleet management goals effectively and with reduced risk of human error. That’s why many businesses are adopting a comprehensive, forward-looking strategy of harnessing improved technology in their vehicle fleets. The good news: while it takes planning and coordination, the shift is well within reach with the help of a professional fleet management company.

Vehicle Selection

Swapping older vehicles with newer models automatically improves crashworthiness. Improvement in standard technology features has been significant in the past decade. In fact, simply replacing a 10-year-old vehicle with a 2016 standard model adds additional airbags, electronic stability control and many other essential safety features.

Companies can check a vehicle’s National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety rating by visiting www.safercar.gov. In the near future, the NHTSA also plans to include advanced crash-avoidance features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors and backup cameras, in the criteria for its coveted 5-Star Safety Rating. Partnering with a company like Enterprise Fleet Management can help a business replace its aging fleet with vehicles that offer the latest in safety and crash-avoidance technologies while freeing up capital for other expenses.

Telematics

By using a small plug-and-play fleet telematics tracking device, operators can keep an eye on their fleets from almost anywhere in real time. Installation of the device is simple: typically, it fits in a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) port. Once installed, the device tracks a wealth of logistical data from the fleet telematics system, including location, performance, driving behavior, seatbelt usage and accident detection. Using this collective data, companies can make highly informed decisions about their vehicles and their drivers.

Driver Training

While driver training traditionally takes place “behind the wheel,” advancing technologies are making web-based simulations an excellent alternative with a host of additional benefits. AlertDriving, the global leader in driver risk management, combines assessment-based learning and monitoring in a centrally managed tool. The service offers a variety of web-based trainings. Its personalized curriculum assesses each driver’s driving personality and assigns trainings accordingly, targeting high-risk driving behaviors in fleets. In addition, periodic 30-minute follow-up sessions ensure that training is an ongoing process. Companies can monitor drivers’ training status, saving time and resources.

Driver Monitoring

While many companies check their drivers’ motor vehicle reports periodically, driver monitoring technologies are considered more effective than sporadically running MVRs. Driver monitoring automates the management of driver-related information and is the most consistent method for keeping tabs on drivers’ records. In addition, it provides both cost-savings and convenience to companies.

Samba Safety is the undisputed industry leader in driver moni- toring. Its system manages all driver data and automatically checks for new violations, DUI/DWI convictions, invalid licenses, and approaching license or medical certification expirations. This data is then compiled into a comprehensive review of individual driver performance, alerting management to critical driver behav- ior issues and potential risks.

Comprehensive Approach

Companies of all sizes are realizing that emerging technologies are critical to identify and mitigate risk in real time, while requiring fewer resources to manage their fleets. A fleet management partner can create a comprehensive plan to modernize fleets, maximize performance, reduce risk, save time and cut costs. Fleet management companies also deploy technology-based solutions to ensure all vehicles are properly and regularly maintained. In addition, they can handle the licensing, registration and auto insurance, as well as provide fuel and maintenance cards to cover vehicle expenses. Ultimately, choosing to outsource fleet management frees up a construction company’s most valuable resource – its people – to focus on the core operating activities of the business.

Ryan J. Forrest is an Account Executive at Enterprise Fleet Management, one of the largest fleet management companies in North America. Enterprise Fleet covers the entire range of vehicle fleet services, from buying to selling and everything in between, helping companies lower their fleet costs in both time and money.

Follow Ryan here on LinkedIn or contact him directly at [email protected].

This article was published previously in New Jersey Construction Magazine.