Benefits of analytics
Today’s commercial vehicles already generate about one terabyte of data annually, and fleets have increasing opportunities to improve performance measures including safety, routing, asset tracking/utilization, maintenance, fuel optimization and CSA compliance. However, the real-time benefits of big data analytics can be rendered useless when fleets routinely put themselves and their stakeholders at great risk, by allowing individuals behind the wheels of their vehicles without adequate background screening.
“Fleets can’t control their CSA scores, they can only control the compliance and safety strategies that determine their CSA scores. First Advantage Fleet Solutions helps fleets with these strategies,” says Mark A. Carlson, CTP, senior director of sales for First Advantage Fleet Solutions, “By utilizing more sophisticated background investigation technology, fleets are now able to put the right individual in the driver seat to begin with, and then use the power of big data analytics to monitor performance, successfully modify undesirable behaviors and ultimately create an elite class of operators who can actually achieve the goals promised by emerging analytical tools. Regarding CSA, there are three main strategic components:
1. Attract, assess and hire the right drivers to begin with and do it before your competition attracts, assesses and hires them.
2. Monitor, collect and analyze driver and vehicle performance data with an eye toward maximizing compliance and minimizing risk.
3. Swiftly provide actionable feedback to fleets, so they can respond appropriately when equipment or driver issues are identified.
Lighting basics
According to Samantha Sonderen, products specialist in charge of LED truck and trailer lights at Super Bright LEDs, “First, you should choose an LED light with a sealed structure and a polycarbonate lens. The structure will protect the light from water damage, and a polycarbonate lens is less likely to break than a glass lens when hit by road debris. Choosing a light with a high IP rating is another way to protect from dust, rain and washes. The higher the IP rating, the more protected the light from harsh environments.”
She goes on to say to periodically clean the lenses to maximize airflow, to keep your lights running cool and lasting longer. This will also ensure that your lights are easily seen. PC-rated LEDs are a great way to cut down on costs and maintenance for fleet managers. PC-rated lights have a minimum beam angle of 90-degrees and are designed to satisfy the need for one 45º clearance light and one 45º side marker light when installed at a 45º angle—essentially, cutting the number of lights you need to purchase and maintain in half.
“Make sure the LED light you choose is compatible with the truck’s operating voltage,” Sonderen says.
”For example, if you use a 6-volt light with a 12-volt system, the bulb will burn out very quickly. Conversely, a 24-volt light on a 12-volt truck would be significantly under-powered.”
“When installing a new LED light, don’t forget to lubricate sockets, terminals and associated electrical connections with dielectric grease to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion,” Sonderen advises. “Know and understand the rules of the light’s warranty. Doing unauthorized repairs or disassembling the light will void its warranty. A driver should also know the correct person to contact in case of lights malfunctioning, whether it be the fleet’s parts department, the purchaser, or the company from which the light was purchased.”