Tips for creating a clearer truck service picture using telematics
Analyzing truck data to improve your service operation is a lot like playing connect the dots. You have to draw the lines between hard-braking data and, potentially, tire or brake pad wear information. The challenge is that the picture isn’t always clear. Sometimes your line between data points descends down the data analysis rabbit hole
Using truck telematics to improve your fleet’s safety
From getting started to talking with drivers about the data.
The equipment and maintenance key performance indicators you need to keep an eye on
There are certain key performance indicators (KPIs) that you can monitor on a regular basis that will help keep your fleet’s costs in check. When you monitor certain aspects of your fleet it can also help you spec for future orders to help keep these costs as low as possible. Although there are several KPIs
ACT Research: For-Hire Trucking Index rate volumes lowest in 10-year history
The latest release of ACT’s For-Hire Trucking Index, with March data, showed further contraction for both volumes and freight rates, now at 42.4 and 43.2 respective diffusion index readings. Productivity, while neutral at 50.0, likely was supported by the temporary pantry-stocking phenomenon. ACT says. The ACT For-Hire Trucking Index is a monthly survey of for-hire
Ideas for reducing equipment costs across your fleet
It’s time to start cutting costs. FTR noted late last week that it views February as likely the last positive for its trucking condition index. Ouch. Not a fun headline. But that’s our short-term reality. Smart fleets will start optimizing its equipment utilization, squeezing out every fraction of fuel efficiency they can, stepping up their
The Coronavirus and trucking
Every industry has been affected in some way or another by the current Coronavirus crisis, and trucking is no different; though as an essential service, trucks have been able to continue to run their routes and shops have continued to fix said trucks. While they might not face the same challenges as, say, restaurants, fleets do
FTR: February likely last positive month this year for Trucking Conditions Index
Sharp declines in freight volumes, utilization and rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to the worst overall trucking conditions on record during the second quarter of this year, according to FTR’s projections for the Trucking Conditions Index (TCI). FTR forecasts that the TCI will hit its lowest points in April and May, but
Why you need to use VMRS during truck service
VMRS was ahead of its time. The Vehicle Maintenance Report Standards (VMRS) was established by the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of American Trucking Associations (ATA) back in 1970. Think about that for a minute: VMRS sought to establish a standard for maintenance data back when “telematics” was a piece of paper, a pencil, your
Parts inventory tips for your shop
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your fleet shop’s parts inventory system.
Coronavirus makes a dent in March truck order numbers
Preliminary North American Class 8 net orders in March fell to 7,800 units, down 45% from February and 51% lower than a year-ago comparison, according to ACT Research. According to FTR, a significant number of fleets canceled orders previously placed due to the sharp and sudden downturn in economic conditions. Uncertainty over the duration of
