It’s time to start using the truck data your ELDs are collecting

It’s time to start using the truck data your ELDs are collecting

There are plenty of unknowns facing the heavy-duty trucking industry, but there is one certainty: We’re staring down the barrel of an unprecedented market downturn. Not a fun fact to face, but a very real one. Both FTR and ACT Research agree that tough times are ahead.

Asset utilization, fuel efficiency and adapting service best practices to current operations will be the difference between fleets that come out of the downturn on top and those who have to play catch-up with the market turns. So how do you do it?

Here’s one idea: The ELD requirement may have been a headache last year, but now your fleet is flush with operational data from the devices that most likely collect far more data than hours of service info. It’s time to look at the data, find your equipment management weaknesses and then act on the info to step up your business game.

But there’s no silver bullet. Each fleet’s needs are different. So here’s a collage of ideas culled from a bevy of interviews I tackled during quarantine after launching our new video interview series Fleet Equipment Unscripted. Here’s what the people who are far smarter than me had to say about how to use your data for equipment management good.

Focus on fuel efficiency

Tim Bigwood, Noregon System chief executive officer:

“If you focus on issues that are impacting fuel efficiency, you should resolve those before they become a huge problem. Diesel prices may be down now, but who knows how long that is going to last? And if you focus on fuel efficiency now, not only will you have that compounded savings, but you’ll be a more efficient operation in the long run. The hours of service requirements are going to come back into play, and you need to make sure that your fleet maximizes efficiency across the board, not just during peak times.”

Start with trying to reduce idle time and increase time spent in cruise for a quick fuel efficiency bump.

Full conversation:

Improve asset utilization

Ash Makki, product marketing manager for uptime services and connectivity with Volvo Trucks North America:

“Now is the time for fleet managers to focus on the heart of the truck: The powertrain components. And remote diagnostics is low-hanging fruit. For example, the NOx sensor in the aftertreatment system. If that is triggered, it could derate the engine and flag a red fault code. You have about an hour to three hours to respond to that fault code and avoid the breakdown. We’ll notify the fleet manager about the severity and an action plan. Another example: low coolant levels. Remote diagnostics will notify on severity there too, and if it’s not severe, the truck could continue to make its delivery and we’d alert the fleet manager to enable them to make a maintenance appointment before its next cycle.”

Full conversation:

Bring a DVIR-type process to your equipment management plan

Kevin Aries, head of global product success for Verizon Connect:

“DVIRs are a regulatory requirement, but we’re starting to see the same idea of preparedness checklists that show the 10 data points that you have to look at and applying that to equipment and asset management. That’s critical for fleets that can’t afford to not have their equipment functioning as productively and efficiently as they need. A preparedness tool will offer the data that is going to help fill any gaps in efficiencies.”

Full conversation:

The two things you need to integrate data sets

Sherry Calkins, Geotab vice president of strategic partners:

“If platforms don’t have an API interface, it makes it difficult to be able to integrate. That’s the number one consideration. Secondly, security. We do vetting on the security side to let our partners know where they may be lacking in security in order to move up to the integration level.”

Full conversation:

Build a better truck service plan

Dave Walters, senior solutions engineer for Trimble Transportation:

“Previous repair history is mission critical. So, if we’ve worked on that system on a vehicle before or that component on the vehicle in the past, being able to readily get access to that data, share that information with the service provider, then we’d know that we were in a chronic repair situation. For example, knowing that it’s the sixth time that we’ve adjusted the brakes on this trailer in the last 120 days – that’s meaningful information. A simple brake adjustment isn’t fixing the problem, and we might have a bad slack adjuster. Having that repair history and being able to share that with the vendor performing the repair work can be mission critical to finally getting a resolution to the issue warranty.”

Full conversation:

You May Also Like

Merge Electric Fleet Solutions announces subscription package to support EV integration

Merge Electric Fleet Solutions launches EV subscription with charging, analytics, and support for fleet operators, reducing risk and cost.

FleetScripton-Merge-1400

Merge Electric Fleet Solutions recently announced the launch of FleetScription, a new EV subscription package for fleet vehicles.

The company notes that FleetScription is a customizable service that provides charging infrastructure installed at workplace and residential locations, fleet-ready all-electric sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks, and cross-network access to public fast-charging. Additionally, ongoing data monitoring and analysis track avoided emissions and fuel savings, enabling businesses to measure and report their impact, according to the company's recent press release. FleetScription handles employee reimbursement of home charging costs, vehicle registration, telematics, and driver training and support.

Volvo Group Mobility Transformation Forum collaborates to accelerate European sustainability

The event showcased Volvo Group’s investment in fossil-free propulsion technologies, services, and business solutions.

ConMet Digital Driver app for telematics solution now available for download 

ConMet says its Digital Driver app empowers drivers and saves costs with data-driven insights.

ConMet-Digital-Telematics-solution
Bendix earns DOE recognition for sustainable manufacturing in Indiana

Bendix Huntington has received a 2023 Better Project award from the department’s Better Plants program.

Bendix-department-of-energy-winner
Platform Science, ConMet partner on telematics solution portfolio

This collaboration offers fleets solutions that provide real-time visibility into vehicle condition, the companies say.

Platform-Science-ConMet-telematics

Other Posts

PC-12: Looking to the future of heavy-duty engine oils

By doing this work in advance, you can maximize the benefits that PC-12 lubricants will offer to your fleet.

Five truck trend takeaways from May

Your fleet’s role in facilitating the smooth and efficient movement of people and goods becomes paramount during this bustling period.

may-takeaway
April heavy-, medium-duty truck orders fell

Crawford highlighted that medium-duty demand only declined y/y by single digits, a change of pace compared to the previous two months.

heavy-medium-duty-orders-april
Daimler Truck CEO on decarbonization developments, infrastructure investment and the reason for Rizon

With sustainable trucking options on the road, more challenges are ahead … as well as opportunity.