With today’s tight profit margins in the motor carrier Objectives Of Industry Analysis, it is essential to utilize every tool available to minimize costs. Efficient fleet management is essential to control labor and other expenses. Advances in technology can help trucking companies to control labor and regulatory expenses.
Electronic On-Board Recorders are one electronic tool that is gaining wider acceptance within the trucking industry. Although their mandated use has been delayed due to Congressional wrangling, many motor carriers are voluntarily adding EOBRs to their fleets. Changes in hours of service rules for truck drivers necessitate accuracy in logging driver’s work and rest hours to avoid penalties. EOBRs simplify tracking driver activity.
The use of EOBRs has many other applications in fleet management. Since the final standards for government-mandated logs have not yet been written, motor carriers are experimenting with various units already available. Software and applications are currently available to use with smartphones, laptops and other communications systems. One benefit is the ability to more accurately monitor driver behavior while cutting compliance staff expenses. The more efficient electronic data recording systems require less staff time to manage and analyze.
Computerized records also allow for better management of available driver hours. The real-time recording of driver availability allows for more efficient scheduling of loads and drivers. By matching available loads with free drivers, it is possible to increase productivity without violating hours of service rules.
Most EOBRs are also equipped with GPS and other truck-monitoring functions. With these devices it is possible to not only track driver location but also Industry Analysis Business Plan vehicle speed and fuel usage. Access to real-time metrics allows for better supervision of driver behavior and can help with evaluations and raises.
Because many EOBRs can be integrated with existing monitoring and communication systems, they can also be used to log vehicle inspections, fuel taxes and permit fees and surcharges. Integrated data is useful for creating IRP and other reports. Automated fuel tax reports save time and stress for both drivers and motor carriers.
Even the wide availability of 3G and 4G smartphones can help improve fleet efficiency. Thanks to the advancements in cellular phone technology, it is possible for drivers to be connected to the internet in huge swaths of the nation. Drivers on standby at pickup points or on mandated rest breaks can access the web and download files and records. Motor carriers can offer safety and other training videos online so drivers can use down time productively. Being able to easily contact loved ones by phone or online may help ease the aching loneliness of life on the road. Happier drivers are less likely to quit which helps control training costs for new drivers.
Thanks to innovations in technology, it is possible for motor carriers to more efficiently manage their fleets from afar. As federal standards are finalized, it is possible that even more of the complex paperwork requirements of trucking will be moved online. Simplified record-keeping is a good thing for …
Tag: fleet
Three Ways Your Forklift Fleet May Be Contaminating The Water Table
Electric forklifts produce no emissions so are generally considered more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered vehicles but that doesn’t mean they are pollution free. By observing some simple practices and doing a little onsite industrial wastewater treatment, you can run a green business as well as avoiding federal and state environmental penalties.
Battery Wash Heavy Industry Examples Water
Forklift batteries build up corrosion over time. No matter how careful you are, small amounts of acid leak out and create deposits on the terminals. Workers who touch the corrosion can get minor acid burns. The corrosion interferes with normal operation, causing the battery to give off less power. Eventually the forklift won’t start at all and this may cause companies to mistakenly think the battery is dead and replace it.
Regular washing is an important part of battery maintenance but businesses have to be careful how they dispose of the wash water. The water will contain acid and traces of heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Heavy metals are dangerous contaminants because it takes only a very small amount to create devastating environmental damage. Use a battery washer designed to collect the wash water for industrial wastewater treatment and then recycle the cleaned water for the next wash cycle.
Forklift Washing
Forklifts may need to be washed occasionally, especially if used outside. Dirt and mud can interfere with normal forklift operation. Acid leaking from a battery can cause corrosion so should be washed off immediately. However washing will wash contaminants down the drain. Debris will eventually clog the pipes. If you use detergent, the suds will harm the environment even if the detergent is labeled as biodegradable.
The large amount of water used in washing makes it difficult for sites to handle their own industrial wastewater treatment. It might be best to use a professional vehicle washing service that collects the wastewater and treats it themselves.
Fluids
Electric forklifts may not contain gasoline but they do contain other dangerous liquids such as brake fluid and lubricants. A slightly imperfect seal or eroding gasket allows these fluids to leak out slowly, sometimes so slowly that maintenance staff may not even realize there is a problem until fluids become dangerously low.
Repair any leaks immediately. Every drop that spills out ends up in our environment and will eventually find its way into the groundwater. Place drip pans under forklifts that are not in use, especially if they are to be stored for more than a week. Don’t dump collected fluids down the drain unless all drains lead to industrial wastewater treatment, and even then you are better off disposing of the fluids properly in the first place rather than overburdening the treatment facility.
Industrial wastewater treatment is mostly limited to battery washing, but there are always additional steps you Industrial Engineering Book take to keep the water clean. A little extra effort goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy planet.…
How Automotive Businesses Can Increase Business by Accepting Fleet Cards
Fleet cards are also known as fuel cards in some regions. Both the terms are hardly new for anyone now as most automotive businesses now accept such cards for a number of related services. These services might include fuel-purchases, car washes and other automobile related services and products. People deem these cards as credit cards, yet there is substantial difference.
As a matter of fact, the automotive industry is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing and highest grossing industries around. From a showroom to a workshop, it has brought a plethora of employment opportunities. However, one cannot deny that in automotive industries the competition is also one of the toughest as compared to other businesses. Due to this competition, businesses related to automotive industries always strive to offer the best to their customers. They try to lure the majority of customers through quality and excellent customer services.
When it comes to customer services, the benefit of accepting credit cards is undeniable. Yet, not every business can expect the same amount of benefits from a credit card unless they get one that suits the nature of their business. Fleet cards can be considered as credit cards for the automotive industry. By accepting fleet cards, businesses can enjoy several benefits that credit cards alone won’t be able to offer. Let’s have a look at a few of them.
First of all, the major benefit of accepting fleet cards is the same as accepting credit cards for any other Pre-Apprenticeship Electrician Training business. You are offering your customers benefits from your product or service without having to pay cash.
When driving a car, many unexpected situations can occur. Your customers will have the convenience of driving straight to your place of business before dropping home to pick up some cash. Not to mention, such unexpected situations can bring you new customers every single day.
Many organizations, both government and private, are now offering fleet cards to their employees. This means, there is a huge wave of potential customers already waiting for you to accept their.
Fleet cards are more secure as they require a PIN based authorization along with other information Safety Powerpoint Presentation to verify the validity of the charge. This reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions.
Also, in most automotive businesses, the customers are usually present during a transaction. This reduces the risk of fraud. That is why the discount rate is often lower than credit cards.
The payment terms of fleet cards are shorter than credit cards.
Fleet cards usually offer discount prices to the customers. Customer do not have to pay cash out of their pockets and wait for reimbursements are more inclined towards businesses that accept fleet cards rather than just cash or standard credit card or check payments. The customers, essentially, love the idea of making payments on the go. Therefore, you must also prepare your business to be able to accept payments on the go.…