For leaders in the trucking industry, finding ways to improve operational efficiency and sustainability is a challenging but essential task. With diesel fuel prices at an all-time high, efficiency is a key factor in a fleet’s average truckload cost per mile.
The emergence of a breakthrough technology offers hope: fleet telematics. According to a recent study, fleet telematics can reduce fuel costs by 20-25%. With so much at stake, understanding and deploying fleet telematics is no longer optional, but essential.
This article will explore the benefits of fleet telematics and how optimizing aerodynamics can help reduce fuel consumption and fuel costs.
What is fleet telematics?
Telematics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates telecommunications and informatics. Specifically, telematics for fleet management refers to the use of advanced technology and data analytics to monitor and manage fleets. From tracking the location of individual trucks to monitoring the performance of an entire fleet, telematics provides fleet managers with unparalleled insight.
With a telematics system, each vehicle in a fleet can collect and transmit data through a network of connected telematics devices. The system can collect multiple data points, including a vehicle’s position, speed, idle time, hard braking, and even tire pressure or engine health. Fleet managers can use this data to make more informed decisions.
What are the benefits and challenges of fleet telematics?
In addition to the obvious advantage of improved fuel efficiency, fleet telematics offers many benefits. Fleet telematics systems can improve safety and productivity while extending the life of vehicles. With the insights of telematics, companies can also dramatically reduce operating costs, meet compliance requirements, and provide superior customer service.
However, as with any major change, integrating fleet telematics can present challenges. Upfront costs for equipment and software, employee training needs, and potential data privacy issues are all factors to consider. Thoughtful planning can overcome these obstacles and deliver substantial long-term benefits.
Why is aerodynamics important for fuel efficiency?
Vehicle aerodynamics, which refers to how air flows around a vehicle while it is in motion, plays a critical role in vehicle performance and fuel economy. Trucks create drag and air resistance while traveling, which means the engine needs to expend more power to overcome friction, thus consuming more fuel. Reducing friction with aerodynamic devices can improve fuel economy.
The optimization of truck and trailer aerodynamics includes a range of techniques, from the addition of aerodynamic devices such as side skirts or roof fairings to advanced designs for new vehicles. Even small efforts, such as maintaining optimal tire pressure, can positively impact a vehicle’s aerodynamic characteristics and improve fuel efficiency.
5 Ways Fleet Telematics Can Help Improve Fuel Efficiency
More than just a tool for tracking vehicles or measuring data, fleet telematics is a powerful resource for optimizing fleet operations. Telematics provides valuable insights for improving fuel efficiency and reducing operating costs.
Here are five ways to utilize fleet telematics to improve fuel efficiency.
1. Analyze vehicle aerodynamics
Understanding and improving vehicle aerodynamics is key to optimizing fuel efficiency. The more aerodynamic a vehicle is, the less fuel it requires to move forward. It is estimated that long-haul trucks traveling at highway speeds consume about 85 percent of their engine power to overcome air resistance.
That’s where a fleet telematics system comes in. It collects and analyzes detailed data related to vehicle aerodynamics, including air resistance and flow patterns. Using these insights, operations managers can identify areas to reduce air resistance and measure the improvement in data after changes are made. The positive impact on the bottom line can be significant, as even small aerodynamic adjustments can yield significant savings over the life of the vehicle.
2. Monitor and guide driver behavior
It is not only the design of the vehicle that affects fuel efficiency, but also the way it is driven. Studies have shown that driver behavior can reduce annual fuel consumption by up to 30%. Behaviors such as speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration and excessive idling can all lead to increased fuel consumption.
Fortunately, telematics systems collect data on driving habits and patterns, allowing fleet managers to analyze and identify areas of concern. This real-time information can be used to coach drivers and promote safer, more fuel-efficient driving habits. The result is twofold: not only does it reduce fuel consumption, but it also creates a safer working environment for drivers.
3. Minimizing excessive idling
Excessive idling is a hidden drain on fuel resources. It is estimated that a long-haul truck uses 3.6 gallons of fuel per day just idling. At $4.50 per gallon, that’s $16.20 per day in wasted fuel. Over time, the fuel consumption of the entire fleet quickly increases, resulting in a significant drain on resources. Idling also causes engine wear and tear, further increasing operating costs.
Thankfully, telematics systems can accurately track and identify excessive idling. By pinpointing when, where and why idling occurs, fleet managers can implement specific and effective policies or provide targeted driver training to minimize idling time. This proactive approach can result in significant fuel savings, reduce fuel waste and associated costs, and extend vehicle life by reducing unnecessary engine use.
4. Optimizing route planning
Inefficient routes such as long detours and traffic congestion can significantly increase fuel consumption. One report estimates that traffic congestion alone adds nearly $75 billion annually to the cost of freight transportation, a cost that both producers and consumers must bear.
However, telematics systems can address these inefficiencies. They provide real-time data on traffic conditions, road closures and even weather conditions, enabling dynamic route planning. Using this data to plan and optimize routes, fleets can avoid obstacles, streamline operations and significantly improve fuel efficiency.
Additionally, telematics systems allow fleet managers to monitor trucks in transit, enabling them to make on-the-fly adjustments to routes when necessary, further improving efficiency. In a business where time is money, the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to unforeseen situations on the road is invaluable.
5. Enhanced vehicle maintenance
Well-maintained vehicles operate more efficiently, consume less fuel and last longer. Fleet telematics systems play a vital role in keeping trucks in top condition. They monitor vehicle performance parameters such as engine temperature, tire pressure and brake condition, and track maintenance schedules. They also provide alerts on preventive maintenance needs and help identify potential problems before they become serious ones.
In addition, properly installed and maintained aerodynamic units are critical to achieving and maintaining greater fuel efficiency. A well-maintained aerodynamic unit consistently reduces drag and saves fuel over the long term, ensuring fleets get the most out of their investment.
Reduce Fuel Costs and Improve Aerodynamics with Fleet Telematics,Fleet telematics and aerodynamics are powerful tools for improving fuel efficiency, enhancing safety and optimizing operations.
