We live in a world where people want instant gratification. This means that when a specific time or date of delivery is promised, it’s important to deliver on time. On-time delivery isn’t really just a goal anymore; it’s a priority, and customers expect it from their vendors. Businesses are under increased pressure to optimize logistics and make that happen.
When you manage a fleet for deliveries, there are a lot of details at play that affect timeliness. However, with fleet delivery tracking software and systems, you can increase your optimization and better track and plan to improve delivery times. Whether you’re managing a local fleet of drivers or a national network of deliveries, these systems stand out and are what will make a true difference in your success.
With the right system, you are more likely to meet deadlines, increase customer satisfaction, and run a more efficient operation. Learn more about the possibilities below.
Fleet Delivery Tracking Explained
Most companies have methods in place to track deliveries and packages. It helps with accountability and ensuring items get where they are supposed to be. But tracking can go much deeper than just tracking items or packages. Instead, companies can track the movement of their fleet and then use that data to optimize operations.
Fleet delivery tracking systems are real-time monitors that use things like GPS tracking, telematics, and smart software integration to track movement, location, status, and performance of your delivery vehicles. This approach tracks the vehicle itself rather than an item. It looks at the route from dispatch to drop-off and can provide dispatchers and logistics managers with a better overall perception of what is happening on the road.
These systems will vary, but most include some or all of the following:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Driver behavior monitoring
- Route optimization tools
- Delivery time estimates
- Automatic alerts and notifications
- Historical reporting and analytics
Why On-Time Delivery is So Important
Photo by Kampus Productions on Pexels
In today’s market, the ability to optimize routes and ensure delivery could be the difference in profits and retaining customers. The value of on-time delivery is almost priceless, which means there are substantial benefits to investing in software to make that happen.
In sectors like eCommerce, food delivery, retail, and even B2B, punctuality is going to directly impact reputation, retention, and revenue – the big 3 Rs of the industry. On-time delivery will impact your bottom line. Make no mistake about that.
On-time deliveries matter for these reasons:
- Delivering based on customer expectations (which have been impacted by same-day delivery and Amazon Prime)
- Repeat business from built trust and timely deliveries
- Operational efficiency to avoid additional fueling costs, overtime, or rescheduling
- A better brand image and reputation
- Supply chain flow of timely delivery for inventory turnover and commitments
Fleet Tracking Supports On-Time Deliveries
So where does fleet tracking come into all of this? It’s a tool that you can use to better optimize routes and increase prompt services. These tools support operations from the inside out.
Here’s how:
- Real-Time Location: tracking allows you to know exactly where a driver is at any given moment, which means you can proactively manage routes and dispatch drivers accordingly. This can also consider traffic delays or necessary reroutes that might lead to disruptions.
- Route Optimization: with some analysis and planning, you can use tracking to analyze traffic patterns, construction zones, delivery windows, and efficiency. This allows you to suggest or create efficient routes to reduce travel time, fuel usage, and potential delays. It’s all about knowledge and planning.
- Notifications and Customer Alerts: most customers appreciate having an accurate window for deliveries so they know when to be available or watch for said delivery. With fleet tracking, you can typically provide automated notifications to keep the customer apprised of the details and reduce those calls wondering where their order is.
- Driver Accountability: drivers who are being tracked and know they are monitored are far more likely to be responsible. You can hold them accountable when they don’t behave as the company expects them to. This leads to safer and more efficient driving.
More Than Just Timeliness
Fleet delivery tracking offers more than just on-time deliveries. The benefits extend well beyond this, and it benefits the company with the fleet as well as the customers. Here are some examples of the benefits:
- Enhance security for vehicle location tracking with real-time GPS
- Save money by reducing idle time and optimizing routes
- A shorter, more efficient route will reduce fuel consumption and emissions, reducing environmental impact
- Capability of better compliance and reporting of service hours and drive time, as well as vehicle inspections or maintenance schedules
The best part is that just about any industry can benefit from such a system. Whether it’s grocery delivery services, last-mile delivery, equipment hauling, medical supply and pharmacy, e-commerce orders, field service, or wholesale distribution, the benefits apply across the board.
What to Look for in Fleet Delivery Tracking Solutions
How do you know you have a quality system that will meet your needs? These are some things you might consider for your options:
- Route planning and traffic integration
- Driver behavior reporting
- Integration with dispatch software or logistics software
- Responsive support and training on the system
- A user-friendly dashboard
- Mobile access if needed
- Real-time tracking capability
- Automated alerts defined by the company
Ultimately, reaping these benefits and delivering on time is going to come down to choosing the right technology but also using it correctly to promote the unique needs of your fleet. The systems give you the power to run smarter, safer, and more predictable delivery operations, but you also need a great system and you need to know how to use it well to get the most out of it.
Fleet Delivery Tracking with Tracking the World
At Tracking the World, we offer a wide array of fleet delivery tracking systems, offering solutions for various industries and needs. We provide industry-leading technology and solutions that are sure to maximize on-time deliveries, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
Check out our options, or contact us today to get started!
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash How GPS Tracking Systems Improve Fleet Efficiency
Efficiency is a major factor for every business. If you’re like most businesses out there, you’re always looking for the means to improve. For industries that have fleets of any kind, the use of GPS tracking systems can help significantly.
When you rely on fleets to deliver materials, goods, or even services, you need to know that the details make sense. Operations and mapping of routes can make a huge difference. Ensuring your drivers have access to the best possible route design to improve efficiency is also a game-changer. In this guide, we share more about how a GPS system might help improve efficiency, and it goes well beyond just navigational needs. Check this out!
Real-Time Location Monitoring
A GPS system will provide real-time updates of where a fleet vehicle is at that moment. Vehicle activity can be monitored to ensure routes are followed, employees are held accountable, and determine whether adjustments may need to be made.
Those managing the fleet can do all of these things:
- Track locations
- Create planned routes and ensure they are followed
- Quickly identify delays or issues
- Respond to potential problems
- Provide accurate ETAs for customers
This information is a driving factor for being aware and learning the best way to optimize a route based on fleet demands. This can help reduce wasted time and ensure that the fleet can handle business quickly and efficiently without added hassle.
Use GPS Tracking Systems to Optimize Route Planning
The algorithms in tracking systems like these are designed to help identify the most efficient routes. In most cases, you can adjust parameters or settings for specific factors. For example, you might want to find the fastest route available. Or perhaps you want to avoid possible traffic congestion.
These systems are tied into real-time information, so if there is something that might slow down fleet travel, it will impact the recommended route or the driver will be made aware and can select an alternative route. The system should be intuitive enough to pick up on things like road closures or inclement weather and other factors that could impact a drive.
When the system automatically adjusts a route based on the current conditions, it allows the managers and drivers to save some time as well as fuel. The operational costs are more closely managed so overall productivity and efficiency can be improved.
Improve Driver Behavior
While some drivers are always on their best behavior, that is not always the case for every driver. The truth is that there are drivers out there who will do whatever they want unless they know they are being monitored. GPS tracking can help hold drivers accountable so they drive on their best behavior.
Not only can this ensure safe driving practices, but it typically leads to better driving overall. A system can alert managers to certain behaviors as well, like speeding or excessive idling. This can help determine if there are problem areas that should be addressed with specific drivers.
The system sets the stage of accountability for every driver and will allow companies to address common issues as they arise. With the help of the data, driving behavior is improved, and this helps promote efficiency as well as longer-lasting vehicles and increased vehicle safety.
Reduce Fuel Expenses
Keeping a fleet of vehicles fueled up is no small undertaking. The cost of fuel covering multiple commercial vehicles is certainly going to add up. While this expense is necessary, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce fuel costs.
With fuel being one of the most significant expenses, taking the opportunity to cut back a little is a given. GPS systems could potentially help minimize or reduce fuel costs in these ways:
- Reduce or eliminate unnecessary idling
- Cut back on mileage with optimized routes
- Monitor fuel usage for inefficiencies
- Adjust practices to improve fuel economy
Making small changes and improvements to the routes and the way people drive is going to add up. With consistency, this can lead to substantial savings and that impacts your bottom line.
Enhance Fleet Maintenance with GPS Tracking Systems
Another significant expense with a fleet is maintenance. Not only do you have to keep up on things like oil changes and tire care, but you may have additional maintenance or repair expenses, too. A GPS system can help plan for regular maintenance through tracking and alerts so that you can best schedule for maintenance needs.
The systems typically provide the following:
- Engine hour and mileage tracking
- Alerts for recommended scheduled maintenance
- Early detection
- Warning signals
- Reminders
The tracking system could provide a means to be proactive with maintenance and planning or scheduling maintenance. Staying on top of care and repair will help to reduce downtime as well as costly issues that come from lack of care or maintenance.
Improve Customer Satisfaction
Your customers matter, whether you’re delivering goods or services. No matter your business, having an efficient and optimized fleet will contribute to the services you are providing.
In this day and age, customers expect fast and reliable service. A GPS system will allow companies to plan and adapt so they can meet or even exceed those expectations. With proper systems in place, you can provide more accurate delivery updates and responses, be able to respond quickly, and ensure there are fewer delays.
All of this leads to more satisfied customers, which means you will retain customers and they will speak favorably about you to others.
Make Data-Driven Decisions
Finally, GPS systems provide valuable data that can help you make important decisions for your fleet, including these:
- Vehicle utilization
- Route efficiency
- Fuel optimization
- Driver performance
When you are aware and in the know, you can adapt as needed and address potential issues. Analyze the data and use the information to optimize.
GPS Tracking Systems are a Fleet Must-Have
Using a tracking system is essential for fleet management, and it offers a variety of tools that can significantly impact the business. At Tracking The World, we have a variety of systems to choose from so you can discover what works best for your fleet’s needs. Considering investing in fleet tracking systems? Check out your options today!
