8 Benefits of Using GPS and Truck Telematics for Concrete Producers
In the Ready Mixed Concrete industry, mixers must arrive at a jobsite on time and with the right order. If the mixer arrives late or with the wrong mix, the job can be delayed. Building projects follow a strict timeline and require concrete arriving at the right place at the right time.
A late delivery means that the contracting crew has to wait until the concrete arrives at the jobsite. As a result, workers still get paid the same amount for idle time. In addition, many contractor contracts include project management goals and timelines. If these project timelines are not met, contractors will be fined.
In order to ensure mixer drivers arrive on time at their destinations, it is best to use mobile GPS, ELD and/or telematics devices to track the truck. These tools communicate location and driver behavior to dispatchers or fleet managers.
BENEFITS
Using GPS devices, ELD equipment, and telematics with a fleet management solution benefits concrete producers. Here’s how:
- GPS devices track vehicle locations in real-time so staff will know the exact estimated delivery times. Dispatchers and project managers get real-time location information from GPS devices to know exactly where the mixer is, and whether the order will be on time or delayed due to traffic.
- ELD devices monitor driver behavior so that dispatchers can alert management to erratic behavior that needs addressing. Without these devices, businesses that run a fleet of vehicles rely on the public reporting the negative behavior. Sophisticated vehicle tracking technology provides dispatchers with valuable information on driver behavior and driving style. By having this proof of poor driving, managers can help drivers be more considerate with their driving. Plus, less aggressive driving lessens fuel usage and wear and tear on vehicles.
- The Hours of Service (HOS) data collected via iStrada ensures that drivers stay within the limitations of the regulation. iStrada monitors stop, rest and break times required by HOS, ensuring compliance. The captured information will prove that the driver is abiding by the mandates and that the driver is not in jeopardy of exceeding HOS regulations.
- Telematics and ELD devices can monitor equipment health and utilization. Managers collect engine data such as fuel usage, trouble codes and idling times. Getting more detailed insight into the health of mixer trucks can trigger maintenance reminders. It helps with knowing when to bring a truck in for repairs or its scheduled preventive maintenance. Integrating vehicle health and actual miles-driven information into a transportation management system helps create a centralized view of vehicle and asset fleet to avoid downtime.
- GPS devices validate claimed start and stop times to tracking data to uncover any discrepancies. Drivers can potentially falsify paper tickets upon entering a jobsite, but iStrada will present exact times, so entry and exit times are verified electronically. Customers can be charged for any additional time staff works on-site, and drivers will be paid accurately.
- If delays continuously occur with a specific truck driver, managers can identify the root cause of the delays. Are the delays happening because when the driver goes to pick up the load, the load is not ready, and the driver has to wait? Are the delays happening because the truck driver is not adhering to the planned route? Are delays happening because not enough workers have been scheduled to help load and unload the truck? Once the issue is uncovered, action is taken to correct the problem.
- At very large jobsites, drivers can unload at the wrong location, or may need to be re-routed to another location. Knowing where assets are on the jobsite allows dispatchers to communicate messages when conditions change or a load is not where it’s supposed to be.
- Gaining real-time insights into mixer locations and their delivery status allows project managers to stay on time and within budget. Managers get complete visibility into truck operations by accurately tracking the movement of assets in real-time. Construction equipment and materials are expensive and a big target for theft. With tracking equipment, project managers gain increased security of assets at the jobsite.
The benefits of tying telematics, GPS, and ELD equipment to transportation and fleet management solutions are many. Ranging from timekeeping to truck maintenance to truck tracking, the combination of tracking devices and software will ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget.
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