3 Ways Connected Fleet Solutions Can Support Trucks & Trailers

Data-driven solutions are crucial for monitoring productivity and enhancing the performance of trucks and trailers. These connected fleet solutions capture fleet data like fuel efficiency and equipment performance and highlight actionable insights, equipping fleet owners to make informed business decisions. There are many benefits to data-informed truck and trailer management – from uncovering efficiencies to lowering operating costs, boosting safety and maximizing productivity.

In this blog, MICHELIN Connected Fleet highlights three significant ways connected fleet solutions can support your trucks and trailers on and off the road.

1. Provide Real-Time Monitoring Capabilities

The first way a connected fleet strategy can support your fleet is by giving you enhanced visibility into your vehicles’ location. When your truck or trailer is completing a trip, it is important to know where your vehicle is from a safety, productivity and opportunity standpoint. Telematics and fleet tracking system technologies provide real-time updates on the location of your vehicles while also arming you with valuable data and insights to inform operational decisions like better routes.

Real-time monitoring has safety benefits as well. If your truck or trailer is involved in a roadside incident, having access to real-time monitoring tools can help pinpoint the exact location of the accident, as well as inform emergency services.

Fleet managers can use real-time tracking to monitor driver and vehicle productivity and identify areas for improvement. You can track data on how long your drivers take to complete trips, how much fuel they use (or waste) and if your drivers exhibit safe driving behaviors. Additionally, fleet managers can capitalize on new opportunities by tracking employees and identifying if they are close to nearby driving assignments. Leveraging real-time tracking solutions not only sets your drivers and vehicles up for success but provides you with a proactive approach to enhancing your overall fleet operations.  

2. Support Vehicle and Driver Safety

Safety is a vital component of all fleet operations. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report, 116,353 semi-trucks, including trucks/trailers and semi-trailers, were involved in accidents in 2022. With the use of connected fleet solutions, fleet managers can prioritize both vehicle and driver safety while simultaneously improving fleet performance. It is important to know how your drivers operate on the road. Do they exhibit harsh braking behaviors, aggressive driving or speeding? Connected fleet management solutions can help detect unsafe driving behaviors and uncover opportunities for fleet managers to intervene with tailored driver training programs.

Unsafe driving behaviors put other drivers on the road at risk and can contribute to expedited vehicle wear and tear and costly maintenance downtime. Connected fleet technologies support vehicle safety initiatives by highlighting truck and trailer performance and flagging equipment malfunctions or specific components that need to be replaced or repaired. For example, fleet managers can use vehicle data to analyze the state of truck and trailer equipment, such as door sensors, TPMS sensors, GPS tracking and truck and trailer links.

Consider setting up predictive maintenance alerts that capture data from these parts, informing you when it is time for necessary maintenance check-ups before it is too late. By mitigating potential accidents, reducing the need for roadside assistance services and improving the lifetime of your vehicles, connected fleet technologies ensure driver and vehicle safety and continue to improve operational ROI.

3. Improve Efficiency and Optimization

Lastly, connected fleet technologies can support truck and trailer fleets by improving efficiency and productivity. When it comes to efficiency, one major consideration comes to mind – cost reduction. By leveraging a fully integrated fleet management solution, you gain greater visibility into your entire business – including maintenance data, fuel consumption and operational costs. Once you have a clear picture of your fleet, you can begin taking informed steps to improve efficiency and cut costs where possible.

Find the Right Solutions with MICHELIN Connected Fleet

The importance of data in a truck and trailer management strategy cannot be overstated. However – perhaps more importantly – is what you do with that data. The critical distinction in a truly connected fleet technology partner is the addition of data analytics and insights around your fleet. Turn to a trusted industry partner like MICHELIN Connected Fleet to get the most out of your data and turn numbers into results. We can provide tailored solutions to keep your vehicles and business moving forward.

MICHELIN Connected Fleet offers best-in-class connected fleet solutions geared toward your truck and trailer vehicles and business. If you’re ready to find the right solution for your business, contact us online or call 800-358-6178.