In this second blog in the series, following the first on AMCS Telematics - why it can improve vehicle safety, I look at how telematics helps with transport cost management for recycling and waste business.

Telematics is a tool that is increasingly being used by businesses of all types, including those involved in waste and recycling, to provide data from the vehicle. This can include fuel usage, the efficiency and maintenance requirements of the vehicle, how the vehicle is being driven, the distances being driven (especially useful when combined with AMCS’ route planning technology), and the number of hours worked by the driver, and how long breaks have lasted.

Increase Driver Productivity while reducing fuel costs

We are in a time when fuel costs seem to be rising on a daily basis, with prices at the pumps soaring. Even when fuel prices are low, it makes sense to keep costs as efficient as possible though.

With telematics, it is possible to measure fuel usage and take steps to reduce the costs of diesel.

Haulers are able to use AMCS’ platform to make a plan for the day, optimizing routes and deploying vehicles in the most efficient way.

It is then possible to evaluate how many miles/km will be driven, and how long it should take.

From this, it is possible to estimate how much fuel will be used by vehicles that day, either on a per-vehicle basis or a depot or fleet basis.

Once the driver has completed the route, the planner or supervisor can look at accurate fuel usage information from the telematics data and compare that to the data that was predicted prior to the vehicle leaving for the shift.

If a lot more fuel has been used than forecast, then acceleration, speed levels, and braking data can be accessed to understand the style of the driver. At this point, coaching can be undertaken with the driver to help them maintain a more efficient operation of the truck.

Telematics data also allows the transport planner to check idling time, and work with drivers to find ways to avoid it. In 2019, the US Department of Energy suggested that a long-haul truck that idled for 1,800 hours would waste around $4,000 of fuel.

The American Trucking Association estimates that idling can also increase maintenance costs by $2,000 per vehicle, per year, while also shortening the lifespan of the truck.

Reduce unplanned Repairs and Maintenance

Indeed, telematics is also able to identify maintenance issues, helping to make the vehicle more efficient and its lifespan longer.

Engine faults tend to lead to higher fuel usage. Blocked filters and injectors, faulty fuel pumps, and broken sensors can all contribute to excess fuel being used.

Again, telematics technology is able to identify the problem early, enabling the vehicle to be removed from service and repaired. When working with AMCS’ Platform, the available fleet can be optimized to maintain customer service levels.

It also means catastrophic failure can be averted, meaning the exceptionally high costs of repairing or replacing the vehicle can be avoided.

Telematics also allows transport managers to assess the scheduled maintenance needs of the vehicle, and avoid multiple vehicles being taken out of service all at once.

Comparing fuel usage data

In the AMCS Platform, it is possible to import fuel data from fuel vendor solutions to make comparisons between how much fuel has been purchased and how much has been consumed. This can help identify maintenance issues, for example, that may not have been spotted otherwise.

It also allows comparison of whether an aging vehicle is still efficient, or whether it should be retired, and a new vehicle purchased.

This data can also be used to see if something as simple as tires need to be inflated more regularly and the impact when this simple maintenance task is undertaken.

Measuring CO₂ emissions

Many companies also wish to publish their CO₂ emissions as part of their marketing or corporate social responsibility reporting. Monitoring fuel use allows calculations to be made on how much CO₂ has been emitted.

If carbon taxes are implemented in countries/states, then it also gives data to help decide on alternatives such as hybrids, electric/alternative fuel trucks if available.

CO₂ usage is becoming more and more relevant, and as we go forward, telematics allows us to make informed decisions based on the real data it provides.

Eliminating Harsh Driving Behaviour

Harsh driving behavior such as speeding and harsh braking is not only dangerous but is also very fuel inefficient and telematics allows you to monitor this, identify drive coaching opportunities, and reduce fuel costs.

Next time

In my next blog, I’ll be looking at driver debrief, and how telematics can help coaching to improve performance.