Technology advantages in the trucking industry in New Zealand
The New Zealand trucking industry transports 92% of the country’s total freight by weight. All year round New Zealand relies heavily on the sector, with natural and regular peaks throughout the winter season and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
During these difficult times, truckers and fleet owners must endure the challenge of managing factors beyond their control – bad weather, higher traffic volumes, and increased loads amongst them. These factors create challenges for the industry, delaying deliveries, threatening driver safety, and putting pressure on available resources.
Between the New Zealand population growing and the extreme weather conditions, such as the recent cyclone ripping through the country, and the threat of pandemics continuing with Omicron spreading rapidly, Kiwis have turned to online shopping. Driver safety and fleet efficiency has never been more critical. Fortunately, advances in GPS and integrated fleet tracking make this possible.
Here we explore some advantages of incorporating GPS and integrated fleet-specific software into your business.
Physical Conditions
The weather is uncontrollable and in New Zealand can sometimes be unpredictable. However, we can take action by using GPS and compatible technology to reroute a trip and avoid conditions that will cause delays or put driver and passenger safety at risk.
An effective fleet tracking system ensures that fleet managers receive real-time weather updates, notifications of accidents, and road closure notices. With this information, they can implement immediate emergency changes to routes and schedules where needed, therefore minimising any risk and reducing the impact of costly delays.
Trip and Route Details
Brilliant advances in GPS technology now allow all trip details to be recorded. This ensures drivers remain on the correct route. It also records data related to speed, handling, and stops are captured and measured against compliance requirements, further supporting driver safety and productivity.
Better Efficiencies with Backhauling
Ensuring that goods are transported on every leg of a truck’s journey requires careful planning and weaving together many moving parts. Because backhauling supports greater efficiencies across the board, many fleet managers strive to implement it as standard practice.
In other words, by having a fleet management system that is designed to streamline effective backhauling management and maximise productivity. This means as a fleet owner you are operating more effectively and efficiently, therefore, boosting revenue.
Electronic Logbooks
Ensuring driver safety is always the number one priority for any fleet owner. During peak times, managing driver wellbeing is critical. Failure to do so can result in driver fatigue and catastrophic error, which could most of the time be avoided.
Electronic logbooks support drivers and managers to maintain accurate records, store data, and track insights. Many systems will also issue comprehensive trip reports. This information serves as an invaluable resource for managing and supporting optimum driver performance.
Technology continues to improve business across the trucking industry. Many of these advancements prioritise driver safety and wellbeing, improve working conditions, and elevate the industry’s standard overall.
