Multiple benefits from van tracking systems

2nd October 2011

Vehicle tracking is becoming a critical operational tool for many fleets – and van operators in particular – with more than 70% of those utilising the technology having used it for more than four years, according to the Ctrack Vehicle Tracking Survey.

The study, of 250 fleets, found that vehicle operators are achieving a range of measurable cost efficiencies using tracking systems including average reductions of fuel usage by 8.6%, overtime claims by 15.3% and communications overheads by 13.3%.

There was considerably greater use of vehicle tracking for vans (82% of the respondents that use the technology), than for heavy trucks (53%) or cars (34%).

Asked about the primary purpose for vehicle tracking, more than a third of respondents using the technology cited productivity, while cost reduction, asset management and customer service made up almost half of the answers. 

However, it seems that fleets are achieving multiple benefits from their tracking system including reduced costs (70%); increased productivity (59%); added understanding of driver behaviour (47%); increased security (46%); improved customer service (43%); proof of delivery or completion of work (43%); enhanced workflow management (42%); and improved duty of care (33%).

Fleet operators are also increasingly combining their tracking solutions with in-vehicle tools to maximise operational performance. In particular, integrated satellite navigation is now used in 53% of all tracking systems to support improved routing, reduced mileage and enhanced workflow, whilst Driver Identification (24%), handheld PDAs or terminals (7%) and panic alarms (7%) are being utilised to a lesser extent.  In addition, many companies are integrating their vehicle tracking with other back office management systems to streamline their operations and automate internal processes such as fleet (37%), workflow (33%) and routing/scheduling (37%).

“Fuel costs and pressures to reduce operational overheads are currently the key challenges for a large number of fleet operators, with many now using vehicle tracking to help overcome these issues,” said Ctrack MD Stephen Rapicano.  “This year’s Vehicle Tracking Survey shows that businesses can achieve measurable benefits in terms of fleet performance, service and legislative compliance.”