5 Ways Fleets Can Make the Most of Telematics During COVID-19

February 23, 2021
Fleet Management, Trucking Regulatory Compliance, trucking technology

COVID-19 has forced the trucking industry to pivot and respond quickly to several challenges. Getting drivers back on the road and keeping them safe and healthy during the pandemic became top priorities, and many fleets turned to telematics data to help. Fleets can use their telematics solutions to combat COVID-19 difficulties in the following ways:

Monitor how drivers are doing. Traffic congestion is down as many people continue to work from home. While this improves roadway safety, it also means drivers are alone on the road more often. Fleets should implement safety alerts for excessive lane departures, hard braking, and other unsafe driving behaviors, as they often indicate a driver is struggling. The alerts can trigger an automatic check-in to see if the driver is ill, fatigued, or needs assistance.
Improve efficiencies. Trucking companies that deliver essential supplies are feeling the increased urgency to deliver goods on a faster timeline. Telematics can help fleets identify bottlenecks that slow down deliveries without sacrificing safety. For example, fleets can use telematics to find faster delivery routes, optimize technician schedules, and reduce downtime due to avoidable maintenance issues.
Reduce costs. While some fleets are busier than ever, many are feeling a financial strain due to the pandemic. Fleets can use telematics data to reduce fuel expenses, avoid expensive roadside repairs with preventative maintenance, and more.
Keep drivers healthy. Fleets can’t afford to have their drivers sidelined due to illness. Thankfully, telematics data simplifies protecting drivers from COVID-19. Fleets can use the data to implement and track social distancing protocols, enhance cleaning efforts, and reduce the number of trucks drivers have to use (reducing the spread of germs).
Contact tracing. If a driver does contract COVID-19, fleets can quickly perform contact tracing with telematics data. The data can show where the driver went and if the driver interacted with any other employees.

COVID-19 has created unique challenges when it comes to keeping drivers on the road. Driver health and safety are critical to maintaining operations, and telematics data can help. To learn more about improving safety within your trucking company, contact the experts at Interstate Motor Carriers.