Modernize Your Vehicle Fleet and Maximize Profit, Minimize Risk

BY MICHAEL GOLUB

For organizations whose employees operate motor vehicles as part of their job, the need to keep employees safe on the job is an absolute priority. Many organizations attempt to address the challenge of driver safety by checking drivers’ motor vehicle reports (MVRs) periodically, but there is more that can be done to promote driver well-being and accountability.

New and emerging vehicle technologies help organizations define, measure and improve upon their fleet management goals effectively and with reduced risk of human error. That’s why many organizations are adopting a comprehensive, forward-looking strategy of harnessing improved technology in their vehicle fleets.

The good news: while it takes planning and coordination, the shift is well within reach with the help of a professional fleet management company like Enterprise Fleet Management.

VEHICLE SELECTION
Swapping older vehicles with newer models automatically improves crash-worthiness. Improvement in standard technology features has been significant in the past decade. In fact, simply replacing a 10-year-old vehicle with a 2018 standard model adds additional airbags, electronic stability control and many other essential safety features.

Organizations can check a vehicle’s National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety rating by visiting safercar.gov.

Partnering with a company like Enterprise Fleet Management can help an organization replace its aging fleet with vehicles that offer the latest in safety and crash-avoidance technologies while freeing up capital for other expenses.

TELEMATICS
By using a small plug-and-play fleet telematics tracking device, operators can keep an eye on their fleets from almost anywhere in real time. Installation of the device is simple; typically, it fits in a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) port.

Once installed, the device tracks a wealth of logistical data from the fleet telematics system, including location, performance, driving behavior, seatbelt usage and accident detection. Using this collective data, organizations can make highly informed decisions about their vehicles and their drivers.

Through its partnership with a global leader in telematics, Enterprise helps organizations keep tabs on their fleets and track long-term patterns, so they can plan ahead and streamline operations.

DRIVER TRAINING
While driver training traditionally takes place “behind the wheel,” advancing technologies are making web-based simulations an excellent alternative with a host of additional benefits.
Enterprise, through its partnership with a global leader in driver risk management solutions, combines assessment-based learning and monitoring into a centrally managed tool. The service offers a variety of web-based trainings. Its personalized curriculum assesses each driver’s driving personality and assigns trainings accordingly, targeting high-risk driving behaviors in fleets.

Additionally, periodic 30-minute follow-up sessions ensure that training is an ongoing process. Organizations can monitor drivers’ training status, saving time and resources.

DRIVER MONITORING
While many organizations check their drivers’ motor vehicle reports periodically, driver monitoring technologies are considered more effective than sporadically running MVRs. Driver monitoring automates the management of driver-related information and is the most consistent method of keeping tabs on drivers’ records. In addition, it provides both cost savings and convenience to organizations.

Enterprise has partnered with an undisputed industry leader in driver monitoring. Its system manages all driver data and automatically checks for new violations, DUI/DWI convictions, invalid licenses, and approaching license or medical certification expirations.

This data is then compiled into a comprehensive review of individual driver performance, alerting management to critical driver behavior issues and potential risks.

COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Organizations of all sizes are realizing that emerging technologies are critical to identify and mitigate risk in real time, while requiring fewer resources to manage their fleets. A fleet management partner like Enterprise Fleet Management can create a comprehensive plan to modernize fleets, maximize performance, reduce risk, save time and cut costs.

Fleet management companies also deploy technology-based solutions to ensure all vehicles are properly and regularly maintained. In addition, they can handle the licensing, registration and auto insurance, as well as provide fuel and maintenance cards to cover vehicle expenses.

Ultimately, choosing to outsource fleet management to a company like Enterprise Fleet Management frees up an organization’s most valuable resource – its people – to focus on the core operating activities of the organization.