Managing the fleet of trucks requires the right technology and a team of experienced people. An efficient dispatch system can help in managing the operations of a fleet of trucks. Moreover, it improves communication between the dispatch and drivers, addresses routing issues, and most importantly, ensures compliance with city codes.
However, in this market, when there are different systems available, selecting the most appropriate one might become an issue. Here are five features of a dispatch system to consider. The guide will help you manage your fleet, especially if you are operating a large-scale transport business.
GPS Tracking
The primary requirement of any fleet dispatch system is the ability to track the vehicles’ location. Knowing where each truck is at any point in time is very crucial. It allows the dispatchers to monitor the deliveries and observe the chances of delay.
Moreover, route optimization is another key feature that helps the company save a lot of money on fuel while reducing delivery time. With this feature, you can determine traffic, roadblocks, weather, and delivery time.
When used together with GPS tracking and route optimization, organizations can increase their performance and delivery accuracy while minimizing expenses.
Automated Load Assignment And The Schedule
Your dispatch system must have the function of automated loading and scheduling. In this modern world, dispatchers should physically pair loads with trucks. In automation, factors such as availability of trucks, loading capacity, skills of the drivers, and the capacity of the truck are well considered in order to determine the right truck for that particular job.
Furthermore, a good dispatch system should have the capability of coming up with delivery schedules on the basis of the available trucks, the working hours of the drivers, and the time required by the customers.
Drivers communication and mobile app integration
Proper interaction between the drivers and the dispatchers is essential to the running of a proper trucking business. The fleet dispatching system should be able to interface with the mobile app that can provide drivers with instructions, route alteration, and alerts.
Mobile app integration also enables the drivers to feed real-time data into the system, including the delivery status, fuel consumption, vehicle health, and even accidents or any form of delay.
Fuel and Maintenance Management
By far one of the largest expenses a carrier has is fuel; thus, it is imperative for any dispatch system to include fuel tracking. The availability of fuel consumption data allows a business to determine fuel wastage, fuel expenditure, and timing for refueling.
Besides the fuel consumption monitoring, the vehicle upkeep should also be considered. Maintenance alerts, which are embedded in dispatch systems, can help track mileage, the health of the engine, and the service of each truck.
In preventive maintenance mode, the system provides notifications to maintain vehicles and avoid downtimes and early deteriorations of the vehicles.
Compliance and Reporting Capabilities
It is mandatory to keep track of several regulations that are affiliated with proper fleet management. Several vital features for a good robust dispatch system include meeting DOT regulations and compliance, Hours of Service (HOS), Electronic Logging Devices (ELD), and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).
Another important capability is the ability to generate automated reports. Telematics Good dispatching technology also provides summary reports of data such as fuel consumption, driver activities, on-time deliveries, and maintenance records of vehicles.
Such reports are beneficial in enhancing the organization’s overall performance and understanding whether your business is using the best practices or not.
Conclusion
Picking the most efficient truck fleet dispatch system makes a huge difference in effectiveness and revenue for your trucking company. Through real-time tracking of vehicles using GPS, scheduling of routes, and management of fuel, the efficiency of operations as well as quality of decision-making tools are achieved.
When reviewing your dispatch system, be sure the options you will use most. These key aspects will ensure your business is well equipped in logistically catering for today’s market forces as well as retaining a competitive edge over other players.