Innovative solutions to decrease fleet downtime

Many manufacturers, like Michelin and Continental Tire, are developing self-sealing tire technology focused for light-duty passenger vehicles. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. main focus with the DuraSeal self-sealing tire line is especially for truck fleets. This is music to utility fleet’s ears. Self-sealing tires can be a great asset and allowing operators to travel across hazardous terrain without worry of a flat tire.

How does this self-sealing tire technology work? Each tire contains an extra layer of a unique, sticky substance that covers the inside of the tire from side to side. When a puncture occurs, this substance seals the hole automatically. The DuraSeal technology seal punctures up to a quarter-inch in diameter, within the repairable area of the tread. Drivers are able to continue traveling indefinitely, as long as the sidewalls aren’t affected. In instances where repairs are needed, the self-sealing technology buys the driver time to reach a safe place to work.

 “Utility fleet trucks often travel across challenging, debris-strewn surfaces en route to their destinations and are sometimes exposed to objects that have the potential to puncture their tires, which can result in vehicle downtime, an expensive proposition for utility companies,” said Norberto Flores, marketing manager at Goodyear. “Goodyear DuraSeal Technology is designed to help minimize downtime by allowing truck tires to retain air pressure and continue rolling.”

Flores goes on to explain that the DuraSeal technology offers its benefits throughout the tire’s life cycle, including multiple retreads. There is currently a wide range of tires available in the U.S. with the DuraSeal Technology; however, these tires do come with a much bigger price tag. Even though these tires cost about three times as much as a standard tire, they will eventually pay for themselves over time. Fleet managers need to factor in the decreased vehicle downtime and fewer tire replacements to justify purchasing. 

Another great way to decrease your fleet downtime is with a Fleetwest transferable truck body. Fleetwest offers both heavy duty steel and lightweight composite models. All models are 100% transferable from one truck to another, even fully loaded, in minutes. They universally fit most full size pickup trucks, 8’ and 6.5’ beds, with a no holes drilled installation making it built to last multiple truck cycles. Fleetwest provides the innovative solutions to optimize your fleets’ productivity and work flow.  For more information, call a Fleetwest representative today toll-free in the U.S. at (866)497-7200 or visit www.fleetwest.net.

Telematics for Work Trucks

Fleetwest Transferable Service Body customers save money within their fleets. The Durashell and Load'N'Go service bodies will outlast multiple trucks and are completely transferable, slipping on and off your pickup in minutes, creating a more versatile fleet. No-holes-drilled installation preserves the condition of your pickup and increases resell value for both the service body and truck.

Transferability: Economical and Versatile

 
So what should you buy with all the excess money you'll save? Telematics GPS enabled systems are one option, and a hot topic right now. There are many benefits to utilizing telematics within your fleet, and a pending mandate for electronic logging may be required for trucks covered by the hours of service rules. However, there are also liability concerns that you should be aware of also.

Benefits

Telematic systems record and transmit information about company vehicles through computerized maintenance reports. They provide remote vehicle diagnostics and fleet management opportunities as well as vehicle tracking and loss prevention. Different telematic companies offer options such as temperature sensitive freight monitoring (useful in the Durashell service body), satellite navigation, and emergency warning systems. Drivers will have the convenience of talking to operators at the push of a button. Fleet management will have the opportunity to reduce gas expense, vehicle wear and tear, insurance cost, and potential liabilities by re-educating unsafe drivers. What's not to like about this new technology?

Caution

While telematics help companies to avoid the chance of certain liabilities, the systems can also cause them. Laws and regulations regarding telematics have yet to catch up with the technology and they vary from state to state. It is important to do your research regarding these laws if you decide to implement a system into your company. Privacy issues may occur because of the GPS tracking system. Some states require employee notification that informs the drivers that they may be monitored or if video surveillance is involved. Another negative aspect to telematics is the data management. Sifting through all the data can be time consuming, and also makes you responsible to report unsafe driving incidents to avoid legal issues such as vicarious liability.

The best way to smoothly implement a telematic program into your fleet is through training and driver education. It is important to have a no cell phone policy for drivers and to ensure they will not use technologies unless they are safely parked. Management should develop comprehensive policies, investigate each driver before hiring, and regularly review the telematics data for safety. Like with all technology, companies need to ask themselves if the benefits outweigh the risk.

Transferable truck bodies are a risk-free investment. Get a quote at Fleetwest.net or call toll-free: 866- 497-7200