Fleet managers around the world recognize the growing importance of integrating technology into their daily operations to boost their fleets and achieve better results. If you manage or own a fleet, these trends can help you be more efficient and take your business to the next level.

3 major trends in fleet management

1. Data collection and management

Fleet managers are looking for technology that collects the right data to help them better manage their fleet. Today's telematics systems collect an impressive amount of data about vehicles, drivers, and daily operations, such as fuel consumption, average mileage per vehicle, routes, driving behavior, trip-related data including starts, stops, vehicle speeds, idle times, and more.

 

Building on this, a big trend gaining traction is the creation of data management roles, with responsibility for analyzing data objectively and translating it into process improvements for a better, more efficient fleet.

2. Automation and machine learning

There are still a few years before self-driving vehicles hit the road, but manufacturers and telematics providers are investing heavily in advanced, automated safety technologies and machine learning.

 

In fleet management, this could represent a significant breakthrough, due to the tons of information about driving behavior that AI-enabled vehicles can collect and process. In fact, 61% of fleet managers surveyed believe self-driving trucks will become common in the next decade.

3. Invest in the workforce

Drivers should work with the technology your fleet uses, not against it. Therefore, fleet managers are looking for ways to invest in training their employees about technology and its important role in making drivers' jobs more efficient and productive.

 

Fortunately, many of those entering the workforce have adapted to constant connectivity with their smartphones and personal assistants, so using technology in the vehicle is simply considered standard operating procedure, and they recognize the benefits, such as increased safety and exemption in the event of an accident.

 

To attract new talent and retain drivers, the trend is also for fleet managers to use incentive-based strategies, offer professional development, and create employee committees to turn drivers into safety or technology advocates.