Sustainable fleet management is no longer a buzzword. It’s an evolutionary approach to doing business. As a business in Australia, a country with wide-open spaces and the frustration of high fuel prices, integrating sustainability into your fleet strategy could be a game-changer. Some companies like Radius provide sustainable telematics solutions to business owners for a seamless transition into sustainability.
1. Optimise Fuel Efficiency
Fuel is one of the most significant costs your fleet incurs. Proper planning, however, can improve your bottom line and help save the planet. Fleet maintenance should be a top priority. When vehicles are in good working order, they’re more efficient and use less fuel. Investments in fuel-efficient vehicles and programs to help drivers understand how to get the most out of their cars pay off. Minor changes, such as cutting idle time or reducing harsh braking, offer big rewards.
Fuel management systems are also a great way to keep constant tabs on fuel consumption to identify weaknesses and strive for improvement. Using quality oils, fluids and products, including tyres designed for fuel efficiency also factor into the mix. Sustainability not only saves you money but helps your fleet’s image as an environmentally responsible company.
2. Embrace Telematics for Real-Time Insights
Telematics is a great system to help you with the tracking effort. They collect data that gives you a real-time window on your fleet’s performance, driver’s habits, and route management. Compiling and analysing this data sends a powerful signal that will drive strategy and performance toward a higher degree of on-time delivery performance and fuel reduction.
The system allows you to monitor your vehicle’s speed points, acceleration, deceleration and idling. Coaching your drivers to make safer, more effective routes sends you along the right path to maximise the life of your equipment and reduce your downtimes.
3. Asset Tracking and its Role in Sustainability
Asset tracking from telematics is really much more than knowing the make of your vehicles and trailers. Asset tracking from telematics allows fleet owners to understand how a telematics unit, vehicle or other asset is used, misused or even not used at all. The system allows business owners to coordinate with the vehicle maintenance schedule for their continually used vehicles. As a result, the vehicle shows improved fuel efficiency and business owners will have less money to spend on repairs as the useful life of the vehicle extends.
Radius provides robust asset-tracking capabilities that work alongside the rest of your system. This key input helps business owners to decide, in real-time, the usage and off-hire status, and improve overall fleet strategy.
4. Invest in Alternative Fuels
Implementing alternative fuel systems, such as electric, hybrid and biofuels, leverages the potential for sustainable operations. They can help businesses save money in the long run, despite higher upfront costs. These cost savings come from lower fuel costs. Incentives in the tax code also create significant benefits for business owners.
There are several things you should consider before making the switch, for example, the economic cost; total cost of ownership, savings and cash flow, refuelling/ charging infrastructure, etc. The biggest transition is often the people more than the technology — preparing an organisation and planning are essential. Using renewable transport fuels; biofuels and hydrogen can offer added environmental benefits.
5. Implement Sustainable Policies and Training
Sustainability starts with your people. Educate your staff about sustainability and how they can benefit the business. Develop policies for driving sustainably, such as recommendations for regular maintenance, and appropriate loading and driving techniques, and provide training for drivers to use technology fitted to the vehicle correctly. This will be beneficial for both the environment and your people.
Shape your culture by rewarding employees who exhibit sustainable behaviour. Make it known to your staff and clients the positive actions your company is undertaking to operate more sustainably. Align your business with sustainability and you will attract more clients that fit with your people and company values.
Building Environment-Friendly Business
Sustainable fleet management can change your business. Sustainable fleet management practices such as fuel efficiency, data/telematics, alternative fuels, and sustainable driving policies can provide real cost benefits and reduce emissions to help contribute to a healthy environment. So, start now and make environmental savings whilst saving money at the same time.
