November 2010

157 posts
Government Incentives Finance Green Business Improvements

Government Incentives for Going Green Government incentives and SBA loans can be used to finance “green” business improvements. The government has several programs in place to help small businesses be just as competitive as corporate giants in the race to adopt green, energy-efficient business practices. These incentives can reap many rewards, from financial benefits that will impact your bottom line to social benefits, such as making your “green” business a much more attractive place for skilled, younger workers to seek employment. Whether you are looking to enter the business of greening our planet or just want to make employees and customers happy, going green is smart for small business.

Small businesses that invest strategically can cut utility costs 10 to 30 percent without sacrificing service, quality, style or comfort – while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment. Many projects will require little expense. Savings small businesses make from adopting energy improvements, also include federal energy tax savings for the tax year of 2010.

For projects that do require capital, SBA loan-guaranty programs can help reduce some of the financial costs of the “going green” process. All of SBA’s 7(a) loan programs can be used by small businesses to fund green improvements. With a 50 percent SBA-backed guaranty, and an average loan of $35,000 with its maximum loan size of $350,000— the SBA Express Loan is an excellent loan program to help small businesses go green

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Fleet Tracking System with GPS Costs Less Than You Think

fleet tracking system cuts fuel costs

Fleet Tracking System with GPS Offers Quick ROI

In today’s tough economy, many small businesses are trying to survive the recession and are not too keen on spending their cash. So the question arises of the ROI of GPS Fleet Tracking. Is investing in a Fleet Tracking System with GPS worth it?

The purpose of a fleet tracking system is to increase productivity and cut costs. Because most of the cost-savings results of implementing a fleet tracking system are immediate and long-lasting – it ends up costing a lot less than you may think. With a GPS enabled fleet tracking system, you can see exactly what is happening when your trucks leave your sight. It’s like being a fly on the wall. For example, you can see exactly how much fuel is being wasted from unnecessary idle time.

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Fleet Management Training at 2011 U.S. Work Truck Show

saltzgiver-fleet-managerFleet Management Training 2011

The biggest Work Truck Show in the U.S. is going to be at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis March 8-10, 2011. Work Truck Show 2011 will take place in conjunction with the 47th Annual National Truck Equipment Association Conference. Additionally the Green Truck Summit and other fleet management educational seminars will begin March 7, 2011. There will be several fleet management training sessions, including the following:

1) Fleet Management Symposium:
Designed for all fleet management professionals regardless of industry, this Symposium focuses on best practices and strategies that dramatically impact your fleet and shop financial, operational and productivity performances. Whether you operate a fleet of 10 or 10,000 units, this day-and-a-half intensive program will help you to reduce costs, increase efficiency and make your job easier to do.

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6 Ways Fleets Can Burn Less Fuel

Fleet GPS Management System Data with Driver Training Cuts Fuel Costs

Here is a list of the best ways fleet managers can cut vehicle fuel costs.

  1. Educate your fleet management team to train your drivers. Successful fuel management starts with drivers. Proper training can improve fuel efficiency, reduce fuel expenses and vehicle emissions.
  2. Keep the load as light as possible. Excess weight places unnecessary strain on a vehicle’s engine and greatly affects its fuel efficiency.
  3. Use a fuel management system to lower fuel costs and increase productivity. The best systems are telematics enabled systems which overall fuel efficiency, vehicle performance, tracks fuel waste due to idling, speeding, etc., and identifies critical areas to improve efficiency and reduce fleet fuel costs and emissions. Fleet GPS management systems such as FieldLogix can save in wasted time and fuel every day.
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How To Immediately Reduce Fleet Management Costs

mmediately Reduce Fleet Management Costs with the best GPS Fleet Management System

Modern fleet management tools and technology are changing the way fleet managers look at vehicle fuel consumption. Economic conditions, legal regulations, reduced margins and heavy competition have created a high level of urgency for all fleets to consume fuel in the most effective way possible. Regardless of size, every fleet must pay for fuel, and every penny counts.

All fleet owners and fleet managers seek cost-effective ways to optimize fleet fuel consumption. GPS fleet tracking technology can be one of the most cost effective means to optimize fuel consumption. You can immediately reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% by investing in and utilizing a fleet management system. The best fleet tracking systems, such as FieldLogix, can IMMEDIATELY REDUCE fleet operating costs and provide a positive return on investment (ROI) in less than 6 months.

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CNN Says GPS Tech Can Fuel Jobs and Internet Revolution

Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek and host of Global Public Sphere (GPS) for CNN Worldwide answered questions about prompting job creation in the U.S. in a session of the show broadcast Oct 31. Among the fields Zakaria discussed as having huge potential for growth was Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology which he credits as the fuel behind the “next internet revolution.” Zakaria, who is among the best respected financial commentators in journalism today, suggested that America needs more investment in industries that will continue to shape the way society works and people communicate, like GPS systems, in order to reclaim jobs that have gone to other countries.

Zakaria says that the key to getting growth and middle-class jobs back is that we make massive investments, investments in technology, investments in research and development, investments in infrastructure. That is in a sense, investing in the middle class, because that is investing in the industries of the future, the industries that will create middle-class jobs. “Perhaps the most intelligent investment we can make is in human capital, particularly in talented people in science, math and computers,” said Zakaria.

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Fleet Fuel Consumption a Focus at Agrion Green Fleet Conference

recently had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion at Agrion’s Green Fleet Conference in Silicon Valley. The purpose of the conference was to discuss the technologies currently in use to reduce conventional fuel consumption. The key take away from the conference was that each fleet must consider its own unique circumstances before determining the best method to green its fleet. Not all solutions will work for everyone, and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The fleet should take a long-term perspective when evaluating its options and potential cost savings.

The primary technologies discussed included telematics, hybrid and electric vehicles, and alternative fuels.

Telematics
Telematics was discussed as a method to retrofit conventional fuel vehicles with technology in order to monitor driver habits. The primary poor driving habits that emit excessive carbons and waste fuel include speeding, idling, hard braking, and unnecessary acceleration. GPS fleet tracking systems have been monitoring these activities for years, but our opinion was that it is also important to emphasize the costs associated with these activities and provide some level of driver training and feedback. By focusing on the costs and emissions associated with idling and speeding, fleet managers are much more motivated to take action to correct these habits. By providing driver training and feedback, drivers are much more aware of their impact on the environment and their employer’s bottom line. The use of telematics is a relatively inexpensive method to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

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The Best Vehicle Tracking GPS Systems

The best GPS vehicle tracking systems are all user-friendly. Users with limited computer skills can easily learn how to master the systems and produce results quickly. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all GPS tracking solution. Depending on your situation, there are a number of things you should look for.

1) If you are going to be tracking a person or a small piece of property, ensure that you look for a small, inconspicuous, easy-to-install tracker.

2) For tracking a personal vehicle, you will want something that will track your vehicle both indoors and outdoors, and one that will run on the car’s battery so you don’t have to worry about replacing a dead battery.

3) If you are concerned with tracking a fleet of vehicles, you will need a tracker that will allow you to customize settings for different vehicles, that provides you with convenient text message and email alerts. Trackers like the FieldLogix GPS Fleet Management boast each of these features plus provides in-depth performance metrics, identifies problems such as excessive speeding and idling, inaccurate time-sheets, unauthorized vehicle stops and personal vehicle use. Fleet GPS tracking systems should always be integrated with Garmin navigation and Google Maps.

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How To Improve Customer Service with Fleet GPS Vehicle Tracking

happy cusotmers with gps vehicle tracking systemReal-time GPS vehicle tracking is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the business world. Smart business managers with employees and assets on the go use a GPS fleet vehicle tracking system to help reduce fuel usage, trim other operating costs, improve fleet productivity and maximize customer service. Whether you manage a fleet of one or hundred, managing vehicles and increasing operating efficiency while improving customer satisfaction can be easy if you have the right tools.

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Garmin GPS Tracking on iPhone

Garmin GPS Fleet Tracking System Can Be Accessed From Your iPhone, Android or Blackberry

Access the GPS Tracking System Mobile Site From Your Cel Phone – Anytime, Anywhere. Giving you current fleet vehicle status and locations in real-time 24/7.

  • Real-Time Fleet Tracking Systems Help You to Better Optimize, Manage and Capitalize on Fleet’s Activities.
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    GPS Fleet Tracking System Solutions – Easy Dispatching

    Find the Closest Vehicle in One Click GPS Fleet Management Systems

    1. Reduce the Amount of Time in Takes for Dispatcher’s to Route the Closest Driver.
    2. Help Drivers Get to Their Destinations Without Hitting Traffic or Getting Lost.
    3. Reduced Response Time Means Happier Customers and More Revenues.
    4. Send New Job and Job Changes Directly to the Driver’s GPS Fleet Tracking Device.
    5. Monitor Driver’s Status as They Complete Work.
    6. Instantly Text Drivers On The Go.
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    Better Fleet Management with Real-time GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems

    fleet gps dispatcherReal-time GPS vehicle tracking systems can help you to be a better fleet manager. With a Real-time GPS Vehicle Tracking System, you always know the fastest and cheapest way to get Driver A to Point B. You don’t have to spend valuable time guessing, the system knows where your fleet vehicles are located. It gives you the knowledge fleet managers to need to make the BEST Fleet Management Decisions.

    Real-time GPS vehicle tracking systems keep fleet operations lean and GREEN. The best GPS fleet tracking systems use telematics technology to increase daily fleet deliveries and stops, dramatically reduce overtime costs, improve driver safety, and cut fuel costs. Plus it’s better for the environment.

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    New GPS Tracking System Changes How Airline Pilots Fly

    What’s a minute worth to you? To Southwest Airlines, it’s worth over a million dollars. According to FAA-TV in Dallas, this year Southwest Airlines is spending over $175 million on GPS navigation system updates to make its fleet of jets fly more precisely, saving the airline both time and and money. This all new GPS tracking system technology is making pilot’s job much cheaper, easier and safer for all.

    Southwest pilot Kent Perry said the changes are based on the same global positioning satellite (GPS) technology you might be using in your car, only more sophisticated. Now the landing points can be programmed into the plane’s computer before takeoff. Because of precise GPS data, the plane “knows” its position and altitude at all times. I’m not touching the throttles or the yoke,” Perry says as we “fly” over the lights of Chicago. “I’m basically running it with this panel up here.” The plane uses the information to approach the runway, and Perry takes over just before touchdown.

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    GPS Tracking Devices Used to Stop Endangered Rhinocerous Poaching

    GPS global positioning system rhino rhinocerousGPS tracking devices have been placed on several Rhinos in South Africa in an effort to stop the endangered animals from being killed by poachers. According to BBC News, the The North West Park Board in the Mafikeng Game Reserve began placing the GPS tracking devices on the Rhinos in April of 2010. To date, several Rhinos are being monitored by the GPS tracking system. The Board plans to tag many more animals with GPS tracking devices in the upcoming months.

    The GPS tracking devices are fitted into the rhino’s horn by drilling a small hole in the inert or dead part of the horn. As well as GPS tracking, the devices are equipped with an alarm system to notify game wardens of unusual Rhino movement or location. According to Rusty Hustler, head of security for North West Parks Board,”There are a number of alarms that can be programmed: one for excessive movement, so if the rhino starts running, and another that goes off if the rhino sleeps for longer than six hours, which is abnormal.” He added that in the future, the devices could even help to track rhino horns that were taken by poachers to help combat the illegal trade.

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    Edmunds Says Vehicle Telematics Will Forever Change How We Drive

    Vehicle GPS Tracking Systems enabled with Telematics technology will forever change the way Americans drive, according to an article on an Edmunds company website – Insideline.com. The article titled “Five Car Technologies That Will Change How You Drive” discusses up and coming technological advances that will make driving better, safer, more convenient and more entertaining than ever.

    The five up and coming auto technologies highlighted in the Edmunds article include:

    * Telematics and GPS Tracking – Voice activation, text-to-speech technology, audible RSS feeds, and vehicle tracking systems are being upgraded and developed.

    * Connected Cars – Updated maps, local services and listings, real-time traffic information and much more are now available from your dashboard. Features like Ford’s Sync system and connected navigation such as Google Maps Navigation bring “cloud computing” to your car’s interior.

    * Next-Generation Head-Up Displays – Holographic Laser Projection (HLP) display information on the windshield and infrared cameras “paint” the edges of a road during low visibility.

    * Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – Lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, blind-spot detection and pedestrian detection can help protect drivers from even themselves.

    * In-Car Apps – Soon drivers will be able to download a wide variety of apps to create customizable dashboards, navigation, communication and entertainment options within their vehicles.

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    GPS Fleet Tracking Systems Used to Settle School Bus-Stop Disputes

    school bus fleet GPSGPS fleet tracking systems were installed last year in 300 school buses in St. Paul, MN. At first, drivers were not overly enthusiastic about the installation of the GPS fleet tracking devices. Until the drivers realized just how useful they could be. Not only have the GPS tracking devices help resolve heated disputes between parents and drivers, but in some cases, the GPS tracking devices have saved bus drivers from losing their jobs.

    On a typical day, the public school system in St. Paul is responsible for transporting an average of 38,000 students. The school’s transportation department often receive dozens of calls a day from parents complaining that the bus never picked up their child. Until recently, before the
    GPS systems were installed, it was the school bus driver’s word against the parent’s. That has all changed since the school district installed a GPS fleet tracking system in every one of the school district’s 300 buses.

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    Improving Driver Behavior Key To Reducing Vehicle Emissions

    driver education According to the 2010 Green Fleet Survey by PHH Arval, improving driver behavior is one of the most important ways that fleets are reducing emissions. Seventy-four percent of fleet managers reported they are depending on drivers to help meet their fleet’s environmental goals. The most common type of communication has been to educate drivers on how their driving behavior can impact fuel economy.

    It would be virtually impossible to measure and improve driver behavior without the use of a telematics enabled GPS Fleet Management System. Using vehicle telematics systems, fleets are able to monitor and analyze valuable information about driver behavior, vehicle routing and fuel efficiency. All of this information is critical business insight to help fleet managers minimize risk, expenses and emissions.

    Telematics enabled GPS Fleet Management Systems give fleet managers the feedback necessary to engage drivers about their driving performance and provide coaching on how to improve safety, efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. Smart fleet managers are combining on-board safety monitoring with behavioral coaching to help reduce the amount of risky and wasteful driving behavior.

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    Nearly Half of Fleets Measuring Emissions

    green fleet vehicle truckGreen Fleet Survey 2010 by PHH Arval shows the number of fleets measuring emissions has significantly increased over the past two years. The 2010 Green Survey by PHH Arval revealed that 49 percent of participants are reporting that they are measuring emissions. In 2008, the first year the questions was included in the PHH Arval Survey, only 28 percent responded that they measure emissions. Despite the challenging economy, fleets are clearly making progress towards “greening” their business operations. Additionally, according the Survey, 68 percent of responders said they have an environmental goal for their fleets, which is up slightly from last year’s results.

    Nearly 65 percent of the fleets who reported that they are actively measuring emissions are doing so with actual fuel use data . This is an increase of more than 10-percentage points over 2009. Using actual fuel data provides fleets the most accurate data and accounts for variations in driver behavior (and hence fuel economy) and mileage.

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