Develop a Green Fleet Sustainability Program with Alt Fuel Vehicles

At the Green Fleet Conference 2010 in San Diego last month, David Meisel, Transportation Services Director for PG&E, gave an excellent presentation on Introducing Alternate Fuel Vehicles Into Your Fleet. PG & E is the largest fleet operating in California and one of the largest fleets in the U.S.

Meisel said, “Pacific Gas and Electric Company believes in environmental leadership from an energy, supply chain and green fleet perspective. Greening the fleet makes good business sense – from both an environmental and economic standpoint. Without question, we have a unified front in terms of our commitment to environmental leadership and greening our fleet. Our chairman is actively engaged on issues associated with climate change and we’re supportive of GHG legislation both on the national and international fronts. We’ve also supported California’s Low-Carbon Fuel Standard and state policies that address climate change, petroleum reduction, and emissions reductions.”

When it comes to choosing the right green fleet mix – one size does not fit all. Different fleets require different solutions. Developing a green supply chain program with an embedded green fleet strategy is challenging but “worth it” because of the cost savings and environmental benefits.

Reduce Transportation Costs and Go Green with a Fleet Tracking System

Want to save money and go green? Does your company have mobile workers or mobile assets – like a construction company, furniture company, HVAC / building services company? Then here is a great way your company can go green and cut costs at the same time. A GPS fleet management systems can be a powerful tool used to drive down costs and take control of your mobile resources.

Delivery Truck Drivers in Demand – Make up to $25 Hour Driving a Truck

fedex truckDelivery Driver Job Description and Resources for Truck Drivers

As the economy improves, more and more truck drivers will be needed as companies produce and sell more goods. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics over half a million new delivery driver jobs will be created over the next few years.

Do you like being out and about on the road? Are you a good driver? If so, then the life of a delivery driver may be the perfect life for you.

Delivery Driver Job Overview

  • Make up to $25/hour
  • Some drivers may be required to have a special license
  • Work hours can be 8-5 M- F or may also be nights and weekends

Delivery Job Requirements

Most places hiring delivery drivers require a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. However, if you’d like to drive heavy trucks or tractor trailers, you’ll need your CDL (commercial driver’s license) and will need to attend special classes.

GPS Vehicle Tracking Huge Component of Fleet Management

gpe vehicle tracking system for fleet managersIf your company has more than two vehicles, you have a fleet. As with all components of a business, fleets need managing. Fleet management ensures that overall transportation costs are kept to a minimum. Fleet management is a challenging job and is much more than just knowing where drivers and vehicles are or occasionally checking the oil levels in the fleet vans. With the assistance of modern technology such as GPS devices and vehicle tracking systems, a fleet manager’s job can be much easier.

One of the most fundamental components in fleet management is vehicle tracking. Modern technology in the form of GPS tracking devices has made tracking and diagnostics much more efficient and easier, leading to far more efficient fleet management overall. GPS vehicle tracking systems allow a fleet manager to know exactly where every vehicle in the fleet is at any given time and gives them the opportunity to plan the most efficient routes and reduce waiting time for customers.

An important part of fleet management is duty of care. Fleet management should provide clear policies and guidance for employees who drive on company business. Vehicle tracking systems incorporate software that can build up a profile of a driver’s habits, enabling fleet managers to monitor behavior on the road so you can see exactly how safely company vehicles are being driven.

Green Fleet 2010 Conference A Success – Presentations Now Online

san diego mayor jerry sandersGreen Fleet Conference 2010 in San Diego, CA was a huge success — with record breaking attendance! The conference sessions were standing room only, the exhibit hall was buzzing with energy. Green Fleet Conference attendees really enjoyed taking out the alternative fuel vehicles for a spin at The Ride & Drive event. If you missed this year, I highly recommend you attend Green Fleet Conference 2011 next year.

Mayor Jerry Sanders showed his support of environmental sustainability by delivering opening remarks before the Environmental Leadership Awards and 100 Best Green Fleet Awards Ceremony.

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

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
  • 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.
    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.

    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.

    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.

    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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