AVL Systems Benefit Users in Key Areas
Improved driver performance. Experience shows that
once drivers know they are being monitored, their driving
habits change for the better. Improvements are realized
through reductions in speed and costly engine idling, elimination
of unauthorized routes and stops as well as less time spent
at authorized stops.
Compliance. Staying in compliance with regulators
is a tedious, labor-intensive, costly proposition for many
companies. For example, fleet operators whose vehicles
travel in multiple states must keep track of those miles
so the right fuel tax can be paid. At the same time, keeping
in compliance with drivers' hours of service regulations
is a top priority. AVL systems that provide automated and
tamper-proof DOT driver logbooks AND allocate miles by
state without driver participation virtually pay for themselves
just in these areas alone.
Incentive pay programs. Reduced to its simplest
terms, incentive pay rewards the driver for performing
the job as quickly and safely as possible. Actual trip
data generated by the AVL system can be used to develop
drive and stop standards to develop an incentive pay plan
for drivers.
Defending drivers involved in accidents. Incontrovertible
trip data protects drivers who may be wrongly assigned
blame in accidents. For example, a driver accused of running
a stop sign and causing an accident can prove he was stopped
at that very stop sign.
Defending against fraudulent claims. Some companies
are targets of fraudulent claims against their vehicles.
Trip data can be reconstructed showing a vehicle's exact
location at any time so this can be used to successfully
repudiate these claims.
Reduced liability insurance. Monitoring and reducing
driver speed reduces accident probability. Insurance companies
look favorably on companies that control their drivers'
speed, and some offer reductions in liability premiums.
Fuel and maintenance savings. Monitoring and controlling
vehicle speed and engine idling reduces fuel consumed and
engine wear, thereby extending engine life. The longevity
of vehicle components such as gearboxes, axles, and break
liners is extended as well through reduced wear.
Financial analysis and reporting. Actual operational
data produced by an AVL system can be soundly integrated
with financial data for accurate profit and loss reporting
and transportation ratemaking.
