Optimizing Fleet Efficiency: A Client’s Success with Telematics

A Desire to Right Size

A leading sustainable chemical company, this organization delivers high-quality products while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility through innovation and operational excellence. They operate a decentralized fleet from their main location, a 3,000- acre facility in Texas. With a fleet primarily composed of pickup trucks and small SUVs used by various workers on multiple shifts, they struggled with underutilization and fleet inefficiencies.

The company recognized the opportunity to improve fleet utilization, reduce idle time, and optimize vehicle allocation while addressing challenges such as union involvement and rental vehicle expenses. They needed a strategic solution to right-size their fleet and track vehicle usage more effectively to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.

Leveraging Telematics to Track Utilization and Reduce Idle Time

The client partnered with Wheels to implement a telematics solution designed to optimize fleet usage and reduce idle time. The telematics system was installed on-site, allowing them to track vehicle utilization, monitor driver behavior, and benchmark workflow. By analyzing the data, Wheels helped the organization to identify vehicles that were sitting idle for extended periods or being used inefficiently. This data-driven approach enabled the company to right-size its fleet and reduce its reliance on rental vehicles.

Telematics has also proven instrumental in enhancing the planning and scheduling of work for this client. By tracking how long jobs actually take, telematics data has provided valuable insights into both preventive and corrective maintenance job plans resulting in more accurate scheduling. Resources are properly allocated based on realistic job durations. As a result, the company has been able to improve the timing and effectiveness of maintenance activities, which has led to a reduction in vehicle downtime and improved overall technician productivity. Additionally, they used geofencing technology to monitor vehicles within the plant, ensuring that workers stayed on-site and reduced unnecessary vehicle use.

Significant Fleet Optimization and Cost Reductions

Since implementing the telematics solution, this client has already seen measurable improvements in fleet utilization and cost savings. The company has reduced rental vehicle expenses by approximately $10,000 per month and is on track to further optimize its fleet with additional telematics units. They have also reduced idle time and improved maintenance scheduling, preventing engine failures and extending the life of their vehicles. With leadership fully engaged in the project, the organization is poised to continue improving fleet operations, making significant strides toward cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.