Digital Connectivity Speeds Decision Making and Service, Improving Uptime

Today’s vehicles are broadcasting more data than ever before.

Proper tire care and maintenance are critical to safety.

Driving on improperly inflated, worn out or damaged tires is dangerous and against Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. The good news is potential tire-condition violations can be avoided.

Data is a pool today's fleets can either drown in or swim in, and when used correctly, information can unlock savings and improve efficiency.

TMC and FleetNet America partnership

For more than 30 years, the American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) has developed recommended practices for the heavy-duty trucking industry — creating standards and procedures fleets can use in their operations. From suggestions on tracking total tire costs to guidelines for installing alternators, the council works to address issues in the industry. Currently, TMC is partnering with FleetNet America^® on Benchmarkit, a fleet maintenance benchmarking program. 

Preparing for winter: is your fleet ready?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, more than 70 percent of roads in the U.S. are located in regions that typically receive more than five inches of annual snowfall. With many commercial fleets using these snow-prone routes on a regular basis, preparing vehicles and drivers for winter conditions is a task most companies need to address.

Is leasing or buying the better choice for fleet vehicles?

If you’ve done a lease vs. buy analysis for a fleet before, you likely know that leasing is typically viewed as less risky than owning. But with added considerations like vehicle lifespan, annual mileage, interest rates on loans, maintenance charges and vehicle disposal, the choice to either lease or buy becomes more complex. See what details should factor into your decision and learn how outsourcing maintenance could affect your choice.

Why direct communication matters during breakdowns

One of the most challenging times for commercial fleet maintenance leaders to gain control of their operations is during an unscheduled repair. Encouraging clear, direct communication at the start of a breakdown event can often make a difference in minimizing downtime.

Driving near large trucks

Did you know 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers in passenger cars? While actions like distracted driving certainly play a role in some of these cases, there are likely multiple occasions that happen simply because drivers don’t understand how to safely maneuver around large vehicles.

How many hours can truck drivers travel?

Professional truck drivers Joe and Susan each receive a new assignment from their carriers and log their activity as they travel to the next location. Based on the descriptions below, which driver is in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) driving regulations?

Joe: San Diego, California, to Portland, Oregon (1,083 miles, approximately 20 hours)

What your dashboard gauges and warning lights are really indicating   

Your next loading dock is 45 minutes away. With a quick glance at the dashboard, you notice the fuel level is low, and the tire inflation light is on. Should you pull over to fuel up and check out the problem or is it safe to continue driving? While some dashboard lights and instruments indicate emergency situations, others notify the driver of issues that could be concerning if they aren’t serviced soon.