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By James Neely

The trend toward creating a ‘green’ environment in which businesses and individuals strive to use less of the earth’s resources and be conservative in the ones that we do use is prevalent right now.

Go Green

The debates about the validity of some of the tenants of living or working with a ‘green’ mindset will wage on but it still is wise to get involved because it can help your company save money. That advantage alone is worth the effort. And if it helps with the environment at the same time, then, all the better.

A GPS Tracking system can help you ‘green up’ your fleet operations in this way:

Reduce fuel and maintenance costs. With the cost per vehicle estimated at about $1.50 per mile, you can see that this is an area that can use additional oversight in order to reduce those costs. Fuel and maintenance are based on the number of miles driven, but there is also another issue and that is the idling of engines during stops. Discussions wage as to how much fuel is wasted and pollution pumped into the air we breathe, but it is worth making the effort to shut down engines during deliveries, pickups and other stoppages.

Eliminates paper waste. Online reporting creates the ability to see and monitor activity. Reports can be generated which are then electronically transferred and distributed based on need. This keeps paper waste to a minimum. Print outs can be relegated only to billing needs and or verification needs in case of litigation or proof of performance questions.

Reduces excessive and unnecessary driving. By monitoring the routes and driving habits of fleet drivers, companies can make sure that as few miles as is necessary are driven which saves fuel and maintenance costs as mentioned above. Also, drivers can be monitored for unauthorized trips in company vehicles.

Sets geofencing borders. Keeping a fleet within ‘green’ borders established by service area helps reduce waste as well. Having the ability to re-route vehicles based on who is closest to a location further enforces the ‘green’ mentality.

Gains in environmental responsibility are achieved one step at a time. There are those who participate with no apparent effect from a positive standpoint at all. But the bigger picture must prevail; any and all conservative efforts are to be rewarded no matter how small or seeming insignificant. (GPS tracking) systems can be a major player in helping reach the goals for a ‘greener’ tomorrow – today.