Generally, as a rule, I have made it a habit to track many of my business’s numbers. I do this for several reasons:
To benchmark against my peers
To identify problem areas and
To measure improvements I have made in my operation
The fact is that, if you want to change anything, you first must be able to measure it. One of the simplest things is to track fuel consumption on paper. Tracking fuel mileage is something I do, because I remember the figures and notations better when I write them down. I also make little notations, so that if my actions while driving improve my fuel efficiency, I know that it’s a practice that should be continued. By the same token, if I tried something different and the results lowered my efficiency, that information will be used to ensure the practice doesn’t continue.
My friend Yunsu Park recently put together an initiative using Geotab telematics to see how my practices during driving influenced the productivity and efficiency of our trucking operation. We’re not only tracking fuel mileage, but also use of time. This is important because it doesn’t matter how efficient an operation is, if it can’t complete the assigned task of delivering the freight to its destination.
So far, the only numbers that have been tracked are things that can be controlled such as speed, cruise control usage, and the amount of time the equipment is being utilized. However, using the hours of service to its full extent and planning the time of day to avoid high-density traffic is greatly beneficial. The benefits of avoiding high-density traffic are better fuel efficiency, better use of available operating hours, and reduced exposure to risk.
Herein is the information that we have compiled so far. In the future, there will be items that will be added such as precipitation, temperature, wind direction, and percentage of grade change on the road.
Tracking your financials to gauge how your business is doing, is also important. With a service like ATBS, you’ll have easier access to know where your numbers stand, identify problems with your operation, and keep your records in good order and up to date.