Fleets may benefit with telematics and next-generation scan tools As onboard systems gain acceptance, fleets are learning how to leverage the information they provide to streamline operations and cut operating costs. Recently, a major truck leasing company implemented onboard system telematics in a wide-scale test to start realizing those benefits. Meanwhile, new diagnostic systems now available feature increasing levels of sophistication in the ways they gather, present and communicate information. Made to be easier to use, the latest diagnostic devices can benefit not only maintenance, but also the fleet's entire operation.

A technician installs the unobtrusive RydeSmart telematics device in one of Ryder's lease fleet vehicles.

Ryder System Inc.'s portfolio of services range from large-scale global supply chain solutions to fleet management solutions that include full-service lease, commercial rental and contract maintenance and support services.

In 2007, Ryder teamed with Telerrac and AT&T to launch RydeSmart, an affordable integrated wireless, GPS and computer technology solution to increase the safety, security and efficiency of customers' fleets. A group of Ryder customers was used for the initial year-long pilot that involved 5,000 vehicles including national and regional accounts in the Great Plains business unit. Now the program has rolled out nationwide with more than 7,500 units as part of the company's full-service lease offering. By 2009 year's end, the company expects a 100 percent increase in number of units. RydeSmart has been installed in the majority of OEMs currently available to Ryder's fleet, including: International, Freightiiner, Peterbuilt, feuzu, Mack, Volvo, Ford and Sterling.

In concept, RydeSmart is a proprietary onboard wireless communications (telematics) system designed to improve vehicle uptime, driver efficiency, highway safety and cargo security, with real-time tracking of customer fleet operations. Physically, RydeSmart is a compact hardware and software unit installed in a truck that connects to the vehicle's existing computer and diagnostics systems. The unit continuously monitors the truck's location, mileage and speed as well as other driver performance and diagnostic data - via a web portal, where information is communicated every 15 minutes or on-demand, real-time as needed. Teletrac provides the integrated global positioning system (GPS), engine data and microchip technologies, and AT&T's extensive data network.

Why did Ryder move to a telematics solution? According to Ryder System Inc. Vice President of Marketing, Fleet Management Solutions, Juliet Johansson, about three years ago, the company started to look at ways to bring technological innovation to its customers to help them better manage their fleets and better control the costs of running those fleets. RydeSmart helps customers handle certain tasks without driver involvement, such as odometer reading and fuel trip reporting. Additionally, says Johansson, it helps Ryder deliver better service and performance to customers as part of its maintenance value proposition. This includes helping customers with emergency roadside calls to find trucks faster, and send the right repair assistance sooner because they can read the engine fault codes.

An in-cab message display terminal is included as part of the upgrade to RydeSmart Plus service.

There are several ways to measure benefits. RydeSmart can save approximately 10-15 percent on fuel from reduced idle time and improved driver MPG rate, says Johansson. "For any fleet, especially with fuel prices what they are now, the annualized payback is anywhere from one to six months, with the average being about three months," Johansson notes.

Utilizing the system's reports, fleet managers can correct areas and identify trends such as potential driver abuse from speeding. The report can provide the number of miles logged, number of hours the engine has run, in-motion time, idling time, time to repair or re-route a breakdown, average speed, excessive speeding time, odometer reading, miles per gallon and fuel consumption. Results indicate the system saves customers on average one hour per driver per day. That productivity increase translates to an extra delivery or more miles covered daily. The technology also helps to reduce costs from lost or stolen equipment.

RydeSmart is billed at a flat fee per month, with Standard, Plus and Plus One service available. All provide GPS location, idling behavior, MPG, braking, odometer readings, trip records and other functions. The upgrade to "Plus" adds an in-cab message display terminal that allows text communication between dispatch and driver.