Though a large number of companies are realizing the advantages of using GPS fleet management software to track engine idling, there is an even larger number of companies that have still not calculated the savings this could provide. In an economy when every penny counts, this is a huge factor in fleet management when you consider the true impact idling has on a fleet vehicle. Engine idling increases fuel consumption and engine wear, which negatively impacts the mpg rate of the vehicle.
Using GPS fleet management software to track idling among your fleet vehicles will: improve the fleet management bottom line by providing data to improve gas mileage and reduce unnecessary vehicle wear and tear.
Reduce Fuel Consumption
Fleet management companies, both foreign and domestic, are turning to GPS software solutions to manage increased fuel consumption caused by idling. Being in a position to track where an employee is, when they’re idling, and how long they have been idling, will help to provide a more accurate picture of employee habits and behaviors on the job. Knowing if an employee is idling while waiting at a stop light or idling while waiting to drop or pick-up a load, means a difference in saving or spending billions of dollars in fuel expenses annually.
The data retrieved through GPS tracking and reporting has shown that, “Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner (AC) use.” (“Driving more efficiently,” )
FuelEconomy.gov stated that, “Idling in the United States uses more than 6 billion gallons of fuel at a cost of more than $20 billion EACH year.” (“Reducing Vehicle Idling” 2011) Imagine what this figure is when you factor in fuel consumption in foreign countries.
How much does your fleet management business spend on fuel consumption annually? What about the impact engine idling has on engine wear?
Effects of Engine Idling on Engine Wear
When an engine is running, the parts are powered to do their various tasks. Gears are moving, fluids are flowing, and sparks are firing. All of these actions take energy.
It is said that, “One extra hour a day of idling is equivalent to 64,000 miles of engine wear.” – Seattle Mitsubishi Fuso
Take into consideration the government has learned through tracking and reporting that, “During a regular work day, a heavy-duty truck driver may idle for as much as 4 hours a day.” (“Reducing Vehicle Idling,” 2011)
Reasons for engine idling may include:
- Stop Light
- Traffic
- Unloading/Loading
- Stay Warm/Cool
- Power Electrical Items
The effect of engine idling on engine wear can greatly affect maintenance expenses from bumper to trailer on any fleet vehicle. Using a solid GPS software along with a reliable GPS tracking device will provide a cost efficient solution to fleet management companies looking to manage overhead related to engine idling.
Fleet Management Solutions to Engine Idling using GPS Software
Using a GPS software along with a GPS tracking device is an effective way to reduce fuel consumption and engine wear on fleet vehicles due to engine idling. The Locator 2000 is just one option that GPS Trackit provides for fleet management companies looking to implement a GPS software solution to manage their fleet of vehicles. Providing data to determine vehicle location, stops, starts, and idling creates real-time insight fleet managers need to instantly for improve productivity and begin reducing company overhead due to engine idling.
