Made specifically with medium or large logistics outfits, but also applicable to companies in the Service and Towing field, Fleet Management Software (FMS) is almost a requirement in today’s trucking world in order to stay competitive. FMS helps logistics and shipping companies to maximize their fleet utilization through proactive tracking, routing and data reporting.
We looked back at some of the software available just 5 years ago and, suffice to say, newer FMS solutions in 2016 are truly exceptional thanks in part to better available technology and a healthy, competitive market. In this post, we’ll review 5 of the latest popular solutions employed today by top trucking and logistics companies.
Verizon’s Networkfleet Software
Networkfleet is one of the more widespread fleet management software programs in use today. Thanks to Verizon’s vast network of satellites and wireless towers as a foundation to their patented telematics solution, it enables companies as close to real-time control over their fleets as anything else on the market today. While the dashboard interface is somewhat confusing it does cover all the functional needs with mileage monitoring, fuel use, emergency or down-time indicators and any diagnostics codes. Their maintenance scheduling application is interactive and does alert driver of the date and time of any maintenance check-up which is not found in most other applications.
Not known exactly for their customer care, we do take issue with Verizon’s lack of 24/7 technical support
Prophesy Dispatch
A great solution for those on a budget, Prophesy Dispatch has been around since 2006 and costs about between $80 and $90 / month depending on a “Broker” or “Broker and Carrier” status (c. 2016). In that time they’ve developed a loyal base of customer thanks to an “everything’s there” application, including regulations management. While again, support is lacking to business hours, we’ve found that they do respond consistently with 24 hours and do have solid online training program in place for new users.
In addition to quick real-time monitoring of truck status, we found the dashboard to be highly intuitive. Any duplicate date seemed to carry over to other transactions(which is sorely needed in overseas transactions where duplicate documents are a miserable requirement), making BOL documentation a breeze. Overall a great value solution for both domestic and international truckload carriers, freight brokers, and also LTL carriers. Click here for the Prophesy Dispatch software costs and payment schedule.
Quartix Fleet Management Software
Used in the trucked industry since the 2001, Quartix Fleet Tracking is a US specific web-based logistics tracking product that utilizes patented GPS tracking devices and telematics. Weighing only 2 ounces, the device is installed by Quartix and is used for routing optimization and fleet tracking and is sufficiently robust for long term use – they claim to have “redundancy” built into their servers and databases to limit downtime . Unfortunately, the software does not have, nor plans to have integrated dispatch capabilities, but for around $20 per month plus installation, what more can you ask for a real-time tracking software.Any fuel indicators tracking are based on logs or averages input by the management team or by the drivers and are not live.
Overall a great product for peanuts per month. Unfortunately for a the modular, fully integrated solution that most larger logistics companies would want, the lack of long term functionality will be a concern.
Telogis Software
Telogis is a company that provides a software solution for managing your entire fleet of vehicles that goes far beyond simple GPS tracking. It is a web-based solution, one that can be scaled very easily to accommodate the growth of your business. It is also designed to integrate with any type of business, and can help with dispatching and also payroll. Regular maintenance of vehicles is also incorporated into the software, making sure that your fleet is always updated and repairs are made when necessary.
A common complaint of the service is the downtime experienced with the GPS tracking units. While Telogis will replace units free of charge, any downtime can costs much more than simply installation costs.
RTA Fleet Management
RTA is a small software company that offers a complete Fleet Management solution at a great price. As a scalable application RTA functions well with large organizations, and offers a suite of applications that can help you maintain high production and safety levels. It includes asset management, work order management, and can also help you manage your inventory. It is designed to help companies reduce overall liability, improve efficiency, and help reduce the cost of fuel usage.
Built on an older platform there are minor issues with redundancy in entry and it does not offer a dispatch module. However, the training is top-notch and the customer support is solid. As of 2016 they are on release 7.0 and are consistently updating their product to match customer requests.
Our Take
All of these software solutions, whether they are on your computers at your place of business, or if they are utilized online, can help you run your business much more efficiently. They all come with a multitude of different options, all of which are designed to help you manage your fleet of vehicles while they are on the road, and also schedule regular maintenance so that you are never surprised by intermittent breakdowns which could cost your company money. Visit each of these websites to find out which one will actually work best for your business. The key to making sure that your fleet of vehicles is operating at optimal levels, and that your business is generating the most revenue, is to always use state-of-the-art fleet management software programs.