Smart Cities Start with Smart Fleets: Modernizing Municipal Waste Operations with Telematics

Your residents judge city services by one thing: whether their trash gets picked up on time.

Behind every clean street and satisfied household is a fleet of vehicles running a tight, silent operation—or not. For too many municipalities, outdated tools, paper logs, and guesswork are still running the show.

But the most progressive cities are making the switch to telematics—and seeing results. From live tracking to predictive maintenance and driver accountability, smart fleet management is transforming public waste operations.

In fact, predictive maintenance alone can reduce vehicle downtime by up to 50%.

In this article, we’ll break down how data-driven tools are helping municipalities modernize faster, reduce costs, and deliver cleaner, safer streets—without adding more trucks.

1. The Old Playbook Is Costing Cities More Than They Know

Municipal waste fleets weren’t designed to be inefficient—but that’s exactly what they’ve become when left to outdated systems.

Missed pickups. Reactive maintenance. Confusing route overlaps. Paper-based logs and driver reports that don’t reflect real-time performance. These aren’t just small inefficiencies—they’re public-facing failures that frustrate residents, strain crews, and spike operational costs.

Without real-time data, municipal fleet managers are stuck making decisions based on outdated assumptions instead of evidence.

Use Case: A mid-sized city using static routing and paper logs had no visibility into why complaints were rising. A telematics rollout revealed inefficient bin collection patterns and idle-heavy vehicle use—fixable issues they couldn’t see before.

Next, we’ll break down one of the most critical upgrades: tracking vehicle maintenance in real time to reduce downtime and protect public service continuity.

2. Vehicle Maintenance Tracking: From Emergency Fixes to Predictive Uptime

When a garbage truck breaks down mid-route, it doesn’t just delay collection—it creates a ripple effect that impacts public satisfaction, reroutes crews, and increases operating costs.

The problem? Most municipal fleets still rely on reactive maintenance, waiting for something to go wrong before taking action. That’s a costly habit.

Smart fleets take a predictive approach:

  • Real-time engine diagnostics flag faults before breakdowns
  • DVIRs (Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports) trigger automated maintenance workflows
  • Historical data pinpoints recurring issues and helps forecast part replacements


Use Case:
One city reduced downtime by 37% after integrating fault-code alerts and digital inspection reports, streamlining their entire repair cycle.

The result: Fewer breakdowns. Longer vehicle lifespans. And better service delivery, every day.

Next, we’ll shift to how cities can boost service efficiency while cutting back on fuel and labor through smarter route and resource optimization.

3. Public Service Efficiency: Better Routes, Fewer Trucks, Happier Residents

In waste management, efficiency isn’t just about saving fuel—it’s about keeping promises to the public.

Missed streets, overflowing bins, and inconsistent pickup times erode trust fast. And too often, cities try to solve it by adding more trucks or more labor—without fixing the root problem: poor route and resource planning.

How telematics turns it around:

  • Smart routing tools adjust dynamically to traffic, delays, or bin fullness
  • Real-time trip histories verify completed routes and service gaps
  • Bin-level sensors help avoid unnecessary pickups and prevent overflows
  • Live vehicle tracking reduces overlaps, delays, and idle time


Use Case:
A municipality trimmed weekly fuel costs by 15% just by avoiding half-empty bin pickups and rerouting on the fly.

Better routes = fewer trucks = cleaner streets.

Next, we’ll cover how to ensure those trucks—and the people driving them—are always operating safely and in full compliance.

4. Safety & Compliance: Make Accountability the Standard, Not the Exception

Every municipal fleet operates in public view—and one safety incident can spark headlines, lawsuits, or revoked contracts.

Yet many cities still rely on after-the-fact reports, hearsay, or incomplete logs to track driver behavior.

Modern fleets don’t wait for complaints—they prevent them with real-time visibility and built-in accountability.

What telematics makes possible:

  • AI dash cams that detect speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving
  • In-cab alerts that correct unsafe behavior instantly
  • Automated DVIRs and ELD tracking to meet DOT and FMCSA standards
  • Full incident playback to investigate claims and exonerate drivers


Use Case:
After installing safety monitoring tools, one city cut reportable incidents by 40% and reduced insurance premiums in the following year.

Safety isn’t just a compliance box—it’s a cost saver, a risk mitigator, and a public trust builder.

Next, we’ll break down how municipalities can go beyond day-to-day operations and make data-driven resource decisions that boost productivity.

5. Resource Allocation: Use the Right Vehicle for the Right Job—Every Time

Overusing some trucks while others sit idle isn’t just inefficient—it’s expensive. And in municipal operations, misallocated resources lead to missed pickups, wasted fuel, and underperforming assets.

Most public works departments don’t lack equipment—they lack visibility into how that equipment is being used.

Here’s how telematics solves that:

  • Live dashboards show asset utilization across the entire fleet
  • Geozones track which vehicles service which districts—and how often
  • Trip history reveals overlap, underuse, and gaps in service
  • Idle time reports flag misuse and wasted fuel


Use Case:
A city identified underused rear loaders assigned to high-density routes. Swapping them for higher-capacity units saved 11 man-hours per week and reduced overtime spend.

By aligning vehicle type, location, and workload, municipalities can stretch resources further—and deliver more consistent service.

Up next, we’ll talk about the elephant in the room: public budgets—and how smarter fleet data cuts costs without cutting corners.

6. Operational Cost Management: Stop the Bleed Without Sacrificing Service

Public services don’t get a blank check—especially waste operations, where every dollar is scrutinized by residents and city councils alike.

But hidden costs add up fast: fuel from inefficient routes, unplanned maintenance, duplicated coverage, and overtime from poor planning.

Telematics helps municipalities cut waste—literally and financially.

Here’s what smarter fleets track to control costs:

  • Fuel consumption trends and idle time reports
  • Maintenance spend per vehicle vs. lifecycle stage
  • Cost-per-route and per-pickup metrics
  • Verification of completed service to avoid refunds or rework


Use Case:
After implementing route tracking and driver behavior monitoring, one town reduced fuel costs by 18% and recovered $25,000 annually in false damage claims.

With real data, municipalities don’t need to sacrifice service to meet their budget—they just need better tools.

Let’s wrap with how cities can use this visibility not just to manage today’s fleet—but to plan tomorrow’s.

7. Fleet Modernization: Replace Guesswork with Lifecycle Strategy

Replacing a garbage truck isn’t a quick decision—it’s a major investment. But too often, cities rely on age or mileage alone to make those calls.

That’s not fleet strategy. That’s guesswork.

Telematics gives municipalities a full picture of true asset performance—so they can make smarter replacement, rental, or retrofit decisions.

Here’s how it works:

  • Total cost of ownership (TCO) tracking by vehicle
  • Historical maintenance cost vs. value comparison
  • Downtime analysis to flag underperformers
  • EV readiness and utilization scoring for future fleet planning


Use Case:
A regional district delayed two truck replacements after TCO data revealed they were still outperforming newer models—saving over $300,000 in capital spend.

Modernizing your fleet isn’t just about buying new—it’s about knowing which vehicles deliver the most value.

Let’s bring it all together with a final message on the role of data in running a cleaner, smarter, more efficient city.

8. Final Thoughts: Cleaner Cities Start with Data-Driven Fleets

The success of municipal waste operations doesn’t depend on having more trucks—it depends on knowing what every truck is doing, every hour, every route.

From missed pickups to maintenance chaos and rising costs, most problems in public fleet operations come down to one issue: lack of visibility.

Telematics solves that—giving municipal teams the tools to see further, respond faster, and deliver more with less.

And when cities operate smarter, streets stay cleaner, residents stay happier, and public trust stays strong.


Transform Your Municipal Fleet with Real-Time Visibility

GoFleet helps municipalities modernize waste operations with end-to-end telematics—from route tracking to predictive maintenance and safety automation.
With our platform, cities gain full control of their fleets and real data to drive every decision.

Book a demo today and start building the smarter fleet your city deserves.

 

5 Reasons Your Waste Routes Are Wasting Money (and What to Do About It)

Your trucks are running. Your drivers are working. But your margins? They’re shrinking.

If you’re in waste management, there’s a good chance you’re bleeding money on the road—and not even realizing it. Inefficient routing is one of the most overlooked cost drains in fleet operations, quietly burning through fuel, labor hours, and vehicle lifespan.

Here’s the kicker: route optimization alone can reduce collection costs by up to 25%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

So why are so many fleets still using outdated plans?

In this article, we’ll break down the five biggest reasons your waste routes are costing more than they should—and show you exactly what leading fleets are doing to fix it.

Let’s stop the waste—in your routes and your budget.

1. Outdated or Static Routing Plans

The Problem:
If your waste fleet is still running on static, pre-set routes that were mapped out months—or even years—ago, you’re already behind. These rigid plans assume every bin fills the same way, every street moves the same speed, and every driver has the same workload. But in real life, that’s rarely true.

This lack of adaptability means drivers often travel longer distances, make unnecessary stops at half-empty bins, or get stuck in avoidable traffic delays. Over time, these inefficiencies compound—burning fuel, overtime hours, and vehicle lifespan without adding value.

The Fix:
Dynamic routing systems use real-time GPS, bin fill sensors, and historical route data to generate smarter, leaner schedules.

With the right platform, you can reroute trucks mid-shift to handle missed pickups, consolidate overlapping zones, or skip low-priority bins—without manual intervention.

You’re no longer guessing. You’re responding intelligently to what’s happening now.

Use Case:
A private hauler servicing a mid-sized city deployed bin-level sensors and GPS tracking across its fleet. By analyzing real-time and historical data, they restructured their routes to eliminate low-yield stops and prioritize full bins. The result? A 17% reduction in total route time and a noticeable drop in fuel and labor costs.

Why It Matters:
Every unnecessary mile is a wasted dollar—and with fuel prices and labor rates rising, static routing isn’t just inefficient. It’s expensive.

Pro Tip:
If your routes haven’t been reviewed in 6+ months, they’re probably costing you. Start by overlaying GPS trip history with bin fill levels and comparing them to actual stop locations. The gaps will reveal themselves fast.

 

2. Untracked Assets Lead to Missed Pickups and Disputes

The Problem:
Even with optimized routes, you’re still vulnerable if you can’t see where your assets are. Unmonitored bins, roll-offs, and containers can be misplaced, misused, or forgotten entirely. That’s not just a logistical headache—it’s a revenue leak.

Missed pickups often lead to customer complaints, service credits, or costly return trips. Worse, without a reliable audit trail, it’s your word against theirs. And when containers go missing, the replacement cost isn’t the only loss—you also lose service revenue tied to that asset.

The Fix:
Modern waste fleets are using Bluetooth and GPS-enabled trackers to monitor high-value assets in real time. These systems provide exact bin locations, movement history, and service confirmation, helping prevent unauthorized use or relocation. The result is tighter accountability, better service reliability, and far fewer disputes.

Use Case:
A regional hauler deployed Bluetooth trackers on over 100 commercial dumpsters. When clients disputed missed pickups, the fleet could instantly verify service history, location, and bin movement. This not only protected revenue—it strengthened client trust.

Why It Matters:
Losing track of bins and vehicles doesn’t just slow you down—it costs you money. Asset visibility is the foundation for reliable service and operational efficiency.

Pro Tip:
Start by identifying your highest-value or most frequently moved assets. Equipping just these with trackers can yield outsized results in reducing service errors, preventing loss, and validating performance.

 

3. You Can’t Improve What You Don’t Measure

The Problem:
Even if your routes and assets are dialed in, your operation could still be bleeding money—quietly and consistently—if you’re not measuring performance at every level. Many waste fleets run blind, relying on anecdotal feedback or driver reports instead of hard data. That makes it nearly impossible to pinpoint where delays, inefficiencies, or service failures are actually happening.

Without granular metrics, you can’t tell if one driver is consistently slower, if certain zones are underperforming, or if your service claims are accurate. And when a customer calls to dispute a missed pickup, you’re left scrambling to piece together proof—or worse, issuing a refund you didn’t need to.

The Fix:
Smart fleets use performance analytics tools that track route completion, stops per hour, missed pickups, and driver-specific trends. Integrating dash cams and geofencing takes it further—enabling video-backed service verification that’s time-stamped and GPS-validated.

This kind of clarity doesn’t just resolve disputes. It exposes bottlenecks, identifies high-performers, and highlights areas for training or route restructuring.

Use Case:
A municipal waste team used telematics trip history and geofencing to disprove over a dozen false claims of missed service—saving more than $8,000 in waived fees and service credits. That same data helped optimize shift schedules and reduce overtime.

Why It Matters:
Performance data is how great operations get better—and how weak spots get fixed before they turn into bigger problems.

Pro Tip:
If you can’t pull up a dashboard that shows missed pickups per driver or route in under a minute, you’re missing critical visibility. Start small by tracking route completion rates, then layer in driver comparisons and video verification over time.

 

4. Fuel and Maintenance Costs Keep Climbing

The Problem:
You’ve tightened up routes. You’ve tracked assets. But there’s a bigger, slower bleed happening in the background: rising fuel and maintenance costs. For most waste fleets, these two line items make up the bulk of operational expenses—and if left unchecked, they quietly erode profit margins month after month.

The issue? Too many fleets still rely on reactive maintenance and overlook inefficient driving behaviors that burn fuel unnecessarily. Idling, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and poor route adherence all contribute to higher fuel usage and faster wear on vehicles.

The Fix:
Fleet telematics platforms can monitor engine diagnostics, track idle time, flag aggressive driving, and automate vehicle health reports. These insights allow you to enforce idle policies, coach drivers on efficient behavior, and catch maintenance issues before they escalate. Predictive maintenance scheduling based on fault codes and usage history means vehicles stay on the road longer—and breakdowns happen far less often.

Use Case:
A side-loader fleet serving urban and suburban zones implemented idle time alerts and rerouted low-efficiency areas. They also shifted from paper DVIRs to digital maintenance workflows. Within three months, fuel consumption dropped by 12%, and unplanned maintenance events were cut nearly in half.

Why It Matters:
Fuel and repair costs add up quickly—but they’re also some of the most controllable expenses. The fleets that stay ahead aren’t spending more—they’re spending smarter.

Pro Tip:
Start by tracking idle time per route and driver. You’ll often find 20% of your drivers account for 80% of the fuel waste. Pair that with fault-code alerts to schedule maintenance before breakdowns—not after.

 

5. Overlapping Routes and Blind Spots Drive Up Operating Costs

The Problem:
Even with strong individual components—routes, assets, drivers, and maintenance—many waste fleets still struggle with one big-picture issue: operational blind spots. Without a unified view of how all those pieces connect, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overlapping routes, underutilized assets, and inconsistent cost tracking.

You may have trucks servicing the same area on different shifts. Or drivers doubling back unnecessarily. Or high-cost zones that keep flying under the radar. These inefficiencies often go unnoticed—until overtime spikes, missed pickups increase, or fuel budgets run dry.

The Fix:
Integrating your telematics, route planning, and cost tracking tools into a single dashboard gives you a full operational view. From there, you can analyze cost per route, per vehicle, and per driver—pinpointing where money is being wasted and where workflows need adjustment. Many smart fleets now use dashboards that align labor, fuel, maintenance, and output across all routes—turning what was once guesswork into clear, data-backed decisions.

Use Case:
A waste management firm serving several municipalities overhauled its routing strategy after analyzing cost-per-stop across its fleet. They discovered two overlapping zones causing $14,000 per quarter in avoidable costs. By consolidating coverage and reassigning underused trucks, they cut overtime by 22% and improved SLA compliance.

Why It Matters:
Operational costs aren’t just about what you can see—they’re about what you’ve been missing. When every part of your system works in isolation, the inefficiencies multiply.

Pro Tip:
Audit your last month of route and cost data. Look for repeated areas, underperforming trucks, or routes with high costs and low output. It’s often not a volume problem—it’s a visibility problem.

 

What a Modern Waste Optimization System Should Include

The Problem:
Knowing the issues is only half the battle. The real challenge is building a system that solves them—consistently, at scale, and without adding complexity. Too many fleets are still juggling disconnected tools: one for routing, another for maintenance, and spreadsheets for everything else. The result? Slow decisions, missed opportunities, and constant fire drills.

The Fix:
A truly modern waste optimization platform brings every part of your operation into one connected system. It doesn’t just track—it enables real-time action across routing, performance, compliance, and cost control. When telematics, maintenance, dispatch, and driver data are unified, you move from reactive management to proactive strategy.

Must-Have Features:

  • Route Optimization and Trip History: Dynamically adjust in response to traffic, bin fill levels, and service issues.
  • Bin-Level Fill Sensors: Skip half-full bins and focus on priority pickups.
  • Dual Dash Cams and Geofencing: Validate service, resolve disputes, and train drivers with visual data.
  • Asset Tracking (Bluetooth/Solar): Know exactly where your containers are—and when they move.
  • Automated DVIR and Maintenance Workflows: Prevent breakdowns before they happen.
  • Driver Performance Analytics: Identify top performers and areas for improvement.
  • TMS, Camera, and Maintenance Integration: One platform, one view, no gaps.

Why It Matters:
Without integration, even the best tools fall short. But when your systems talk to each other, your operation becomes leaner, faster, and more profitable.

Pro Tip:
If your team spends more time updating spreadsheets than analyzing performance, it’s time to reassess your tech stack. A single, connected platform doesn’t just save time—it drives better decisions at every level.

 

Final Thoughts: Optimize or Fall Behind

The Problem:
Waste collection is no longer a simple, routine task—it’s a high-stakes operation with thin margins and rising expectations. Municipalities and commercial clients now demand faster service, cleaner data, and proof of performance. If your operation isn’t evolving, it’s falling behind. And in this industry, that means missed contracts, shrinking margins, and frustrated clients.

The Fix:
The most successful fleets don’t just collect—they optimize. They use connected data, predictive tools, and real-time visibility to streamline every aspect of their operations. From route efficiency to service verification, they’ve turned guesswork into strategy. And they’re reaping the rewards in lower fuel costs, fewer complaints, and stronger bids.

Why It Matters:
The next RFP won’t be won with promises—it will be won with proof. Data-backed performance, verified service history, and integrated compliance tools are now baseline expectations. Smart fleets are already there. The rest are scrambling to catch up.

Pro Tip:
Look at your operation through one question: Can we prove we’re the most efficient, reliable choice in our market? If the answer is no—or even maybe—it’s time to upgrade.

GoFleet helps waste fleets reduce fuel costs, prevent service disputes, and streamline operations through one connected platform. If you’re ready to run leaner, smarter, and more profitably—book a personalized demo today. Let’s make waste collection a competitive advantage, not a cost center.

 

smart sensors, waste management, bin fill

Smart Waste Management: Implementing Smart Sensors For Cost Savings

Businesses working with fleets incur many challenges and aim to improve their performance in aspects like maintenance, safety, and efficiency. Though, like any business, they work with a budget, and should look into telematics to help reduce their costs. When cost saving strategies are discussed, Smart Sensors must be mentioned.

 

Cost Saving & A Rise In Efficiency, A Result Of Smart Sensors

Smart Sensors reduce costs by making fleet processes efficient. They digitally record data on physical environments and analyze the information prior to transmitting it to a software database. They are designed to provide waste management fleets with fill levels in bins with utmost measurement accuracy. 

 

How Do Smart Bins Work

Fleets, specifically in the waste management industry will now be able to monitor all sorts of waste types including mixed waste, paper, plastics, glass, clothing, bio waste, liquids, electronics, metal, and more in bins and containers of any size and type. 

Their features continue with being robust, water and shock resistant sensors, as well as are functional within a wide temperature range while being able to measure from 3 cm up to 400cm. 

Furthermore, they can provide a fast data transfer by connecting to several Internet of Things (IoT) networks or General Packet Radio Services (GPRS).

 

How It’s Beneficial On A Daily Basis

These sensors can be positioned to report 24 times a day, or even every minute so dispatch teams can monitor in real time. When bins are filled over their pre-set fill capacity, vehicles can be dispatched immediately. 

For example, the sensors can be set so when a garbage bin is between 80 – 100% full, the bin will be added to the next route for being emptied. This can save time and resources on a daily basis. 

 

What Is Smart Waste Management

Smart Sensors are designed to be leveraged in several processes, but it’s most popular amongst the waste management industry.  This is because of its ability to improve dispatching and vehicle utilization during routes, which allows fleets to make data-oriented decisions to improve operational efficiency.

The Smart Sensor technology depends on internal sensors monitoring, a key environmental factor, and the integrated element of the Internet of Things (IoT) to remain connected. Such technology will allow management to reduce inefficiency and save on resources.

 

How Implementing Smart Sensors Leads To Cost Savings

With the use of smart sensors, bin fill levels can now be monitored so fleets can keep an eye out on when bins need to actually be emptied. This will prevent unnecessary trips where trucks locate bins and empty them when they are barely filled. As a result, fleets will only prioritize and use resources when necessary. 

 

Early And Long Term ROI

When fleets will begin to use their resources properly, they will see higher productivity and better use of vehicles, resulting in lower costs, as well as better efficiency. Since this will affect fleet management on a daily level, a return on investment will be seen almost immediately depending on fleet size.

 

Improved Customer Satisfaction While Being Competitive

A return on investment would also be evident in fleets that work with private businesses that require them to dispose of their waste. Fleets will only dispatch vehicles to private businesses when bins are near full, resulting in the customer being billed only when necessary. This process will give fleets happier clients all while remaining competitive.

Smart Sensors are yet to be introduced to several fleets, and resellers should consider taking advantage of the ways to help vehicle-based businesses to improve their cost saving strategies. When addressing waste management fleets, smarter dispatching based on bin fill monitoring should be discussed. For more information on implementing Smart Sensor technology, and how bin fill monitoring can be utilized to save on resources, contact us today.

Waste Disposal Fleets

The Responsibilities Of Waste Disposal Fleets That Can’t Be Overlooked

Waste removal fleets are under constant pressure. If they miss a day in their schedule, the fleet could face setbacks and flak for days after. To help reduce adverse outcomes, having 360 telematics solutions to minimize physical, business and environmental risks

 

A 360 Solution In Action For Waste Disposal Fleets

We’ll discuss the top three responsibilities that waste removal fleets have from the moment they are deployed. We’ll also see how 360 solutions that leverage GPS tracking via engine monitoring, sensors, online learning platforms, and smart camera systems can be used to help ensure that a waste disposal fleet is always meeting their responsibilities. 

waste disposal, waste management, telematics, technology

 

A Fleet’s Responsibility To The Environment: GPS Tracking And Sensors

Waste disposal fleets have a responsibility to reduce their environmental impact. In 1999, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act was put forward to prevent acts that lead to pollution and harm to the environment. Specifically, the act focuses on businesses and organizations remaining sustainable by reducing emissions and stopping improper disposal of waste. After this act was in place, waste management fleets felt the need to use telematics to reduce their fleet operation’s environmental footprint. Fleets used this new focus on the environment as an encouragement to implement GPS tracking and sensors to not only make routing more efficient but improve driver behaviour. 

For many private or business-based waste disposal companies, GPS tracking solutions proves useful when optimizing the routes driven based on the fill levels of waste bins. Doing this helps to ensure that businesses do not produce extra and unnecessary emissions. This is made possible by installing bin fill sensors on waste bins to monitor the content fill level. After installation, when the sensor detects a fill level over 80%, the bin is automatically placed on a route so it can be emptied. Time and resources are no longer wasted on emptying bins that aren’t full yet. Likewise, using bin fill sensors can significantly reduce litter resulting from overfilled bins. These sensors are often used in waste disposal bins in public places like parks or residential areas where it may be hard to visually monitor when a bin needs to be emptied.

For public or residential waste pickup services, GPS tracking solutions can also help correct bad driving behaviour. Need a clearer picture? Government vehicles can idle for up to 4 hours a day to result in up to 27 million gallons of excess fuel each year. By using a GPS tracking and engine monitoring system in a vehicle, the device can monitor the engine activity. The device can alert the driver when the vehicle is idling to correct their errors and stop unnecessary fuel wastage. When a solution like this is in place, idling can be reduced by up to 20% to lower greenhouse gas emissions and even help the fleet save fuel by reducing consumption. 

 

A Fleet’s Responsibility To Conducting Proper Driver Training: Smart Camera Systems 

Another responsibility that waste disposal fleets have addressed with telematics solutions is driver training. Specifically the implementation of dash and full-vehicle camera systems to monitor driver behaviour – or the responsibility to properly conduct driver training to maintain safety on roadways.

When used alone, camera solutions can monitor how well drivers absorb training. This applies to new hires who must absorb new material and veteran drivers who may develop bad driving habits over time. However, it should be noted that the main way that camera solutions have evolved is through the learning process. Specifically how previous footage of driving incidents can be used in future training material to teach drivers how to maneuver unique situations. 

Currently, camera systems are being used by fleets for safety training by visually showing drivers how to approach unique situations. For example, when pedestrians or cars are blocking curbside bins, videos of drivers properly encountering this in the past can be shown—essentially allowing previous drivers who are operating safely to be used as an example to fellow drivers.

For training, camera solutions work best when paired with an online training platform like ZenduLearn. ZenduLearn allows for managers to assign and track the training of all drivers easily. This ensures that they receive refresher courses on basic driving skills and that drivers receive specific training regarding the types of waste they are transporting or unique scenarios they may encounter. Depending on the nature of a waste removal fleet, a solution like this may become essential to quickly and efficiently educate new team members. 

ZenduLearn Train certificate

 

A Fleet’s Responsibility To Remain Accountable: Smart Camera System And Sensors

The third responsibility that waste disposal fleets have on the road is the responsibility of remaining accountable to driving events or incidents. Specifically driver accountability. While we previously discussed some aspects of maintaining accountability with camera solutions and training, this thought continues when fleets use the camera footage for driving incident reconstruction. A good example is reviewing footage to manage complaints or concerns, so appropriate actions such as additional training or driver suspension can happen.

When camera solutions are installed, the devices are able to capture everything that is happening within its view. Cameras on waste disposal fleets have a view of the driver, the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. When these areas are recorded, any complaints about drivers on mobile devices or reckless driving can be later reviewed. In fact, these cameras help drivers protect themselves from false complaints from residents. Specifically, residential complaints of unemptied curbside waste bins that were blocked by a vehicle (making it unsafe to approach and service) as the driver can take a snapshot of the unsafe scenario.

In addition to helping fleets better service bins and maintain efficiency on routes, sensors can help fleets remain accountable. When sensors are placed on moving vehicle parts such as arms or packer panels, teams can know precisely when movable parts of the vehicle are in motion. So if there is a complaint about arms moving and causing damage to buildings, or packer panel doors not opening in time to cause garbage to become litter, the occurrence will be recorded.

When waste disposal teams take advantage of 360 telematics solutions, they are able to improve their service. When it comes to a fleet’s responsibility to the environment, training or remaining accountable, there is no room for shortcuts or errors. If you’re interested to learn more about a 360 solution that is unique to your business needs, contact us today to speak to one of our consultants. 

Taking Your Fleet Telematics to the Next Level

With basic telematics implemented into your fleet, you are now able to track the location, movement and speed of all of your vehicles, which helps your organization increase efficiencies, and effectively, reduce wasted time and improve costs.

So, what comes next?

Advanced Fleet Tracking
Once you have the basics in place, you can start to dive deeper into telematics technology in order to really fine tune and optimize your fleet operation.

Check out these major benefits your company can gain by implementing advanced fleet telematics solutions.

Increased Safety
By monitoring driver behaviour – things such as how fast your driver is driving and how aggressive their driving may be – you can use technology that allows you to talk to the driver and coach them through safer driving practices, thereby increasing safety for them and for your vehicle.

It has been shown that drivers who are aware that their driving habits are being monitored, are more apt to perform safer behaviour which not only increases their safety, but also reduces accidents and damage to vehicles and freight.

Increased Efficiencies
By using real time communication as an add-on to your basic telematics, and adding in some routing apps, you can manage driver routes more efficiently – if there is an accident, you would be able to re-route the driver and eliminate wasted time having them stuck in traffic with high priority loads on the vehicle.

By using some of these type of add-ons to your basic telematics, adding a few minutes more to your driver’s HOS (Hours of Service) can really increase your fleet efficiency and delivery rate.

Reduce Operating Costs
In being able to track even the smallest things, such as idling time and minimizing it, a fleet can increase savings by reducing fuel costs. Other things that can be looked at are tracking at a more granular level, such as live movements on a map, maps routing, stopping vehicles, accidents and who’s responsible, which allows for increased productivity thereby reducing costs.

Optimize Vehicle Performance
With advanced telematics, sensors can send out alerts about engine issues and other diagnostic problems. Further to that, the data can be used in a predictive manner to determine when service should happen on a vehicle and allow for advanced planning in order to ensure as much uptime for the fleet as possible and manage the expenses related to repairs.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint
It’s a hot topic these days more and more companies realize that not only is this good for business, it’s good for the planet as well. By reducing your fleet’s idling time and decreasing speeding (thereby reducing the amount of exhaust and CO2), not only are you increasing the safety of your fleet and drivers, increasing your efficiencies and reducing your costs, you are also helping to do your part in reducing emissions in the air for our future generation.

Streamline Compliance
With the Canadian ELD mandated for June 21st, 2020, it is imperative that fleets ensure they are compliant and implementing advanced telematics not only ensures this but provides many other benefits previously mentioned. In addition to the benefits, the cost of not being compliant is expensive and can be avoided with the correct telematics solutions in place.

Do you need to upgrade your telematics plan for advanced fleet tracking?
Some features are already built into your tracking device that collects the data and some solutions require you to step up to the next level of offered services and products.

In order to get the most out of your fleet telematics so that you can save your company time, money and increase efficiencies and safety, give GoFleet a call. We are here to help create a customized and fully integrated telematics solution that is specific to your needs and lets you get the most value for your money.

Advanced fleet tracking is much more than GPS services and with the telematics of the future, there are and will be so much more you can do in order to continually create the best fleet management company you can envision.

GoFleet – Connected Technology. Smarter Solutions.
Discover more about GoFleet and its Telematics Services

Waste Management Solutions Optimize Routes & Increase Safety

Waste Management is an area that is ripe for improvement through telematics. Garbage trucks run similar routes day after day, and any time that can be shaved off the route is saving the company money. It’s not like a bus route that must keep to a schedule. We offer a comprehensive telematics package that can drastically improve your waste management operations.

A Complete System

Our Waste Management Solutions offer several components that when combined, provide the biggest benefits. The heart of our waste management solutions is our GO7 device, the most popular telematics device in the world. It fits in the palm of your hand and easily connects to most vehicles, allowing it to collect GPS data plus information from the engine and other onboard sensors. This data is all relayed back to fleet managers through a variety of methods and with the latest encryption technology.

Another key piece of technology is a packer control monitoring sensor. This device automatically tracks how full a vehicle’s storage is, allowing a fleet manager to adjust plans as necessary. Next comes ZenduCam, with a driver bookmark feature that provides a view into the receptacle of the truck. Finally, complete waste management systems incorporate “arms up” sensors to record whenever a load is lifted and bin tag beacons to keep track of each deployed bin.

Data For Managers and Customers

These devices allow fleet managers to scrutinize the time spent in each step of the process. This includes visibility into how long each stop takes. Fleet managers may notice that certain stops take a long time to complete and they may need to take steps to improve accessibility to trash receptacles at those sites. Power take off diagnostics allow fleet managers to see the frequency and duration of each waste bin lift. Data can also be provided back to customers. Most notably, our comprehensive waste management solutions allow fleet managers to provide verifiable proof of service to their customers. The packer control monitor also provides some visibility into how much waste is coming from a particular route or location.

Limitless Additional Features

If you choose our waste management solutions, you also have the option to add numerous additional features. For example, we can pair your system with fuel card integration that tracks how much fuel is going into the vehicle. Fuel transactions can be compared with other data such as route planning and idle times to minimize fuel costs. We have a comprehensive route dispatching system that is delivered via one of the latest Garmin GPS systems. These can provide turn-by-turn assistance, hours of service tracking, and personalized messages to drivers. Our systems can also monitor and improve driver safety with long-term driver reports that can be used to reward good drivers and redirect those that need improvement. Our GO7 device provides immediate, in-vehicle feedback to drivers. For example, drivers can be given an audible warning for speeding, revving the engine, swerving, cornering, harsh braking, and much more.

 

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Fleet Management GPS Tracking- The Waste & Recycling Industry

Fleet Management GPS Tracking- The Waste & Recycling Industry

When you manage a waste or recycling company, you might not be aware that the routes your drivers take can mean the difference between making a profit or a loss. Using fleet management GPS tracking, you can equip your drivers with the best available maps and efficient driving routes to help your team thrive. In addition, you will be able to monitor your assets to prevent unproductive driving and asset theft.

In order to be truly successful and profitable in the waste and recycling business, the first thing you must do is provide your drivers with the proper tools to seamlessly handle service calls. The second thing you need is to be able to proactively and effectively manage your drivers and fleet. Routes must be planned efficiently so drivers are not wasting time or gas getting from point-to-point. The third thing you need to do is to secure your fleet so it does not get tampered with or stolen. Each of these items can drastically affect your company’s bottom line. The good news is GoFleet’s fleet management tracking system can take care of all three areas, allowing you to become more successful.

In the waste and recycling industry, you have a job to get done regardless of surrounding environmental conditions or extreme weather. That is why GoFleet’s real-time GPS devices are durably built with a sturdy weather and water resistant exterior. A fleet management GPS tracking system can be easy installed in your fleet of waste and recycling trucks.

When you implement fleet management GPS tracking, you will be able to manage your drivers and your fleet from any location. If drivers go out of the authorized area, excessively idle or speed, your fleet manager will be notified by SMS text message or email. This allows you the opportunity to contact the driver to correct the issue immediately. Fleet management GPS tracking also provides many valuable reports, such as hours-of-use, at a touch of a button.

Waste Management Industry Clean Up With GPS Technology

GPS Technology and the Waste Management Industry

The importance of the waste management industry cannot be understated. That trash piled up in your lunch room or office space has to go somewhere, and we are certainly glad to see it leave when the familiar sound of a trash truck rumbles down the street. Getting rid of annoying daily trash, however, isn’t the only service this industry provides. Waste management companies provide environmental services that eliminate hazardous materials that come in the form of liquid and solid wastes. They collect these wastes from businesses and residential locations so that our environment can remain safe. With this kind of burden on the shoulders of businesses in this industry, it’s important to be assured that trash trucks are completing their routes on time, and correctly cleaning up the neighborhoods. It is also important to make sure that drivers are safely executing their work, and hitting every stop on their route.

New Ways to Clean

GPS tracking technology has infiltrated this industry in a grand way, letting companies manage risk, maintain efficiency, and even lower spending. With the installation of a simple device, the waste management industry has found a brand new way to clean up the earth. With GoFleet’s Geotab GO GPS tracking device, GoFleet is helping these companies implement cost-savings, safer drivers, and more efficient measures to assist in their daily routines. With the ability to track fleet vehicle locations, GoFleet is able to provide our waste management clients with significant amounts of useful data. Companies can utilize this service to ensure efficient routes are being taken. This not only saves time and billable hours by identifying more efficient routes, but also saves on fuel costs. With the reporting features of the latest GPS tracking devices, vehicle maintenance needs can be identified ahead of time, instead of costly towing services being called once the vehicle breaks down.

The Benefits Just Keep on Coming…

Saving money is a great motivator, but reducing liability combined with the ability to track and train drivers is better! GoFleet’s GPS vehicle tracking devices show theft protection measures, as well as protection measures that include accident re-creation. These lead to lowered insurance costs for your company, but with an added benefit of reducing your liability. Fleet Managers are consistently searching for ways to keep their drivers safe, as well as ways to make sure their drivers are keeping other drivers safe. Our Driver Coaching GPS Trackers offer just one of the ways to help this issue. By providing an accelerometer built into the system, the tracker can provide feedback on how drivers are taking care of their vehicles. Hard braking and harsh acceleration are two of the types of information this feature tracks. By observing these types of behaviours, waste management companies can ensure their drivers are completing their work in an appropriate manner, keeping them, the vehicle, and the surrounding public safe. In addition, compliance issues can be significantly reduced with the utilization of this technology. Hours of Service, as well as Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports are easily created and maintained, never leaving the paperwork to collect uncompleted on a desk.

With so many unique features and benefits available with GPS technology at GoFleet, why wait to try it out? Check out a demo and try the program free for 30 days!