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The future of the trucking industry has arrived with the new Tesla semi truck being released this year. Tesla semis were first revealed by Elon Musk in 2017 and experienced quite a few delays getting to the market. The brand new electric truck has finally arrived however, and the Pepsi Company (PepsiCo) is the first carrier company to use it.
PepsiCo originally ordered 100 Tesla semi trucks, and 15 of the vehicles will be launched first in the Modesto area. Following Modesto, PepsiCo will launch 21 more of the Tesla semis in Sacramento. The Pepsi Company owns one of the largest private semi fleets in all of North America and hopes to reduce their carbon footprint with these new energy efficient vehicles. The trucks can supposedly run for up to 425 miles using a single charge, making them the most sustainable semi on the market today.
The Pepsi company will begin transporting its famous Frito-Lay products from their Modesto California facility and will also send trucks on 100 mile daily routes, delivering Pepsi cola from the Sacramento warehouse. It also plans to test out the new trucks’ long range capabilities using the Sacramento facility, driving Pepsi from the Sacramento branch to other stores and warehouses located between 300 and 400 miles away.
The California Air Resources Board is working with PepsiCo to transition the facility in Modesto to be able to demonstrate all of the benefits of zero, and near zero emission technologies on both current and future sustainability. According to a CNBC interview with Mike O’Connell, the vice president of the supply chain for PepsiCo., the Tesla semi project has already delivered a 91% reduction in greenhouse gasses. This energy savings is an excellent first step which the company then plans to filter down into their other operations.
Transitioning to Electric Semis Means Updated Trucking Fleet Management
As more and more companies start transitioning to sustainable models such as the Tesla semi, they will need trucking fleet management services more than ever. What fleet management means is the ability to maintain accurate records and licensing documentation for an entire fleet of vehicles. Trucking fleet management can be overwhelming for a company to manage in-house since many companies are already at capacity with their staff and resources.
What fleet management means when you choose to hire a company like VLC, is less stress and more streamlined trucking fleet management from an entire team of professionals. At VLC we want to take the headache and hassle of trucking fleet management off of your plate so that you can focus on your routes, employees, maintenance, and all of the other day-to-day things that come with running a successful carrier company.
We also believe what fleet management means is more than just driver compliance. We have been serving customers for more than 50 years and are experienced at providing solutions to the entire trucking industry not only for driver compliance, but also for fleet optimization and vehicle compliance as well.
Choose VLC to Provide Optimum Trucking Fleet Management and Customer Service
At VLC we have an entire team of experts who have dedicated their careers to understanding the challenges of the trucking industry and are always working to both improve trucking fleet management and provide innovative and comprehensive solutions to each carrier company’s fleet of vehicles.
Along with basic trucking fleet management we also can assist businesses with driver safety and compliance, permitting and reporting, IRP registration, licensing, and operations’ costs. Whether your company is thinking about transitioning to electric fleets in the near future, or whether that is way out on the horizon, we will be ready to assist you in optimizing your trucking fleet management whenever you’re ready. This way, you can rest assured knowing an entire team of professionals is providing a foundation of safety, security, and optimum customer service for your business. Give us a call VLC today by dialing 530-637-1696 or emailing us at info@im4trux.com
Fleet Management, Geotab
At Vehicle Licensing Consultants (VLC), we commonly get questions about Geotab and how it can benefit carrier companies. But what is Geotab exactly and how can it help you make better informed decisions for your business? At VLC we want to help our clients understand the ins and outs of the industry and offer tools that can help make it simpler to increase your company’s efficiency.
What is Geotab?
Geotab is a commercial telematics vendor that offers GPS tracking solutions for vehicles along with other non-vehicle asset tracking. Geotab has been rated number one by the ABI research group for commercial telematics vendors, and it continues to impress the international community with innovative and creative solutions combined with top-of-the-line technology.
Whether you are a small company that has only a single vehicle or a large company that has an entire fleet, when you go to your Geotab login the “My Geotab” program can help you stay abreast of what is happening with your fleet at any time.
What kinds of things does Geotab offer?
The solutions that your Geotab login offers are many and the Geotab Data Insight Solution program can provide you with essential data analysis to organize and empower your company. The Geotab marketplace uses a variety of products that can help with efficiency, allowing you to know the location of all of your vehicles at any time.
Geotab offers the following benefits to carrier companies across the globe:
- increased optimization through fleet maintenance
- fleet benchmarking
- fleet management
- asset tracking and management
- routing and dispatching services
- driver tracking and reporting
Geotab also offers safety and compliance in the following areas:
- driver coaching through a Geotab login
- electronic logging device (ELD)
- driver/vehicle inspection reports
- driver safety reporting
- dash cams
- compliance within the international fuel tax agreement (FTA)
Finally, Geotab offers both sustainability and expandability through:
- hardware integration
- data insights to companies
- EV fleet management software integration
- greenhouse gas and emission reductions
What is the Geotab GO?
The Geotab GO is a small vehicle tracking device that is a leader in the worldwide marketplace in GPS services. The Geotab GO easily plugs into your vehicle’s OBDII port if one is available, and if not, an adapter can be used as well.
There is no lengthy installation process and installing the Geotab GO does not require a professional installation expert or any specialty tools at all! Data can be sent from a variety of sources within the vehicle including:
- the instrument panel
- the drivetrain
- the engine
- other subsystems
By using a variety of internal networks, the Geotab GO is able to provide rich data at all times. There is also a Geotab GO “rugged” telematics device that is perfect for heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, oilfield equipment, and any yellow iron vehicles. It is hearty and near indestructible, can be installed in a location where it will be exposed to the elements, and has all of the benefits of Geotab for your heavy machinery.
Reach Out to Learn More About Geotab Today!
If you are interested in learning more about how Geotab can help you contact us at VLC today by calling 530-637-1696 or emailing us at info@im4trux.com
Driver Qualification File Management
The ELD mandate’s purpose is to reduce the overall number of accidents, but there is much more to it than just tracking the service hours. Now, it’s possible to integrate Geotab data with your driver files for comprehensive driver tracking and reporting.
Having Accurate ELD Data for IFTA and IRP
Both the IFTA and IRP need to know the exact miles driven in each state. Geotab data can be used to accurately track mileage so that tax is allocated correctly and fuel costs are properly accounted for.
ELD Data for Detention Evidence
ELD data can be used for evidence when it comes to driver detention. Many times, shippers and receivers will not pay for the extra time that drivers must wait to be loaded or unloaded. Using Geotab data, you can easily see when the truck arrived, when the driver left, and how long they were detained.
Load Location Tracking Using ELD Data
ELD data can also be used to track load location. Geotab data can be used to calculate the time of arrival at the destination and the exact location of the truck at any given time. This is especially helpful for trucking companies who are trying to ensure their loads are delivered on time.
Trucking Software and ELD: Data Management
Integrating Geotab data with your trucking software and driver file management like DQMConnect can be a great way to manage ELD data. This integration allows for easy data management, and makes it easier to determine the total miles driven, the total fuel consumed, and the hours of service for each driver.
Integrate Geotab Data and Driver Files With DQMConnect
Integrating driver files with Geotab data has never been easier thanks to DQMConnect and Vehicle Licensing Consultants. Our software is the leading driver file management system for trucking companies, and it allows for easy integration with Geotab data. With our system, you can manage your driver files and Geotab data in a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
Additionally, you can stay compliant with IFTA and IRP regulations, while being prepared for a DOT audit if necessary. In the case that you are audited, you can easily access any driver information and Geotab data you may need to prove your compliance with the regulations.
Integrating Geotab data with your driver files is the key to staying compliant and improving the efficiency of your trucking operations. With DQMConnect, you can easily manage all of your Geotab data and driver files in one system. Contact us today to learn more about DQMConnect, or schedule a discovery call for a live demo.
DQMConnect™, Driver Qualification File Management, FMCSA
The FMCSA has been conducting offsite audits for over 3 years. Starting in 2019, they were largely focused on safety reviews. However, the number and types of offsite audits have been on the rise. The pandemic encouraged the transition while the ease and cost effectiveness of offsite audits are continuing the trend upward.
In 2020, nearly 5 times the number of offsite audits were conducted as compared with 2019. Last year, 2021 saw a rule change enabling the FMCSA to issue safety ratings after an offsite audit. More motor carriers are receiving a “conditional” safety rating than “satisfactory”, despite so many audits being done remotely. This is something the agency could never do before.
Given the trend of the past 3 years and the fact that offsite audits appear to be working, they will likely remain part of the agency’s approach for years to come.
Let’s examine the audit numbers for 2021.
6% increase in audits; 95% resulting in violations
30% increase in audits that uncovered severe violations
37% increase in audits with critical violations such as missing records
The rise in conditional safety ratings is an important consideration for any HR manager or Fleet Manager. Conditional safety ratings can have costly consequences, including lost customers, higher insurance rates, and increased liability in court.
The Transition to Offsite Audits
As we can see, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is relying more heavily on offsite audits. It is time for you to embrace a DQM File Management tool to help ensure your compliance and facilitate these offsite audits. DQMConnect has a truly unique approach to DQM File Management. You maintain control of your files and it presents you with your compliance status and prepares the necessary audit files right from the Dashboard. No waiting. No loss of control. The data is yours and is accessible 24×7. For you and for the auditor should you need it.
Let us show you why more carriers are moving to DQMConnect to stay in control, in compliance, and audit ready!
DOT Compliance, DQMConnect™, Driver Qualification File Management
If your business is in the trucking industry, such as a fleet management company, you are likely aware of the DOT audit process. A DOT audit can be a nerve-wracking experience, but if you prepare for it properly, you can make the process as smooth as possible. Let’s discuss what you need to do to prepare for a DOT audit, what happens during an audit, and what happens if you fail one.
Ultimately, the best way to make sure a DOT audit does not become an issue for your company is to have strong DOT driver qualification file management with the help of software.
How to Prepare for a Trucking DOT Audit
The best way to get through a DOT audit is to be prepared before it even happens. Here are a few tips on how you can do that:
- Know the DOT Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the DOT regulations so that you know what is expected of your company. This way, you can make sure that all your policies and procedures are in compliance.
- Keep Detailed Records: DOT auditors will want to see detailed records of your driver qualification files, maintenance records, and more. Make sure that these records are organized and up-to-date before an auditor arrives.
- Be Proactive: If you know that an audit is coming up, take some time to review your procedures and make sure everything is in order. This will help put the auditor’s mind at ease and make the process go more smoothly.
What Happens During a DOT Audit?
During a DOT audit, an auditor will review all your company’s records and procedures. First, you will receive an opening conference where the auditor will explain the audit process and what they will be looking for. Next, the auditor will review your DOT driver qualification files to make sure they are complete and up-to-date. They will also look at your maintenance records to ensure that your vehicles are being properly maintained. Lastly, the auditor will conduct interviews with you and your staff to check for compliance with DOT regulations.
They will look at your driver qualification files, maintenance records, drug and alcohol testing programs, and more.
If you fail a DOT audit, you may be subject to fines, penalties, or other consequences. However, if you are prepared for the audit and have strong DOT driver qualification file management, you should be able to avoid any issues.
What Your Driver Qualification Files Need to Have
To DOT audit-proof your trucking business, you need to ensure that your driver qualification files are complete and up-to-date. This includes maintaining records of the following:
- Driver’s licenses
- Medical certificates
- DOT physical examination results
- Employment applications
- Resumes
- MVR reports
- DOT drug and alcohol test results
- DOT crash reports
- Safety performance history
By keeping detailed records of your drivers, you can be sure that you are in compliance with DOT regulations. This will make the audit process much easier and help you avoid any penalties.
The Pitfalls of Failing a DOT Audit
A trucking DOT audit is unique in that there are DOT regulations in place specifically for the trucking industry. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of both drivers and the general public. As a result, DOT audits tend to be more stringent than other types of audits.
If you fail a DOT audit, you may be subject to:
- DOT compliance review
- DOT safety rating downgrades
- DOT enforcement actions
- DOT shutdowns
If you are not prepared for a DOT audit, it can be a stressful and difficult experience. However, if you take the time to prepare and have strong DOT driver qualification file management, you should be able to handle an audit with ease.
How DOT Driver Qualification File Management Helps
DOT driver qualification file management is the key to success when it comes to DOT audits. By using software, you can keep track of your driver files, maintenance records, and more in one place. This will make it easier for you to find the information an auditor is looking for and ensure that everything is up-to-date.
Driver file management software can also help you stay in compliance with DOT regulations. The software can remind you when it is time to update a driver’s file or administer a drug test. This will take the guesswork out of DOT compliance and help you avoid any penalties or fines.
Handle Your DOT Audit with Ease Thanks to DOT Driver Qualification File Management
If you are looking for an easy way to prepare for DOT audits, DOT driver qualification file management software like DQMConnect is one of the best ways to remain prepared at all times. DOT driver qualification file management software is designed to help trucking companies stay DOT compliant and audit-ready at all times.
With DOT driver qualification file management, you can keep track of your drivers, vehicles, and maintenance records in one place. This will make it easier for you to find the information an auditor is looking for and ensure that everything is up to date.
Contact Vehicle Licensing Consultants today and stay DOT Audit-ready at all times with a free 30-day trial of DQMConnect.
