Efficient fleet management requires more than hard work in today’s fast-paced business environment. It also requires data. 

With comprehensive fleet data — such as fuel usage, fleet downtime, or driver behavior — you can optimize operations so they run more smoothly, safely, and affordably.

Telematics technology: Essential for data-driven fleet management

To practice data-driven fleet management, you first need a way to collect telematics data and use it to optimize your operations. 

Telematics hardware collects hundreds of data points, such as vehicle location and usage, fuel consumption, and engine error codes, from a vehicle’s onboard systems. Once collected, the data is packaged and transmitted to cloud-based fleet management software like Motive’s. In this central hub, managers and others can access the data for analysis, visualization, and reporting.

Bonus: Pair telematics with video data

Telematics hardware is the original foundation of data-driven fleet management. But when you add video to telematics data, you gain even more insight.

Tools like the Motive AI Dashcam detect and alert drivers to unsafe driving behaviors in real time, helping to prevent collisions. Motive pairs high-definition (HD) video with telematics data so that fleet managers can understand the full scenario. They get real-time insight into critical details of every accident and near-miss, including vehicle speed, braking behavior, and the precise location of every incident.

Strategy Analytics rated Motive the fastest, most accurate dash cam. See why.

4 ways to use data to optimize fleet management

Telematics and video data provide valuable insights across fleet operations. Keep reading to discover four ways you can develop a more data-driven fleet management program.

1. Implement real-time fleet tracking

Real-time GPS fleet tracking provides visibility into vehicle location, driver activity, and route efficiency. You can use this data to: 

  • Communicate better with customers. With accurate delivery times and route tracking, you can keep customers informed — increasing trust and reliability.
  • Respond quickly to emergencies or unplanned disruptions. If a vehicle breaks down or gets into an accident, managers can use data to send assistance to the right location quickly.
  • Plan the most effective routes with real-time data. Account for traffic patterns, road closures, and other factors that impact travel time.
Digitize your physical operations with Motive.

2. Prevent potential maintenance issues

You can use data to optimize management of fleet maintenance:

Schedule data-based maintenance. 

With vehicle usage data, you can customize specific maintenance schedules for each vehicle. 

Analyze maintenance data for trends. 

Review comprehensive records of maintenance services completed, along with costs, service notes, and service type to identify trends. Look for areas where you can improve your preventative maintenance program, or uncover the best time to replace aging vehicles before their maintenance expenses exceed their value. 

Did you know? Motive’s Integrated Operations Platform helps you identify areas for continuous improvement. You can analyze metrics like historic time out of service to discover which vehicles are most reliable, review all your service records, and stay informed on upcoming or overdue service.

Monitor vehicles in real time for maintenance issues. 

The Motive Vehicle Gateway conducts real-time maintenance monitoring on vehicles, making it easier for fleet managers to keep track of anomalies or signs of wear. When a vehicle does have a problem, you’ll know right away: Motive monitors engine fault codes in real time, and users can categorize the defect’s severity.

See how Duncan Oil slashed vehicle downtime by 50%


Improve driver habits to reduce wear and tear on vehicles.

Certain driving patterns can lead to higher costs. For example, consistent harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or excessive idling can cause more wear and tear on brakes, tires, and engines. With telematics data, you can identify unsafe and wasteful driving patterns and use the data to coach your drivers.

Discover how Staker Parson used data to uncover maintenance savings.

3. Optimize fuel usage

Data can help you implement strategies to decrease fuel consumption, such as:

  • Reducing fuel-wasting behaviors. Using telematics data, you can coach your team to become more aware of fuel-wasting habits (such as idling, speeding, or harsh acceleration). You can even use this data to create an incentive program to reward drivers who reduce idle time. 
  • Optimizing routes. Heavy traffic, weather, and unauthorized stops can increase fuel use. By leveraging GPS tracking and fleet management software, you can optimize routes and conserve fuel.

4. Improve driver safety

Fleet managers can use data to track incidents of speeding, harsh braking, or aggressive driving. This fleet safety data is invaluable for coaching drivers on safer driving practices and preventing accidents.

You can also use telematics to comply with safety regulations. By tracking Hours of Service (HOS), telematics ensures drivers adhere to mandated rest periods, reducing the possibility of drowsy driving and fatigue-related accidents.

Data-driven fleet management is efficient fleet management

Businesses that practice data-driven fleet management discover that it leads to significant improvements in safety, productivity, and profitability. For example, see how:

  • FusionSite Services achieved an 89% reduction in accidents and a 92% decrease in high-risk driving behaviors.
  • Carvana improved on-time deliveries by 10%.

Find out how Motive’s fleet management software could help you see improvements like this in your own fleet.