Boosting Fleet Driver Performance: Benefits, Key Metrics, and Technologies

When running a fleet business, you count on fleet driver performance or drivers’ ability to perform optimally, reduce the chances of accidents, and ensure timely delivery of goods. What if the drivers fail to meet the set standards and cause delays across the supply chain? What if the drivers ignore the fleet safety policies, we discussed in the last blog post?

Well, undoubtedly, your company will feel the heat of bearing the costs involved, let alone the degraded company reputation. This is why we highly recommend fleet managers and owners track driver performance. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know to improve fleet driver performance. Let’s get started.

What is Fleet Driver Performance?

Fleet driver performance refers to tracking fleet drivers’ behaviour on the road, which impacts their driving performance.

While measuring fleet driver performance, the focus is on figuring out the ill practices and loopholes that lead to inefficient driving and providing adequate feedback for correction.

When the drivers’ behaviour is quantified, fleet drivers can strategically improve their driving performance and help achieve the set fleet standards.

Benefits of Tracking Fleet Driver Performance

There are several benefits of tracking fleet driver performance. Let’s discuss the most important ones —

1. Reduces Fuel Costs

Fleet managers who track driver performance can identify behaviours that lead to excessive fuel consumption, such as idling, harsh braking, and speeding. When these counterproductive behaviours are addressed through training and feedback, it eventually helps drivers adopt more fuel-efficient driving habits, which leads to significant savings on fuel costs.

2. Improves Safety

Driver performance monitoring enables the identification of unsafe driving behaviours like speeding, hard braking, zig-zag driving, rapid acceleration, and others. Fleet managers can enhance overall driving safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure the well-being of drivers and other road users by simply providing feedback for corrective measures.

Source: iitd.ac.in

3. Increases Productivity

Tracking fleet driver performance helps identify and eliminate inefficiencies in driving routes and schedules. When the routes are optimised and drivers adhere to planned schedules, fleet managers can improve overall productivity, reduce downtime, and increase the number of deliveries or services completed within a given timeframe.

4. Better Customer Service

Accurate driver performance tracking allows fleet managers to provide more reliable and timely services. Fleet managers who ensure their drivers follow optimal routes and schedules set their companies for improved delivery times, enhanced service reliability, and higher customer satisfaction.

5. Ensures Compliance

Driver performance tracking backed by fleet management systems helps ensure that drivers comply with regulations and company policies, such as hours of service rules and vehicle maintenance schedules. In this way, companies can avoid fines and legal issues, maintain a good reputation, and ensure the safety and reliability of their fleet operations.

6. Develops a Culture of Appreciation

By recognizing and rewarding good driving performance, companies can foster a culture of appreciation and motivation among drivers. Positive reinforcement for safe and efficient driving behaviours encourages drivers to maintain high-performance standards, leading to a more engaged and committed workforce.

Key Fleet Driver Performance Metrics to Track

One of the most critical reasons why we suggest you track driver behaviour is to compare the current driver performance against the historical data. This simple practice will not only help keep the drivers working at a highly efficient and productive rate but also push them to exceed expectations. But for that, you’ll have to track the key driver performance metrics like —

1. Fuel Consumption

This driver performance metric measures the amount of fuel used by vehicles in the fleet over a specified period. High fuel consumption can indicate inefficient driving practices, such as excessive speeding or poor route planning.

Monitoring this metric helps identify areas for improvement to reduce costs and environmental impact. The best way to boost this metric is to implement fuel-efficient driving training, optimise routes, and maintain vehicles properly.

2. Excessive Idle Time

Idle time is a driver performance metric that tracks the amount of time a vehicle’s engine is running while the vehicle is stationary. Excessive idling wastes fuel, increases emissions, and causes unnecessary wear on the engine.

It can also indicate poor time management or inefficiencies in scheduling. To improve this metric, you can educate drivers on the impact of idling, use telematics to monitor idle times and implement policies that limit idling duration.

3. Harsh Braking

This driver performance metric measures the frequency and intensity of sudden, forceful braking events.

Frequent harsh braking can indicate aggressive driving behaviour, which increases the risk of accidents and can lead to higher maintenance costs due to accelerated wear on brake components.

To overcome such risks, we suggest you provide defensive driving training, use telematics to monitor and report harsh braking incidents and address recurring issues with individual drivers.

4. Speeding

Fleet managers can monitor instances where vehicles exceed the speed limits set by the company or local regulations.

Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents, fuel consumption, and wear on vehicles. It also poses legal risks and potential fines for the company.

The best way to boost this performance metric is by using GPS tracking to monitor vehicle speeds, set speed alerts, and enforce a strict speeding policy with clear consequences for violations.

5. Acceleration

Here’s another driver performance metric that tracks the frequency and intensity of rapid acceleration events.

Rapid acceleration consumes more fuel and can indicate aggressive driving, leading to higher operational costs and increased safety risks.

To curb this, encourage smoother driving practices through training, use telematics to monitor acceleration patterns, and provide feedback to drivers to promote better driving habits.

6. Vehicle Breakdown Rate

Vehicle breakdown rate, as the name suggests, is a driver performance metric that measures the frequency of mechanical failures and breakdowns in the fleet. High breakdown rates can disrupt operations, increase maintenance costs, and impact service reliability.

They may also indicate poor maintenance practices or aging vehicles. We suggest you deploy a preventive maintenance program, regularly inspect vehicles, and replace aging or unreliable vehicles to reduce breakdown rates.

7. Engine On/Off

Monitoring the duration and frequency of engine on/off events helps figure out the impact of frequent engine stops and starts. This indicates inefficient routing, unnecessary idling, or operational inefficiencies. It can also impact engine health and fuel consumption.

Unnecessary starts and stops can be prevented by using route optimization tools, educating drivers on efficient driving practices, and monitoring engine start/stop patterns to identify and address inefficiencies.

Top Tips to Improve Fleet Driver Performance

How can you boost fleet driver performance? We highly recommend these tips to push the fleet drivers to perform at the best of their abilities —

1. Identify behaviours that increase risk

Understanding risky driving behaviours such as speeding, harsh braking, and aggressive driving helps create targeted training programs and reduce accident rates. Here are a few risky driving behaviours to track —

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Road rage
• Loose cargo in the vehicle
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Not driving to conditions
• Not wearing seatbelts
• Driving under influence
• Driving fatigued

2. Hire qualified drivers

Recruit drivers with clean driving records, relevant experience, and proper certifications to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform safely and efficiently.

3. Train your drivers

Regular training programs, including defensive driving courses and refresher training, help drivers stay updated on best practices and safety regulations.

4. Explain and enforce company policies

Clear communication of company fleet safety policies, vehicle maintenance policy, and customer service ensures that all drivers understand and adhere to the expected standards.

5. Embrace fleet driver performance technology

Utilising fleet management software, GPS tracking, and video telematics systems can improve route planning, monitor driver behaviour, and enhance overall fleet efficiency and safety.

6. Review scheduling and dispatching

Optimising schedules and dispatching procedures can reduce driver stress, prevent fatigue, and ensure timely deliveries, leading to better performance and customer satisfaction. For more details you can check our another article on How to Overcome Fleet Driver Fatigue Strategically?

7. Maintain your fleet vehicles

Regular maintenance and inspections help prevent breakdowns and accidents, ensuring that vehicles are safe to drive and reliable, and perform optimally.

8. Ensure communication

Establishing open lines of communication between drivers and management fosters a supportive work environment and allows for the prompt resolution of issues and concerns.

9. Recognize and reward results

Implementing a recognition and rewards program such as incentives for safe driving and excellent performance can motivate drivers to maintain high standards and strive for continuous improvement.

10. Implement wellness initiatives

Promoting driver health and well-being through wellness programs, such as fitness challenges and healthy eating plans, can reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and improve overall job satisfaction.

11. Hire women drivers

Source: nhtsa.dot.gov

Encouraging diversity by hiring women drivers can bring different perspectives, reduce turnover rates, and improve team dynamics, contributing to a more inclusive and effective workforce. Besides, women are much more receptive to safety than men and are, from evidence, known to be safer drivers.

Technologies for Boosting Fleet Driver Performance

Here are some of the most advanced and modern technologies you can use to track and improve fleet driver performance. Let’s discuss them in brief —

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

ADAS encompasses various safety technologies designed to enhance driver performance and safety. These advanced driver assistance systems use sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver in real time.

Key features of ADAS include lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot detection. Coupling all high-tech features with timely alerts and preventive actions, ADAS fleet management is the ultimate solution to reduce accidents and encourage safer driving behaviours.

Article you might be interested in – How ADAS Works?

Driver Monitoring System (DMS)

DMS uses cameras and sensors to continuously monitor the driver’s attention and behaviour. It can detect signs of fatigue, distraction, or other unsafe behaviours by analysing facial expressions, eye movements, and head position.

When potential risks are identified, the driver monitoring system alerts the driver and can take corrective actions, such as adjusting the vehicle’s speed or issuing a warning. DMS is a technology that helps ensure drivers’ focus and attention — ultimately improving their performance and safety on the road.

Article you might be interested in – How Driver Monitoring Systems Work?

CCTV Camera and Dashcam

CCTV cameras and dashcams are installed in fleet vehicles to record video footage of the road, the vehicle’s interior, and cargo. These devices provide real-time monitoring and recording of driving activities and cargo, which can be used for training, incident investigation, and performance evaluation.

The recorded footage helps fleet managers identify risky driving behaviours, such as speeding or harsh braking, and address them through targeted training programs. Dashcams can provide valuable evidence in the event of accidents or disputes, promoting accountability and safer driving practices to ensure driver and fleet safety.

Conclusion

Most drivers want to stay safe when performing and want to deliver the goods on time. The safety and performance combo is certainly achievable but requires a proactive approach from the fleet managers’ end. Providing feedback consistently and letting the drivers know the loopholes in their performance is an excellent starting point.

For this, you’ll have to set the driver performance metrics and start tracking the drivers.

As mentioned earlier, we highly recommend that you use technology and integrate driver monitoring solutions with your existing fleet operation infrastructure. More importantly, we suggest you foster a performance-oriented culture across your fleet without jeopardising safety. Stay tuned for more informative posts in the blog!