A vehicle tracking survey for 2008 was just released. The survey was conducted using 150 fleet companies from the UK. The companies allowed responses from their professionals, who use or have influence over the car, commercial vehicle, van, or mixed fleet operations. The 2008 Vehicle Tracking Survey was meant to measure the information regarding fleet tracking. For example how was the technology at the company being used, and what might help other companies decide to use vehicle tracking devices.
The survey found some key points that might make the decision for all fleet companies to instigate the tracking equipment. Vehicle tracking devices are now used in more than a quarter of the UK fleets. Most of the tracking devices are used with commercial vehicles. The results totalled 30 percent for commercial vehicles, with 31 percent of operators dealing with more than 100 vehicles in the fleet. Utility companies or vehicles have 86 percent coverage with vehicle tracking systems. Logistics and road transport vehicles have about 40 percent of companies using the systems, with service management at 38 percent.
Those interviewed who use the vehicle tracking devices stated that the technology of the device helped their business. In fact 76 percent said they found an increase in value with a range of benefits. For example they were able to reduce costs according to 44 percent, and increase production and fleet performance at 46 percent. Fleet companies stated they are now making about 12 percent savings on their fuel and lowering their overtime costs by 13 percent.
Companies who have not invested in fleet tracking devices were asked if they would consider the systems. More than half of the respondents stated they would like to make that investment. About a third are not sure of the benefits they would reap. About 48 percent of the operators believe they could benefit from vehicle tracking devices, and 44 percent think a return on their investment would occur.
85 percent of the companies using tracking devices are very satisfied with their product. There is still a negative of 35 percent who don’t use the vehicle tracking device. These 35 percent believe there is a problem with financial use for the operators, over selling occurs, and the technology is not what it should be. The survey is showing that overwhelmingly most operators do find value in the vehicle tracking systems and definitely find benefits each year from the systems.
