6 Fleet Industry Trends That Will Grow in 2021

Fleet Management

The unavoidable impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic continue to put populations, economies and businesses under strain. In order to keep operating, many businesses began their process of digitalisation. Technology has been the saving grace for companies around the world and the same goes for the fleet industry.

Technology has helped increase fleet efficiency and improve overall operations. Not to mention the overwhelming increase in online and digital purchasing which has caused an increased need for fast, affordable shipping and delivery.

Fleet Industry Trends from 2020

2020 was an unprecedented year for every one and every organisation. Businesses, including the fleet industry, were forced to adapt and prove their resilience. Adopting innovative technologies, the fleet industry pushed the boundaries of vehicle telematics, eco-friendly fleets, digital management schemes and online communication.

Throughout 2020, the fleet industry has made incredible advancements despite the pandemic and are looking to continue these trends into 2021. Fleet managers have faced and overcome many challenges throughout the pandemic, and the industry will continue to innovate and implement new technologies that will increase fleet efficiency and resilience.

6 Fleet Industry Trends That Will Grow in 2021

When thinking about the future successes of your fleet and the evolution it will go through, consider these 6 fleet industry trends growing in 2021. These trends are helping managers improve their communication, maximise productivity, encourage collaboration and help the environment.

  1. Adjusting to remote management practices
    Remote work has become more popular than ever in support of the national lockdowns and economic shutdowns being implemented to help flatten the curve. It has been essential for workers and businesses to adapt to online communication and digital management. Fleet managers are accustomed to their teams and drivers being spread out however, this is different. Fleet managers are adopting new software to track fleet data and online communication tools to keep the fleet’s workers informed and up to date. Remote fleet management is becoming more common across all fleets as it is proving to be the easiest and most effective way to track fleet data and share important information in real time.
  2. Improving existing health and safety protocols
    In general, the public health awareness in our society has increased for people and businesses alike, due to the pandemic. This raised awareness for health and safety protocols has been an important lesson for vehicle fleet companies. 2021 is expected to show continued sanitation and safety procedure improvements that will protect drivers and the greater public. Easy changes that help keep drivers, passengers and clients much safer, include adding sanitisers and cleaning products as vehicle staples, ensuring drivers have access to requisite PPE and workers choosing to stay at home when feeling unwell. Improving your health and safety protocols will inevitably secure and reassure all stakeholders involved in your fleet services.
  3. Access to data and data visibility
    The digitalisation of fleet operations is a trend that will continue to evolve at a rapid rate. Fleet technologies, like GPS, video telematics, management software and more, have produced huge quantities of actionable data. The invaluable insights gained through analysing this data can help your fleet improve its efficiency, reliability and ROI. Actionable insights and data help fleet managers make informed decisions that provably and positively impact their fleets. Data visibility is expanding everywhere and the fleet industry will benefit greatly. The introduction of 5G networks, new apps and better cellular technology are helping vehicle fleets measure performance, monitor expenditures and improve decision making in amazing new ways.
  4. Growing vehicle telematics capabilities
    2021 will continue to see vehicle telematics grow, but this is not a new trend. For years, telematics has been helping managers monitor their drivers, vehicles and performance. Video telematics like in-cab cameras, telematics like fuel monitoring and GPS tracking are allowing fleets to reach their highest potential. GPS systems, video telematics and electronic logging devices offer real-time vehicle and driver updates regarding health, safety and performance. These tools can be integrated with broader fleet management software to create a centralised system for all fleet data and, automatically, provide real-time alerts, synced odometer readings and vehicle performance updates.
  5. Expanding the number of electric vehicle fleets
    We are all aware that transportation – and road vehicles, in particular – are large contributors to climate change. Electric vehicles have become our best solution for reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. As more companies build affordable and safe electric trucks, vans and cars, all-electric vehicle fleets become a real and present possibility; with some companies already beginning their green transition. There are challenges to industry-wide changes that will have to be overcome. Access to charging stations, longer driving ranges and more cost-effective vehicle options will have to become standard. Once the kinks of an electric fleet are ironed out, managers will have the opportunity to save money on exorbitant fuel costs as well as saving the environment for future generations.
  6. Autonomous driving and the future of vehicle fleets
    Electric vehicles are not the only futuristic technology that will revolutionise the fleet industry in 2021 and for years to come. Autonomous, or self-driving, vehicles are already here and working. There are many years of political and economic hurdles before fully adopting autonomous vehicles, yet the technology and capability is already here. Autonomous vehicles, such as trucks, vans and taxis, could turn fleets into round-the-clock services without the need for rest, recovery or human error. If drivers are in short supply, dispatching autonomous vehicles could maintain the schedule of any fleet. Fleet managers should pay very close attention to these advancements, as they could have massive implications for the industry, their livelihoods and those of their employees.

Finding the means to keep up with the latest trends in any industry will require patience, learning and commitment to improving the way your business operates. There are evolutions in the fleet industry caused by pandemic-related requirement changes and all of the incredibly innovative technologies driving vehicle fleet operations towards the future.

For more information on the latest and best technologies, like video telematics and GPS tracking, transforming vehicle fleet operations in South Africa, contact Landmark Tracking today.