Field Service IT News For VARs — June 2, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
OOIDA Criticizes Study On Electronic Logging Devices
TruckingInfo.com reports that the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) responded with criticism to a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that claims electronic logging devices would lower truck crash rates. The VTTI concluded that trucks with electronic logging devices have 11.7 percent fewer preventable crashes and 5.1 percent fewer non-preventable crashes than trucks without such devices.
Natural Gas-Powered Trucks Impact Intermodal Shipping
Fleet Owner says that more natural gas trucks could impact intermodal shipments. The lower coast of fuel for natural gas-powered highway tractors compared to diesel-fired vehicles could make it more profitable for trucking companies to travel longer distances for intermodal shipments.
Solutions That Increase Your Customer’s Response Time And Bottom Line
Business2Community reports on ways to increase a company’s response speed with the following solutions: a virtual private network, FAQs and searchable databases, upgrade fleet management, hire dedicated phone staff, and email answer templates. Customers often complain about extensive wait times, and unrealistic time slots for service, and poor response time can damage the brand and bottom line.
Report Bears Good Numbers For New Business Volume
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association released the Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI025) for April, which shows new business volume up 7 percent year over year, up 14 percent month to month, and up 6 percent year to date. The index reports on 25 companies representing a cross section of the $827 billion equipment finance sector. Additionally, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index for May is 65.4, reaching a two-year high for the third consecutive month.
Field Service IT Talking Points
TruckingInfo.com reports on “Five Ways Private Fleets Keep Drivers Longer” as for-hire fleets adopt some of the same strategies as private fleets to reduce driver turnaround.
DC Velocity asks “What if everyone took full advantage of fleet telematics?” in light of a recent report that quantifies the potential savings from use of fleet optimization technology and provides useful benchmarks for fleets of all sizes.
Fleet Owner reports that April activity reports shows Q2 prices increasing on resale and auction markets for trucks, indicating that prices will be rising in both the resale and auction markets. Heavy-duty market recorded increases on both asking and auction prices at 15.7 percent and 30.8 percent.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Field Service Tech Center.