Today's fleet operators face a number of challenges in order to keep up with changing market conditions and stay competitive. The first one is related to the ever-tightening margins in the trucking industry. To remain profitable, companies have to keep costs down.
The second challenge is related to the increasingly digital age. Today's drivers are connected like never before, whether it's through their smartphones or a personal computer on board. And this connectivity has become even more pervasive and intense over the past few years.
To overcome these challenges and increase their efficiency, fleet operators must upfit their vehicles with up-to-date technology and safety features that are essential in today's environment.
Below you will find some interesting information about the most commonly used truck and van upfitting trends that you should check out if your company operates fleets of either type of vehicle.
Safety Upfitting for Truck Fleet Upgrades
When it comes to fleet upgrades, the first item on everyone's mind is safety. This is the driver's No. 1 priority, above all other aspects of upfitting. To satisfy this need, there are a number of options operators can consider. For the interior, you can set up a Wifi hotspot with a cellular connection or provide Bluetooth connectivity so drivers can easily use phone apps such as email and internet browsers. This will also allow them to conduct hands-free calls, which is a legal requirement in some states.
On the exterior, you can provide integrated cameras and sensors to monitor blind spots, keep track of surroundings and detect hazardous road conditions. These include lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and other helpful devices.
Digital Interfaces for Van Upfitting
Another top trend in upfitting is a digital interface. This will help you get the most out of a vehicle by connecting various onboard systems and providing real-time data on the status and health of different components. For example, you can use it to monitor fuel consumption, engine and transmission performance, and even tire pressure. You can also use this digital interface for routing optimization, to monitor driver behavior and vehicle location, and to provide alerts related to the vehicle's health and safety. In short, a digital interface can help you improve safety, efficiency, and financial performance.
For the exterior, you can install sensors and cameras that are helpful in parking, backing up, and avoiding obstacles. These include rear-view cameras and sensors, blind spot monitoring, and others.
Connectivity and Software Updates
An important aspect of upfitting is to ditch your old devices and replace them with new, more advanced technology. For example, you can replace your old in-cab radios with state-of-the-art wireless connections. Or go for a cellular-based system that lets you remotely access, monitor, and control your fleet.
Also, you can switch your dispatch system to a cloud-based solution that allows you to manage all operations through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This will allow you to track location, manage drivers, view and edit schedules, and communicate with customers. You can also synchronize this system with your fleet management software and smartphone apps.
Merging Dispatching and Tracking Systems
This trend is closely related to the previous one, but it has its own place on the upfitting list. Traditionally, dispatching and tracking systems have been separate to some extent, but now there are solutions that combine both functions. They let managers view live location data for all vehicles in their fleet and track drivers' activities. They can also send alerts to drivers and view historical data for tracking and coaching purposes.
This solution can also connect with your other fleet management software, allowing you to see related information in one place. It can also incorporate a wide range of mapping solutions, including third-party software.
Safety-Enhanced Driver Training Program
When it comes to driver training, it's no secret that many fleets have been operating under the same model for decades. In today's environment, however, this approach is no longer suitable. You need a more modern and advanced system that provides superior training. There are several ways to achieve this. For example, you can use computer-based training programs and record your drivers' activities in the cab to monitor their performance and provide feedback.
You can also use video surveillance systems to analyze driving habits and identify areas for improvement. These systems can also be helpful in monitoring other aspects of a driver's job, such as loading and unloading times.
Road Condition Monitoring System (RCMS)
This is an advanced monitoring system that is designed to track the road condition of an operator's route. It can help you optimize fuel consumption and reduce maintenance costs by not sending your vehicles to areas that are in poor condition. RCMS can also help you track abnormal driving habits and alert you if a driver is exceeding speed limits or driving too aggressively. It can also provide data on driving hours, which will help you meet federal work-hour rules.
RCMS can be integrated with your vehicle tracking system and dispatch software. It can also interface with a vehicle's engine control unit. This way, it can monitor fuel consumption and collect data on driving activities. It can also alert you when a vehicle needs maintenance or a driver is exceeding speed limits.
Night Vision Upfitting
This upfitting trend is a natural complement to the road condition monitoring system. It consists of an onboard camera (usually thermal imaging) that can detect obstacles and keep track of road conditions even in low-light conditions. This technology can help you avoid accidents, improve safety, and reduce fuel consumption. It can also be helpful during inclement weather.
For example, if it's foggy, the system will detect upcoming obstacles and provide alerts. The cameras can be mounted on top of the vehicle and pointed down. Alternatively, you can install them near the rear axle. They can be wired or wireless, depending on the type of vehicle.
Commercial Vehicle to Consumer Device (CVD) Conversion
This trend is a new way of upfitting that enables you to upgrade your vehicle's interior with new features and devices such as touchscreens, speakers, and other appliances that were previously available only in consumer environments. Think, for example, of in-cab WIFI, televisions and audio systems, or gaming consoles.
This way, you can create a much more comfortable and enjoyable work environment for your drivers. CVD conversion can be performed on a wide range of vehicle types and models. It is a flexible and cost-effective solution that is designed to meet your specific needs. This technology is not limited to the interior of a vehicle. It can also be used to upgrade the exterior y installing commercial-grade lighting, signs, and other devices.
OEM Parts Upfitting
Parts upfitting is the process of using aftermarket equipment in a commercial vehicle, such as installing a CB radio in a tractor-trailer. While there are many benefits to parts upfitting, it can also present certain challenges. For example, when you upfit a vehicle with aftermarket parts, you lose the vehicle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) warranty. One option is to use OEM parts, which will maintain the warranty while providing you with the functionality you need.
The most common OEM parts used in upfitting include tires, wheels, axles, transmissions, and engines. The trick is to find a supplier that has OEM parts available in a timely manner, at a reasonable price, and with a warranty that matches the original equipment's warranty period.
Conventional Suspension and Electric Shock Absorbers
Finally, you can improve your vehicles' comfort, handling, and safety by replacing your conventional suspension with electronic ones. This can help you avoid maintenance hassles and keep your fleet on the road longer. Another upfitting trend is the use of electronic shock absorbers. These are similar to air-over electric shock absorbers, but with a few differences. They can be either electromechanical or hydro-mechanical, and they use fluid-filled cylinders for damping. These shock absorbers offer you a wide range of benefits. They are durable, easy to maintain and provide good ride quality and handling. They are cost-effective, too.
WIlmar, Inc
We are a fleet management company that can help you with all your fleet needs, including upfitting. We have a wide range of services and products that can benefit your business. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you manage your fleet more effectively.
