TeletracNavman.com
US EDITION
2
FOREWARDA variety of fleet management
and fleet operations
professionals participated in the
survey, bringing expertise from
the retail, manufacturing and
other transportation industries.
The report examines best
practices, trends and current
issues influencing fleet
management in the United
States. The survey was
conducted online between
April-May 2019.
METHODOLOGY
AND SAMPLE
The 2019 Teletrac Navman Benchmark Survey includes responses from more than
2,100 fleet operations and fleet management professionals from around the world.
Of the total survey respondents, 563 indicated that they were based in the United
States. Respondents span operations in for-hire and private fleets, government
agencies and other fleet operations. This report provides an understanding of best
practices and fleet management trends in business, general telematics, emerging
technology, transportation, external factors and talent. Results may not amount to
100 percent due to questions with multiple selections. For reporting purposes, all
statistical values have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
3 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
While the most dramatic increase in telematics usage is the
2017 and 2019 shift (48% vs. 86%, respectively), usage
has increased significantly since last year (82% to 86%).
TELEMATICS KEEPS RISING
While ELD remains the top compliance concern, it has
declined compared to 2018. ELD compliance levels
parallel those of 2018, with two-thirds of companies
compliant. Companies are addressing driver concerns
around compliance primarily through mandatory education
and ELD-related communication.
ELD CONCERNS TURN DOWN
NEW FLEET, UPGRADES
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Talent procurement, retention and development and cost
management are key challenges in US transportation.
Talent is a top investment area and a means to
achieving the chief goal of increased profits.
Majority have plans to increase / upgrade fleets via
outright purchasing to replace aging equipment.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
US
Lack of perceived need is the top reason for not
implementing telematics.
TELEMATICS IMPLEMENTATION
4 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
BUSINESS GOALS
AND CHALLENGES
BUSINESS CHALLENGES
AND EXPENSESTalent retention and cost management (down vs. 2018) remain
the top business challenges, and payroll the biggest expense.
Challenges directly related to driver safety - minimizing
incidents, and driver fatigue are down vs. 2018.
Finding, retaining and developing
talent
Managing costs
Growing revenue
Business expansion
Minimizing vehicle/driver incidents
Technology adoption/use
Regulatory change
Customer retention
Risk management
Driver fatigue management
Other
Payroll
Fuel
Equipment/vehicle maintenance
Purchasing new equipment/vehicles
Insurance
Raw materials
Business software
Other
30%
30%
23%
15%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
2%
4%
43%
32%
32%
23%
22%
6%
4%
1%▼3%
US
▼38%
▼22%
▼23%
▼23%
▼12%
▼13%
▼6%
TOP BUSINESS CHALLENGES LARGEST EXPENSE AREAS
Select up to 2 Select up to 2
* *
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)6 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
While traffic congestion reigns as the biggest infrastructure challenge, concern about aging roads
and bridges is on the upswing.
INFRASTRUCTURE
CHALLENGES
US
Traffic congestion
Aging roads & bridges
Construction projects
Truck stops/service stations
Roadway design (length of lanes,
access to motorways/interstates)
Inadequate signage & signals
(traffic lights)
Underpasses/tunnels
Access to fuel
Other
None - not experiencing challenges
51%
29%▲23%
21%
13%
8%
4%
3%
3%
4%▼8%
16%
MOST CHALLENGING
INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES
Select up to 2
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)7 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
A TURNDOWN IN SOME
TECHNOLOGIES
More efficient GPS tracking and regulatory
compliant technology (presumably because
compliance mandates have passed) are also
lower priority.
BUSINESS GOALS
AND INVESTMENTSNot surprisingly, increasing profits and reducing operational costs are
top goals for transportation. Fleet upgrades and expansion as well as
talent development are top investment areas for meeting these goals.
US
Increasing profits
Reducing operational cost
Expanding customer base
Improving vehicle safety
Improving employee safety
Improving employee retention
Expanding driver workforce
Retaining customers
Adding new products and services
Other
Upgrading fleet
Finding, retaining and developing talent
Expanding fleet
Integrating technologies and systems
Improving customer experience
More efficient GPS tracking
Implementing technology for regulatory
compliance
Brand awareness
No investments planned
Other
32%
30%
24%
17%
15%
15%
15%
11%
5%
2%
35%▼41%
34%
28%▼37%
27%
25%
20%▼25%
15%▼23%
13%
7%
2%
TOP BUSINESS GOALS FOR 2019 INVESTMENTS PLANNED FOR 2019
Select up to 2 Select all that apply
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)8 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
LESS FOCUS ON FLEET
UPGRADES/EXPANSIONS
Planned investments in fleet upgrades
and expansions have declined.
Expansions spiked in 2018, but are back
to 2017 levels.
Freight delivery – both long- and short-haul – is the biggest area for growth in the US.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
SEGMENTS
US
Long-haul freight delivery
Short-haul freight delivery
Small package delivery
Oil & gas
Courier and messenger services
Public/government
Other
47%
43%
16%
14%
7%
6%
4%
SEGMENTS WITH BIGGEST REVENUE
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
Select up to 2
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)9 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
ECONOMIC GROWTH
INCREASING FLEET
Majority have plans to increase equipment / fleet size
over the next year, primarily by making new outright
purchases to replace aging vehicles/equipment
Service demands are significantly less influential to fleet
size increases than they were in 2018.
US
57%
4%
39%
Decreasing
No change Increasing
FLEET SIZE
Replacing older equipment/vehicles
More demand for services
Domestic growth
We're expanding into different markets
Improved productivity
Improved integration with new or existing
technology
International growth
Other
57%
46%▼60%
30%
21%
18%
7%
5%
1%
63%
28%
27%
4%
1%▼5%
Buy more new vehicles/equipment
Lease more vehicles/equipment
Buy more used vehicles/equipment
Rent more vehicles/equipment
Other
REASONS FOR INCREASING
FLEET SIZE
HOW FLEET SIZE WILL
INCREASE
Select all that apply Select all that apply
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)10 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
TELEMATICS
Average Fuel ReductionTELEMATICS
USAGE
US
Vehicle/equipment tracking
Hours of service/driver hours
Speed
Distance driven
Driver performance
Idling
Harsh braking
Maintenance
Fuel usage
Engine hours
Proof of service/jobs completed
Lone workers
Other
74%
66%
61%
52%
42%
37% ▼43%
33%
32%
30%
29%
26%
4% ▼7%
3%
5%-10% 37%
11%-20% 14%
21%-30% 3%
31%-40% 1%
More than 40% 0%
None 45%
Average 11.0
More than half (55%) have
reduced fuel costs, which is
up significantly since 2018
(43%), with an overall
reduction of 11%,
on average.
Due in part to the recent ELD mandate, which
began to take effect in December of 2017,
Telematics usage has increased year-over-year
since the survey started. This significant increase
reflects a dramatic rise that began at 48% in
2017 followed by 82% in 2018. Telematics
continues to be used primarily to track vehicles
and equipment, with monitoring of most other
behaviors and practices steady.
Telematics functionality is grossly underutilized,
with companies using 3 (of 12 tested) features,
on average.
WHAT IS MONITORED WITH TELEMATICS
Select all that apply
▲9%
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)12 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
4%
10%▼14%
26%58%
2%
TELEMATICS
NON-ADOPTIONWith the ELD mandate now in effect, few continue to resist
telematics adoption; proportions of rejecters have declined 38% from
2017 to 2019 (52% vs. 14%), with a marked drop since 2018 in
those unable to acknowledge the benefits of implementation.
US
Rejecters have decreased
significantly since 2017.
Resisters cite lack of perceived
need for the technology.
No need for telematics
Cost
Product limitations/functionality
Driver reaction
Not easy to implement
Not enough time to analyze results
Other
Don't perceive a sufficient benefit
REASONS FOR NOT IMPLEMENTING
TELEMATICS+
39%
25%
12%
11%
11%
11%
9%
14%▼27%
TELEMATICS USAGE
Yes, across all vehicles/assets
Yes, but only ones that the manufacturer
provides
Yes, across some vehicles/assets
No, but I plan to in the next year
No, and no
immediate plans
to do so
Select all that apply
+Small sample size results in reduced confidence (90% +/- 12.9%) ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)13 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
Peace of mind around equipment and vehicle location is a top benefit and aligns with the
primary reason for using telematics.
TELEMATICS
TOP BENEFITS*
US
Peace of mind knowing
where vehicles/equipment
are
Meeting compliance
requirements
Improved driver
behavior
More efficient routing and
dispatching
Improved driver
safety
48% 34% 31% 25% 20%▼32%
Select up to 3
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)14 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
*go to appendix chart A to see all response options
FEWER INCIDENTS SINCE
TELEMATICS ADOPTION
Telematics’ impact on incident reduction has climbed
significantly vs. years past, with a notable upward shift
in incident and performance / maintenance insight.
More than a quarter cite driver monitoring, speed prevention, and
driver productivity as top telematics-related safety benefits.
Driver safety is ranked 5th as a
telematics benefit.
42%
58%
Yes No
TELEMATICS
SAFETY
US
Monitoring and benchmarking
driver behavior
Monitoring hours to prevent
driver fatigue/exhaustion
Speed preventionImproved driver
productivity/efficiency
Incident insight/detailsMore insight into vehicle
performance/maintenance needs
32% 30%
17% 17%
26% 23%▼31%
Select up to 2
▲6% ▲11%
TOP SAFETY BENEFITS
OF USING TELEMATICS
▼74%
▲26%
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)15 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
COMPLIANCE
COMPLIANCE
CONCERNSELD remains the top compliance concern, but has declined significantly compared to previous waves
now that the initial deadline has passed. Highway transport, though a concern for less than 20% of
respondents, has increased since 2018.
US
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
mandate
Fuel tax
Highway transport
Hourly/pay regulations
Hourly driver fraud
In-city restrictions
Other
None
58%▼76%
18%
16%▲8%
16%
12%
8%
3%▼10%
12%
TOP COMPLIANCE CONCERNS
Select up to 2
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)17 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
COMPLIANCE
ELD
Hours of Service Tracking
66%
24%19%
4% 8%
ELD Paper logbooks AOBRD Not currentlytracking
Exempt fromtracking
US
Mandatory educational/informational
sessions
No driver concerns
Communicating the benefits of ELD technology
via email, newsletters or other written form
Optional educational/informational
Sessions
Other
Nothing
Less risk of compliance violations
Eliminating manual processes
Driver/public safety
Greater transparency among fleets
Other
None - I don't see any benefits
32%▼42%
29%
27%
19%
5%
11%▼21%
HOW REDUCING DRIVER CONCERNS
35%
21%
6%▼11%
2%▼7%
12%▲5%
24%
GREATEST BENEFITS
Two-thirds of companies are ELD compliant, paralleling
proportions reported in 2018.
Decreased risk of compliance violations is a top benefit of ELD. While a third of
companies indicate there is no driver concern around ELD, educational sessions
(down from 2018) and communication around ELD benefits are primary ways
companies are addressing drivers who are concerned about the mandate.
*
Select all that apply
Select all that apply
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)18 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
TECHNOLOGY
AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGY
IMPLEMENTATION
& IMPACTDriver warning / alerting tops the list
of technologies to be implemented.
One-quarter are considering
implementing it and it is expected to
have the biggest impact.
Very few plan to implement autonomous driving
vehicles and feel the nascent technology won’t
affect business until about 2027.
US
Driver warning/alerting technology
Big data analytics
Fatigue monitoring
Autonomous/self-driving
vehicles/equipment
Machine vision technology
Artificial intelligence
Smart cities
Drones
Platooning
Other
None
35%
15%▲10%
14%
16%
6%
9%
3%
3%
2%
2%
28%▼34%
AVERAGE YEARS UNTIL AUTONOMOUS DRIVING EXPECTED TO IMPACT
BUSINESS
9.1
Select up to 2
POTENTIAL 2019
IMPLEMENTATIONGREATEST
IMPACT ON
OPERATIONS
28%
11%▲7%
8%
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
1%
5%
54%
Select up to 2
▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)20 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
BIG DATA
ANALYTICS One-quarter are using big data analytics to guide strategic
business decision making, with levels matching those of
previous years.
Using big data to forecast hiring needs, however, is a distant second to
manual processes. Lack of internal expertise / resources may be to
blame. Implementation consideration and impact of big data analytics is
up significantly vs. 2018.
Manually pulling
records/paper-based processes
36%
Tools for big data analysis
20%
Guessing
15%
Other
9%
Not currently doing this
30%
Forecasting
Business Hiring
Needs
US
15%
11%
23%
61%
15%
No, but plan to in futureYes
BIG DATA USED FOR STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
No
Select all that apply
▲7%
▲10%
BIG DATA ANALYTICS WILL HAVE
GREATEST IMPACT ON BUSINESS
OPERATIONS
CONSIDERING IMPLEMENTING BIG
DATA ANALYTICS IN 2019
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)21 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
Big Data is becoming more common
place as companies look for ways to
improve efficiencies and increase
profits. More and more businesses see
Big Data as an important tool for
success.
TECHNOLOGY /
MOBILE DEVICES
Majority of companies offer mobile technology to drivers and operators, facilitating
improved asset tracking and direct communications.
61% 5% 39% 10%
US
Easier GPS/fleet/asset tracking
More direct communications
Ease of reporting
Operational efficiencies
Better fuel management/tracking
Other
None
57%
42%
33%
24%
7%
1%
2%
MOBILE DEVICES/TECHNOLOGY ARE OFFERED TO
DRIVERS/EQUIPMENT OPERATORS FOR FLEET ASSET MANAGEMENT
Yes No, but plan to No No, employees can
bring devices to work
*
MOST IMPORTANT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
EFFICIENCIES/ BENEFITS
Select up to 2
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)22 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
Equipment theft and customer / employee data are top security concerns.
SECURITY
CONCERNS
US
Theft of equipment
Customer information/data
Employee information/data
Theft of tools
Theft of fuel
Cyber security of truck/equipment
technology/data
Theft of loads
Other
None - we don't have any security
concerns
25%
24%
22%
15%
14%
12%
9%
5%
22%
BIGGEST SECURITY CONCERNS
Select up to 2
*
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)23 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
TALENT
More than half plan to increase drivers
and equipment operators in the next year.
TALENT
RECRUITMENT
Primary recruitment methods are
online job boards and referrals.
US
Planned Staff
Increases
Referrals
Online job boards
Social networking (e.g., LinkedIn,
Twitter, etc.)
Corporate website
Print media/trade publications
Job fairs
Recruit former drivers/operators
Outside recruiters
Offer sign-on bonus
Driver/operator schools/training programs
Apprenticeship program
Armed forces partnerships
Trucking shows / tradeshows
Other
64%
54%
39%
33%
20%
17%
16%▼21%
14%
14%
11%
6%
5%
3%
4%
RECRUITMENT METHODS Select all that apply
Select all that apply
Drivers/equipment operators 58%
Fleet/equipment operations 18%Maintenance
managers/professionals 14%
Dispatchers 13%
Safety/compliance professionals* 11%
Technology experts 7%
Telematics professionals 4%
Other, please specify 1%
None 27%
▼17%
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)25 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
TALENT
RETENTION
US
Increasing pay
Upgrading equipment
Driver appreciation programs (BBQs, lunches, etc.)
Performance-based bonuses
Recognition/rewards programs
Improving benefits
Guaranteed weekly rate
Profit-sharing plans
Promote drivers to lead peer training program
Pay from per-mile to salaried
Owner programs-convert to independent contractors
Other
Not doing anything from this perspective
47%
33%
33%
30%
25%
24%
13%
11%
6%
5%
3%
2%
16%
Improving employee retention is a top investment area for 2019. Primary
retention tool is pay increases. Four of the top five tactics are monetarily linked.
RETENTION METHODS Select all that apply
*
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)26 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
57%
REWARDING SAFE DRIVING
73%
MONITORING DRIVER BEHAVIOR
Majority monitor driving, a practice that has been steadily climbing since 2017. More than half reward
safe driving, the biggest result of which is fewer incidents.
DRIVING
BEHAVIOR
US
Fewer safety violations/incidents
Improved driver retention
Improved customer service
Too early to tell
Other
None
58%
33%▼52%
27%▼36%
23%▲14%
1%
6%
▲56%
RESULTS OF SAFE DRIVER REWARDS
Select all that apply
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)27 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
DRIVER
SHORTAGES
About half are currently experiencing driver/operator
shortages and using pay increases as a top lure for
talent. Increased demand, if addressed at all, is solved
primarily by establishing more efficient driver routes.
47%53%No
Yes
HOW ISSUES ARE ADRESSED
DRIVER / EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SHORTAGE
US
More efficient routes for drivers
Outsource drivers/equipment operators
Outsource trucks/equipment
More reliance on technology/telematics
Other
We don't do anything different when
demand increases
Increasing pay
Offering better benefits
Providing flexible work arrangements
Developing educational/training programs
Hiring freelance/contingent drivers/equipment
operators
Investing in wellness programs
Other
Not doing anything
55%
32%
28%
19%
14%
10%
6%
11%
36%
22%
21%
13%
6%
24%
METHODS FOR MANAGING INCREASED
DEMAND FLUCTUATIONS
HOW DRIVER/OPERATOR SHORTAGE
IS ADDRESSED
Select all that apply Select all that apply
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)28 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
RESPONDENT
PROFILE
US
44% 41%
9% 6%
Other Transportation Manufacturing Retail
INDUSTRIES*
VEHICLES IN FLEET
Owner 14%
Administrative (back
office functions) 12%
Executive/vice
president/managing
director12%
Operations manager 11%
Fleet/equipment
manager 11%
ROLE*
DRIVER & EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
WORKFORCE MAKE-UP
Full-Time 83% ▲67%
Part-Time 6% Majority Contractors
(FT or PT)* 9%
Other 2%
FLEET
OPERATIONS 29%
Government Agency
& (Other)
63%
Private
8%
For Hire1-9 31%
10-24 25%
25-50 19%
51-100 9%
101-500 11%
500+ 5% ▼8%
Average 79 ▼100
* New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)29 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition
*See appendix Chart B for all
response options *Go to appendix Chart C to see all response options
APPENDIX
US
Top Telematics Solutions Benefits
Select up to 3
Peace of mind knowing where vehicles/equipment are 48%
Meeting compliance requirements 34%
Improved driver behavior 31%
More efficient routing and dispatching 25% ▼ 32%
Improved driver safety 20%
Improved customer service 15% ▼ 23%
Time/cost savings 9% ▼ 15%
Fewer incidents 8% ▲ 4%
Improved fuel efficiency 7%
Reduced maintenance costs 6%
Preventing fuel loss 4%
Fewer unexpected equipment failures 4%
Reduced insurance premiums 4%
Reduced incidents/theft 3%
Other 3% ▼ 12%
None* 6%
Role
Owner 14%
Administrative (back office functions) 12%
Executive/vice president/managing
director12%
Operations manager 11%
Fleet/equipment manager 11% ▼ 15%
Safety manager 8%
General/regional manager 7%
Dispatcher/dispatch manager 6%
Site manager 3%
Compliance manager 3%
Maintenance manager 2% ▼ 4%
Service technician/fleet maintenance 2% ▼ 4%
Service manager 1%
Production manager <1% ▼ 1%
None 7%
30 2019 Telematics Benchmark Report – US Edition * New response option for 2019 ▲▼= significant change vs 2018 (% = 2018 value)
Chart A Chart B
Industry
Professional Services 5%
Education 3% ▲ 1%
Health Care/Pharmaceutical 3%
Government 3%
Energy/Utilities 2% ▼ 5%
Technology 2%
Non-profit 2%
Telecommunications 1%
Leisure/Hospitality 1%
Defense/Aerospace 1%
Insurance 1%
Media 1%
Other 19%
Chart C
THANK YOU
Teletrac Navman is a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider leveraging location-based technology and services for managing mobile assets. With
specialized solutions that deliver greater visibility into real-time insights and analytics, Teletrac Navman helps companies make better business decisions
that enhance productivity and profitability. Its fleet and asset management technology uncovers information that would otherwise go unseen, helping
customers reduce risk and confidently move their business forward with certainty. It tracks and manages more than 550,000 vehicles and assets for more
than 40,000 companies around the world. The company is headquartered in Glenview, IL, with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom,
Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.
CONTACT US
[+1] 800.835.3872
TeletracNavman.com