The concrete business is booming. In 2023, concrete production and delivery services generated $63 billion in the U.S alone. However, that doesn’t mean concrete business owners are flush with cash—keeping operations costs in check is vital to stay afloat. Tapping into the benefits of a GPS vehicle tracking system can help control operating costs and boost revenue.
The concrete industry is expected to grow 4.7% per year between now and 2030 and generate more than $900 billion a year. Despite this success, the logistical complexities of concrete delivery operations remains a hurdle for business owners and their profit margins.
“With so much at stake, concrete companies need to find real solutions that ensure their challenges with product transportation and delivery can be dealt with and overcome without losing profitability,” says Jose Raposo, Product VP at CDWare Technologies.
One viable solution is to implement GPS vehicle tracking in concrete transportation and delivery vehicles, the definition and benefits of which we discuss in this article. What we’ll cover today includes:
- What is a fleet tracking system?
- How does GPS fleet tracking work?
- How concrete companies use fleet tracking and GPS
- The 7 advantages of GPS vehicle tracking for concrete operations
- Limitations of GPS fleet management solutions
What is a fleet tracking system?
A fleet tracking system includes GPS devices, software, and communication tools to manage vehicle fleets. In concrete, GPS fleet tracking means knowing where your concrete trucks and drivers are at any given moment. It provides real-time updates on each vehicle’s location and their status.
The basic elements of a GPS fleet tracking system include:
- Real-time tracking: Know exactly where every vehicle is at any moment.
- Vehicle monitoring: Keep tabs on the condition and performance of each vehicle.
- Data insights: Collect and analyze data to improve operations.
For the concrete industry, fleet tracking systems ensure deliveries are made on time and that delivery schedules can be adjusted on the fly, which helps avoid delays, reduces fuel consumption, and keeps product quality in good condition.
Fleet tracking solutions tailored specifically to concrete fleet management, like CDWare Technologies technology, have additional features such as real-time concrete product monitoring and are aligned with industry standards and regulations.
How does GPS fleet tracking work?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed by the United States Department of Defense in 1973. GPS fleet tracking operates using a network of satellites that continuously send signals to GPS devices installed in vehicles. These devices capture the signal, allowing each vehicle’s location and movements to be pinpointed and monitored in real time.
- Signal reception: Vehicles equipped with GPS devices receive signals from satellites that help determine their precise locations on the globe.
- Data transmission: This location data is then sent back to a central server using cellular networks, allowing fleet managers to view vehicle locations in real-time on digital maps.
- Operational integration: Fleet managers leverage this technology to optimize routes, schedule deliveries more efficiently, and respond swiftly to any changes or delays in the field.
GPS is crucial for maintaining efficient operations of vehicle fleets as it provides meaningful visibility into vehicle performance, health, and driver metrics that can’t be measured elsewhere.
46% of organizations see better financial performance on fleet tracking investments within 11 months of implementation, which is likely why 64% of fleet managers currently use GPS fleet tracking solutions in their organizations.
Fleet management solutions designed for the concrete industryGain end-to-end visibility over every job and every vehicle. |
How concrete companies use fleet tracking and GPS
While the basics of fleet tracking are generally the same across industries, concrete businesses have unique needs in regards to fleet management. Beyond knowing where vehicles are and how long it will take to arrive at its destination, cement trucks—especially ready-mix concrete vehicles—have unique needs unlike those of any other industry.
However, fleet management solutions are still relevant to concrete businesses and make fleet operations easier, more streamlined, and cost-efficient. Examples of how concrete companies use fleet management software are detailed in the table below.
| Fleet tracking GPS features | How concrete companies use it |
| Real-time vehicle tracking | A cornerstone of GPS fleet tracking is its ability to provide real-time location data for each vehicle. Dispatchers can monitor where each concrete mixer is in relation to job sites and adjust plans as needed. |
| GPS fuel tracking system | Monitor fuel levels in real-time. Leverage accurate, up-to-date fuel consumption metrics to make informed decisions on route selection, vehicle-idling policies, and more. |
| Delivery coordination | Using the real-time data provided by GPS tracking, dispatchers efficiently manage and reroute fleet vehicles. This dynamic routing allows for quick adaptation to changing conditions such as traffic or urgent delivery requests. |
| Monitoring and communication | GPS systems enhance communication between drivers and dispatchers by providing tools for sending instant updates and alerts. If a truck encounters a delay, the dispatcher can immediately notify the customer and coordinate solutions. |
| Documentation and reporting | The data collected from GPS tracking automates the documentation process, logging details such as mileage, routes taken, and idle times. This data is crucial for maintenance scheduling and creating efficient operational strategies. |
| Usage data analysis | Concrete companies analyze the data collected to enhance future operations. Insights into delivery times, traffic patterns, and vehicle performance help optimize routes and schedules, potentially reducing costs and improving service. |
7 benefits of a GPS vehicle tracking system for concrete company owners
In the previous section we discussed five ways concrete companies can use GPS fleet management software. Now, we’ll explain seven benefits concrete companies gain when they leverage this type of software.
1. Accurate and predictable delivery timelines
In the concrete industry, timing is everything. GPS fleet tracking ensures that concrete deliveries arrive exactly when needed, reducing the risk of unusable materials due to delays. This precise scheduling capability helps maintain the quality of concrete upon delivery, crucial for customer satisfaction and project success.
2. Reduce operational costs
Operational efficiency translates directly into cost savings. GPS tracking helps reduce fuel consumption by suggesting the most efficient routes and reducing idle times. This benefit is great for concrete companies looking to minimize expenses and maximize profit margins.
You could be saving thousands on concrete delivery costs.Book a demo and see how to reduce concrete delivery spending. |
3. Improve fleet utilization
Effective management of a fleet ensures each vehicle is used optimally. GPS data allows fleet managers to analyze usage patterns and deploy vehicles more strategically, maximizing the return on investment for each unit in the fleet. Initial and on-going fleet tracking costs save companies on operations and maintenance expenditures.
4. Increase driver and company safety
Safety on the roads is paramount. The average cost of an accident involving a commercial vehicle is $70,000. By monitoring driver behaviors such as speed, braking, and route compliance, GPS tracking systems can help reduce the incidence of accidents.
5. Deliver superior customer service
GPS tracking enables companies to provide real-time updates to customers about delivery statuses, leading to improved communication and trust. Knowing exactly when materials will arrive helps clients manage their schedules more effectively, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
6. Theft prevention and security
Theft and unauthorized use of expensive equipment can be a significant issue in the concrete industry. GPS tracking devices deter theft and aid in the recovery of stolen assets, providing peace of mind and reducing potential losses.
7. Data-driven decision making
The rich data collected from GPS tracking systems empower businesses to make informed decisions. Analyzing trends in delivery times, vehicle performance, and driver efficiency can lead to better strategic planning, operational adjustments, and overall service improvement.
Make concrete delivery seamless and cost-effective with CDWare Technologies
Managing a fleet of concrete vehicles isn’t simple. It requires in-depth knowledge of both vehicle fleet management and concrete product specifications.
When navigating the complexities of concrete delivery and fleet management, it’s essential to use a solution that understands the concrete industry, as well as GPS vehicle tracking. This is where CDWare Technologies comes in.
Our solution, Fleetsphere Concrete, is a leading-class fleet management solution that’s uniquely tailored to the concrete industry and its professionals. In addition to making concrete delivery more reliable, cost-effective, and timely, our software allows you to monitor ready-mix concrete quality while in transit.
With easy-to-install sensors, every ready-mix delivery truck can continuously monitor critical concrete quality metrics such as live slump information, progressive discharge display, drum speed, hydraulic pressure, product volume, and more.
Contact us to learn more about our solution and how you can benefit from GPS tracking software tailored to the needs of the concrete industry.
