Maximizing Efficiency of Fleet Tracking and Delivery with Location-Based Services
Based in southern India, WowTruck is a logistics firm that tracks tens of thousands of vehicles. The company that delivers goods for the likes of Amazon, Unilever, Britannia, and Samsung, introduced an app to help maximize trailer loading and enhance fleet asset tracking. When deciding on a location data provider for its new app, WowTruck turned to TomTom.
Problem Statement
In the world of fleet management, there are two big jobs to accomplish. The first is to maximize the amount of time a fleet driver spends on the road with a fully loaded trailer. If a driver leaves the dock, drives 700 kilometres to make a delivery, off-loads their trailer, and then returns with an empty load, inefficiencies abound, as an empty truck is a waste of both fuel and time.
The second big job is maintaining the visibility of fleet assets. If fleets can’t be monitored, drivers can take inefficient routes, spend too long idling at one location, or arrive at a depot unexpectedly, catching unloading crews unaware.
Solution
WowTruck has developed B2B and B2C solutions for the fleet management industry. In B2B, they’ve become known as a leader in connecting shippers (i.e., Amazon) to carriers (i.e., independent truck drivers), striving for a great delivery experience with maximum efficiency. They also maintain a call centre that supports the driver on their way.
In B2C, WowTruck implemented a convenient app that can be used to schedule and book a pickup. For example, an individual who’s rented a new apartment wants to hire a truck to move their belongings to their new home. That individual can open the WowTruck app and enter their current and destination addresses and request a pickup.
On the backend, multiple trucks nearby can also be using the app. Each of those truck drivers sees the individual’s request, and one driver accepts the job based on location and price. The app then shows the individual’s location on a map. The driver is routed to the pickup point, loads the goods, and uses the WowTruck app to efficiently route to the destination.
The WowTruck app requires visibility into the location of fleet assets. To find the best location technology provider for its needs, WowTruck conducted several proof-of-concept studies on mobile and web interfaces using PHP and React JS. The company checked the accuracy of waypoints, the reverse geocoder and route efficiency. WowTruck compared various Maps APIs and found that the TomTom Routing API is more flexible and extensive in terms of parameters. This translates to superior fastest route calculations, making it more suitable for trucking applications.
Truck routing is very different from vehicle routing, where turning radius, vehicle dimension, weight, and cargo type (i.e., HAZMAT) must be considered. The TomTom Routing API is purpose-built for the specific challenges associated with routing large fleet vehicles, a true differentiator for fleet management software companies and fleet managers.
Key Outcomes
The WowTruck app uses TomTom location insights to improve driver safety, reduce CO2 emissions, and improve cost efficiency. It also aids drivers in maximizing kilometres driven with a full trailer load, while providing the back office with full fleet asset visibility.
Joseph Stervin, CTO at WowTruck said, “The TomTom price model helped us to realize a 68% reduction in our costs. We also really appreciate how TomTom gave us early access to their innovative beta products so that we could test them against our various use cases. Their pricing and flexibility are a true differentiator for us.” Stervin added, “Their APIs are extensive, robust and easy to implement”.
Using TomTom’s technology, WowTruck has found ways to develop its business and overcome the two main challenges of logistics and excel at each. They are moving tens of thousands of vehicles throughout southern India and tracking them safely and efficiently every step of the way.
