AI: driving fleet management into the future
AI: driving fleet management into the future
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it has rapidly become a cornerstone of fleet management, revolutionising how data is analysed and decisions are made.
Platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini have popularised AI, but leading telematics providers are now taking things further by harnessing AI’s immense processing power to transform fleet operations. The result? Enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and greater profitability for transport businesses worldwide.
A major shift is coming, explains Scott Elkington, Webfleet marketing manager for Australia and New Zealand. He likens the current situation to the dot-com boom, suggesting that AI’s impact on fleet management will be just as transformative. “Do you remember when Google came along? This is like the next Google,” he suggests. “It changed the scope of things – being able to use Google to find things out. AI is going to be like that. It’s not going to replace people, but fundamentally we’ll do whatever we can to save time and make our jobs easier and better, which is where AI comes in.”
Unlocking the power of data
The past decade has seen an explosion of data in fleet management – data that AI can now sift through and analyse with unprecedented speed and accuracy. “Back in the day we were looking at fuel efficiency and how people drove the truck, but now there’s so much data being collected – how do you make sense of it all?” asks Elkington.
AI’s ability to analyse this data can yield significant benefits. For instance, it can suggest adjustments that improve fuel efficiency by 3% here or 10% there, and these savings add up quickly. By processing data on driving patterns, vehicle performance, and environmental conditions, AI provides actionable insights that were previously impossible to obtain in real time.
A smarter approach to telematics
Traditional telematics was primarily about vehicle tracking – knowing where your trucks were at any given time. Today, it has evolved into a comprehensive system that monitors driver behaviour, vehicle health, and compliance. AI takes this further by providing real-time insights and predictive analytics.
Webfleet’s AI Assistant exemplifies this evolution. “With our AI Assistant that we launched recently – which is similar to something like ChatGPT but inside the Webfleet platform – you can ask it questions,” says Elkington. “You could say, ‘Give me the driver with the highest average speed across the last month’, and it’ll pull that data for you.” This not only saves time but also allows fleet managers to focus on strategic decisions rather than being bogged down by data analysis.
Enhancing safety with AI-powered dash cams
Safety is a key concern in fleet management, and AI-powered dash cams are proving to be game-changing innovations. Teletrac Navman’s IQ Camera, for example, is designed to monitor driver behaviour in real-time. By analysing metrics such as mobile phone use, erratic movements, and even fatigue indicators like eye closure and head position, the camera helps prevent accidents before they occur.
Andrew Rossington, chief product officer at Teletrac Navman, highlights the importance of these capabilities: “By seamlessly integrating driver positioning and facial and physiological measurements – alongside driver assistance metrics that analyse and detect outward-facing actions like following distance, lane adherence, and harsh manoeuvring – these devices provide real-time alerts and insights to reduce the likelihood of incidents and promote the well-being of drivers.”
This technology allows fleet managers to not only react to incidents, but also proactively address risky behaviours to enhance safety and reduce insurance costs.
Preventing breakdowns, optimising routes, and reducing costs
The predictive capabilities of AI are also transforming maintenance strategies. Instead of relying on routine checks, AI can monitor real-time data from vehicle sensors to predict when a part is likely to fail. By scheduling maintenance only when needed, fleet operators can minimise downtime and reduce repair costs.
Telematics leader Geotab has integrated predictive analytics into its platform to track everything from engine performance to trip data. “Geotab Ace represents not just an evolution in fleet management, but the next step in harnessing the power of trusted data. By bringing the intuitive simplicity of conversational AI directly into the Geotab platform, we are transforming the way fleets interact with their data, crafting a future where insights are immediate, intelligent, and instrumental to success,” explains Mike Branch, Geotab’s VP of data and analytics.
Efficient route planning is another area where AI is making a significant impact. By analysing traffic conditions, road closures, and even weather patterns in real time, AI helps fleet managers select the most efficient routes, thereby reducing fuel consumption and delivery times.
For instance, Webfleet’s AI capabilities enable route adjustments on the fly, which is particularly beneficial for fleets navigating urban areas with unpredictable traffic. By eliminating unnecessary stops and minimising idle times, AI-driven route optimisation can lead to substantial cost savings.
Data security: a growing concern
While the benefits of AI are clear, data security remains a critical issue. Telematics systems collect vast amounts of sensitive information – from customer addresses to delivery schedules – raising concerns about data sovereignty and privacy.
Elkington warns of the risks: “As fleet managers or operators, we handle some very sensitive data like customer addresses, goods transported – all the commercially sensitive stuff. If you put anything into ChatGPT for example – to summarise something or produce a report – you breach your data policy immediately.”
The solution, he suggests, is to opt for closed-loop AI systems that do not share information externally. “Our system is locked down, like a walled garden, which helps you maintain control of your data,” he explains. Such systems allow fleet managers to harness AI’s power without compromising on data security.
The future of fleet management
As AI continues to evolve, its role in fleet management is set to expand. From autonomous vehicles to advanced predictive analytics, the possibilities are immense, and the consensus among industry leaders is clear: fleet managers need to embrace AI now to stay ahead of the curve.
Elkington’s advice is straightforward: “It’s just there to make your life easier and it’s going to become a major part of how we do things. So, you may as well get in at ground floor and set some good rules around how you use AI.”
For fleet managers willing to adapt, AI offers not just efficiency and safety gains, but a strategic advantage that could redefine what’s possible in transport management. The challenge now is to adopt AI thoughtfully, ensuring that data remains secure and that the technology complements, rather than replaces, human expertise. Those who move quickly will find themselves well-positioned to thrive in a future where AI is at the heart of every fleet operation. On the other hand, those who hesitate to adopt AI risk being left behind in an industry that’s rapidly shifting gears.
* The companies interviewed for this article will all be exhibiting at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, which takes placefrom 15 to 18 May.
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