Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Saves Thousands of Dollars with GPS Tracking Devices
23 Apr 2015The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in New Hanover County, NC has racked up significant savings after putting GPS trackers in vehicles.
An audit showed that the organization saved over 19,000 gallons of gas, reducing the fuel budget by $54,189. Less fuel was used because supervisors were able to monitor speed and location of all vehicles.
Safety and Efficiency
It also keeps drivers more aware of safety issues like speeding. Chief Communications Officer Mike McGill was pinged by the GPS tracking software when he was driving too fast up Chapel Hill. He calls it a “gentle reminder” to himself and other drivers that the authority cares about their safety.
It also adds to overall vehicle efficiency, saving money for the group. One example is the ability to send out the truck that is closest to a repair site, saving both time and money.
The county is considering using the devices on school buses and country, fire, city and police vehicles. New Hanover County Commissioner Woody White calls the GPS fleet software an innovative way to save “every possible dollar.”
Savings in Baltimore Too
Baltimore, MD is also using GPS tracking in 900 government cars and trucks. Their goal is to save more than $100,000 a year on fuel costs and to save time across the board, ranging from IT people to inspectors and animal control officers.
The system has long been used on emergency vehicles, but has been expanded to many other county vehicles over the last four years.
The fleet managers are able to optimize routes for municipal vehicles and get more work done. In one year, mileage dropped significantly, from 613,737 miles in October 2011 to 493,463 in October 2012. Month by month they are saving more than $8,000.
Accountability or Big Brother?
The county is also hoping to improve driver safety, but a few unions complained about “Big Brother” tactics and are monitoring worker rights.
The system notifies managers when a driver goes 12 miles over the speed limit, idle the vehicle, stay at one site for a long period or when they cross the county line.
Managers say it improves accountability. Some workers say it is simply snooping, while other workers aren’t concerned. The bottom line is: it helps the bottom line, and more and more companies, like the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, are utilizing it for great results
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