Connected trucks: a way to optimise fleets

Increasing energy prices, stricter regulations, and environmental concerns… Managing a fleet, no matter the size, has never been this complex nor strategic.

How can technology help owners of small and medium-sized transport companies better manage their fleets? An interview with Nicolas Carbonnel, SMB (Small and Medium Business) Sales Manager at MICHELIN Connected Fleet, Powered by Masternaut.

Nicolas Carbonnel, SMB (Small and Medium Business) Sales Manager at MICHELIN Connected Fleet, Powered by Masternaut

What are small and medium-sized fleets?

In my segment, a small fleet starts at one truck and goes up to 30 vehicles. But in the real world of European trucking, a business owner with 25 trucks is not considered that small. My SMB clients own an average of 12 vehicles (rigids).

What does telematics mean today?

People tend to associate telematics primarily with tracking. But they’re so much more than that. We’ve practically banned the word telematics at Michelin. Very few of our customers call us to say, “I just need to know exactly where my trucks are.” Their needs are much broader now. The technology is constantly evolving. We use telematics boxes that collect reliable data and information from the trucks. That’s why we use the term connected fleet.

Why should small and medium-sized fleets invest in connected fleet solutions?

I’d first like to say that connected fleet monitoring is not just for large fleets. Starting from five trucks with a national or multi-regional range, it makes sense to have connected vehicles.

Since the trucking sector has very small margins, it’s critical to meet delivery deadlines. Connected fleet solutions can reduce operating costs and improve driver and/or vehicle productivity by precisely analysing routes using information provided by the trucks.

We are working on several issues, such as eco-driving and visibility on the condition of the tyres. An under-inflated tyre immediately increases fuel consumption!

How will connected fleet solutions simplify everyday life for owners of small and medium-sized fleets?

Three words: efficiency, savings, and safety.

Efficiency leads to savings. With a connected solution, you’ll immediately see a 3 to 4% drop in fuel consumption*. Our role is to help owners fully understand the operation of their connected fleet and develop all their potential. Our preventative solutions are also designed to monitor, manage, and improve the safety of your fleet by reducing risks and assisting drivers.

*Average of the results obtained by Michelin from a representative sample of 20 clients in 2022.

Why do drivers of small and medium-sized fleets often find it hard to adopt these connected fleet solutions?

In Europe, truck drivers sometimes resist feeling “controlled”. This may be an irrational fear, but we can’t ignore it. And yet, trucks are now all equipped with connected features and all drivers communicate with their company via smartphones. This means they can potentially be geolocated quite easily. One of our priorities with connected fleets is really to educate users!

Every month, we get a call from at least one panicked customer who needs their C1B files for driver data and/or V1B files for vehicle tachograph data, two documents that are required by European law. In Europe, failure to download or archive C1B and V1B files is punishable by a 5th-class fine (1,500 euros, or even 3,000 euros for repeat offences in France).

We regularly remind our customers that GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) limits our data storage. It’s up to them to record and store their data. If they are audited, they will need to provide records for the previous 12 months.

How is the market for connected fleet solutions going to evolve?

For trucks, the market will specialise in verticals, meaning segments that address very specific needs: cold storage, animal or grain transport, quarries, and last-mile delivery. Our solutions will become even more tailored to offer all our customers the most simple, efficient, and appropriate solution to fit their particular needs. Our customers are transport professionals and have no interest in becoming data or tech experts. They need solutions that understand their everyday problems and offer the simplest solutions!