Revamping Your Dispatch, Maintenance, Hiring & DOT Compliance Software

Your fleet management tech stack should work for you. What are your current software solutions missing that today's applications could offer you?

Nearly every aspect of managing a fleet of commercial vehicles requires an efficient tech stack. If you're still using unresponsive or outdated programs for your dispatch, vehicle maintenance, DOT compliance, and hiring and onboarding processes, your team (who is likely wearing many hats already) is wasting valuable time, money, and resources.

Below, we delve into the importance of evaluating and updating your software solutions on a regular basis, and we explain what you should be looking for in these four key areas of fleet management.

Innovative & Interconnected Dispatch Process

Putting a modern dispatch software solution in place allows you to maintain regular communication between drivers and dispatchers, optimize and improve the safety of routing, and reduce rising fuel costs.

When you're choosing new dispatch software, consider the following features:

• Real-time GPS tracking: Dispatchers can monitor company vehicle locations and statuses, allowing them to make quick and informed decisions, especially in the thick of delays or heavy traffic congestion.
• Route optimization: Advanced algorithms can analyze traffic patterns, distances, and road conditions to determine the most efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption and ensuring timely deliveries.
• Software integration: Seamless dispatch integration with other software solutions, such as vehicle maintenance and DOT compliance management, helps create a cohesive tech stack that simplifies overall fleet management.

Remember, your dispatch software is only as effective as the individuals using it. Dispatchers who maintain open communication with drivers throughout their routes, and proactively plan to get them to their next stop as efficiently and safely as possible, will help your company get the most value out of your new dispatch software application.

Ongoing Commercial Vehicle Maintenance

Any type of well-oiled machine requires regular maintenance. In order to keep your fleet running smoothly, minimize downtime, and avoid roadside inspection violations, your commercial vehicles need to be in tip-top condition for your drivers.

An effective maintenance management system can help you monitor vehicle performance, schedule preventative maintenance, and manage repair work orders.

Here are some key features to look for in a vehicle maintenance management solution:

• Maintenance planning: Automatically generate maintenance schedules based on vehicle usage or time intervals, ensuring your mechanics are assessing and repairing vehicles on a regular basis.
• Inventory management: Track parts, set reorder points, and manage vendor relationships to ensure you always have the parts you need on hand or available with minimal shipping times.
• Mobile accessibility: Technicians can access information on the go, update work orders, and document repairs using their smartphones or tablets, promoting efficiency and reducing paperwork.

Did you know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) evaluates your company's safety performance and compliance based on your vehicle maintenance efforts? Read this Foley article to find out how you can stay in good standing this inspection season.

Tried & Tested DOT Compliance Software

Staying on top of ever-changing DOT regulations is a full-time job, and sometimes, you simply don't have the bandwidth or the knowledge to do so. That's where a DOT compliance partner like Foley can help. A comprehensive compliance management solution can help you meet the latest federal requirements and keep up with critical recordkeeping.

Check for these essential features when evaluating DOT compliance software solutions:

• Driver file management: Maintain up-to-date driver qualification files, including employee applications, commercial driver's licenses, medical cards, and annual motor vehicle record (MVR) checks.
• FMCSA Clearinghouse compliance: Ability to set a designated third-party administrator (TPA) in the Clearinghouse, run Clearinghouse queries, and manage recordkeeping.
• DOT drug and alcohol testing: Schedule pre-employment, random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol tests depending on your drivers' specific situations, using our nationwide network of collection sites.
• DOT physicals: Set up convenient exam appointments, avoid medical certificate expirations, and help ensure the health and safety of your drivers.

The compliance programs above are just the tip of the iceberg regarding what Foley's software provides for your business. Our compliance experts can show you all we have to offer in our user-friendly platform when you request a free demo appointment.

Streamlined Hiring, Screening & Onboarding Software

Attracting and retaining skilled CDL drivers is essential for your fleet's success.

Introducing software specifically designed for the transportation industry into your hiring process can help you get the most valuable candidates out of your recruiting efforts and grow your company to keep up with demand.

Some key features of hiring and onboarding software should include are:

• Job posting distribution: Easily share job postings to multiple job boards and social media platforms, broadening your reach and increasing your number of applicants.
• Applicant tracking: Manage the entire recruitment process, from collecting and screening resumes to conducting phone interviews, all within a single platform.
• Efficient & customized onboarding: Phased background screening for drivers that allows you to choose what checks you need to run and in what order and keeps your time-to-hire and costs low.
• Digital documentation: Store, edit, and manage all applicant and employee documents for easy access and reduced paperwork.

An efficient onboarding process helps turn promising applicants into productive employees faster than you ever thought possible. Dash, Foley's all-in-one hiring, screening, and onboarding software, lets you take control of each step in the driver employment process.

Explore Foley's DOT Compliance & Onboarding Software Solutions

Whether you need help with staying DOT compliant because you're unfamiliar with the regulations, you don't have the headcount to do it yourself, or a combination of the two, the Foley team can get you on track toward comprehensive and consolidated compliance. Schedule a FREE DOT compliance software demo now to get started.

Our team can also help you hire employees who drive, and run an efficient background screening for drivers to ensure you're putting qualified, compliant professionals behind the wheel. Talk to a Foley expert now about Dash, the latest hiring and onboarding software in the industry.