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7 Signs It’s Time to Look for a New TSP
Trusting your fleet operations with a telematics services provider (TSP) can feel like a serious commitment. It represents hours of research and shopping around, a financial investment, setup, training, and then daily use. You may have been with the same TSP for years or decades, but as time has passed, the cracks in the relationship have begun to appear.
How do you know when it’s time to start considering a new trucking TSP? If you’re experiencing any of the following red flags, it may be time to consider a new TSP provider.
1. Your Drivers Don’t Like It
One of the top signs it might be time for a new telematics service provider is if you’re consistently fielding phone calls from drivers who are frustrated with the technology. Maybe they’re finding it difficult to use, or the data they’re sending to your back office is riddled with errors. Either way, your drivers' feedback is crucial since they interact with the system daily. A user-friendly interface and reliable support can make a world of difference in their daily operations and overall job satisfaction, optimizing your operations and improving driver retention.
Why It Matters:
Driver satisfaction impacts overall morale and retention.
User-friendly trucking technology improves efficiency and reduces errors.
2. You’re Being Billed for Units You’re Not Using
If you’re noticing charges for inactive vehicles or vehicles sitting in the yard, it might be time to reassess your service agreement. No one likes to pay for something they’re not using. You should consider switching to a TSP with a flexible billing model that only charges you for vehicles that are actively used.
Why It Matters:
Flexible billing eliminates unnecessary expenses and ensures you’re only paying for what you actually use.
3. You’re Dealing with Inaccurate Data
Accurate data is the backbone of effective fleet management. If you’re constantly dealing with discrepancies, it’s time for a change. Bad data can lead to poor decision-making and affect your bottom line. Your TSP should help you accurately capture data to make the most informed decisions. An added bonus is if your TSP provides tools for automating data processing, helping you analyze and share key metrics and takeaways from your real-world data.
Why It Matters:
Accurate data drives better strategic planning and reduces the risk of compliance issues.
4. You Can’t Configure Your Software to Your Fleet’s Needs
Every fleet has unique needs, and your TSP software should be adaptable. If you find yourself unable to customize settings to fit your operations, you’re not getting the full benefit of your technology investment. What options does your TSP offer for adding on innovative apps that further address your fleet’s needs and goals? Look for a TSP that offers customizable features and flexibility to tailor the software experience to your specific requirements.
Why It Matters:
One size does not fit all; configurability ensures the TSP works for your specific needs and delivers a higher ROI.
5. You Sit On Hold Forever
Customer service matters. If you’re spending more time on hold than getting support, it might be a sign to change your TSP. Your TSP should provide prompt support whenever you need it, and in multiple channels. Long wait times can slow down operations, lead to frustration among your team, and negatively impact your bottom line.
Why It Matters:
Quick resolutions and responses keep your fleet moving and trucks on the road.
Good customer service builds trust and reliability and delivers help in the format you need most.
6. You’re Running Into Constant Technical Issues
Frequent technical glitches can bring your operations to a grinding halt. Whether it’s connectivity problems, software bugs, or device malfunctions, these issues can severely impact your productivity. A reliable TSP will ensure robust and consistent performance, minimizing downtime. Additionally, your TSP should work well with your other tools and systems. Seamless integration for your drivers eliminates annoying workarounds that waste time, duplicate tasks, and increase the chance of errors.
Why It Matters:
Technical reliability minimizes operational disruptions and enhances overall fleet performance.
7. Your Solution Feels Stagnant
Technology evolves and so should your TSP. If your provider isn’t keeping up with the latest advancements or offering regular updates, your fleet could fall behind. Look for a TSP that continuously innovates and improves its services, ensuring your fleet benefits from the latest technology. This characteristic is key in future-proofing your operations, preparing you for any industry trends, technologies, and regulations on the horizon, as well as your own growth and evolving needs.
Why It Matters:
Staying current with technology gives you a competitive advantage and ensures your TSP can evolve with your fleet.
Regular updates can introduce new features and efficiencies, continuing to save your fleet time and energy.
Time for a Change?
Recognizing these issues in your current TSP can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Don’t settle for subpar service; explore your options and find a TSP that aligns with your fleet’s needs and goals, today and for years to come.
Platform Science delivers telematics and fleet management tools on a platform built specifically for commercial fleets. With optimized flexibility, a great driver experience, a robust library of add-on apps, 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, and true systems integration, our goal is to help our partners succeed, today and tomorrow.
