Robbins Towing keeps better track of its trucks with FleetMatics

FleetMatics, provider of fleet management solutions for commercial fleet vehicles, has announced that Robbins Towing recently selected FleetMatics to assist in improving operational efficiencies and customer service. The St. Catherines, Ontario-based towing and recovery company made the change after their previous supplier went out of business, demanding a search for a superior GPS fleet tracking solution.

 
Robbins Towing has had a GPS system implemented in its four trucks for approximately four years. "It's a 24-hour business, but there aren't calls every night," said company owner Barry Robbins. "I need to make sure the trucks are only being used when there are calls."
 
The trucks operated by Robbins Towing are equipped with Garmin navigation units, which integrate seamlessly with the FleetMatics system. FleetMatics Garmin integration delivers a number of benefits, including turn-by-turn directions, immediate notification of job status, accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to the next job, and messaging capabilities. FleetMatics Garmin integration has also saved Robbins Towing money with improved routing; avoiding fines enforced by traffic laws on anyone caught driving while operating a cell phone or Garmin unit.
 
Being able to track the company's vehicles has kept their drivers working at maximum efficiency, and any deviation from the norm is immediately picked up by the FleetMatics system. Initially this helped crack down on drivers using the trucks for personal use, but on one occasion, Robbins was able to notify the police immediately when one of his trucks was stolen. The truck was recovered within minutes, and the thieves apprehended shortly after.
 
Robbins also credited FleetMatics with helping the company maintain a high level of customer service. "We are exact on our ETAs," said Robbins. "When a call comes in, we are able to route the nearest truck and we can tell them our guy will be there in nine minutes, and he is."
 
The company began with a GPS tracking system from another provider, which has since gone out of business. Since switching over to the FleetMatics system, Robbins said he's realized just how primitive that initial system was. "It's not even in the same ballpark. The FleetMatics system manages my fuel, my drivers and my power take off (PTO). I wouldn't be able to run my company without it."
 
"FleetMatics' expansive solution is designed for small to mid-size companies, like Robbins Towing, that are looking to improve operational efficiencies and grow their business," said Jim Travers, FleetMatics CEO. "We are confident the GPS tracking technology will further support Robbins Towing in their efforts to provide excellent customer service."