A mileage tracking app is not the only feature you’ll have in mind when shopping for vehicle management software; but, it’s certainly one of the most important to look for. Why is that? Well, if we were to pick one answer, that would be cost reduction.
Indeed, not only can you save money for your fleet business, but also save valuable time for yourself; as a fleet manager, surely you need to focus on more important tasks, such as customer development and business growth.
The good news is that a vehicle management system, like Veturilo, can help you, among other things, track your fleet’s mileage; without putting much effort into it.
Luckily, the days of trying to deal with expenses and other problems that typically burden a fleet manager, are over! Read on to find out what mileage tracking app can do to help you streamline your business.
How does a mileage tracking app work?
In the early days of vehicle management, logbooks and spreadsheets were used to track and coordinate a fleet company’s operations. Keeping daily records of travel dates and purposes, starting locations, destinations and, of course, mileage, was a time-consuming process; to say nothing of the fact that logging the wrong data or even omitting information were common problems back then.
With the advancements in Telematics Technology, you no longer have to use logbooks to keep track of your business miles. Today, a holistic vehicle management system with integrated mileage tracking, like Veturilo, helps automate the whole process; you only need to enter a few necessary information for every vehicle and trip. This way, your fleet’s logs and reports are right there on the screen, to review and revise at any given time.
Keep in mind though, you need to choose a mileage tracking app that is specially designed to be IRS-compliant. You don’t want to have to worry about submitting incorrect or incomplete data, especially in case of an IRS audit; which, conveniently, takes us to the question…
Why should you track your fleet’s mileage?
Well, clearly the most important answer is no other than “cost reduction”. But, to be more specific, we need to break it down to:
A mileage tracking app can help you achieve all three, effortlessly and efficiently.
1. Tax Deductions
As a small or medium-sized fleet business owner or fleet manager, you need every single tax reimbursement you can get. Besides, would you pass thousands in tax deductions every year if you knew you could claim them for your business? Of course not.
For that purpose, you need to prove your business miles per tax year; at the same time, you must make sure your trip log records comply with the IRS requirements.
A mileage tracking app will automatically start tracking your fleet’s mileage at a click of a button; all the while, making it easy for you, or your accountant, to calculate your company’s tax reimbursements.
2. Fuel economy
Since mileage is inseparable from gas consumption, a mileage tracking app can help on that front too. While you track and record your business miles, you can also keep an eye on your entire fleet’s fuel usage — and efficiency.
Knowing the MPG (miles per gallon) for each trip, you can find ways to reduce fuel expenses. You can also prevent fuel theft — if you suspect you might be having such an issue in your fleet.
3. Performance optimization
It’s amazing how much information you can gather, just by tracking your fleet’s mileage. Your crew’s driving behavior is definitely among them, since it’s directly linked to vehicle performance levels.
For example, excessive idling is a slip in performance, which you can monitor via your mileage tracking app; or, as you monitor, you might even discover that your vehicle is being used outside of working hours.
And here’s another thought to chew on: does a driver cover more miles than another, for the same route, and with the same vehicle? Some performance issues that you have to investigate may be looming there.
All of the above affect your fleet’s performance a lot more than you may think — but fret not! A mileage tracking app can help set the record straight.
How to use Veturilo as a mileage tracking app!
The first step is to register with Veturilo, either via the web-based platform or the mobile app; if you want to go for the latter, please visit the Apple app Store or the Google Play Store. Next, connect each fleet vehicle using our OBD II device.
Then log in to your Veturilo dashboard and start using the trip log feature on the spot; that’s where you’ll get all your mileage tracking app insights. Only remember to fill in the necessary data for every fleet vehicle separately:
- The exact mileage written on your dashboard when you connected the OBD II device — one-off
- The purpose of the trip (business or personal) — after each trip
Veturilo will take care of the rest:
- The travel date and time
- The point of departure and the destination
- The total miles for the trip (including the starting and ending mileage indications)
- The events that occurred during the trip and at which point in time
That’s it, nothing should get in the way of tracking every single business mile now — to say the least. With Veturilo you have the perfect tool to do that, and so much more! It’s up to you! 😉
Stay on the right track
As a fleet manager, you’ve got many hassles weighing on you; and, the never-ending quest to cut down on costs is certainly one of them. Fortunately, there are effective ways to address this issue. Keeping detailed records of your fleet’s mileage for tax deductions, fuel economy, and performance boost is a great start.
You don’t have to ‘go the extra mile’ to calculate your business miles; without a question, a mileage tracking app will take a lot off your plate. All the more so, when integrated into a vehicle management system, like Veturilo. It’s not that hard to help your fleet business stay on the right track after all; and the best part is that you can start now!
