For a large company managing a multitude of vehicles, fleet management is the ultimate time-and money-saving tool. Thanks to technology developed for IoT, fleet monitoring from connected devices can help to improve savings, manageability and visibility in passenger-load and cargo vehicles via advanced telematics and sensor solutions that provide access to near-real-time data and analytics. IoT in fleet management allows fleet operators to automate more processes and engage in high-level trip planning.
To expand its fleet management capabilities, Cox (News - Alert) Automotive recently announced that it has acquired fleet industry leader FleetNet America. With the acquisition, Cox Automotive Mobility and FleetNet are creating the foundation that will transform operating a fleet, “where every vehicle and every service is connected,” said the companies. The announcement was made during the American Trucking Association's Annual TMC (News - Alert) Meeting.
"The market leadership that comes with this joining of our two companies is unmatched in the fleet space," said Steve Rowley, President of Cox Automotive, in a statement. "Empowered by our combined decades-long legacy, best-in-class customers and service provider networks, and industry expertise, we're disrupting the status quo and leading the fleet future – but not in the breakdown business – in the problem-solving business."
A subsidiary of ArcBest, FleetNet's EMS offering uses a network of more than 60,000 independent service providers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Services include brokering emergency mobile assistance, mobile truck repair, towing and recovery, preventative maintenance, and tire repair. Paired with Cox Automotive's expertise in creating two-sided marketplaces (plus its ability to deliver industry-leading data insights and operate at global scale), this acquisition will fuel the companies' collective commitment to delivering greater flexibility, transparency, communication and ultimately keeping fleets doing what they do best – working for their customers.
One of the goals of the acquisition is also to eliminate breakdowns for its members by delivering turnkey solutions backed by fleet experts and an expansive service provider network, allowing customers to easily find and connect with specialized service providers when and where they need them. The proprietary technology, which includes FleetNet's mobile app for smartphones, will deliver a straightforward, automated workflow to keep vehicles healthy and on the road, and fleet providers focused on their business, according to the companies.