Geotab Industry Survey: 87% of transportation fleets anticipate rising business costs this year

Toronto, ON (April 10th, 2024) - Geotab Inc. (“Geotab”) — a global leader in connected transportation solutions — has conducted a survey of U.S. fleet professionals, with Bobit Research Group, that explores how organizations in the transportation sector are progressing on their sustainability plans, amid increasing pressure to address climate change. 

The Double-Bottom Line: Balancing Growth with Environmental Responsibility

While business costs continue to rise, more large U.S. fleets are setting environmentally focused goals to align with customer preference and regulations, and to offset increasing expenses. The challenges for the industry are clear:

• 87% anticipate an increase in their business costs throughout 2024.
• 42% of fleet professionals believe customers will demand more fleet sustainability initiatives in the next 1-3 years in order to continue doing business with them.
• 39% indicate new vehicles as the largest portion of their costs, while 28% report vehicle maintenance, and 15% report fuel costs as the biggest driver of cost. 

Harnessing Data Intelligence for Better Decision Making

Fleet managers are leveraging data insights, alongside the growing integration of AI models. Trusted data intelligence is enabling better decision making to improve fleet sustainability operations and performance, and improved cost management. The survey found that:

• 60% found data intelligence critical to reducing operational costs through better maintenance and scheduling. 
• 31% are using data insights to measure and track sustainability progress.
• 41% found data intelligence useful to determine driving behavior that contributes to more sustainable practices, like reducing idling, route planning, and more.

“As fleet professionals execute ambitious sustainability goals, data intelligence and AI are driving decision-making and reporting which is driving business value," said Eric Mallia, Vice President, Sustainability Solutions, Geotab. “We’re increasingly seeing more fleet operators embrace the cost-saving potential of measurable sustainability initiatives, delivering a “double-bottom line” of operational cost savings and a reduction in emissions.”  

Strong support structures are advancing sustainability

Fleet professionals are optimistic about the support structures in place and their ability to advance sustainable operations. Key findings include:

• 84% report company leadership that supports progress on sustainability goals.
• 68% report feeling adequately equipped with data intelligence tools.
• 67% feel positive about the availability of requisite training and education. 

Year over year impact of data 

Building upon prior findings, a comparative analysis with a survey from 2023 highlights the effectiveness of sustainability plans. A remarkable 69% of fleet managers who implemented these initiatives reported a significant decrease in operating expenses over the previous year. Last year, 54% of fleets surveyed already had EVs in their fleet or on order. As that transition continues, trusted data intelligence will be critical to the management of those vehicles, and to accelerate ROI.

“Sustainable fleet transformation includes switching to low- and zero- emission vehicles, and extends to adopting a measured approach that helps organizations optimize operations. Data is core to unlocking those insights– including reducing idling and instituting better routing and driving practices” said Charlotte Argue, Geotab’s Senior Manager of Sustainable Mobility.

Advancing progress to net zero through data, research and partnerships

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Geotab shares knowledge and expertise, invests, and collaborates on projects to spark innovation and support efforts toward a low-carbon future. Learn more in the Geotab 2023 Sustainability and Impact Report.