FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency is modernizing its fleet management practices using technology monitoring vehicle use and employee driving behaviors to make informed decisions about safety, costs and operational efficiency.
Telematics, a blend of telecommunications and monitoring systems technology, enables real-time collection and analysis of data from vehicles, providing the agency with critical insights into a wide range of vehicle operational metrics. The technology can measure fuel economy and use, engine diagnostics, aggressive driving patterns like excessive speed, hard braking or cornering, seatbelt use, idling times and vehicle location.
The General Services Administration (GSA) Automotive Division began to deploy telematics across their leased vehicle fleets in 2020 to collect operational data for fleet planning and vehicle acquisition strategies. DLA Vehicle managers have worked to accelerate the agency’s adoption of telematics technology to drive positive change within the organization.
Harnessing the Power of Data
DLA Fleet Manager Robert Holt explained how the agency’s use of telematics provides a wealth of data that has proven invaluable for improving fleet operations and monitoring the safety and efficiency of its vehicles.
“The ability to monitor those data points allow DLA to identify issues early and take corrective action,” Holt said. “Aggressive driving patterns or excessive idling are flagged and reported, prompting intervention to protect the interest of the government, improve driver safety, and reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs.”
DLA Vehicle Manager Glenn Mellon said that telematic technology is currently available in the 82% of DLA’s Continental United States Government Service Agency-leased vehicles and the number will continue to grow as more vehicles are added into the system. With the ongoing expansion of telematics across the fleet, DLA is well-positioned to reap the full benefits of this technology in terms of both efficiency and safety.
DLA and Beyond: Collaboration with the Defense Department and Industry
The impact of DLA’s telematics program has reached beyond the agency. As a subject matter expert on the use of telematics, Mellon briefed the Department of the Army’s fleet management team and Office of the Secretary of Defense on the benefits of telematics.
“The immediate benefits that DLA has seen with telematics is improved fleet management and safety by providing insight on how the DLA fleet is being used,” Mellon said. “Examples are real-time vehicle location, monitoring undesirable driving behaviors, fuel consumption, and being able to identify maintenance and diagnostics issues before they become catastrophic engine failures.”
“These benefits combine to make telematics a powerful tool for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety across the enterprise,” he added.
Mellon said that the briefings have showcased DLA’s leadership and fostered valuable collaboration with other Department of Defense entities, allowing for the exchange of ideas and strategies that benefit the broader defense community and GSA.
DLA participated in an advisory group with its telematics provider, providing a high-level discussion about aligning telematics solutions with organizational goals. This helped position DLA as a leader in the adoption of telematics technology across the DOD.
Looking Ahead: A Future Powered by Telematics
As telematics technology continues to evolve, Mellon said DLA remains committed to using its capabilities to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of its fleet.
“The agency’s successful deployment of telematics has not only yielded tangible benefits in fleet management but has also set a model for other federal agencies and organizations looking to harness the power of data to optimize their operations,” he said.
With the growing adoption of telematics, Mellon said DLA is poised to lead the way in transforming fleet management practices across the DOD, demonstrating how modern technology is used to enhance operational performance, reduce costs and improve safety.
“In an era of increasing reliance on data and technology, DLA’s telematics program is more than just a fleet management tool — it’s a testament to the agency’s commitment to innovation in advancing operational efficiency in DOD,” Mellon said.