Using Telematics for Predictive Maintenance
Vetronix Corp.'s latest Mastertrak "next-generation" telematics and remote diagnostics function enables management to keep better tabs on the fleet by predicting mechanical failures before it's too late.

Vetronix Corp., a developer of “next-generation” telematics and remote diagnostics equipment for commercial fleets and OEMs in Santa Barbara, Calif., unveiled the latest Mastertrak Fleet Solutions telematics system in May 2004. A comprehensive diagnostics and prognostics application, Mastertrak Fleet Solutions is designed to enable fleet operators to improve profitability with features including asset management, logistics, service and maintenance, remote diagnostics, fuel management, safety, motor pool management, and “operating health,” which predicts pending vehicle failures before they happen. “Our clients are showing return on investment of thousands of dollars annually through the use of telematics,” said Jack Rozint, Vetronix telematics manager. “We have proven case studies showing that remote diagnostics is capable of reducing breakdowns, shortening repair cost and cycle time, and improving technician productivity, all of which can add up to several thousand dollars per vehicle on an annual basis.” The company has developed business partnerships with OEMs including General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, and with corporations including IBM and Flexcar. Asset Management with Remote Diagnostics
This module detects mechanical failures in a vehicle and notifies management about its performance. Features include: · Instant notification of diagnostic trouble codes. · Real-time diagnostic evaluation. · Preventive maintenance optimization. · Lifecycle management. Productivity, Logistics, & Fuel
Through GPS, this function helps enhance employee productivity by tracking a vehicle’s location and monitoring driver behavior. This application also helps improve fuel management through fuel event capture, low fuel alerts, real-time odometer capture, improved route efficiency, and reduced idle time and vehicle stops. Safety & Security
Since vehicle location and driver behavior are constantly tracked, management is able to coach drivers on safety procedures. Correctable driving behavior features include: excessive speed, seatbelt usage, sudden stops and jackrabbit starts, use of parking brake, headlights, airbag deployment, and doors open while the vehicle is in motion. To bolster security of fleet operators and vehicles in the field, Mastertrak provides theft detection and stolen vehicle tracking, remote door locks, accident detection, and emergency alert notification. New features will include automatic vehicle location, asset health reports and e-mail notifications, asset utilization tracking for utility and construction fleets, map data coverage for Canada, and new reporting solutions accessible through the Mastertrak Web site.
More Operations

Minneapolis Fire Department Prepares to Add Three New Pierce Enforcer Pumpers to Front-Line Fleet
The order, secured through Pierce dealer MacQueen, marks the department’s move from commercial chassis pumpers to Pierce custom fire apparatus designed to meet the operational demands of Minnesota’s largest city.
Read More →
The Human Side of Fleet Leadership: Lessons from Larry Campbell
As public fleets navigate rapid change through AI, telematics, and increasing operational pressures, Larry Campbell believes the fundamentals of leadership matter more than ever. The longtime fleet leader reflects on accountability, integrity, and why earning trust remains the foundation of a successful fleet operation.
Read More →
Turn Fleet Data Into Smarter Decisions
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Read More →
RoadFlex Brings Fleet Spend Management to the Field with Mobile App for Drivers, Fleet Managers
Through the RoadFlex mobile app, drivers can access their assigned cards, view recent transaction activity, and upload receipts directly from their mobile devices.
Read More →
Maryland Natural Resources Police Adds 31-Foot Patrol Boat to Enforcement Fleet
A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.
Read More →
John Deere Expands X-Tier Lineup with New 844 and 904 X-Tier Wheel Loaders
The new X-Tier machines bring together advanced electrified drivetrain technology, intelligent machine controls, and optional operator awareness features.
Read More →
The Technician Pipeline: Finding, Keeping, and Promoting Techs Within the Operation.
At look at where to find good talent, what fleets are doing to incentivize those techs to stay within the fleet, and what promotion looks like for a technician within the public sector.
Read More →
Public Sector Leaders Partner with Samsara to Advance Real-World AI Innovation
Samsara introduced three AI-powered public sector solutions focused on road condition monitoring, waste service verification, and student ridership management for government agencies and school districts.
Read More →
The Fleet Efficiency Gap: Where Budgets, Utilization & Risk Collide
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This whitepaper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →

