Verizon announced it is rolling out Networkfleet on the Verizon Wireless network, and will implement it on more than 18,000 of its service fleet vehicles. Networkfleet is a fleet-management solution that provides a wide variety of monitoring and management capabilities for increased productivity and improved customer service, according to the company.

The Networkfleet solution -- part of Hughes Telematics, which Verizon acquired last year – will now be combined with the speed and reliability of the Verizon Wireless network and will debut in Verizon’s own U.S. service fleet for improved monitoring, management and route optimization capabilities.  

With the new “all-Verizon” solution as part of its telematics portfolio the company said it is building on the joint capabilities of Verizon and Hughes Telematics to help fleet, operations and risk managers use technology to improve operations by managing speed, fuel consumption, drivers and vehicles while optimizing vehicle use and routes using vehicle diagnostics to help hold the line on maintenance costs.

“As one of the largest commercial fleet operators in the United States, Verizon recognizes the challenges and opportunities associated with managing fleets and we continue to shape our offerings to help customers turn rolling assets into a competitive business advantage,’’ said  David Small, senior vice president and chief platform officer for Verizon Enterprise Solutions.  “We see the fleet management space as a tremendous opportunity and we will continue to work with our ecosystem to serve this growing market and are committed to innovating in the machine-to-machine space.”  

The Networkfleet telematics solution combines in-vehicle hardware and a Web-based application to store, view and analyze data on specific vehicles as well as overall fleet performance. Vehicles are equipped with a GPS device that sends information to the Networkfleet Data Center over a secure wireless network. Key features include GPS fleet tracking; asset tracking; fleet maps; vehicle diagnostics with alerts; roadside assistance; preventative maintenance; and other fleet management tools.

Verizon is deploying Networkfleet to an initial 18,000 company vehicles in its fleet this year to expedite customer service, while increasing productivity and cost efficiencies, according to the company. The initiative will help achieve Verizon’s sustainability goal of decreasing its carbon footprint.