Work

Impact of IoT (BLE) and LTE on Fleet Efficiency: An Empirical Case Study of a Bulgarian Logistics Company

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Despite the widespread adoption of IoT and LTE technologies in logistics, empirical research quantifying the economic impact of preventing operational errors remains scarce. Methods: This paper presents a case study of a Bulgarian transport company with over 800 tractors and 650 trailers, awarded “Transport Company of the Year 2025” at the Plovdiv Business Awards. An architecture combining BLE sensors, LTE trackers, and two-way integration between the TMS and the Kitin GPS platform was deployed. Using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative KPIs and qualitative process analysis), we measured the effect on annual excess mileage, trailer swap registration time, and error frequency. Results: The results show a 90% reduction in excess mileage (from 10,000 km to 1000 km), a 99.9% faster swap registration time, and a 90% reduction in errors. Annual savings amount to €19,750, with an investment payback period of 13–14 months (334% ROI over 5 years). Conclusions: The scientific contribution is the empirical demonstration that error prevention (correct trailer attachment) dominates asset tracking as a source of value. Theoretical and practical recommendations for fleet managers are presented.

Source: Logistics

DOI: 10.3390/logistics10090213

Authors: Rafi Garo Melkonyan, Svetoslav Hristosov Enkov, Vanya Nachkova Melkonyan

Institution: Plovdiv University

Language: English

Topic: Transport and Logistics Innovations

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689