How Does a GPS Fleet Tracking System Work?
There are more than 400,000 vehicles in fleet businesses across America. So if you run a fleet-based business then your competition is fierce.
To run successfully your company needs to be well-organized, efficient, and deliver great service. This is where using software and automation can help and GPS fleet tracking is a must-have.
So what is GPS tracking for a fleet and how does it work? Read on to find out everything you need to know about GPS tracking and how this latest software can benefit your business.
COMPARE GPS QUOTESWhat is GPS Fleet Tracking?
Fleet GPS tracking is a way of monitoring each vehicle in your fleet while they are out on the road. These system provides live, up-to-date location information and can track if a vehicle is parked, driving, or turned off.
Your GPS system can also record this information in case you need it in the future. So how does this work? Let’s take a closer look.
How Does GPS Fleet Tracking Work?
There are two key components you need for GPS tracking for a fleet. These share data via GPS signals so that you can keep track of your vehicles.
GPS Fleet Tracking Devices
Each vehicle in your fleet needs to be fitted with a GPS tracking device to link up to the system. You can install these inside your vehicle or on their outer bodywork.
You will need one tracking device per vehicle. So provided that you have enough tracking devices you can track as many vehicles as you like!
Most tracking devices use long-life batteries that should last for up to three months. Some GPS tracking batteries are rechargeable while others will need replacing.
Some GPS tracking systems use software installed on drivers’ cellphones or GPS navigation devices. This is quicker to install and doesn’t rely on batteries that will need replacing.
Centralized GPS Tracking System Dashboard
Each tracking device feeds information back to your centralized GPS fleet tracking dashboard. This system collects this data so that you can view it all from one place.
Most dashboards are easy to navigate and allow you to set up alerts for specific situations. For example, you could set up an alert for drivers who exceed the speed limit or are falling behind on their delivery schedules.
You can also use your GPS fleet tracking system to look up specific vehicles in your fleet. So, for example, if a customer calls to find out where their delivery is you can check the system to find out quickly.
Most systems will keep a record of vehicle routes so that you can look these up if you need to.
COMPARE GPS QUOTESUsing GPS Fleet Tracking Software to Design and Monitor Routes
If you have a GPS fleet tracking system this might also feature additional software to help improve your fleet’s efficiency.
This can help you to plan routes efficiently, allocate deliveries, communicate with your drivers, and monitor fleet maintenance.
So how can GPS tracking for a fleet help your business? Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of using fleet GPS tracking.
GPS Fleet Tracking Improves Efficiency
Fleet GPS tracking can help you to plan efficient routes for your drivers, which saves your fleet managers time. Your tracking software will generate the fastest routes possible based on:
- Your driver’s location
- The different delivery locations they have to visit
- Current road and traffic conditions
The tracking software can also help your driver to navigate and updates their route based on the local road conditions if necessary.
This ensures that you can take on the maximum number of jobs possible for the number of vehicles that you have.
Efficient route planning also helps you to minimize fuel costs. This works by reducing the amount of time that your drivers spend on the road and allowing them to drive as efficiently as possible. So there can be huge benefits for your business’s bottom line!
A GPS Tracking Fleet System Prevents Idling
Speaking of fuel costs, fleet tracking GPS systems also help to stop your drivers from idling. This occurs when a vehicle is parked but the engine is left running.
Idling can cost you dearly as it wastes fuel. In fact, over the course of an hour idling can waste up to half a gallon of fuel. So drivers who do this regularly could cost you a lot.
GPS tracking fleet software allows you to see when your cars are parked with the engine on or off. This means that you will be able to spot which drivers are idling and how often this happens. Some systems will even let you set up an alert to notify you about idling drivers.
If you do notice that a driver is idling a lot then you can have a word with them about this. Knowing that they are being watched can also deter drivers in your fleet from idling in the first place. So you can reduce the amount of fuel being wasted on a daily basis.
Tracking Helps You Keep Customers Updated
You can use your tracking data to give your customers live updates about their deliveries and accurate delivery windows. This is a great way of improving your customer communication and satisfaction.
Some GPS tracking software even lets you share tracking information with customers so they can track deliveries themselves. This usually involves sharing a link to their delivery vehicle’s tracking information on their delivery day.
If any of your vehicles experience severe delays or have issues while on the road your team can use their tracking data to keep your customers well-informed.
After all, customers who are waiting around for a delivery that does not come will quickly become irritated. If a delivery is delayed you can do damage control by calling them as early as possible and offering an updated delivery slot instead. You could even offer them the opportunity to reschedule their delivery if their new slot doesn’t suit them.
Fleet Tracking GPS Protects Your Drivers
Your drivers are one of the greatest assets your business has so it is important to show them that you care. This will ensure that people want to work for your company and stick around once they’ve joined.
GPS tracking software makes it easy for your management team to spot quickly if someone is in trouble. For example, they might notice that someone has broken down or is deviating from their route.
COMPARE GPS QUOTESIn that case, they can check in with the driver to make sure that they are okay. If they have broken down your team will know exactly where to send the roadside assistance team.
A lot of GPS tracking systems also make it easy for drivers to communicate directly with your fleet management team. If someone becomes unwell or has a concern about their vehicle they can raise this easily. Your management team will be able to get in touch to offer support or help them resolve the problem in no time.
GPS tracking also encourages drivers to be aware of their driving while on the road. Reckless driving or speeding will all be recorded in your GPS tracking system. Detering them from this sort of driving also helps to protect them while they’re behind the wheel.
GPS Fleet Tracking Is Great for Security
Each vehicle in your fleet is a big investment so it is important to protect this and there are several ways that fleet GPS tracking can do this.
Tracking deters your drivers from driving recklessly and reduces the risk of them crashing or damaging your vehicles.
It also means that if a thief steals one of your vehicles you will be able to track it down and recover it easily. In fact, GPS tracking can deter thieves from targeting your business altogether.
This means that you will not lose thousands of dollars replacing your vehicles or waiting for insurance payouts.
Speaking of insurance, installing GPS trackers could also help to lower your business’s insurance premiums. This is because it improves your overall security and reduces the chances of you needing to make a claim.
Find GPS Tracking for Your Business Today
As you can see, there are loads of brilliant benefits to using GPS fleet tracking in your business. This will help you run operations smoothly, deliver great customer satisfaction, and save costs. So what are you waiting for?
Start comparing the costs of fleet tracking GPS software today.
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