GPS Truck Tracking is a Must-Have for Fleet Operators: Here’s Why

Communication technology is becoming more sophisticated, thus making the use of GPS tracking more widespread than ever before. GPS tracking devices are appealing to both consumers and enterprises, as they provide two primary advantages, namely, peace of mind and increased productivity. But just how exactly do GPS tracking devices fit into fleet management? Here are the basics of GPS truck tracking and its benefits to fleet operators.

How Does Fleet GPS Tracking Work?

It's quite easy to grasp how a GPS tracker works, which is probably why it's a technology that's become quite popular among consumers and businesses these days. A GPS tracker uses the Global Positioning System to know and track the location of a vehicle or person, thus enabling a user to collect location data that is displayed on a map.

What Are the Benefits of GPS Truck Tracking to Fleet Operators and Managers?

GPS truck tracking brings many benefits to fleet operators for many reasons. The most notable of which is that it provides more visibility on drivers' whereabouts. But the benefits go beyond real-time delivery tracking. Tracking delivery trucks, after all, also helps optimize routes, minimize costs, and improve customer satisfaction scores.

Route Optimization

Businesses with last mile delivery services have difficulties accommodating high delivery volumes while keeping costs low. Sending out multiple drivers on multiple stops every single day is a burdensome process.

Advanced tracking solutions either have or can be integrated with route optimization tools that are useful in planning efficient routes. Some solutions also come with dispatching systems, helping dispatchers or fleet managers know the drivers' location to determine which of them are best suited to handle a certain delivery.

Reduction of Fuel Costs

Fuel costs account for a significant chunk of a fleet's overall operating costs. GPS tracking systems can help businesses lower their fuel bill.

For one, optimizing routes means shorter distances for drivers, resulting in less fuel consumption.

Plus, a GPS tracking solution when combined with telematics can provide fleet managers with speed information in real time as well as send out alerts to drivers that they are speeding. Ensuring that drivers are observing proper speed limits can help lower fuel consumption.

Idling is another reason why fleets have high fuel bills. Truck tracking solutions have alerts when vehicles are idling longer than they should, allowing fleet managers to take corrective action as soon as possible.

Safety and Security

A GPS tracking solution for trucks can also be used to ensure driver safety. With telematics solutions, GPS trackers have alerting functions, letting fleet managers advise drivers to slow down for their own safety.

Plus, GPS and telematics solutions also inform managers when delivery vehicles are due for routine maintenance. Alerting drivers on the road regarding their unsafe driver behavior, along with ensuring that vehicle preventative maintenance schedule is being followed, goes a long way in keeping drivers safe.

Additionally, the GPS tracking system helps in the recovery of stolen vehicles as well as any other inventory or assets on board. Some systems also alert fleet operators when trucks are being used during drivers’ off-hours.

Some tracking systems also have geofencing, which restricts drivers from going to areas that have been tagged as unsafe.

Lower Insurance Costs

Keeping drivers safe on the road also means fewer accidents. This, in turn, lowers insurance premiums for fleet operators.

Higher Customer Satisfaction Scores

Customers always expect the best services from companies. For enterprises with delivery services, achieving customer satisfaction means providing consumers with an accurate expected time of arrival (ETA) and delivering on time.

A GPS system helps companies meet consumers' expectations as it dispatches the best-suited driver to meet the delivery time window. Plus, route optimization software also provides customers with real-time ETAs and even alerts them ahead of time if there are unexpected delivery delays.

Reduced Operating Costs

A GPS truck tracking solution reduces fuel costs by alerting fleet managers of drivers speeding and idling time. Likewise, it helps operators lower insurance costs. All these help companies reduce their operating costs.

What to Look for in a Fleet GPS Tracking System

There are plenty of GPS truck tracking systems on the market, but not all have the same features. When choosing a solution, fleet operators and managers must consider the following:

Ease of use - Rolling out new technology to employees isn't always easy, especially if the solution is difficult to use. As such, it's best for fleet operators to choose a GPS tracking solution that's straightforward and simple to learn so employees will have an easy time adapting to the solution.

High location data quality - Not all solutions provide real-time tracking. Some only provide location data every five to ten minutes, so look for one that provides up-to-the-moment tracking.

Easy to install and integrate - Will the installation process be seamless, or will it need the hiring of additional employees? Likewise, it's always better to get a system that can easily be integrated with other existing enterprise solutions.

Customer support - Solution providers offer different post-sales purchases. Businesses are better off choosing solution providers that offer great customer support.

How to Roll Out GPS Truck Trucking Solutions to Employees?

Fleet operators should ensure that drivers and all other personnel are onboard for the new solution by emphasizing that a GPS truck tracking system will help keep them safe and lower the company's operating costs.

It's essential that drivers understand that the GPS system is designed and implemented to ensure strict adherence to preventive maintenance schedules and speed limits, thus reducing the likelihood of vehicular accidents. Highlighting how the tracking solution will make drivers’ jobs much easier, thanks to the automated route optimization and dispatching capabilities, will go a long way in getting the drivers’ buy-in of the technology.

In the end, informing employees that the GPS tracking system is key to increasing revenues and maintaining long-term profitability and stressing how the system will benefit drivers is key to motivating them to learn the solution quickly and use it properly.