GPS fleet tracking is essential for businesses that use vehicles for delivery. It helps fleet managers control their vehicles better, boost productivity, and save money.
Here’s a simple guide on what you need to know:
- Learn how GPS technology tracks vehicle location and performance.
- Discover ways to cut fuel expenses using GPS tracking.
- Understand how GPS improves driver safety, keeps vehicles secure, and enhances overall operations.
- Know the difference between real-time tracking (active) and recorded data (passive).
- Compare web-based systems with client-based software for tracking your fleet.
- See why accurate maps and detailed reports are crucial for managing your fleet.
- Learn strategies to get your team on board with using GPS tracking.
This guide will help you choose the right GPS fleet tracking software for your needs.
How to track a truck with telematics
Telematics technology uses near real-time GPS data from vehicle tracking devices. It also gathers extra data from on-board diagnostics ports and sends this information to central servers using cell phone or satellite networks. Fleet managers can use GPS truck tracking systems to enjoy several benefits for their business.
Reducing fuel costs
Speeding leads to high fuel consumption, so encouraging drivers to stick to speed limits helps manage fuel use. Many telematics systems provide speed information and alert you when a truck exceeds set speed thresholds.
Excessive idling also increases fuel costs. When drivers leave trucks running unnecessarily, it impacts your bottom line. Semi-truck GPS tracking can reduce idling by alerting you if a vehicle idles longer than a set time, allowing you to take action.
Truck monitoring systems offer location-based data for better dispatching. GPS tracking enhances routing and dispatching, reducing fuel use, lowering truck mileage, and increasing daily job completions. It also records when a truck arrives and leaves a job, providing accurate proof of service to support customer service.
Prioritize driver safety, vehicle security and operations
GPS fleet management systems provide fleet managers with key information about driving behavior, including speed, harsh braking, engine start-up and shut-down times, and idling duration.
The system can also use geofencing to alert managers when trucks leave authorized areas or are used outside regular hours. If a vehicle is stolen, GPS tracking helps recover it and any onboard equipment quickly.
High-quality GPS trackers for work trucks also automate timesheets. You’ll get precise details on when employees start work, take breaks, and end their shifts, eliminating the need for manual timesheets. Accurate timesheets streamline payroll, reducing errors and preventing excessive overtime pay.
Active vs. passive vehicle tracking
In GPS fleet management, data from vehicle tracking devices is sent to a remote user at regular intervals. You can choose between a passive system with periodic updates or an active system providing near real-time location information.
With passive tracking, GPS data is stored on the device and must be downloaded when vehicles return to the office. Be cautious of systems with updates every 5, 10, or 15 minutes, as this is not truly live and may incur extra charges if you need to locate a vehicle between updates.
Active-update GPS systems, though slightly more expensive, are preferred for truck tracking. They offer near real-time location information, allowing fleet owners to make critical, on-demand management decisions.
Client-based vs. web-based GPS truck tracking systems
Client-based GPS truck tracking systems often use proprietary software that needs to be installed and updated manually. This software typically only works on computers with the proper installation.
In contrast, web-based GPS truck tracking systems deliver information securely over the Internet to any connected device, without needing special software. As long as you have your login and password, you can access your account from any internet-enabled computer or mobile device. The flexibility and 24/7 access of a web-based system make it a superior choice for GPS fleet management.
The importance of mapping to track trucks
GPS tracking for fleets relies on current and clear mapping. Many fleet tracking software solutions partner with leading mapping providers to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date maps.
The best mapping features let you zoom down to street level and offer various views, including street, terrain, satellite, and hybrid street-satellite options. Additionally, having real-time traffic information helps drivers avoid delays and improve route efficiency.
Discover how route planning software helps lower fuel costs for your fleet by optimizing routes, reducing unnecessary mileage, and avoiding traffic delays.
Using reports and alerts in your truck monitoring system
Using GPS solutions like Verizon Connect Reveal lets you automate and customize reports on a weekly or monthly basis. You can also generate on-demand reports with details about:
- Daily vehicle or driver activity
- Speeding violations
- Company driving policy breaches
- Job lists
- Excessive idling times, and more
Verizon Connect Reveal provides instant notifications for unwanted driver behavior through text and email alerts. You can receive alerts for excessive speeding, idling, engine start-up or shut-down times, unauthorized after-hours use, and when trucks enter or exit specific locations.
These alerts are included in your reports to help with tracking over time. The system also offers extensive historical reporting, allowing you to review performance data from the start and compare metrics like speeding, idling, and engine times between employees or against company averages.
Secure employee buy-in with truck tracking
Truck tracking helps fleet managers spot bad habits that can lead to financial losses and reward good driving through metrics-based incentive programs. To successfully implement vehicle tracking solutions, it’s crucial to get buy-in from your drivers and staff.
Communicate the safety benefits of vehicle tracking to your team. GPS tracking helps maintain proper vehicle upkeep, ensuring safety on the road, and assists in quickly recovering stolen assets, reducing business losses.
Although truck tracking might be new for your business, GPS is a proven, industry-standard technology for fleet management. Not using it could put your business and employees at risk.
Why use Downtime.io Connect for GPS truck tracking?
Gain a competitive edge and optimize your fleet operations with Downtime.io Connect’s advanced GPS solutions. Our industry-leading platform offers much more than basic location tracking, featuring tools to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and prioritize safety while adapting to your business’s evolving needs.
