GPS fleet trackers are not a new concept. They have been helping fleet operators and truck owners track the exact location of their vehicles since the 1980s.
Nevertheless, with the advancement of technology, the scope of GPS asset trackers has increased multifold. Now GPS trackers have more advanced telematics and smart AI to help fleet managers. They can be used to monitor fuel costs, driver behavior, asset tracking, analyze the data, and provide better and more efficient fleet management. Still, businesses are confused about whether the upfront cost is necessary or whether they can completely avoid this expense.
Now, it is a well-known fact among fleet operators around the world that a GPS tracker can give you an upper hand in your fleet management. If you are still confused, then this article will clear up all your doubts.
- Before we begin, let’s understand what a GPS tracker is. GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a navigation device that is used on vehicles, people, assets, and animals to monitor their locations.
- GPS tracking devices have become an essential tool for all types and sizes of the fleet. You can use it to track one or two vehicles or a big fleet.
- It helps you with different kinds of businesses, such as logistics, couriers, food delivery, transportation, hospitals, emergency service providers, and many more.
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The Importance of GPS Trackers for Fleet Vehicle Owners
As we have already stated, GPS trackers can impart numerous benefits to your management. There are multiple ways how modern technology is transforming the fleet trucking business. Here is a detailed analysis of how important a GPS tracker can be for you.
Real-Time Tracking
A GPS tracking device with dispatch routing software attached to the vehicle records important data such as coordinates, speed, and other statistics, and then sends them to the cloud, from which they are transferred to the integrated device over a high-speed data connection. This can be extremely beneficial for fleet managers as it helps them to keep insight into their vehicles while on duty.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry can monitor their boats, ships, and trawlers out in the waters and send help in case of an emergency.
Real-Time Notifications
GPS devices offer real-time alerts or notification features to fleet operators. Now we are not capable of foreseeing accidents, but we can take measures to prevent them. When it comes to heavy-duty CMVs, it has been found that the main reason for accidents and frequent vehicle breakdowns is usually related to bad driving behavior.
Matrack list of fleet tracking devices includes all the fleet tracking devices which have real-time notification features.
Fleet managers can set up alerts for inappropriate driving behavior such as speeding, harsh acceleration, or sudden brakes. Henceforth, you can take immediate action, such as reaching out to your driver and helping them to overcome it.
Educational institutions such as schools or colleges employ vehicles to transport students and teachers. They need to ensure safe transportation, and hence, can avail of this feature.
Route Optimization:
When a GPS tracker is used with route optimisation software, you can monitor the route traveled and time taken by different vehicles on their route, and then put these data together to find out a perfect route for your fleet vehicle. This can help you to avoid delays, routes with more traffic, and save fuel.
Ambulance and emergency service providers can take advantage of this functionality. Because they are entrusted with saving lives and have to respond quickly to emergencies, they need to find an ideal route from which they would be delayed.
Fuel Management:
According to a report, fuel costs take up to 20%-25% of the fleet’s expenses. You can reduce this considerably by better management. By closely observing the fuel consumption of a vehicle on a specific route, you can do proper budgeting.
Also, you can monitor and reduce idle-time by drivers when they are parking the vehicle or not working efficiently. Public and private transportation companies can save fuel costs by implementing efficient fuel management.
Maintenance Of Vehicles
Managing several vehicles and keeping track of the maintenance of each is difficult. But with a GPS tracker by your side, your workload can be reduced considerably. Today, many fleet management solutions provide vehicle maintenance alerts.
But you should go with a solution that not only has regular maintenance tasks but also is vehicle usage-based.
Improved Safety
GPS tracking devices help you monitor the routes taken by vehicles and identify any problems resulting from any poor driving habits before you run into an expensive repair bill or compensation.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Because these trackers offer real-time location and also come with geofencing features, fleet owners for logistic businesses can use GPS tracking for fleet vehicles to their advantage, enhancing efficiency and security. They can share the real-time location and estimated time of arrival to their customers, thereby maintaining a continuous and satisfactory communication with them.
Asset Protection
This goes without saying that GPS tracking can help you to protect your assets and valuables. Businesses such as construction companies can use asset tracking to ensure the safety of their high-end and expensive vehicles and equipment to the sites. You can track your assets using GPS tracking without worrying about them getting stolen or lost.
Also, when your truck or any other vehicle is parked while your driver is resting you can ensure their protection with the GPS tracking devices. Moreover, after all the measures, if you still happen to lose your vehicle or the load it is carrying, you can still track them and take necessary actions for their faster recovery.
Data Recording and Analysis
In addition to time-based data tracking and asset protection, GPS devices also help you store data, first in vehicles, and then in cloud storage. These data and figures are likely to give you important information about your fleet, and hence help you to optimize your fleet operation.
Get discounts on Insurance premiums.
Many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses using GPS tracking devices for their fleet management. Moreover, with drivers’ report cards, real-time notification, and other vehicle data, you can identify and improve bad driving behavior. This can help you to reduce liability from accident claims and compensation costs.
In Conclusion
GPS tracking devices give you the upper hand in fleet management. They can help you with better fleet management, no matter the size of your fleet. It can help you to gain vehicle and driver insights, reduce fuel consumption, achieve greenhouse emissions targets, improve your customer service and increase revenue without incurring extra cost. But before you choose a GPS tracking solution, you need to consider your needs,demands and budget and then tally it with the best available option.
