Vehicle tracking system is a combination of the use of automatic vehicle location in individual vehicles with software that is responsible for collecting fleet data for complete information on the vehicle location. Today, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is being used by modern vehicle tracking systems for locating vehicles. Information from this vehicle is viewed on electronic maps through the Internet or any other specialized software. This is more popular with commercial motor vehicle operators. GPS tracking delivers real-time information on the activity, location, and the mobile inventory of vehicles, which can reduce cost, and improve customer service and business performance.

The working of fleet GPS tracking systems

The current GPS network, relying on signal telemetry beams from space satellites, has been in use since the 1970s. GPS sends transmissions between satellites and a receiver, which can determine the distance of the receiver unit from the location of the signal. Fleet GPS tracking systems make use of this simple but reliable technology to find the real-time location of vehicles.

Benefits of fleet GPS tracking systems

Business advantage

Fleet GPS tracking systems benefit to know the exact location of a vehicle at all times to get more efficient and productive use out of vehicles in a fleet. With GPS fleet tracking, the fleet manager can track information like the distance of the vehicle from its destination, the route taken, the traffic impeding its progress, or even estimate its arrival time. This will improve the routing of the vehicle and lead to a shorter drive time and more number of deliveries. This tracking system also allows the dispatcher to make changes in the route to be taken at any part of the trip and inform the same to the driver.

Lowering maintenance and fuel cost

GPS fleet tracking allows the dispatcher to make alterations in the route to avoid bad weather, traffic jams, or roadblocks. This reduces fuel consumption by shortening distances and avoiding heavy traffic, resulting in a decrease in engine idling. It also can reduce the maintenance cost of the vehicle by reducing the exposure of the vehicles to conditions that could lead to a lot of wear and tear. In other words, it can extend the lifespan of the vehicle.

Monitoring the driver

GPS fleet tracking can also collect data that provides information about the driver of the vehicle such as over speeding, rapid acceleration, and harsh braking. The information gathered may be utilized to evaluate the driver’s performance or improve driving skills. Fleet GPS tracking systems can thus promote safer driving in fleet operations by reducing risks of accidents.

Monitoring assets

When managing a business fleet, one needs to have a control of assets such as the vehicles, the load that is being transported, and any other required equipment. While managing assets, fleet GPS tracking systems can continually update information of every item at any given time, including off-duty hours. Fleet GPS tracking systems can also show when a stationary vehicle begins moving. This can immediately detect theft and unapproved after-work use of vehicles or equipment and the company can act accordingly.

Safety and security

Fleet GPS tracking systems have the function of geo-locating. This can protect the driver from any unforeseen harm. A driver requiring help, such as medical emergency, tow vehicle, etc., can seek to expect assistance to arrive quicker without any delay as the location of the vehicle is readily available. Night darkness or poor visibility caused by bad weather will not affect the working of the fleet GPS tracking systems since it relies on electronic data.

Fleet GPS tracking systems have now become a practical and integral part of commercial vehicle fleets, making them safer and efficient. It is useful in the trucking and transportation industry. Fleet GPS tracking systems allow the fleet manager to make the best use of his company’s assets to enhance productivity while reducing cost.