Operating a fleet of trucks is no simple task. You have to make sure that every single one of them is being used efficiently. That can be difficult since you are not behind the wheel when they move out of the depot. Although you can train your drivers, you cannot be certain that they will do the right thing day in and day out. You can’t know the exact path that they will take throughout a journey and how many breaks they will enjoy along the way. Fortunately, technology can help you ensure that the whole fleet is performing as it should. Install truck GPS trackers and you will be amazed at the difference.
The Hardware
All you need is to install a small truck GPS trackers in each unit. Choose between plug and play devices and hardwired trackers. Some tracking services might even give these away for free if you subscribe to their service. Since these have internal GPS modules, they can communicate with satellites to get the location of the vehicle in real-time. They can also provide speed and heading. As long as they are connected to the vehicle’s power source, they should be able to send data 24/7. They also have battery backups to keep working despite attempts at theft or tampering. For the hardwired models, it may be possible to disable the ignition remotely. Those with accelerometers can also monitor driver behavior. Security is enhanced with the Driver ID feature.
The Software
Tracking services have a software component. This is what operators install at the back end to monitor their fleet. They can use this to modify the GPS update settings. The devices may send location data every 30, 60, or 120 seconds. More options may be available depending on the model. The data is stored for later review and analysis. The best ones are routinely updated to include new features and fix bugs. The user interface is easy to use and navigate. Users can see where the trucks are within a map at any given time.
The Benefits
By installing these trackers, operators can have greater confidence that deadlines will be met and clients will be satisfied. They will see if drivers make unauthorized stops so they can inquire to learn about the issue. Deviations from the prescribed route will be evident. It may be possible to create new routes that can cut the travel time and reduce gas consumption. The safety and security of the fleet will increase as well. Since the location is known at all times, thieves will not get away with their attempts. Ignition can be disabled and the unit can be found right away.
Use a tracking device and you will never look back.