A Guide to GPS Fleet Tracking

Owning and operating transportation or a shipment business can get very complicated since much of your company's success rests on your drivers ability to navigate in the world of driving. Keeping tabs on where your products, vehicles and drivers can be pretty tricky and even cost you money. Thanks to the invention of GPS fleet tracking, you can use special equipment to know what is going on, exact locations and more about your fleets without breaking your budget. Not only do you the owner get to benefit from the use of GPS fleet tracking, your drivers can benefit as well, especially if they are new to the job, not familiar with the route or territory they are in or simply lost. They can get to where they need to be without any problems.
Many companies have chosen to use portable devices that can be moved from one vehicle to the next without difficulty. This is especially helpful if you have a certain amount of units on hand and not enough to accommodate all of your drivers at one time. Even when clear or direct route is not known and your drivers need assistance determining what is the best way to get to their destination, they can use the device to give them real time GPS navigational instruction which provides turn by turn best route directions. It can also provide where the closest fuel station and rest stops are.
GPS fleet tracking systems are now a standard in businesses that are successful. If you want to increase your profits and help get your business to where it needs to be as far as operations and efficiency, you may want to consider incorporating this type of system into your daily operations.
You need to determine what your actual needs are. Are you in need of a simple tracking solution or do you need a more sophisticated system? The best way to make that decision is make a list of pros and cons for each type of system and the one that offers you the most benefit is the one you should look for.
What kind of reporting and record keeping do you expect or want? Remember, many GPS fleet tracking systems can provide tracking information in short intervals or in long intervals. If you just want an accounting every few hours, then long interval reporting is what you need and vice versa if you want up to the minute reporting. The frequency of reporting also plays a factor in costs. The more frequently your reporting is done, the higher the cost. Regardless of the type you choose, pick one that accommodates your company's needs.
Make a budget and do your best to stay within it. Keep in mind that initial investments into mobile management systems may seem expensive but they do more that pay for themselves in just a few short months. With all of the savings that you gain in more accurate time recording, mileage reports, reduction in operating costs, increase in employee accountability and reduced fuel and maintenance costs; you will see how much GPS fleet tracking can improve your complete operations and profitability.