A fleet business owner-operator may find it challenging to ensure control over commercial vehicle operations to achieve fuel efficiency, resource optimization, and safety compliance. An efficient fleet management system utilizes modern tracking technology to achieve these targets.
A successful fleet management system uses GPS tracking facilities to track real-time locations of fleets that help optimize the routes and saves time. The trackers capture and share engine-related data to help fleet managers analyze maintenance needs and take preventive measures toward improving efficiency.
The relevant reports on fuel consumption allow managers to control fuel consumption and save costs. The reports on drivers’ duty hours guide managers to make informed decisions to improve driver productivity and performance. The fleet tracker efficiently monitors a vehicle’s movements within a specified zone and generates alerts when it crosses the boundaries. It helps to secure and control vehicle movements against any unauthorized use.
In this article, we will discuss fleet tracking solutions buying guide with relevant and updated information regarding fleet trackers and helps you select the best tracking device that meets your objective of cost optimization and efficiency improvement.
Use of Trackers In Fleet Management
The primary function of fleet tracking solutions is to track the location of the vehicles in real-time. The GPS devices collect and transmit data about individual vehicles for controlling large fleet operations. The modern tracking system works through a device fixed in the trucks, which keeps accessing information from several data points using a cloud-based platform.
The system efficiently works through a robust software platform integrated with hardware devices. The GPS tracking system plays a crucial role in effective fleet management because it allows fleet operators to plan suitable routes, adapt to changing conditions, and optimize the fleet movement saving time and cost.
Features To Look For In a Tracking Device
It sometimes becomes challenging to select the ideal Tracking device for your fleet business applications from a range of GPS trackers available in the market with different features.
A few key parameters would help you compare and identify the best GPS tracking device that suits your needs. The parameters which influence the decision for selecting a suitable GPS tracker are as follows:
Real-Time Monitoring
The primary purpose of any GPS device is to track the location and movements of a vehicle in real-time. The device must have efficient tracking features, including better signal acceptance, to get real-time tracking support anywhere.
Alert And Notifications
You can select trackers that send real-time alerts and notifications to help you make informed decisions and immediate actions.
The device generates notifications in case of any accidents, speed violations, or deviations from specified routes or zones that might lead to potential hazards and risks.
Cost
GPS trackers are available at different prices depending on the features. You can make a cost-benefit analysis while choosing the best one that suits your requirements. It would help if you considered the costs involved in installing and availing service facilities.
Design
The design and portability of hardware devices are also deciding factors to match specific requirements. A device that easily fits into the vehicle and is convenient to operate is most suitable for smaller fleets.
Flexibility And Compatibility
The tracking system should be compatible with various digital devices and have reliable software support for efficient functioning. It is always preferable to have a fast, simple, and user-friendly device to ensure ease of operation.
ELD Needs
Fleet business operations require efficient Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements for their fleets. To meet regulatory compliance, a tracking system with advanced features must be integrated with the electronic logging device.
ELD buying guide – How to choose the right ELD device, this article will help you choose the correct ELD device.
Battery Life And Warranty
The GPS trackers must have a long-lasting battery life with a backup of several weeks. An assured and real-time customer support service with a warranty is a deciding factor in choosing a tracking device.
Durability And Weather Resistance
Some users look for robust design and durability of the device to ensure smooth functioning in different conditions like exposure to heat, cold, water, and dust.
Advanced Features
Customers may need advanced features in the tracking devices to meet specific requirements. The customized features include weather forecasts, impact alerts, route optimization, low-battery notifications, and many more. You have to decide on the features you require for your fleet business.
Various Applications of Trackers In Fleet Business
You can conveniently monitor your vehicle, equipment, or other assets using GPS technology. The GPS trackers take care of many operational issues and help you focus more on planning and executing business strategies for profitable results.
The GPS tracking reports guide you with relevant and valuable information that allows you to make informed decisions.
You can use GPS trackers for various purposes, per the priority of business. The trackers have many applications in fleet management, which are as follows:
Monitoring Vehicles
Tracking vehicle location and movements using GPS tools is a common and reliable solution. You often want to know the car’s location and follow the driver’s movements, which is possible by fixing the tracker inside the vehicle. The latest models of devices can send updates about current locations, show route planning, and record journey details available through your phone or computer.
The trackers provide information about routes, trips, movements, and locations, vital data for large fleet businesses. This tracking device ensures security against theft and misuse of vehicles as the GPS device monitors the asset location and sends alerts.
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Tracking Vehicle Diagnostics
The GPS tracking devices collect engine data and provide accurate information about vehicle diagnostics. The tracking system helps maintain vehicle performance records, which clearly indicate any technical issues and potential faults.
You can access relevant reports and review the data to analyze the vehicle’s condition. Accordingly, you can take necessary actions regarding the maintenance of vehicles to keep them in good health. You can plan a suitable maintenance schedule and take proactive actions that help you avoid unwanted breakdowns and repairs.
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Saving Fuel Cost
The GPS trackers monitor vehicle performance on the go and provide updated information about mileage and fuel consumption. It helps you identify vehicles with higher fuel efficiency and take necessary actions for effective asset utilization.
The trackers linked with fuel cards can help you track the fuel purchase frequency and ensure control. Real-time tracking helps modify and optimize routes that save time and fuel costs.
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Ensuring Compliance
The GPS-enabled Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is crucial for an effective fleet management system to improve safety, compliance, and driving performance. It helps monitor driving behaviors, road conditions, traffic rules, and safety norms. ELDs with GPS tracking facilities allow the development of a system with minimum human intervention, resulting in better productivity, efficiency, and resource utilization.
Tracking and Optimizing Routes
GPS has many applications ranging from simple navigation to need-specific tracking facilities that provide crucial support to driver-operators.
The GPS helps to optimize routes to reach your destination and also directs you to get emergency responses or roadside assistance in the proximity of your location. The Geofencing facility allows controlling vehicle movements within a predefined zone.
Improving Driving Standards
The safety of vehicles and drivers is a critical aspect of fleet management. GPS tracking systems in fleets can ensure safety by providing information on driving behavior, risky road conditions, and vehicle performance on roads.
You can inform the driver to follow appropriate safety norms to remain compliant and improve driving patterns. The trackers also help guide drivers to follow safety rules and avoid violations.
Different Types of Trackers For Vehicles
Different GPS trackers are available to support fleet operations with various benefits. We will discuss the features of these trackers so that you can determine what might work best for your business. These trackers are as follows:
Satellite-Based GPS Tracking
This standard GPS tracker is used extensively because network connectivity may not be available everywhere.
The satellite-based trackers can provide real-time tracking updates irrespective of the location. Trucks traveling through remote areas or beyond network coverage can choose this device as the best method of GPS tracking.
Cell-Based GPS Tracking
A common type of GPS tracking uses cell towers for network connectivity. This tracking system is more affordable and has a faster response time than the satellite method.
Many fleet drivers and operators prefer this tracking system due to the convenience of handling cell phones.
App-Based Tracking
There are GPS trackers that work through an app that is easily downloadable on your phone. You can use an internet connection to get location updates and necessary alerts about your fleets.
Some fleets find this option convenient since there is no need to fix devices on their cars. These tracking apps can work according to business purposes or personal use requirements.
Asset Tracking Devices by Matrack
One of the significant advantages of a GPS tracker is the tracking of valuable assets like cars, trucks, and equipment. It also organizes data in the form of reports that enable you to track the status of your assets and make informed decisions. Matrack provides a wide range of GPS tools, generally used to track different types of equipment like trailers, shipping containers, heavy equipment, and consignments kept in storage or transit.
It is one of the best GPS trackers with efficient tracking and alerting features. The device collects data and sends regular updates about the location and movements of vehicles. It also organizes data in the form of reports that enable you to track the status of the assets and make informed decisions.
You can get real-time updates either through SMS notification or an email alert. This tracker allows you to monitor vehicle conditions through the diagnostics data. The long battery life and weather-resistant structure of the trackers help smooth functioning without recharging options and under diverse conditions.
If your vehicle moves outside the zones you set, a notification alerts you about the deviations so that you can take prompt action.
It is a crucial feature that makes you aware of any misuse or unauthorized movement of your fleet. The Matrack tracker keeps your equipment and vehicles safe and compliant with safety norms and regulations.
Conclusion
GPS technology has become an integral part of the fleet management system to achieve benefits like real-time monitoring and controlling of vehicles, fuel cost savings, better driving performance, and improved customer service.
It also helps to optimize resource utilization, enhance fleet productivity, and maintain safety norms. GPS tracking devices come with various features, so it is essential to analyze and identify the ones that best suit your business needs. The tracker provides relevant inputs that help you make strategic decisions toward better efficiency and asset utilization.
The vehicle diagnostic data helps handle maintenance issues to improve vehicle condition and reliability. Smaller fleets widely prefer portable GPS trackers that are quite easy to install and give monitoring support 24 hours.
The advanced GPS trackers also track mileage, fuel consumption, idling period, speed, and other aspects of truck movements, which help to optimize costs and improve productivity.
You may find several options in the tracking devices to meet your requirements of effective tracking and accurate reporting. ELD compliance rule has made GPS trackers more relevant in recording drivers’ duty status, avoiding violations, and reducing accident risks.
Investing in a suitable tracker will provide valuable returns by bringing efficiency and cost-effectiveness to fleet operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do fleet tracking solutions work?
A: Fleet tracking solutions use GPS technology to track the location of vehicles in real time. This information is transmitted to a central server where it can be accessed by fleet managers.
2. What types of fleet tracking solutions are available?
A: There are many types of fleet tracking solutions available, including GPS tracking devices, telematics systems, and fleet management software.
3. What should I consider when selecting a fleet-tracking solution?
A: When selecting a fleet tracking solution, you should consider factors such as cost, features, ease of use, scalability, and customer support.
4. How can fleet tracking solutions help improve driver safety?
A: Fleet tracking solutions can help improve driver safety by monitoring driver behavior, providing feedback and coaching, and alerting fleet managers to unsafe driving practices.
James Johnson is a former truck driver who now works as a writer, specializing in the trucking industry. With over 15 years of experience on the road, James has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by truck drivers and the trucking industry as a whole. His writing focuses on issues such as safety, regulation, and the latest industry trends. His work has been featured in several trucking publications and he has received recognition for his contributions to the industry. In his free time, James still enjoys being around trucks and often attends truck shows and other industry events.