How to Choose a GPS Fleet Tracking System

 

Modern telematics and GPS fleet tracking technology are a fleet manager’s most powerful tools to maximize vehicle efficiency and drive cost savings. In fact, Automotive Fleet notes that 98% of companies that used GPS tracking software in 2019 reported positive benefits, while 45% of fleets achieved positive ROI in 11 months or less.

 

Ready to find the right GPS solution for your fleet? Read on to understand the basics and benefits of fleet telematics, and view our selection of the best GPS fleet tracking systems.

1. GPS Fleet Tracking Overview
2. What to Look for in a GPS Fleet Tracking System
3. Pricing Structures
4. 6 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
5. The Top GPS Fleet Tracking Systems

GPS Fleet Tracking

GPS fleet tracking systems are an integral part of a telematics strategy. For fleets, GPS technology goes above and beyond just vehicle location tracking. With the right systems in place, you can use the technology to better manage and improve expenses, productivity, utilization, compliance, and safety.

Fleets are able to leverage data from two primary sources: Vehicle efficiency and driver behaviors.

Vehicle Efficiency

Do your vehicles spend too much time idling, therefore wasting an excessive amount of fuel? The day-to-day operation of your vehicles can tell you a lot about the efficiency of your fleet. GPS tracking enables you to monitor advanced fleet data including:

• Vehicle Speed
• Engine Performance
• Mileage
• Idling Time
• Emissions
• Fuel Efficiency
• Location Tracking

Many telematics systems can also implement diagnostic trouble code alerts to indicate service needs to ensure that your vehicles receive the care they need to keep running efficiently.

Driver Behavior & Safety Tracking

Are your drivers being safe on the road? With telematics, your GPS fleet tracking systems can continually capture on-the-road driver behaviors like:

• After-Hours Usage
• Braking Habits
• Speed
• Acceleration Habits
• Erratic Driving

In addition, telematics will enable you to stay compliant with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations.

With this information, you can compile safety reports and provide feedback to drivers with the goal of improving their behavior on the road.

Hardware & Software

Using hardware in the vehicle and a centralized software system, GPS technology sends, receives, and stores information about each vehicle in your fleet.

Hardware – GPS Devices & Sensors

A device and sensors are installed in each of your vehicles, usually behind the dashboard or above the gas pedal. Some devices may come with the option to be hardwired or plug-and-play.

Software – A Dashboard for Metrics

The data collected from the vehicle will be transmitted to a centralized software system that presents vehicle metrics via a dashboard. GPS devices work with fleet tracking software to give fleet managers real-time and historic snapshots of vehicle metrics and driver behaviors.

Using data from your GPS fleet tracking systems, you can work toward accomplishing certain business goals, like reducing risk, reinforcing safety policies, and improving driver behavior on the road.

What to Look for in a GPS Fleet Tracking System

The exact type of GPS tracking system you need for your fleet will depend on many variables. Below are a few of the most common needs.

Mobile App and Navigation Options

Some cloud-based GPS trackers offer add-ons, such as routing and navigation capabilities. By connecting to a driver’s mobile phone, a GPS system can provide directions and instruct the driver on which stops to make and in what order through a mobile app.

A fleet manager can utilize a web interface to share turn-by-turn directions to drivers, while also alerting them of any schedule changes that may affect their routes.

Customer Support

A GPS fleet tracking system will require proper installation and setup, as well as ongoing management to analyze data. These services can be handled in house, but keep in mind the administrative responsibilities, potential for errors, and lack of customer support.

If you choose to work with a fleet management company, they will take care of installation and activation, and will work with you to identify trends and optimize your fleet performance. A fleet management company will also handle any device troubleshooting, updates, and adjustments you may need.

Alert Systems

Many GPS trackers for fleets enable you to set up alerts through text or email for real-time updates on vehicle statuses, like when a scheduled stop has been completed. You can also receive alerts if issues arise, such as unsafe driving behaviors, accidents, or route delays.

Alerts can also be set up to notify you and your customers when an expected vehicle has entered a certain radius.