Let’s face it: This ain’t your grandpa’s shipping industry.
These days, the industry is changing dramatically, with many new technologies making their way into operation.
One of the top technologies that shipping companies are now using is fleet GPS tracking.
Keep reading to learn more about what fleet GPS tracking is, how it works, and which top solutions are on the market today.
Fleet GPS tracking is an onboard management system that companies use to monitor the activity of their assets and employees as assets move across the supply chain.
GPS tracking systems offer near real-time visibility for fleet managers. This, in turn, provides instant access to a variety of shipping data points over an easily accessible dashboard.
In the past, drivers only had radios and phones for communicating with managers and colleagues. But now, most communication takes place using smartphones and tablets.
For example, a driver may leave the loading dock in the morning and stay in constant communication with shipping managers throughout the day. With GPS tracking, managers can observe progress. And they can also provide tips and updates to make deliveries shorter and safer.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at how this system works.
Simply put, fleet GPS systems use small onboard telematics devices to capture, store, and transmit data to cloud platforms.
To illustrate, fleet GPS systems can record information about vehicle speed and location. Some also report advanced metrics—including idling time, fuel consumption, braking, and acceleration.
Features and quality tend to vary from provider to provider. Some vendors offer low-end, budget tracking systems. And others offer comprehensive platforms with a variety of features.
Now that you have a better idea of what GPS tracking systems are, let’s turn our attention to some of the benefits this technology delivers. Here’s what you can do when you choose an appropriate system.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict hours-of-service regulations, with stiff penalties for companies that violate them.
Companies can use GPS fleet tracking systems to see exactly when drivers are on the road and when they’re getting close to the acceptable limits.
GPS systems can help drivers avoid traffic jams in certain cases, reducing idle time and cutting back on pollution. This can save money as well because it reduces fuel waste.
As such, fleet GPS management is critical for companies that want to cut back on emissions and improve their sustainability efforts.
Systems that track braking and acceleration metrics can give managers more insight into driver habits. Managers can use this data to better train drivers and help improve vehicle lifespans. This can save a lot of money in the long run.
One of the biggest benefits of using fleet GPS tracking systems is that companies can find the best possible routes for drivers.
This reduces delays and helps companies ensure they are getting products to their destinations faster. At the same time, it also results in happier customers, fewer complaints, and less churn.
There are many types of fleet GPS tracking systems to choose from, and picking a solution isn’t easy. As you begin your search for the perfect solution, look for the following features when browsing vendor options.
Some platforms can be very expensive, requiring excessive operational expenditure. Ultimately, these systems should save your company money. As such, it’s a good idea to shop around to get the best deal possible.
No platform is perfect. Regardless of which one you choose, you’re eventually going to need some form of support.
In this light, it’s a good idea to assess each vendor’s level of support and assistance.
A lot can happen in just a few minutes on the road. Traffic jams can arise, weather can change, and new routes can open.
Managers and drivers need instant access to data to make informed choices and guarantee optimal results.
Now that you have a better idea of why more companies are investing in GPS tracking systems, let’s take a look at some of the best ones on the market today. Every organization’s needs are different, so if you’re in the market for a new solution, do your due diligence and study each of these options.
Geotab is a leading fleet management software and GPS provider. The company offers a variety of services under the umbrella of fleet management, including asset tracking and management, driver tracking, routing and dispatching, fleet reports, and fleet fuel management, to name just a few examples.
One of the nice parts about Geotab is that the company can integrate with all vehicles, regardless of their year, make, or model.
The company offers Geotab Go, a device that’s easy to install and inexpensive. It can work regardless of whether a vehicle already has a telematics connection. In other words, your company wouldn’t need to go through expensive upgrades.
Iflexion is a global software development company. It offers many services, such as web and enterprise portals, enterprise mobile apps, and e-commerce solutions. One of its core offerings is fleet management.
Iflexion offers fleet tracking and telematics apps, vehicle management and maintenance, fuel consumption control, dispatch management, accident and claim management, and driver management and safety solutions. What’s more, the company also offers compliance assurance.
With Iflexion, shipping companies benefit from intelligent workflow automation. This can be achieved through robotic process automation (RPA) and machine learning (ML).
As a result, companies can enable automation for a variety of back-end tasks. These include document generation, quoting and invoicing, and routing and scheduling.
Platform Science offers one of the most complete and innovative enterprise-grade fleet management platforms for logistics providers.
With Platform Science, fleet managers can access many apps from a central dashboard—including communication and telematics, driver safety and performance, driver workflows, training, and routing and navigation.
Platform Science also offers a special driver command center where drivers can toggle different apps and receive centralized alerts.
Rhino offers a complete GPS tracking solution for fleets. This platform provides a wealth of data for managers.
With Rhino, customers can avoid signing contracts, which enables greater flexibility. Rhino also offers live, Texas-based support, and there are real-time location updates for managers.
One of the most unusual parts about Rhino is that its software integrates with Alexa for voice management. Managers can simply ask Alexa where drivers are and receive real-time updates.
Trimble is another highly trusted name in transportation and logistics. The company offers Trimble Fleet Manager as part of the Trimble Mobility fleet telematics system.
Trimble makes it easy for managers to see where freight is. And it also makes it easy to see when cargo is due to arrive with real-time location tracking and visibility tools.
Driver and asset tracking is just one part of fleet management. Fleet managers also need to oversee a variety of other tasks and workflows, including document collection and storage, driver check-in, and customer relationship management, among other things.
Vector integrates with a variety of third-party transportation management systems and fleet tracking solutions, enabling mobile workflows and automation. By using Vector’s custom mobile software, shipping providers can achieve digital transformation—reducing risk, lowering costs, and streamlining operations.
Step into high gear with Vector today.
This post was written by Justin Reynolds. Justin is a freelance writer who enjoys telling stories about how technology, science, and creativity can help workers be more productive. In his spare time, he likes seeing or playing live music, hiking, and traveling.
Digital workflows across the supply chain.
