Fleet tracking systems are designed with one primary goal: to save business managers time and money.
There many benefits to using a fleet tracking system. Here is a list of the top 10 reasons.
1. Increased Profits and Performance
Access to vehicle efficiency and driver productivity data helps a company manage the costs related to fleet operations. There can be a significant reduction in employee overtime costs and driver down-time; reduced maintenance costs directly affect the bottom line. Plus improved route efficiency and fleet metrics allow for expanding customer base. Fleet tracking saves approximately $5,484 per employee annually.
2. Better Customer Service
Real-time fleet tracking data can be used to verify driver deliveries and the amount of time spent at each location. Dispatching will be able to re-route drivers at a moment’s notice which will allow you to respond faster to customer inquiries.
3. Reduced Fuel Costs and CO2 Emissions
Poor driving behavior such as speeding and unnecessary idling wastes fuel and can be identified with a GPS fleet tracking system. Fleet vehicles can use up to 800 gallons of fuel per year due to unnecessary idling alone, which costs approximately $2400 per vehicle per year. Every unnecessary mile you eliminate will reduce your carbon footprint and can make your entire fleet more productive and environmentally responsible.
4. Efficient Routing & Dispatching Support
Fleet tracking technology enables dispatchers to use real-time driver locations for time-sensitive dispatching. Dispatchers can easily select and navigate the nearest vehicle to a specific location which will help to improve customer service as well. Fleet tracking technology can help dispatchers to identify service and delivery route overlaps, and to avoid difficult traffic areas that cause driver to be delayed or get lost.
5. Reduced Maintenance Costs and Vehicle Wear & Tear
Without a fleet tracking system, vehicles are usually serviced at regular intervals, regardless of whether the vehicle is actually in need of maintenance. A fleet tracking system will monitor each vehicle and send alerts to notify you when a vehicle requires repairs or maintenance. This can help to reduce excessive tire and engine deterioration which will extend the life of your trucks and equipment.
6. Automation of Record Keeping
Fleet tracking systems take record keeping to a whole new level. All data relative to the fleet operations is recorded and can be easily organized exactly the way you want it. Fleet managers can schedule and verify vehicle and equipment service intervals; track service locations, equipment drop-off locations and routes used; plus maintain electronic records of employee hours and vehicle mileage. This information is invaluable in annual planning and in case of an audit.
7. Reduced Insurance Costs & Liability
Most insurance companies offer a discount to businesses utilizing GPS tracking devices in their fleet vehicles. Verifiable vehicle data will help to protect your business against frivolous lawsuits. Fleet tracking systems can also reduce your liability from accident claims and worker’s compensation costs.
8. Prevent Unauthorized Vehicle Use
Unauthorized and after-hours use of company vehicles can be identified and controlled with real-time data gathered from a fleet tracking system. Ending unauthorized vehicle use will also reduce unauthorized fuel consumption.
9. Increased Employee Safety
Automation of record keeping can help to improve driver safety and efficiency. Fleet managers can access important data about driver behavior such as speeding, unnecessary idling and the number of times the vehicle was put in reverse which can be dangerous. Fleet managers can reward their safest drivers and train their worst drivers to use better driving habits. In case of an accident, GPS location data can also be used to contact emergency assistance.
10. Improved Fleet Operations
Fleet tracking systems enable real-time decision making plus enhanced accountability of drivers and assets. Fleet managers will no longer have to rely on driver log sheets, service forms and truck maintenance records to keep track of fleet vehicle operations. Instant access to vehicle efficiency and driver productivity data can help a company better manage the costs related to fleet operations. Fleet tracking allows companies to add more jobs to each work day. Companies typically see a 25% increase in work orders completed after implementing a GPS fleet tracking device.