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GPS Fleet Tracking – All You Need To Know

There are many different benefits to using a GPS fleet tracking solution, making it an indispensable tool in every business owner’s arsenal. If you are running a business that operates a fleet of vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, or similar, then you should definitely be tracking your assets via the Global Positioning System (GPS).

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about GPS fleet tracking in a nutshell – what it is, how it works, what the benefits are, what are the different types of tracking, and what are the best solutions for your business. Without further ado, let’s get cracking!

What is GPS Fleet Tracking?

Global Positioning System fleet tracking is a technology that allows you to monitor the location of your vehicles wherever they are in the world. With a combination of hardware and software, business owners and managers are able to track the position of their vehicles, in real time.

How Does GPS Fleet Tracking Work?

GPS fleet tracking works by having a small piece of hardware installed in the vehicles you want tracked. That hardware then connects to the many satellites orbiting around planet Earth, which are then able to track the movement of the vehicle in real time.

Using specialized software, owners are then able to connect to the same satellites and receive information about the location of their assets. You can think of it as a great eye in the sky, always watching your vehicles, and letting you know exactly where they are.

What are the Best Features of GPS Fleet Tracking Solutions?

Modern GPS fleet tracking solutions offer a lot more than simply knowing where your vehicles are at all times. You can expect a route planning solution (which saves time by choosing the optimal route, cuts down on fuel consumption, and notifies you when a vehicle deviates from the optimal route), video telematics (the ability to record in-cabin and outside video much like a leading fleet dash cam), and driver behavior analysis (you’ll know when a driver is speeding, breaking harshly, using too much fuel, or making violent turns).

What are the Benefits of Tracking?

Besides being able to plan routes smarter, and thus save time and costs, you can also use GPS fleet tracking to protect your assets against theft, prevent the vehicles from being used without authorization, cut down on paperwork, and optimize invoicing, both paying, and getting paid. All of these will lead to higher productivity, more customer satisfaction, and an overall improved brand image. 

Types of GPS Fleet Tracking Solutions

Today, there are three main types of fleet tracking solutions: plug-in hardware, hardwired solutions, and battery-powered devices.

Plug-in solutions, as the name suggests, are plugged into the vehicle’s OBD port. Some of these solutions are even able to get their power from the OBD port, which is usually found under the steering wheel. 

Hardwired solutions are somewhat more difficult to install, as they need to be connected directly to the vehicle. This is a less preferred method and is usually used if the vehicle doesn’t have an OBD port, or if it’s already taken up. 

Finally, battery-powered devices are the easiest one to use, as they require no installation or wires. They are small gadgets that you can simply keep anywhere in the vehicle. The downside is that you need to monitor the device for battery, and make sure it doesn’t run out mid-transport. However, most of these devices can go on a single battery for months. 

What are the Best GPS Fleet Tracking Solutions?

Each business is unique and has different needs and priorities. There are many solutions to choose from nowadays, so the best ones will be those that are able to service your business’ needs the best. Make sure to evaluate the solution’s features, installation, and cost, before pulling the trigger.