3 Types of Tracking Devices for Fleets and 5 Problems They Can Solve
Vehicle tracking devices can solve many headaches for fleet owners. Find out what these devices can do and what types of tracking devices are available to you.
There are over 5 million semi-trucks in the U.S and over 3 million truck drivers. They deliver almost 70% of all goods in the U.S. That’s a lot of truckers hauling a lot of goods.
If you own a trucking company, how do you keep track of your drivers and goods? There are several types of tracking devices helping fleet owners solve many problems.
Read on for more information about different types of tracking devices.
What Is Vehicle Tracking?
There are two parts to vehicle tracking: Hardware and software. The hardware is the collection tool. The software displays different types of collected data. The types of data collected are information such as GPS coordinates and speed of the vehicle.
Trackers are hard-wired into the vehicle or are as simple as a phone app. New vehicles will soon have the technology installed out of the factory.
Three Types of Tracking
There are three types of tracking devices for vehicular tracking. These are:
- Satellite-based GPS Vehicle tracking
- Cell-Based GPS vehicle tracking
- Cellular-phone based GPS
Satellite-based GPS tracking uses satellites that orbit in space. This works well when cell towers aren’t available. Satellites track some of the most remote locations. It’s hard tracking your trucks in areas such as Alaska. Satellite-based GPS makes it possible.
Cell-based GPS is one of the common types of vehicle tracking. These systems capture data from a device in the vehicle. Cell towers convey the data. Cell-based GPS is faster and less expensive than satellite.
Cellular-based GPS uses cell phones to track people and vehicles. This requires a simple phone app used when the trucker is on the job.
Vehicle Tracking Solves Problems
Technology solves lots of problems, and vehicle technology is no different. Coupling good management with tracking systems helps solve trucking issues. Here are some examples:
- Increased productivity
- Real information
- Automate compliance
- Understanding vehicle use
- Eco-conscious
Increased productivity: GPS tracking helps optimize driver routes increasing productivity. It also helps with locating vehicles closest to the job. It’s also great for measuring driver productivity.
Real information: Instead of relying on drivers to record information, GPS tracks in real time. Gather all metrics while the driver’s on the road, saving the driver time.
Automate compliance: Some GPS programs allow drivers to input compliance information. This makes the job easier.
Understanding vehicle use: GPS allows detection of improper vehicle use, such as speeding. Check for unauthorized detours. GPS monitors wear and tear of the vehicle and whether it’s time for maintenance. Even erratic driving and harsh braking can be monitored.
Eco-conscious: Reduce fuel through more efficient routing. Track engine diagnostics for emissions.
Types of Tracking
Isn’t it time your truck fleet was more efficient?
Use these types of tracking on your fleet increases productivity through real-time information. Make your fleet more productive, energy efficient, and compliant using GPS data.
A small investment in GPS equipment pays big dividends down the road. If you’re thinking about using GPS tracking for your fleet, start here.
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