Using GPS Trackers – For the Safety of Your Asset
GPS enables fleets have an added layer of security. Because of this, insurance providers view it as a basis for extending discounted insurance premium rates. Implementing things such as GPS and Electronic Log Devices shows a couple of commitments. One that you’re committed to safeguarding your employees. Second, you’re actively attempting to reduce risk.
Why is GPS Fleet Tracking Needed?
In a study published by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) in 2017, about 4,102 total casualties in multi-vehicle crash were reported that involved trucks. Because of the staggering numbers, FMCSA and DOT made GPS enabled ELD’s mandatory for commercial motor vehicles.
This was to ensure better driving behavior, adherence to DOT’s hours of service rules and overall safety of road traffic. In a study, it was also found that the two major reasons for trucks being involved in accidents was the excessive weight of the load the trucks are carrying and the lack of proper maintenance of the vehicle and its parts.
GPS enabled ELD’s and fleet tracking systems offer a plethora of features. These features make the management of fleet activities and functions easier and more effective.Fleet management is more than just logistics. Managers and Owners need to achieve maximum profitability to achieve business goals. Sometimes these goals must be met within a limited budget, strict compliance and environmental guidelines.
This calls for a perfect balance between several fleet operations. Fuel consumption, driver performance, vehicle maintenance, as well as route management are at play. GPS enabled fleets allow fleet operators and owners to manage their business by connecting applications for delivering services and data. These systems also make operations cost-effective and environment-friendly.
GPS and Insurance
In 2019, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reported that for the first time the expense towards insurance premiums ranked among the Top 10 in trucking industry’s biggest overall costs. On an average, trucking industry pays more than 2.6 billion in insurance pay outs. More recently, in August 2019, a jury in Georgia awarded $280 million to the family of five people who died in a fatal crash involving Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. truck.
The trucking industry has always had insurance as one of its biggest expenses. Adapting to GPS tracking devices has reduced the number of accidents thereby allowing the insurance providers to offer discounted premium rates. GPS solution considerably decrease the risk of theft and accidents, thus reducing the risk factor of a trucking business.
Breaking it Down:
- Real Time Location: GPS solutions allow for real-time location tracking and keeps managers and drivers constantly connected and informed. In case of an accident, the fleet manager can be immediately notified and take necessary actions and inform authorities. Similarly, in case of theft or hijacking, several FMS providers also offer aggressive theft tracking mode that helps minimize the loss and speedy recovery of assets.
- Driver Behavior: Modern-day FMS also track bad driving behavior such as speeding, or harsh turns or braking incidents. Alerts or warnings for such unsafe driving are generated and sent to the manager. Mangers can then take required actions to ensure the safety of the driver and vehicle. The insights generated by the FMS also help the manager have a better training module and form stricter guidelines for their drivers.
- Vehicle Diagnostics: With the help of ELD, a close check on engine status and condition can be maintained. A good FMS also allows for automatic scheduling of maintenance and wear and tear check of auto-part s and components.
- Dash-cam: Dash cams record the driving view and footage is admissible in court of law. This helps to establish responsibility in case of a mishap. Dash cams have somewhat revolutionized the industry. Before, blame and responsibility usually fell on the truck driver involved in the accident.
The features of FMS and GPS-enabled solutions have thus contributed in making trucking industry safer. Some insurance providers may offer a discount of up to 15% in certain circumstances. Mostly implied when trucks or fleets have advanced and reliable telematics systems and GPS applications.
GPS Tracking Solutions and Roadside Assistance:
Accidents and truck breakdowns can happen anywhere, no matter how careful or prepared you are. Truck drivers can practice safe driving and keep their vehicles in the best condition, but it can still breakdown and need repairs. What’s worse is the truck breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
In such situations, GPS technology offers a huge advantage. Many tracking and comprehensive fleet management service providers also offer roadside assistance to their clients. These services include towing, flat tire change, lockout service, battery boost, fuel delivery, winching, and more.
GPS tracking makes it easier to locate the vehicle in need of help. Usually, roadside assistance is an add-on feature that is accessible through tracking and fleet management software. Once the driver raises a request for assistance, the FMS service provider sends their nearest auto-repair partner to the said location.
The application also shows the estimated time of arrival, as well as their current location, live on the map. The updates are visible to the driver as well as the dispatcher keeping both parties informed, thus eliminating the need for direct communication through calls. The information from the GPS tracker saves time and also improves productivity.
GPS tracking technology empowers roadside assistance service providers to operate to their highest potential and provide services efficiently for their customers. It also allows them to respond to customer emergencies quickly, thereby establishing themselves as reliable and caring service providers.
GPS enabled fleet management system helps in streamlining the entire operation of the fleet. From identifying idle vehicles to easier allocation, establishing a route, keeping clients updated, generating important reports, as well as compliance with various rules and regulations.
Conclusion:
When you know that a delivery van is sitting idle after having completed its route, before the end of the workday, you can use this data to plan the next route to be more profitable and efficient.
GPS fleet tracking is a one-stop solution for all fleet management needs, and also helps in improving the overall productivity of business functions, increases security and safety of assets and employees, helps in maximum utilization of all available resources, and also reduces the cost of fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
Do you implement a GPS Tracking Solution for your fleet? Have you benefit from it?