By Jayesh Mehta, Fortress Mobile
January 18, 2022
As a driver, you probably have used GPS to map out your route, so what’s the big deal about fleet GPS tracking? This may seem like a way for the company to track where you are, almost like someone looking over your shoulder to make sure you are doing the right thing or micromanaging. While this may be what it seems like, it is not. Using fleet GPS tracking software has its benefits for the driver and is mainly used to protect the driver. This may feel overwhelming at first, but we’ll go over some tips and benefits that should make you feel more at ease.
GPS Fleet Management software is on your side
If you’re concerned about being watched all the time, here’s another way of thinking about it. If you’re in an accident, the system may be able to prove that you weren’t at fault. Most commercial drivers face this problem at some point in their careers. Someone on the road does something stupid or dangerous in front of you, and there’s nothing you can do to keep from hitting them. Next thing you know, the police are there, and of course, everyone’s blaming you.
GPS tracking devices do more than just show where a given vehicle is currently. A fleet management tracking system can also record speed, harsh braking, and other driver actions. So, the next time someone accuses you of being over the speed limit or not even trying to stop, you can show proof that you were not at fault.
This sort of tracking technology is so helpful that it is also being used in the private sector. Add in camera technology (usually, dash cams), and you can have an even clearer picture of exactly what happened whenever an accident or other incident occurs. Imagine being able to show everyone that you were not on the phone, falling asleep at the wheel, you didn’t run the red light or stop sign, as well as see what the other vehicle or vehicles did in front of you, and see you were utterly blameless in an incident. This proof is one of the top reasons many commercial drivers are beginning to accept and appreciate tracking technology.
Route optimization
You may know your routes by heart, but route optimization can help by either verifying your route or finding a better path. There are times when there is construction or detours, and route optimization will find the best route for you to finish on time or early. It also can find the shortest route, saving gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.
Fewer interruptions
Ever have one of those days when dispatch has to continually call you to see where you are and determine your ETA for your next client? Imagine never having to answer those sorts of calls again. This disruption is often cumbersome at best and dangerous at worst.
Dispatch can handle ETAs directly with GPS tracking, keeping customers in the loop without interrupting your day. Not only that, but they also won’t have to call you to let you know of route changes, scheduling changes, or several other typical dispatch notifications. It will all go through your GPS software and automatically adjust your route as needed.
Documentation made easy
DVIRs and other compliance documentation are so much simpler with fully featured GPS tracking devices. Once you learn to use your device’s features and reports, submitting mileage reports, duty hours, and other typical driving documentation will be much easier and faster.
The benefits don’t stop there, though. The best GPS fleet software packages will even remind you to do your daily DVIRs and additional standard reporting. Since everything is stored digitally, there’s no possibility of a missing logbook or a report getting lost in the shuffle.
Improve driving habits
Many fleet companies are now beginning to take advantage of the data provided by GPS tracking devices to create driver programs to help improve the driving habits of all drivers.
GPS trackers keep track of hazardous driving events like speeding, hard braking, and more. They can then combine these details into safety scores, showing management which drivers are safest on the road and could improve. To incentivize safe driving habits, managers may then provide rewards like gift cards to the safest drivers in the fleet. And most likely, your employer will also provide access to coaching videos or real-time alerts to help you improve your safe driver score as you go about your day.
Job security
It’s important to remember that whatever is good for the company’s bottom line means job security for you in the long run. GPS tracking can help companies save money on insurance premiums and fuel costs. It can also boost productivity and simplify maintenance, dispatch, and other vital parts of fleet management.
When fleets are safer and more efficient, everybody wins, especially drivers! Fleets that save money and become more efficient and productive. That means they’ll continue to need good quality drivers, and they may even have the budget space to offer raises and bonuses as the company continues to do well.
So, the next time you find yourself annoyed about the idea of being tracked at work, think about these genuine benefits, and relax. GPS tracking really does service commercial fleet drivers as well as their fleets.
About the Author
Jayesh Mehta is the Director of Marketing at Fortress Mobile. He is also the author of “Rogue’s Guide to Acquisition: Principles from the Final Frontier” listed on Bill Gates Recommended Summer Reading of 2012. Jayesh has been in the marketing field since 2001 and with Fortress Mobile since 2020.
