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By Greg Bartlett

Drivers of semi trucks are among the unsung heroes of our nation. Without them, delivery of goods across the country would be virtually impossible. Although truck drivers themselves have a good record of safety overall, fatalities in the industry are higher than workers in other fields due to the hazardous nature of their jobs. GPS tracking can improve safety, provide vital information to fleet managers and give peace of mind to the family of truckers by monitoring the truck’s location as it travels.

Fleet of Delivery Trucks Utalize GPS

GPS tracking operates by sending data from a transmitter located on the truck to a remote location. Fleet managers can monitor not only the location of the truck but also its speed, fuel consumption, idle time, and number and length of stops made. This information can be used to maximize efficiency and reduce costs associated with vehicle operation. Family members can also use information from the GPS device to determine the position of their loved one which can provide peace of mind in the event of an accident reported in the area.

Semi truck driver deaths account for twelve percent of total work related deaths, a higher percentage than any other occupation. The majority of fatalities are caused not by the trucks themselves, but by automobile drivers who do not know how to drive safely in the vicinity of a large truck. Additional work-related deaths can be attributed to falls while loading heavy cargo and to thieves looking to help themselves to a driver’s cargo. In light of such grim statistics, families of truck drivers should consider purchasing a personal GPS tracking system if the fleet manager will not give them access to the company’s information or if the company does not utilize GPS tracking in their vehicles. Tracking devices may not prevent an accident, but they can ensure that help arrives as quickly as possible in the event of a crash or theft.

With the availability of GPS tracking, there is no reason a truck driver should ever feel unprotected while out on the road. Families at home can rest easier in the certain knowledge that Dad is safe and transport companies can ensure that their drivers are driving responsibly. Everyone benefits from the addition of a GPS system to a semi truck. Both company and personal systems play a vital role in the safe and efficient operation of the largest vehicles on the road.