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By Greg Bartlett

Cross-country merchandise transportation can be a risky business. Shipping large quantities of goods from place to place carries with it the inherent risk of theft, accidental loss or delay. Yet shipping by tractor-trailor remains a necessity for many businesses. In order to ensure efficient shipping as well as asset protection, fleet managers are increasingly looking to GPS vehicle tracking.

GPS vehicle tracking allows fleet managers to keep an eye on each vehicle as it travels across town or across the country. A transmitter placed in the vehicle sends signals to a computer or receiving device which allows location to be monitored in real time. Data can also be viewed in the form of reports over time. Not only does this allow monitoring of a driver’s efficiency on the job, but it also allows current information and scheduling updates to be provided to customers.

Many GPS vehicle tracking models provide much more information than simple location. Fleet managers can also save money for the company by monitoring fuel usage, idle times, stops, and speed of travel. If, for instance, a driver leaves his truck idling while he’s making deliveries, a manager could take note and address the problem. Unnecessary stops and personal detours could be eliminated, saving the company money by conserving not only fuel, but also man hours.

Companies who have implemented GPS vehicle tracking as part of their fleet management program have reported annual cost savings in the thousands. In these tough economic times, every penny saved makes a difference in company effectiveness. By encouraging employees to be more efficient with their time and to put better driving habits into practice, companies can realize enormous benefits. They can also promote a healthier environment by conserving fuel. Employees who know their movements are monitored will take fewer detours and will not leave the engine idling during a lunch break or while unloading cargo. Companies can make clear to their employees what actions are desirable to promote responsible driving practices.

Managers who have come to depend on GPS vehicle tracking find it hard to manage a fleet of vehicles efficiently without it. No longer must they rely on guesswork or the reports turned in by employees who may forget to record mileage, neglect to mention a personal sideline, or take longer than necessary on a job. They can have all of this information at their fingertips. They can also help drivers by encouraging them to map out the most direct route to a destination, saving time and money across the board. Each time mileage is reduced, fuel is conserved or a driver’s time is used more efficiently, the company as a whole profits. By the end of the year, it could be the factor that saves the business.