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Many companies use GPS technology to monitor the status of vehicles and drivers in their fleet. This allows them to provide accurate customer service and to prevent unnecessary loss of time and resources. This tracking involves installing a GPS transmitter in the vehicles of the fleet. Unlike GPS mapping devices like many consumers have in their cars, these tracking transmitters are much simpler. They don’t need a display to give directions; they just send a signal for fleet managers to track. Fleet managers usually monitor the progress of their vehicles with an interactive webpage that shows the location of tracked vehicles. However, many managers need to monitor their fleets while they themselves are on the road.

Networkfleet just announced that they’re offering a new website for tracking fleet vehicles from mobile devices. Their new tracking page allows fleet managers to monitor their drivers from an iPhone or Android device. This gives managers the freedom to travel where they need to be, while still keeping track of the drivers and vehicles under their care.

The Networkfleet tracking system provides a full array of information for users: fleet location, engine diagnostics, truck speed, ignition and idle information, engine status, and a map. This puts a wealth of tracking information into the hands of on-the-go fleet managers.

Networkfleet is a leader in wireless fleet managing services. Their goal is to provide managers with all of the information that they need to reduce fuel usage, monitor emissions, and track maintenance expenses. This San Diego based company is owned by Hughes Telematics and was founded in 1999.

Networkfleet is an award-winning company that has been granted more than fifty patents (issued or pending) for remote monitoring and diagnostics for fleet managers. This newest project of theirs puts all of their industry-leading diagnostics information into the mobile phones of fleet coordinators across the country.

Monitoring a fleet of vehicles is not a simple objective. When that task ties down a valuable manager and limits him or her to a single desk or computer screen, it can hurt company objectives overall. That’s why having mobile access to GPS transmitters for vehicle information is such an important step for Networkfleet and their clients. Having the tracking data is essential, but it’s even better when all the important location and vehicle data can now be accessed from iOS and Android devices anywhere the manager needs to be.

Article Written by Mark Rammel

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Many smaller organizations make the mistake of assuming that GPS technology only functions effectively in the large-scale. Managing massive fleets using a satellite system certainly has its benefits; however, one of the most advantageous venues for these innovative devices is in monitoring the vehicles used by startup companies. Fleet tracking can save your company both time and money – regardless of the size of your fleet. Are you ready to give the competition something to worry about? This affordable technology will elevate your market status overnight.
Small businesses have a vested interest in keeping an eye on their vehicles. After all, when your fleet consists of five trucks, you can’t afford to lose one of them. And while you would like to think that you can trust your employees, unfortunately, drivers may not always act responsibly on the road.

Once a tracker is installed in your vehicle, you can monitor its whereabouts anywhere in the world. If it makes unspecified stops or travels off of the designated route, you will know. It may sound a little like big brother, but when it comes to protecting your investments, you just can’t be too careful.

Efficiency is a crucial aspect of any corporation; however, when it comes to startup businesses, establishing a pattern of efficiency takes on new importance. If your company operates a small fleet, you need a way to manage each vehicle’s comings and goings.

GPS tracking gives you the ability to consistently monitor the location of every vehicle in your fleet. In the event that a driver gets lost or needs assistance with repairs, you can easily determine his whereabouts. By monitoring the location of your small fleet you have the opportunity to ensure the efficiency of every vehicle.

Wasted time is wasted money when you oversee a fleet. Fleet tracking takes the guesswork out of your vehicles’ location so that you can be confident that your tightly woven schedule stays right on track. For small business owners this technology relieves the burden of having to micromanage each driver’s route. Consistent communication with your GPS units makes it simple to keep an eye on your investment. Routing information is available at the click of a button, saving you both time and money long-term. And let’s face it – typically for smaller companies neither one of these runs in large supply.

Article Written by Janice Grover

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Leelanau County Road Commission (Michigan) are considering whether or not to implement GPS fleet tracking on their plow trucks. The final decision has not been made yet, but Road Commission employees have already shared mixed opinions. “This is going to be a big purchase for us. I’m putting together a request for proposals because we’re going to need to seek bids on this,” said James C. Johnson, Road Commission engineer.

Road Commission’s vice-chairman John Popa shared his thoughts. “We’re not some big company that has thousands of employees. We have managers that are already out on the road and visiting the different job sites, or checking roads in the winter. I don’t know that we need this,” he explained. He did see some benefits, however. “It would show if a driver isn’t getting through his plow route the way he should,” added Popa.

“They haven’t really talked to us about this. I personally don’t mind. They’re selling this as a way to increase efficiency and lower costs. All I know is someone is going to have to keep track of this, which is another expense,” offered Bruce Kilinski, a union steward for the Road Commission’s Suttons Bay garage. Despite the conflicting opinions, everyone seemed to agree that the GPS fleet tracking system is a valuable management tool.

“Other Road Commisions, as well as private companies, have found increases in productivity, including the ability to better respond to emergencies,” said Chairman Lee A. Bowen. He is for implementing a GPS tracking system for the fleet, after doing some investigating of his own. He spoke to the manager of the Wexford County Road Commission, which have already begun using GPS systems on their trucks. “He saw an increase in productivity, I think it’s an option worth exploring,” said Bowen.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor

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It is an unfortunate fact that many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat in this troubled economy. The businesses that will survive these turbulent times are the ones who are able to think of creative ways to cut costs. It is difficult enough to save money in an office or store setting, when your customers come to you, let alone when your business involves mobile employees, delivering goods or services to clients. The good news is, for those savvy enough to take advantage of it, GPS fleet tracking technology can significantly cut costs and help small businesses survive the recession.

Gas prices are on the rise all over the country. In many cities, gas is over $4 per gallon. This can present a serious problem for small businesses with mobile services. With gas prices this high, it is critical to minimize time spent on the road.

Even with as few as three or four vehicles to manage, planning optimal routes can be tricky, especially when you have last minute service calls and changes to consider. GPS fleet tracking can save you the time and headaches of fleet management, as most programs offer computerized route planning designed to save you and your employees time and gas.

Another common problem many businesses with small fleets face is employee generated time and mileage sheets. Hopefully, as an employer, you’ve hired honest, hard working employees. The fact is that your employees are likely struggling to make ends meet, and may report inaccurate times and mileage.

GPS fleet tracking systems are a great way to protect your business from fudged time sheets. You can track the actual routes and times your mobile fleet is in operation. Most modern GPS fleet tracking systems on the market come equipped with these features, providing a virtual time sheet.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor

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Truck drivers have long endured the criticism of those advocating green policies. But thanks to GPS tracking, those drivers can now add saving the planet to their resumes. The unassuming little devices pack a huge punch when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, especially for drivers of trucks and other heavy equipment who usually find themselves at odds with those touting a green agenda. By making drivers, fleet managers, and individuals more knowledgeable about the routes taken and fuel used each day, the devices can make it possible to exchange long-entrenched habits for more eco-friendly ones, making not only the roads but also the air we breathe safer for everyone.

• Create shorter, more direct routes:  Drivers with several stops to make can find themselves backtracking and covering much more distance than strictly necessary during any given day, sometimes without even realizing it. By monitoring their routes, they can see where they’ve covered the same areas multiple times, enabling them to better plan so they’re ultimately on the road for shorter amounts of time.

• Give managers knowledge to direct training : Training remains academic unless managers can find ways to specifically relate it to actions their employees are currently taking. GPS tracking can highlight poor driving practices such as too much idle time, long routes that use too much fuel, and exceeding speed limits. With this information they can not only direct training sessions to include practical information, but also institute consequences for failing to abide by company policies. Training sessions can also include ways to reduce overall environmental impact by managing emissions.

• Motivate driver awareness: When drivers can see the environmental impact that results from their poor habits, it can         motivate them to find ways to improve. GPS tracking provides the information needed to         bring about this result. In addition, companies can institute policies that carry consequences         for drivers who repeatedly fail to take the necessary steps to improve.

• Save fuel: One of the most important steps any driver can take to reduce his environmental impact is to use less fuel. Tracking driving habits can facilitate this step by showing drivers where they have put unnecessary miles on their vehicles or followed inefficient routes that kept them on the road longer than necessary.

Change won’t happen without motivation, and motivation won’t happen without knowledge. GPS tracking devices provide the knowledge that leads to ultimate change, resulting in a greener planet we can be proud to call home.

Article Written by Lynetta Bowen

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In an ever-changing global economy, transportation companies work hard to maintain their profit margins. By cutting costs and minimizing expenditures, they are able to employ hundreds – even thousands – of hard working drivers. However, the newest trend in transportation technology has piqued the interest of company management and motivated them to consider an investment: fleet tracking. In the long term, these innovative devices are capable of saving transportation companies multiple thousands of dollars – and a lot of headaches.
Historically, one of the most challenging aspects of transportation services has been keeping track of the whereabouts of individual drivers in the fleet. Whether due to standstill traffic or an unscheduled “detour,” truckers’ routes are often subject to a measure of ambiguity. In order to keep all aspects of the company operating on the same timetable, some method for keeping track of driver coordinates is a critical aspect of operating the fleet.

Occasionally, fleets experience routing errors. Two drivers are accidentally assigned the same route or the course is incorrectly charted. GPS tracking makes it possible for companies to maintain constant supervision of every vehicle in their fleet so that problems are caught quickly and remedied immediately. If a driver gets lost or ends up in traffic, help is only a phone call and a few GPS coordinates away. Additionally, drivers who choose to make unscheduled stops will be quickly found out.

The fewer errors which occur in the daily activities of a fleet, the greater its efficiency will become. As efficiency within a company increases, so do its profit margins. The less time that is wasted on the road, the more money the company will save on expenditures like gas, truck repair, and distorted salaries. Critical dollars can be spent where they are most needed, taking stress off of penny-pinching management. The benefits of GPS technology in fleet application thus not only include greater efficiency and economy, but also lessened anxiety.

Companies which employ fleets of vehicles understand the value of a system which can indicate the location of every vehicle at the touch of a button. The opportunities are endless when you consider the convenience of fleet tracking. For fleets which are ready to save both time and money, these small yet powerful devices are nothing less than miraculous.

Article Written By Janice Grover

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Isuzu Commercial Truck of America is ready to use GPS tracking. The truck maker has named Fleet Director, a fleet management product from Teletrac, as the GPS system that will be available to help customers monitor the performance of their Isuzu N-Series trucks and the trucks’ drivers. Three models of Fleet Director will be available, allowing managers to use a variety of important data to assess various aspects of their business.

GPS tracking on a vehicle allows the vehicle owner to know where his car or truck is at all times. A small device can be easily attached almost anywhere on the vehicle, and then this device sends signals to satellites positioned at fixed spots above the earth. Computers coordinate the information from these satellites to read the latitude and longitude of the device. Then the owner of the tracking system can watch a map on his computer screen and see where the vehicle is.
A wealth of information is available from this kind of system. It can show where the vehicle is at the moment, or it can draw a route traveled in the past. It can update the location at varied rates, from a few seconds to several minutes. Some devices can be remotely activated or de-activated, saving battery life and providing information only when needed. Devices can be set to monitor other data beside location, including if a door is open, what the weather is like where the vehicle is, what speed the vehicle is traveling at, and even how tightly a driver navigates a corner.
For users of systems like the one chosen by Isuzu, the possibilities are virtually endless. What do you want to know about your fleet? In what ways do you want to keep your drivers accountable? You can see if the driver is exceeding the speed limit, habitually braking too harshly, or taking corners unsafely. You can analyze the routes trucks take and develop better routes, saving time and fuel or avoiding traffic and hazards.

You can use your information to find ways to reduce idling time and cut fuel costs. You can check on diagnostic information that acts like a mechanic to report if there is engine trouble. You can better keep up with the combination of mileage and idling time to know what maintenance the vehicle should get. In short, fleet tracking is an amazing way for truck fleets to save money and make a productive business.

Article Written by Kadence Vyra

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Telecom GPS announced the launch of a new GPS fleet tracking system. This device allows remote monitoring of cars, trucks, or motorcycles. It is highly customizable and versatile. The target market are employers with fleet management needs and families with multiple vehicles. The features include real time tracking of multiple vehicles, alert systems, and remote control of vehicles.

Fleet monitoring is a very effective anti-theft device. Not only can the owners locate their vehicles, they can also set up an alert system. The alert system can be set to send an email or text message to the owner when the ignition is activated, if it is outside a specified area, or if the vehicle moves. The Telecom GPS also allows users the ability to disable their vehicles remotely.

Telecom’s GPS fleet tracking system is perfect for an employer managing any size fleet. Whether it is a delivery service, emergency response team, or any other service with mobile workers, this tracking system can deliver more control over vehicles. Fleet tracking can save employers time and money on vehicle maintenance and gas, by allowing them to better plan routes. The Telecom GPS also allows employers to ensure their vehicles are staying on task and are not being used after hours.

Generally, when one hears GPS fleet tracking, he or she thinks of an employer tracking company-owned vehicles. Telecom’s system offers fleet tracking services for families as well. This system is perfect for keeping an eye on teen drivers in the family. An alert system can be used to notify parents when teens drive faster than the speed limit, if they are driving after curfew, or if they drive outside a specified radius.

What do you think about employers and parents monitoring their vehicles with GPS? Do you think its too invasive or worth it? Let us know in the comments!

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor

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L.F. Wade International Airport is taking new strides in the field of fleet tracking. The airport now uses GPS technology to improve the fuel efficiency, precision, and safety of aircraft landing in Bermuda.

L.F. Wade’s latest initiative isn’t simply company-wide. It’s part of a nationwide FAA trend toward cleaner air travel. The program, called NextGen, seeks to make air travel safer and less expensive for customers and companies alike.

So how do airports taking on the NextGen initiative accomplish this task? The airports implement GPS systems which communicate with 27 satellites orbiting the earth. Those satellites give exact information on landing paths and locations. Aircraft are able to use this information to cut down on idling and fuel costs as well as land safely in inclement weather.

So how do these changes affect us? Well, for those contemplating trips to Bermuda, the benefits are obvious–increased safety and potentially lowered costs. And for those of us flying in or out of airports implementing the same technology, the benefits are equally obvious. But what about the rest of us? What about those not contemplating trips and not engaged in the airport industry?

NextGen makes use of already prevalent GPS technology–GPS fleet tracking. GPS fleet tracking helps reduce gas costs, travel time, and idling for delivery businesses worldwide. In addition, police forces, town plowing fleets, and school systems use this technology to ensure the people they serve get speedy service and their drivers and passengers stay safe.

The benefits of fleet tracking don’t simply apply to large businesses or government corporations. Smaller or privately owned businesses can profit greatly from GPS trackers. If you have a fleet of any kind of vehicles–delivery vehicles, patrol vehicles, etc–consider taking advantage of this technology.

The devices allow you to monitor where a vehicle is in relation to a mapped out route, how far outside that route the vehicle has gone, how much idling time the driver engages in, and more. Essentially, you can save thousands in fuel costs and misused company time.

If you’re the owner or manager of a fleet of vehicles, you may not have a fleet of airplanes to watch over, but you do have your own fleet to keep track of. Take a hint from NextGen. Let GPS tracking systems get your back.

Written by Katharine Stephens

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The benefits of Global Positioning Satellites, commonly known as GPS, are growing all the time as new applications are thought up and developed. Franson Technology AB, a Stockholm, Sweeden based software development company, recently came out with a free GpsGate Server. The server is free to download and offers businesses a way to track their vehicles out on the field.

The GpsGate Server provides employers more control and visibility of their employees behavior while out on the road servicing clients, using GPS tracking technology. Ultimately the program was designed to save companies time and money by providing extensive reporting of fleet behavior.

This gives employers the tools needed to make better business decisions. Alerts and notifications are generated for events such as emergencies, vehicle theft, off hours vehicle usage, vehicles going out of established boundaries, speeding, and excessive idling.

Henrik Thomasson, product manager at GpsGate explains, “We are pleased to make professional GPS tracking accessible to everyone this way. The immediate benefits achieved with GpsGate Server and the possibility to grow from the free installations simplify investment decisions for our customers and partners around the world.” The server is simple enough to use on its own, but is also highly customizable for individual company needs. The open Application Programming Interface (API) allows developers to customize the user interface, add tracking device support, and integrate the server with other external programs.

Franson Technology AB’s GpsGate Server is ideal for small businesses with mobile services.. The server is available with up to five free user licenses. GPS tracking of vehicles is available via web browser on customizable maps, and the platform supports over 100 different tracking devices. Thirteen different languages are currently available on the server, and new languages are easy to add, according to Franson Technology, Inc..

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor

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