Top 15 Questions About Telematics & GPS Tracking Answered
Telematics and GPS tracking have revolutionized the way the transportation industry works. We’re not just talking about large container trucks or tractor-trailers but all businesses that rely on transportation as a part of their business protocol. This could be a delivery business, a door-to-door service, technical services (i.e., repair workers for homes and offices), and so on. The possibilities are limitless – transportation is an important segment of the business models of countless small and big setups.
However, GPS tracking is relatively modern technology, not as new as some people might think, but still comparatively modern, and it has been made commercially available recently. Thus the skepticism that GPS tracking products get from potential buyers is understandable. This is why we have taken it upon ourselves to clear some doubts and answer the most common questions asked about the utility and scope of GPS tracking solutions:
#1) Does telematics work for small businesses?
Yes, absolutely! It is a common mistake to look at telematics and GPS tracking as technological advances suited only for large businesses. In contrast to this notion, these technologies fare much better with smaller businesses. After all, the small setups need to conserve their assets the most and find a more efficient way to do business, especially by cutting down the transportation costs. The longer the distances traveled, the more the need to cut down the costs associated with transportation.
Fleet tracking improves the efficiency of small businesses and creates a setting where all people better commit to their jobs and try to excel themselves. In short, yes, telematics is just as important for small businesses as it is for the big ones, and perhaps even more.
#2) What can I monitor via a fleet tracking system?
GPS tracking is not simply meant to show you locational displacements of the vehicles and the drivers. It goes much beyond that. Not only can you track the live location of your drivers but also see stuff like how well your drivers are behaving on the road, in terms of road safety, and so on. You will get detailed stats about the performance of your workers, the location histories for all of your cars, and alerts for maintenance, idling, poor driving, and other urgent issues.
You will be able to see everything as if you were seated right next to the driver but without ever having to leave your office – this is the power of telematics and GPS tracking!
#3) Is fleet tracking legal?
Yes, you can track your fleet vehicles according to the law; none of the states have placed any bans on it. However, as with several other business-related stuff, you need consent from your drivers (and thus are also obliged to bring it to their attention) in this regard. You can’t track your fleet vehicles unless the drivers operating them know that they are being tracked. There may be some other regulations too, and such legislations usually vary from state to state, so it is best to seek legal advice from an attorney in this regard, but know that fleet tracking is completely legal.
You will most likely be required to get consent from your drivers and to display labels on your fleet cars showing that they are being tracked via GPS.
#4) What does live location tracking mean?
Live location tracking simply refers to the ability of fleet managers to track the locational changes, movements, or displacements of your fleet vehicles in an instant. The app, in this case, will refresh the screen almost instantly, showing where the fleet vehicles are at a given time and where they are headed. In this case, you’ll see markers representing your fleet vehicles moving on the screen, corresponding to the actual movements of your vehicles.
You can contrast this with simple location tracking, in which case the app refreshes the screen after fixed intervals and simply shows you the updated location. In this location tracking version, you get to see the before and after locations but not the movements in between. Usually, the intervals are one minute long or perhaps even longer.
When selecting a GPS tracking system, look specifically for those that mention “live” or “real-time” location tracking in their description.
#5) What are the differences between hardwired tracking devices and plug-and-play trackers?
Hardwired trackers differ from plug-and-play type trackers in that you need to install these permanently in your vehicle. These trackers can’t simply be unconnected. They have to be removed, which is just as complicated as setting them up. Usually, you need to seek professional assistance to install the trackers and pay an extra installation fee to set them up.
In contrast, plug-and-play trackers are ready to use from day one. You simply connect them with the OBD panel of your vehicle, and it will start working. Both devices function more or less the same, but the latter is simpler to set up – you can install it yourself.
Our Fleetr tracker is a plug-and-play device that we’ll ship your place for free!
#6) Which is better, tracking with a cell phone or using a tracker?
Using a tracker has some obvious advantages, but some people want to avoid buying a subscription and thus go for cell phone-based GPS tracking. This is free, but cell phones are not meant to be used this way and thus offer only minimalistic features in this regard. You get to track the location of your fleet vehicles, not instantaneously as in live location tracking, but the rest of the features are understandably absent. Plus, you’ll technically be tracking your cellphone, not your vehicle. Thus if your driver forgets their phone at home, you’ll be in the dark about the location of your vehicle.
Tracker-based fleet management is vastly superior to cellphone-based tracking, and the rent is worth it.
#7) Is fleet tracking expensive?
It does not have to be. Fleet tracking with products like Fleetr can cost as little as $9.99 per vehicle per month, which is surprisingly affordable. And since it is a per vehicle deal, you won’t be overcharged. Just alter your subscription plan to fit the number of vehicles you’d like to track.
In short, no, fleet tracking is not expensive. It can be very affordable.
#8) What changes should I expect in my business protocol by incorporating fleet tracking into the mix?
GPS tracking will change a great deal about the way you do business. Firstly, the constant monitoring of your drivers will let you assert more control over how they perform, and you’ll be able to guide them through the many challenges they may face in the field. Plus, your communication will become optimum. You won’t have to constantly phone call your drivers and ignore them either. But most importantly, fleet tracking will help you minimize the costs of doing business without cutting down on anything vital to your operations.
#9) Why does my business need telematics GPS tracking, and what will I gain from it?
Telematics and GPS tracking are a necessity for any business seeking to become more efficient. The concept of optimizing your spending and increasing productivity to boost the success of a setup is nothing new. People have been doing that for centuries. However, fleet tracking has become more possible than ever, and the results are unparalleled. You can reduce costs, increase the profits coming your way, and better manage your team so that no one is overburdened, and yet you still find a way to get more work done.
If you want this for your business, then you need a decent fleet tracking system like Fleetr!
#10) How do I get started with GPS tracking?
This part is quite simple, although it is understandable why you may be a bit intimidated by it, here’s what you need to do:
- Contact the customer service staff at Fleetr either via our website or over the phone
- Buy our subscription for the number of fleet vehicles you have
- Get your free fleet tracking devices at your place (will be delivered to you)
- Install the devices and set up the tracking app on both your phone and PC
- Get started with tracking
It’s that simple!
#11) What features should I look for when buying a GPS fleet tracking system?
Here’s what a decent fleet tracking system should offer:
- The ability to track the live location of your fleet vehicles.
- The ability to monitor the behavior of your drivers on the road.
- Timely notifications and alerts for important events like speeding, idling, maintenance issues, etc.
- Location history feature to let you see where the fleet vehicles have been on a given day.
- Detailed performance records and reports to let you make informed decisions regarding your workers.
#12) How do I get my drivers on board with the idea of being tracked?
Just be open about the whole thing, present your proposal in a friendly manner, tell them the merits of your decision, and try to communicate your points as positively as possible. Hopefully, they’ll cooperate. Show that you trust them and that fleet tracking is not a spy tool but a management asset to help the business become more efficient.
#13) What is route optimization, and how does it work?
Route optimization is the ability of a fleet tracking system to pick the most optimal course for every stop in your schedule. The decision is based on travel distance, number of turns, number of traffic lights, traffic density, construction in the way, etc.
#14) Do small businesses even need fleet tracking?
Yes, small businesses need fleet tracking because it helps them optimize running transport costs and get more work done with the same level of input.
#15) How will fleet tracking change the way I assess the performance of my workers?
The data shared by your fleet tracking application will not only allow you to see where performance deficiencies lie but will also let you figure out ways of improving things. You will use accurate data and stats to assess your workers. Thus there will be no favoritism, and this will help your business grow.
Based on your assessment, you can give perks to the best performers and thus encourage better performance throughout.
Fleetr Is The Solution To All Of Your Fleet Tracking Problems
Your efforts at increasing the efficiency of your business protocol, introducing better monitoring abilities for your fleet managers, and better guiding your drivers in the field from your office will fit perfectly with the inclusion of a GPS tracking system in your business framework. However, not all products are the same. Most fleet tracking solutions are vastly inferior to the common standards for such products, and the low prices may lure people into making bad decisions. However, this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune on your GPS tracking system – just research a bit, and you will surely find something that fits perfectly with your business model.
Fleetr has been designed specifically to offer flexibility, and since it is very affordable, it is the perfect choice for any small business owner. Our product comes without any binding contracts, so you don’t have to be worried about being wound up by the subscription policies. Plus, there are no extra/hidden fees at all. The only charges you’ll have to pay will be the $9.99 per vehicle per month, and that will cover everything, including the cost of the tracker itself (which will be shipped to your place for free).
We’ve addressed most major concerns with our questions and answers above, but if you have some more confusion about GPS tracking, feel free to contact us!
