Whether you just started a new job or your company is growing and has recently added GPS tracking devices to the fleet, you may be concerned about this new technology. It’s common for commercial drivers to feel that their privacy is compromised, or “Big Brother” is watching, when they first encounter GPS monitoring in the workplace. But you may be surprised to find out that fleet tracking technology has plenty of benefits for drivers as well as fleet managers or owners. Here are just a few you might encounter.
GPS Has Your Back
First, for those concerned about being watched all the time, here’s another way of thinking of it. If in an accident, the system may be able to prove that you weren’t at fault. All commercial drivers face this problem at some point in their careers. Someone on the road does something stupid right 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. With a fleet management tracking system, they 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.
Add in dash cam technology, and you can have an even clearer picture of exactly what happened whenever an accident or other incident occurs. This sort of tracking technology is so useful that it’s being implemented in the private sector as well. Imagine being able to show everyone that you were not on the phone or falling asleep at the wheel, you didn’t run the red light or stop sign, and you were utterly blameless in an incident. This sort of proof is one of the top reasons many commercial drivers are beginning to accept and appreciate tracking technology.
Route Optimization
Whether you’re in unfamiliar territory or know the area like the back of your hand, route optimization can still be a massive boost for your productivity.
Fewer Disruptions
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? The disruption is often unwelcome at best and dangerous at worst. Imagine never having to answer those sorts of calls again.
With GPS tracking, dispatch can handle ETAs directly, 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.
Easier Documentation
HOS reporting, DVIRs, and all sorts of other compliance documentation are so much simpler with fully-featured GPS tracking devices. Once you learn to use your device’s features and reports, you may never have to submit mileage reports, duty hours, and other typical driving documentation again.
The benefits don’t stop there, though. Since everything is stored digitally, there’s no possibility of a logbook going missing or a report getting lost in the shuffle. The best GPS fleet software packages will even remind you to do your daily DVIRs and additional standard reporting.
Road Safety Gamification
Many fleet companies are now beginning to take advantage of the data provided by GPS tracking devices to gamify road safety. If this sounds like Greek to you, don’t worry — it’s a lot simpler than you think.
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 which could use some improvement. To incentivize safe driving habits, managers may then choose to provide rewards like gift cards to the safest drivers in the fleet.
What does all this mean for you? Simple: you can earn free rewards just for practicing safe driving habits. 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
Finally, 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 important parts of fleet management.
Fleets that save money and become more efficient and productive can grow. 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. When fleets are safer and more efficient, everybody in the organization wins, especially drivers!
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 serve commercial fleet drivers as well as their fleets.
