What is GPS Tracking?
Global Positioning System or GPS tracking is the system of monitoring the specific location of a person, vehicle, trailer, equipment, place, and more, through an attached GPS tracking device.
In the transportation industry, GPS tracking plays a key role. It allows fleet managers to easily find the location of various assets and vehicles in real-time, view the location history of all vehicles, optimize delivery routes for better fuel efficiency, reduce paperwork, and minimize the need for status updates and distracting phone calls to drivers.
How does GPS tracking work?
GPS tracking systems mainly function by using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network.
The satellites within the network emit microwave signals to different GPS devices, including those found in smartphones and vehicles, and relay data such as a vehicle’s direction, speed, location, and more.
The four components that make vehicle communication technology and GPS truck trucking work are:
- The GPS satellite
- The vehicle equipped with a GPS tracking device
- A wireless network
- GPS servers
All of these components work together to ultimately deliver the GPS information that is used to improve fleet operations.
The GPS tracking process
A GPS tracking device is installed into a piece of equipment, trailer, or vehicle to record and store necessary information. It then uses GPS satellites to pinpoint the location of the vehicle or trailer in real-time.
The data stored within the GPS tracking device is then transmitted through a cellular or wireless network to a server. The server works like cloud storage that lets you access the information regardless of your location and the device you use (smartphone, tablets, computer, etc.).
What does the GPS tracking system track?
A GPS tracking system primarily records the location of the vehicle. However, it can also record and transmit other valuable information, such as:
- The vehicle’s current speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour
- Engine data (if available in some GPS tracking devices), such as the current fuel level, Revolutions per Minute (RPM), and oil temperature
- When the ignition key was used to start the vehicle or when the engine was turned on
- For how long a vehicle or trailer has been dormant.
Who uses GPS tracking?
GPS tracking technology is used in various industries and businesses, e.g., mobile devices, aviation, takeaway services, construction, transportation, and fleet management.
Businesses that rely on vehicles — government-owned cars, small local fleets, or long haul commercial trucks — often use GPS tracking to monitor mobile assets and gather accurate location and vehicle data.
How GPS truck tracking benefits fleets
GPS tracking plays a vital role in the trucking industry. GPS truck tracking makes operations safer and more efficient.
Here are some of the big benefits of GPS truck tracking.
- Real-time visibility into operations. GPS tracking allows fleet managers real-time visibility into operations and the location of all assets and vehicles. This empowers them to make important decisions on the fly, improve customer relations by providing them accurate ETAs, and reduce distracting phone calls to drivers.
- Minimizing excessive paperwork. GPS tracking systems have digitized fleet documentation, removing manual administrative tasks and paperwork. This helps fleet managers save time and reduce operating expenses. Moreover, digitization and automated records also help reduce inaccuracies and errors.
- Cargo and asset safety. With real-time location tracking, GPS tracking devices also help improve asset and cargo safety. You can get real-time alerts and take timely actions if a vehicle deviates from its route.
- Improved vehicle maintenance. GPS tracking data can be used to plan usage-based vehicle maintenance. This means you’re always on top of vehicle safety and in a better position to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
There are many more benefits of GPS tracking.
If you want to learn more about how a GPS tracking system can benefit your fleet, check out how KeepTruckin GPS tracking solution works.
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