A GPS tracking device for trucks changes the game from guesswork to knowledge. Instead of getting a lot of SMS and missed calls, you can see your fleet on a map. Put this device in your cab and you’ll be able to see where you are, how fast you’re going, when you stop, and when Jerry decides to sit at the servo for half an hour instead of getting back on the road. Dispatchers can relax knowing exactly where each load is and when it will arrive.
Live tracking makes late deliveries less dramatic. Customers call, you click on their order, and there it is: the real-time ETA, traffic problems, and proof that the truck is stuck in traffic or is really just stopping for a snack. A manager once said, “I used to bet on excuses.” The map is now only telling the truth. It turns out that being honest speeds up ticket sales.
Managers can find waste without spreadsheets when reporting is sharper. Too much time spent idling, taking wrong turns, and speeding up too much are all recorded and made public. A team leader I know started making weekly award charts for the best driver, trading in old complaints for friendly competition and extra pies. Both morale and fuel bills went up.
Maintenance rides along as well. The tracking gadget sends engine hours and kilometer data straight to the computer, which sends up warnings before problems happen. You won’t forget about services or have to guess when a truck last had a check. You’ll get warnings before a problem turns into a breakdown.
The way you use the data is different for each fleet. It may be shortening routes or speeding up turnarounds. A GPS monitoring gadget for trucks avoids the wild goose chase and gives you peace of mind—one clear trip at a time.