The Guide to Fleet Tracking Systems for 2024

Managing a fleet of vehicles can be a complex and challenging task.

But with the right technology and strategies, you can streamline operations, save costs, and enhance productivity.

Keep reading to be informed about increasing fleet visibility with GPS fleet trackers.

Unlock the secrets to managing your fleet effectively.

With Kosmo Delivery, Now you can see your drivers real-time location in the map. 

The Fundamentals of Fleet Tracking

In this section, we'll cover the fundamental aspects of fleet tracking, setting the stage for the more detailed discussions that follow.

What is Fleet Tracking?

Fleet tracking, also known as vehicle tracking or AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) is a management system that uses GPS tracking to monitor the activity of fleet vehicles and assets in real-time. 

Fleet tracking systems combine the use of GPS live location, driver information and delivery status to give full visibility to understand what is happening to live orders and make proactive decisions that save time and money.

Fleet tracking is commonly used by fleet operators for fleet management functions such as fleet tracking, routing, dispatching, driving behavior, and security.

Top 7 Benefits of Fleet Tracking

Fleet tracking systems offer a wide range of benefits for businesses that rely on fleet vehicles and assets.

Here are some of the key benefits of fleet tracking:

1. Manage fleet remotely: Fleet managers have the ability to track each vehicle via the use of GPS, allowing them to monitor performance and any live issues. Staying on top of live data and drivers location can make the difference on the response speed and on the customer experience. 1
2. Optimized routes: GPS vehicle trackers allow you to identify the location of a driver so you can easily determine which driver is best suited for a particular job. This can help reduce fuel costs by optimizing routes, reducing idle time, and improving driving behavior.

Find out how Kosmo optimizes routes!

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3. Increase productivity: Fleet tracking systems can help increase productivity by optimizing routes, reducing downtime, and improving dispatching efficiency. This can lead to more jobs completed per day and increased revenue for the business.

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4. Theft recovery: Fleet tracking systems can help recover stolen vehicles and assets by providing real-time location data and tampering alerts.
5. Simplify administrative processes: Fleet tracking systems can help streamline administrative processes by digitizing workflows such as pre-trip inspections, job dispatch, and proof of delivery. This can lead to more efficient operations and reduced paperwork.
6. Maximize vehicle utilization: GPS fleet tracking systems allow you to monitor the location and performance of your vehicles at any time and improve the utilization of your fleet vehicles. Your fleet managers will be able to collect fleet data using IoT sensors and analyze it to reduce vehicle idle time and drive maximum revenue for the business.

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Types of Fleet Tracking Systems

Fleet tracking systems come in different types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the types of fleet tracking systems and how they work.

1. Mobile application: These are fleet tracking systems that use mobile applications, which are becoming a huge trend in fleet management, offering flexibility and a wide variety of features not found on other vehicle tracking devices. Choosing a mobile application will depend greatly on the type of data you wish to collect.
2. Professionally installed (hard-wired): These are vehicle tracking devices that are professionally installed and hard-wired into the vehicle's electrical system. They collect far more data than other devices through a range of sensors and other in-vehicle devices, allowing fleet managers to monitor more and get a full picture of fleet performance and driver behavior.
3. Self-installed (plug-and-play): These are vehicle tracking devices that can be self-installed and are usually plug-and-play. They are easy to install and can be moved from one vehicle to another.
4. Active and passive tracking: Vehicle tracking can be categorized into two main categories, depending on the time of data transmission: active and passive tracking. Active tracking provides real-time data, while passive tracking stores data for later retrieval.
5. GPS tracking devices: GPS fleet tracking systems are often combined with fleet tracking software to manage dispatch services, cost reporting, and track driver behavior. There are three main types of vehicle GPS trackers: 

1. Mobile GPS
2. Plug-in play GPS
3. Wired GPS/ELD

6. Personal or wearable GPS trackers: These are GPS tracking devices that are often the size of a wristwatch and are used by hikers or hunters in case of an emergency. They also often have a button that can send out a signal to request help as well as their position.
7. OBD II port trackers: These trackers plug into the OBD II port in the vehicle and can both power the device as well as provide information.
8. Fleet management solutions: Fleet management systems are accessible via any internet-connected device and provide organizations with real-time data to assist in making educated decisions and completing everyday duties efficiently.

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GPS Fleet Trackers

GPS fleet trackers are at the heart of modern fleet management.

This section explores how they work and their vital role in increasing visibility.

How GPS Fleet Trackers Work

GPS fleet tracking systems are designed to help businesses monitor their fleet vehicles and equipment in real-time.

1. GPS tracking devices are installed in each vehicle: GPS fleet tracking systems require the installation of GPS tracking devices in each vehicle. These devices use GPS technology to determine the location of the vehicle and transmit that information to a central server.

This can generate an inconvenience if you want to apply and test a Fleet Tracker quickly as it might take more time and money to install the device in each vehicle, right?

But, with a Delivery Management Platform can help you track the real location of your drivers without a device.

At the same time, your customer will get real-time notifications of where the package is.

2. Real-time location data is transmitted to a central server: The GPS tracking devices transmit real-time location data to a central server using a cellular or satellite network. This data can be accessed by fleet managers through an online platform or mobile app.
3. Fleet managers can monitor vehicle performance and driver behavior: Fleet managers can use the GPS fleet tracking system to monitor vehicle performance and driver behavior in real-time. This includes information on vehicle speed, location, and idle time, as well as driver behavior such as harsh braking or acceleration.
4. Fleet managers can optimize routes and reduce costs: With real-time location data, fleet managers can optimize routes and reduce costs by reducing idle time, improving driving behavior, and identifying more efficient routes.
5. Alerts can be set up for specific events: GPS fleet tracking systems can be set up to send alerts for specific events, such as when a vehicle enters or exits a specific area or when a driver engages in unsafe behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

What is the cost of implementing a GPS fleet tracking system?

At Kosmo you can join FREE for 14 days and later decide if it fits your business.

On the other hand, with Kosmo Delivery Management App, you will get: 

• Route Optimization for your drivers or 3rd party
• Automated Notifications for your customers
• Proof of Delivery
• Driver App
• Real time Fleet Tracking

Are GPS fleet trackers compatible with all types of vehicles?

Yes, GPS fleet trackers are compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bikes…

How do GPS fleet trackers help reduce fuel costs?

GPS fleet trackers provide data on vehicle speed, idling, and route efficiency. By optimizing these factors, fleet managers can significantly reduce fuel consumption by more than 20% according to a Survey.

Can GPS fleet trackers improve driver safety?

Absolutely. GPS fleet trackers allow for real-time monitoring of driver behavior. Alerts can be set up for speeding, harsh braking, and other risky actions, promoting safer driving.

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