4 Misconceptions about GPS Tracking Devices That Fleet Vehicle Companies Need to Know

GPS trackers have become an essential requirement for companies that rely on vehicle fleets. There are numerous direct benefits to using GPS trackers, ranging from increased productivity to cost efficiency. Despite these proven benefits, several misconceptions persist regarding GPS trackers and their role in business.

Here are 4 common misconceptions about GPS tracker that you should know as a fleet vehicle company manager.

1. "The GPS tracker system is expensive, so my operating costs are higher."

As with many other businesses, there are upfront costs when you subscribe to a GPS tracking service. These costs are reasonable, given the various components you are essentially "renting" from the service provider—such as software, hardware, servers and network infrastructure, data security, specialised SIM cards, system maintenance and software updates, customer support, and more. Nevertheless, these costs are far outweighed by the benefits and the return on investment (ROI) you will realise.

Using GPS trackers can reduce fuel consumption, minimize losses from accidents and vehicle damage, lower communication costs, increase delivery completion rates, prevent theft and fraud, and boost customer satisfaction. These benefits will undoubtedly generate significant profits for your fleet company, potentially delivering an ROI of up to three times the investment. Implementing GPS trackers and the associated software does not drive up operational costs; instead, it makes your operations more efficient.

2. "I don't need a GPS tracker. My phone is enough for communicating and keeping track of work status in the field every day."

A GPS tracker replaces the manual monitoring previously performed by fleet operators via telephone—a highly inefficient process, given that drivers cannot always actively use their mobile phones. With a GPS tracker, anyone with access to the monitoring platform can track vehicle locations and delivery progress at any time, without needing to call drivers or couriers who are out on the road.

Furthermore, GPS tracking provides data on vehicle entry and exit times, refueling details (volume, time, and location), refrigerated cargo temperatures, cargo door opening and closing times and locations, and more. GPS trackers address the most significant communication challenges currently facing fleet companies. With GPS tracking, monitoring field operations becomes easier and more efficient in terms of time, processes, and costs, while operators can become more productive by gaining the opportunity to handle other tasks.

3. "My driver doesn't feel comfortable working if he's constantly being tracked with a GPS tracker."

In a fleet company context, it is important to eliminate the perception that a GPS tracker is a secret surveillance tool. A GPS tracker is used like any other business tool, with the purpose of measuring efficiency and providing insights for business improvement. Managers, operators, drivers, General Affairs, administration staff, and even finance and HR teams can benefit from implementing a GPS tracking-based fleet management system.

It is crucial for management to properly educate drivers on the purpose of implementing GPS tracking. For drivers, this technology helps them work more productively, drive more safely, and complete deliveries more smoothly. Data on driving behaviour can be used to develop targeted training materials for drivers. Additionally, incentive systems can be implemented to reward the most efficient and safe drivers based on specific performance parameters within the system.

4. "My business isn't big enough to need a GPS tracker system."

If your business relies on a vehicle fleet, you need to know how it is performing, where your vehicles are located, and what activities are taking place. Regardless of the size of your fleet, a real-time vehicle monitoring system can protect your company's assets, prevent losses due to theft and vehicle misuse, and reduce both insurance and operational costs.

With GPS technology, you build an efficient fleet management system as the foundation of your business. As your business continues to grow, you will not struggle to manage a larger fleet. This is because you already have a system that is flexible for fleets of all sizes, from small to large. The automation functions of this GPS tracking based fleet management system give you greater opportunities to optimise and grow your vehicle fleet company.

Cartrack GPS trackers can help your fleet business improve operational and administrative efficiency while reducing costs. You can confidently implement Cartrack for your fleet, as the system is suitable for both large and small-scale operations. Find out more about the benefits of Cartrack and get a FREE DEMO!