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How to choose the right GPS tracking device for trucks

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Fleet tracking is a rapidly growing industry, thanks in part to advancements in telematics making it easier for GPS fleet operators to monitor various fleets around the world.

Incorporating global positioning system (GPS) technology in your fleet management arsenal is a low-cost way to boost the efficiency of your company and fleet operations. GPS tracking systems enable fleet owners to track all their commercial vehicles in real time and manage fleet operations, resulting in optimal resource use and enhanced customer satisfaction.

There are dozens of tracking device alternatives on the market today. But, with so many possibilities, how can you pick the best GPS monitoring device for your fleet management needs? Price, quality, and features will vary greatly depending on the manufacturer’s brand and gadget type. After all, utilizing a GPS monitoring gadget that isn’t the best fit for your needs might be more of a problem than a benefit.

So read on to learn more about GPS tracking devices and how to choose the right one for trucks.

What is GPS truck tracking, and why use it?

GPS truck tracking is a cutting-edge device that is put in trucks and feeds real-time data to a fleet management system while also displaying driver assistance information in the cab.

Direct advantages of GPS truck tracking include:

  • Fuel savings
  • Higher productivity
  • Increased driver safety
  • Compliance management like Hours of Service (HOS) and DVIR

Types of GPS tracking devices

  • Battery-powered GPS tracking devices – A battery-powered GPS tracking device can be appropriate if you require a portable GPS tracking device that gives regular updates for short-term tracking. Battery-powered devices can be powered by rechargeable batteries or a few alkaline batteries. These devices may often be programmed to offer more or less frequent location updates to preserve battery life, with settings that can be tailored to your needs.
  • Hard-wired GPS fleet tracking devices- If you need to follow a vehicle or asset for a lengthy period, a hard-wired fleet tracking device may be the best option. A hard-wired fleet tracker draws power from your vehicle’s electrical system, eliminating the need for a battery. This assures that the gadget will not lose power until your car or asset does, which is an entirely separate issue.
  • Hybrid GPS fleet tracking devices- Some asset-powered GPS fleet monitoring systems provide a hybrid paradigm that combines the best of both worlds. This GPS fleet tracking gadget is useful for assets that are always in motion. If you need to track the whereabouts of cargo trailers or flatbeds that have been removed from a vehicle for several days, weeks, or months, a hybrid GPS tracking system may be the best alternative.

How to choose the right GPS tracking device for trucks?

Choosing the right GPS tracking device for trucks is essential in a fleet business. Listed below are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing GPS tracking devices for your trucks:

1. Should provide real-time tracking

The system should have live tracking and real-time capabilities that allow you to pinpoint the precise location of any vehicle in your fleet. Knowing the current vehicle position aids in calculating the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) of each vehicle at the destination, providing emergency response in the event of a collision or vehicle breakdown, and preventing thefts and illegal car usage.

2.Should be compatible

When purchasing a GPS device, one of the first things to look for is compatibility with your truck model. This is critical because it guarantees that the device can gather all of the information that it provides, that you can use all of the features with ease, and that it has no negative influence on the performance of your truck.

Since most vehicles have a common OBD-II connector, any high-quality OBD-based tracking device should be compatible with your truck. However, it is essential to double-check compatibility with your truck’s exact make and model before purchasing.

3. Should provide fleet maintenance

To stay up-to-date on vehicle maintenance and avoid failures and unscheduled downtimes, the tracking software should give an automatic vehicle maintenance schedule similar. Real-time diagnostic notifications allow you to take remedial action before an identified problem worsens and necessitates costly repairs.

Example – Matrack fleet tracking providers real time vehicle maintenance updates to the fleet owners.

4. Should provide a phenomenal user experience

The GPS tracker comes with an app that will give you access to all of the data that the gadget collects. There are live maps, location alerts, and other accessible tools. An easy-to-use interface should be an ideal feature of the tracker.

You should be able to discover the information you’re looking for with minimum effort or confusion. If you buy your tracking device from a store, ask the salesperson to demonstrate how the program works. Before purchasing an item online always ensure to check the reviews to get an idea of what to expect.

5. Should be stable

The GPS tracking devices should constantly be connected and collect data. A GPS tracking device that does not collect data is not useful. To impress your customers, you must integrate your GPS devices with the appropriate fleet software that can always provide real-time tracking without any interruption.

6. Date update frequency should be shorter

The data refresh rate is the frequency with which your app updates its data points. The lower the time lag, the better it is. This means that the tracker is continually reloading data points, giving you real-time information. You will receive information as soon as it occurs and will be able to respond accordingly with the right GPS tracker that has a data refresh rate of a few seconds.

7. Should fulfill ELD needs

Some businesses, such as those hauling hazardous chemicals, have stricter Electronic Logging Device (ELD) standards for their fleets. To protect their safety, they must choose a tracking system that is coupled with an electronic logging device and has advanced functions.

8. Should have offline connectivity

To avoid losing any travel data, you would need a device that can function offline. Check to determine if the GPS tracking device you buy, supports offline connectivity, or if journey data is collected even when no internet connection is available. Ideally, your devices should be able to collect trip data even while not connected to the internet and then upload this data to the servers once connected.

9. Should provide good security

Most tracking devices gather a vast quantity of data about your vehicle’s location and daily route details. This, combined with the massive quantity of personal data supplied into the software, makes the application exceedingly sensitive and requires total privacy.

As a result, it is necessary to assess the application’s security level. Throughout this method, look at the vendor’s level of data encryption. While all networked devices and applications are susceptible to some extent, it is vital to ensure that the app you select follows all data security best practices.

Conclusion

Fleet owners benefit from a real-time GPS vehicle tracking system in a variety of ways. However, with so many options on the market today, choosing the right device for your company may be a daunting task. The above list of crucial aspects to consider might help you narrow down your options and make a decision.

You can also check GPSTracker247.com to know more about gps tracking devices.

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