10 Ways to Improve Your Business with GPS Tracking

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GPS tracking can do more than improve your fleet operations, it can help improve your entire business. The benefits of implementing a GPS tracking system extend beyond the day-to-day operations that fleet managers and drivers use the technology for, allowing you to get more from your business than you ever thought possible.

1. Maximize Labor – For many businesses, payroll is one of the biggest overhead expenses. Using a fleet tracking system to improve driver accountability translates to higher profits because you can ensure that your employees are actually working while they’re on the clock. This is not just limited to driving. Monitoring PTO events can help in industries that use heavy equipment.

2. Minimize Fuel – In the long run, fuel prices are only going to increase. This means that fleet managers and business owners must change habits and increase efficiency to help control fuel budgets.

3. Speed Up Billing – Good managers know that the faster you can send bills, the faster you get paid, which means better cash flow and more control overall. With GPS tracking, administrative staff members have the power to bill faster with less errors.
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4. Reduce Insurance Costs – Insurance companies love GPS tracking systems because they help reduce accidents, improve driver accountability, and allow companies to enforce safety policies. You get all of these benefits plus lower insurance rates.

5. Improve Customer Service – The more quickly and efficiently you can provide service to your customers, they happier they will be. This translates to more loyal customers, more referrals, and ultimately more revenue for you.

6. Operate More Efficiently – Maximizing efficiency is one of the best ways to boost the bottom line. Faster dispatching, optimized routes, and easier time tracking all help your business become more efficient.

7. Protect Your Assets – Vehicles are valuable assets that are not always easy to replace, especially for small businesses. Fleet management software helps you prevent theft and abuse, and keeps equipment in top shape with maintenance reminders.

8. Be More Flexible – Business owners can track fleets on the go.This is especially useful for owner-operators who need to monitor activity while in the field themselves.

9. Be Green – Reducing your environmental footprint is becoming more important than ever, especially for businesses that want a competitive edge.

10. Understand Your Business Better – Robust reporting tools and driver analytics allow you to truly understand how your fleet operates, which means you have all the information you need to make important business decisions.

Robert is owner of Boston Global Tracking. Helping many businesses by providing GPS tracking.

GPS Fleet Tracking Can Lower Your Insurance Costs

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There are many cost saving benefits to having investing in a GPS tracking system. While you can save substantially by cutting down on wasted fuel and labor, you can also reduce the amount of money your company is spending on insurance premiums.

Many insurance companies recognize that when a company installs a GPS fleet tracking system it means that they are serious about reducing risk. By implementing GPS fleet tracking software you are able to keep a close eye on driver behavior, locate stolen vehicles, and ensure that your trucks are safe by staying on top of regular maintenance.

Insurance companies are committed to good driving behavior and ensuring safety on the road. Implementing GPS fleet tracking will show them that you are committed as well. Most insurance carriers will recognize companies who apply a GPS fleet tracking solution to their fleet and will give them up to a 15% insurance discount!

Simply install a GPS fleet tracking device with a sufficient number of your vehicles, and start saving on your premiums. You can find a range of potential discounts from insurance providers such as Liberty Mutual, Travelers, Zurich North America and The Hartford.

The application of a GPS fleet tracking system will result in a significant decrease of hazardous driving behaviors. GPS fleet tracking provides you with instantaneous alerts to your cell phone and email that will notify you when one of your drivers is speeding or driving erratically. This will help you to stay on top of unsafe driving habits and to cut down the number of accidents and citations your fleet encounters.

With real-time tracking, you no longer have to wonder where your vehicles are. If one of your vehicles is stolen, GPS fleet tracking gives you immediate insight into your vehicles location. Retrieving your stolen vehicles quickly gives you a better probability to also recover expensive assets that you may have on-board the vehicle.

GPS fleet tracking will also help you to keep an eye on when your vehicles having upcoming or overdue maintenance requirements. These friendly reminders will tell you or your drivers when a vehicle is ready for an oil change or tire rotation, to help prevent any dangerous situations on the roadway.

GPS technology may be your solution for high fleet costs, low productivity and long work hours.

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Times are difficult for small businesses. But small businesses with vehicle fleets have it even tougher than most.

Fleet costs continue to rise while business slows. In some cases, drivers don’t do all that they can to be most productive and mitigate costs. And time is always an issue. Two-thirds of small business owners work over 40 hours per week, with one in five working 80 or more hours per week according to a poll conducted by office-supply giant Staples.

Fleet owners also deal with a host of other daily issues that can wear down even the most hardened manager: billing disputes, driver whereabouts unknown,deliveries to the wrong address, drivers getting lost, drivers missing in action… the list goes on.

All of this while trying to handle service issues and run a profitable business. It’s no wonder that many small business owners feel they don’t have the time to get everything done and spend enough quality time with family.

However, the growth in the popularity of GPS tracking systems has heralded a new way for small businesses with vehicle fleets to do business. It’s a complete paradigm shift and early adopters are already realizing the significant cost savings and other benefits of installing GPS tracking in their fleets.

“A GPS tracking system is really a complete management tool,” said Robert Drucker, Owner of Boston Global Tracking,a leading GPS vehicle tracking provider. “In this economy, cash flow is king. GPS tracking helps business owners maintain enough liquidity to weather hard times by easily reducing costs and improving efficiency.”

Cutting Costs While Improving Business

Traditionally, cost-cutting measures tend to result in reduced service and decreased customer satisfaction. To cut costs business owners often have to cut customer reward programs, customer service initiatives, discount programs and marketing. This usually results in a self-defeating cycle that can further reduce sales.

With GPS fleet tracking, business owners not only cut costs, but they actually improve their business model.

“After installing GPS tracking from Boston Global Tracking, we saw an immediate ROI,” said Bill Douglas,owner of Echo Systems Pest Management in Hanover, MA.  One vital way Boston Global Tracking GPS fleet tracking can help small businesses decrease costs is by reducing fuel consumption. Fleet owners have the ability to ensure drivers take the most direct routes to job sites, eliminate unauthorized journeys, reduce idle times and dispatch drivers nearest to a job site.

The Aberdeen Group, the leading research group focused on understanding the measurable results of technology in business, recently found that firms that utilize location intelligence (GPS tracking) have seen a 13.2 percent reduction in fuel costs and a 13.4 percent reduction in overtime costs.

In addition to reducing fuel consumption, GPS vehicle tracking can reduce billing disputes and provide accurate payroll. For example, the Boston Global Tracking solution provides fleet owners with accurate information on when a vehicle arrives and departs a job site and then compiles the data in managementreports.

These reports can be used to determine how long an employee worked at a job site and provide accurate invoicing, In addition, the management reports can serve as automated and accurate time sheets for employee payroll operations.

Choosing the Right GPS Solution

There are literally hundreds of GPS vehicle tracking suppliers on the market,making it difficult to choose which system will work best for your business. The key is to find a company that delivers a GPS solution that contains in-depth reporting, ease of use, reliable connectivity and excellent customer service.

In-depth reporting features provide small business owners with the data needed to make sound business and efficiency decisions regarding fleet vehicles and drivers. In addition, accurate reporting of speed, vehicle usage,idle times,and start up and shut down can be utilized as part of an employee reward program to encourage fuel-efficient and safe driving habits.

Many GPS tracking companies create their solutions from a technical viewpoint without considering theusability of the system. A GPS company must understand the needs of business owners and have extensive experience in serving the small business market to greatly enhance the positive results of GPS implementation.

Another consideration is system uptime. Be sure to ask any prospective GPS company how often their system is online and how often they experience disconnections.

Finally, customer service should be a major consideration when choosing a GPS solution. With the growth of demand in GPS tracking, flimsy companies have sprouted up offering discounted services with poor-quality systems and even poorer customer service.

Reputable GPS companies will be responsive to customer service, technical and training requests. In fact, the best GPS companies provide these services at no additional costs to their customers.

 

Your Vehicles and Liability

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Why Buy Commercial Auto Insurance?

In most states, you’re required to have this type of auto insurance for your business. The coverage limits vary by state, but often equal the limits set for personal auto liability insurance.

Depending on the size and financial stability of your company, one serious accident caused by an employee in a work capacity can put your company in jeopardy―especially if there’s a lawsuit involved. Commercial insurance can help safeguard your business from this threat.

Even if you have a one-person business that involves the transportation of goods or people, you likely need the protection of commercial liability auto insurance.

How Much Liability Coverage is Enough?

That’s a question you should discuss with your insurance agent or company, or some other trusted source who is familiar with your business. However, many experts recommend you have at least $500,000 of liability coverage per vehicle.

Again, though, this varies with the nature of your business, your assets, and how easily your business can absorb losses. Keep in mind, though, insurance protection becomes relatively cheaper the higher it goes. In other words, a million dollar policy won’t be twice as expensive as a $500,000 policy.

And, you could purchase an umbrella policy―which is fairly inexpensive―for additional protection after your commercial auto policy leaves off.

Do You Need Business Auto Insurance?

This matter should be discussed with an insurance agent or a financial professional with experience in this area.

But, if you answer “yes” to the following two questions, you likely should have commercial car insurance:

  1. Do I derive income from this business?
  2. Do I frequently use my car in association with this business?

Commercial car insurance can apply to a diverse group of professions, including:

  • Plumbers
  • Landscapers
  • Couriers
  • Delivery (pizza, flowers, etc.)
  • Electricians
  • Salespeople
  • Realtors
  • Truckers
  • Tow operators

Just because your profession isn’t listed doesn’t mean you can avoid business car insurance.

Do you work for a company as an employee or independent contractor, and use your vehicle or a company-owned vehicle to perform your job? Check with the company to see if you’re covered by their auto insurance policy, and to what extent. You may need your own commercial auto policy to safeguard yourself while on the job.

When Does Employer Liability Arise?

There are two main ways that an employer can be held liable for a car accident caused by an employee: negligence on the part of the employer and vicarious liability.

Employer Negligence

Employer negligence may involve, for instance, negligent hiring of the employee or negligent supervision of the employee. When a company hires someone that they know will be driving a company vehicle, the employer has a duty to exercise reasonable due diligence in order to make sure that the employee is a safe driver.

At a minimum, if the employee is going to be driving a commercial vehicle, the employer should make sure that the employee has a commercial driver’s license that is in good standing and that has not been suspended. Many employers also take additional precautions like checking a past driving record or performing drug testing.

Negligent Supervision

Negligent supervision is another way in which an employer can become responsible for employee accidents. Employers should have reasonable safety policies in place and should make sure all of their drivers comply with safety laws. This means if an employer has truck drivers working for him/her, the employer should make sure the drivers follow logging requirements set by federal and state law and that cargo is properly weighted and loaded. If an employer fails to check and make sure that the employee is exhibiting reasonable care and skill in doing the job required, then that employer is liable for negligence.

Vicarious Liability

Vicarious liability doesn’t necessarily require that the employer was negligent in any way themselves. Vicarious liability is a doctrine of law that asserts that the actions of an agent are essentially the same as the actions of the principle directing the agent. This means that an employer is considered to be the “principle”, and when the employer tells employees (the agents) to do something, it is just as if the principle is the one acting. Of course, this rule only applies if the agent is actually in the process of doing something for the principle at the time when the accident happened.

For example, if an employee is sent to the store to pick up copies and got into an accident on the way to picking up those copies, then the employer could be liable. If the employee decides to stop for coffee on the way back and gets into an accident while getting coffee, he/she isn’t acting on behalf of the employer/agent, so the employer usually won’t be responsible. There are also usually exceptions that an employer will not be liable for intentional bad acts done by the employee, so if the employee decides he wants to run someone over, the employer won’t be at fault.

In any event the employer, although my not be at fault, will usually be part of a lawsuit with the thinking that a corporation may just settle rather than go to trial.  It is advisable that all businesses have in place specific driver safety programs in place and complete written handbooks on what is and is not acceptable use of the vehicle, especially if the vehicle is taken home at night with the driver.  Many insurance companies will give discounts for safety programs and related devices in the vehicles.  Business owners should contact their agents for more details.

Robert Drucker owns Boston Global Tracking and believes in a “trust but verify” when it comes to dealing with drivers and company vehicles.  He can be reached at robert@BostonGlobalTracking.com

 

 

EPA information on Idling

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Below is information on Idling from the EPA website:

Idling

 

Photo of a truck

 

 

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SmartWay Transport

 

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a voluntary collaboration between EPA and the freight industry to conserve fuel, reduce emissions, and improve transportation supply chain efficiency. SmartWay “makes the business case” for how companies shipping products, and the carriers that move those products, can improve their environmental profile while saving money and time.

 

Companies join the SmartWay Transport Partnership for a 3 year period, and begin by analyzing the efficiency of their operations using SmartWay software. EPA helps partners set individualized goals and select the right strategies to achieve them. Fleets choose from a wide variety of strategies to minimize idle time, reduce rolling resistance, improve aerodynamics, refine logistics and train drivers. Shippers participate by increasing the proportion of their product carried by the most efficient SmartWay carrier partners, choosing the most efficient modes, and improving freight logistics. Partners benchmark their operations, track their savings, and report yearly to EPA. Partners’ SmartWay scores can qualify them to use the logo and receive other forms of recognition, including awards.

 

SmartWay partners now number close to 3000, including most of the biggest trucking companies and most visible shippers.  But SmartWay is not only for huge companies—many smaller carriers and regionally-known shippers participate.  SmartWay fact sheets and case studies showcase successful fuel-saving strategies.  EPA is working with other countries to develop compatible freight efficiency programs that will enable international shippers to streamline their entire supply chain.  SmartWay also specs fuel-efficient truck and trailer models, verifies fuel-saving technology, and sets up financing programs.

 

EPA New England is active in SmartWay, supporting existing partners, signing on new partners, and promoting efficient freight technologies, strategies and infrastructure.  Four NE-based SmartWay partners have received regional Environmental Merit Awards.  For more information, see the SmartWay website or contact Abby Swaine (swaine.abby@epa.gov or 617-918-1841) at EPA New England.

 

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Idling Enforcement

 

All six New England states have anti-idling regulations. The Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island regulations are part of state implementation plans. State regulations that are part of state implementation plans are federally enforceable. This means that EPA, as well as the State, has the authority to enforce these laws. EPA has taken enforcement action against fleets in Connecticut, Massachusetts and RI for alleged violations of the anti-idling regulations in those states. The press page of this site contains specific information about these actions.

 

For additional information go to the EPA website:

http://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/diesel/idling.html#idling

Robert Drucker, owner of Boston Global Tracking, writes and shares information of interest to fleet owners.  Contact Robert at 508 341 5115 or robert@BostonGlobalTracking.com

 

An Interesting Conversation

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A local delivery company just tested one of our tracking systems and was surprised by the results.  Here is how the conversation went.

 

Owner:  What time did you get back last night from your delivery?
Driver:  9:30, PM
Owner: Wow, that late.
Driver:  Lots of traffic and I couldn’t find one location.
Owner: Are you sure you got back at 9:30?
Driver:  Absolutely
Owner:  Are you sure?
Driver:  YES, 9:30
Owner: Well, according to this GPS device in your van it says you got in at 6:30.
Driver:  Silence.

Based on 10 drivers, adding only 3 extra hours a week per driver:

Total Payroll Savings: $36,000 a year!

Combine this savings with reduced fuel costs from reduced speeds and less idling plus less accidents due to better driving behavior.

15% Fuel Savings: $13,125

(based on 25,000 gal at $3.50 per gal)

10% Insurance Savings $1,500

Total Annual Savings: $50,000 +

 

Although we always want to believe our employees are truthful and honest (we would not have hired them if we thought otherwise) most employees do not look at your business the same way you do and may try to take advantage of a situation.
This is why GPS tracking is so important; not to catch employees doing something wrong but to keep them honest.  That is why we always recommend involving drivers when it comes to installing a GPS tracking system.  Location in an emergency, theft prevention and driver safety are all benefits of GPS tracking.  Many actually reward safe drivers using information from GPS tracking reports.

Contact us on how for as little as $1.25 a day per vehicle you can reduce your fleet costs and make your business more efficient.

Overcoming Resistance to New Policies and Technology.

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Anytime managers or owners implement new policies there is bound to be resistance from some employees.  This is no more evident when a company implements GPS tracking and telematics to their fleet.  Learning how to implement vehicle monitoring systems in a positive way can help managers avoid pushback from drivers.

Known Benefits of Telematics Push Fleet Managers to Implement Systems

It’s the benefits of telematics and GPS technology that often pushes fleet managers to add systems in spite of resistance. Outside of the obvious benefit of GPS technology, one of the most important benefits is monitoring driver behavior. Not only does this improve fuel efficiency, but it also provides proof against false claims made against drivers involved in crashes.

Strategies to Reduce Resistance

Fleet managers are quick to see the benefits of telematics, but drivers don’t always respond positively to these systems. In one study published  , nearly 43 percent of fleet managers surveyed stated they had a “significant amount” of resistance when implementing telematics systems into their fleets, with another 35.7 percent reporting at least a “little” resistance. In other words, the majority of fleets surveyed had resistance of some sort.

So what can a fleet manager do to implement this valuable system without this resistance? While avoiding all resistance may not be possible, it can be limited with the right approach when implementing telematics, electronic tracking technology, or other vehicle monitoring systems.

Having a policy that clearly states the purpose and use of the system or technology as well as driver responsibility can help communicate the company’s expectations better. The company/agency should have each potential driver acknowledge that they have no expectation of privacy regarding the information gathered through the use of this technology.  The City of Napa circulates a policy to all their potential drivers to inform them of the purpose and use of the technology. The policy also addresses tampering with the hardware.

Using the system as a positive as well as a negative can also help. Using the system to reward drivers who had the least number of offenses, and posting the weekly driver report in a common area, helps create a positive peer pressure about driver safety and fuel efficiency. This created changes without much intervention from management.

Today’s drivers have a lot to keep track of, and any tool that helps them do so more safely is welcome once it is understood.  Once drivers realize that the systems are going to improve overall safety, while also potentially earning them rewards for positive behaviors, they are often more willing to embrace telematics.

In the end, the approach needs to be one of coaching, not reprimanding. While there is often some driver turnover when implementing a system, the end result, which is more efficient and attentive drivers, creates a positive environment for all members of the fleet.

 

Robert Drucker, Owner of Boston Global Tracking, often writes about issues facing owners and managers with fleets of vehicles.  His expertise is highly regarded in the industry and provides his insight and knowledge to help business owners better manage their fleet.

 

Help the Environment and Save Money

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In celebration of Earth Day many businesses and citizens are taking a closer look at what we can do to help our environment.

One thing that we can all agree is that idling your car or truck has a negative impact on your health and wallet. Although most people realize that engine exhaust decreases outdoor air quality, they probably do not realize that an idling engine actually releases more harmful emissions than an engine does during driving! The reason for this is that engines are engineered to run most efficiently at a high temperature. Because an idling engine runs at a lower temperature, it does not fully combust all of the fuel that is injected into the combustion chamber. The result of this is that even more dangerous, complex chemical compounds are released into the air. Green Calgary.

When you consider that one hour of idling equals one gallon of gas used, it’s easy to see how reduced idling leads to less fuel wasted and more money in your pocket. Many business owners have begun to use GPS fleet tracking as means to reduce idling. By creating incentives for their drivers to reduce or eliminate idle time they are encouraging positive behavior from all of their fleet drivers. Millions of gallons of gas could be saved by just reducing idling time by just 10%.

Many states and local communities have begun to institute large fines for idling vehicles. Most states and large cities have anti-idling laws in place. Fines can be as high as $1,000 for the 1st offense and up to $25,000 for multiple offenses. States and cities are taking this subject very seriously and are cracking down on offenders.

Drivers must be aware of the dangers of idling not only for the health of the community but a persons wallet or businesses bottom line. The Earth and your wallet will thank you for it.

Robert Drucker is the owner of Boston Global Tracking. His company helps business owners across the country eliminate the “pain” incurred in trying to manage their fleet.

Purchasing New Technology: When to pull the trigger

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Technology moves so fast today that making a technology purchase for your business or for personal use can be horribly mind boggling.

“When I purchase will I find what I just bought obsolete?” “Will the price drop?” It seems today either the next greatest is thing is coming out next week or the price is dropping by 20%.

Gone are the days of technology changing every few years. Today it is down to months or even weeks.

“The next iPhone is due out in 3 months do I wait?” “Next week a new Android phone is coming out, is that a better choice?” “What do I do?”

Here are some tips on how to evaluate when to purchase the next new technology.

1. First determine if the technology is actually right for you. Is this something that is going to be just a toy or will it be something that will enhance your life or business?
2. Is there a return on investment? Does it do everything that I want it to do now or are there predicted improvements down the road that you really want.
3. Next step is to do your research: Consumer Reports, friends, co-workers and reviews on the internet are all good sources.
4. Once you have evaluated your needs set yourself a price limit. If it is within your budget go for it. If not wait, as the newer technology comes out the price of what you really want will drop.
5. If the need and the price are right for you, pull the trigger and buy. Don’t look back or re-evaluate your purchase. Enjoy it because it is right for you. Do not get caught up in the have to have the latest and greatest just because everyone else has it.

As a personal example my iPhone 3 works fine for me, it gives me what I want and I have no interest in moving to the 5. When I purchased the 3 I made the decision because I wanted internet access to my phone for business purposes. It was the best purchase I ever made and I got it cheap because the 4 had just been released.
I find so many people wait on making decisions because they are not sure. Do your due diligence and if it is right for you now, don’t wait. Just make the decision and go on with your life. You will be glad you did.

Some Cool New Technology

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I came across this article from the Telegraph about some cool new technology that can help make driving safer.

Glow in the dark roads to debut in 2013

Jan 8 2013

Researchers in the Netherlands have designed a ‘Smart Highway’, which glows in the dark and even warns drivers when it’s icy.
 
A "Smart Highway" which glows in the dark and can also warn drivers when conidtions are icy will open in the Netherlands in the middle of this year.

The glow in the dark roads use hi-tech photoluminescent paint, which charges up during daylight hours before "turning on" at night.

Created by Dutch companies Studio Roosegaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure, the roads can glow for up to 10 hours at night, reducing or even removing the need for street lighting.

The researchers have also developed a temperature-sensitive road paint which shows ice crystals when the temperature falls below freezing to warn drivers of slippery conditions.

Other ideas from the designers include road lights that illuminate only when vehicles approach, in order to save energy when there is no traffic, as well as road lights powered by wind generated by passing cars, and "induction priority lanes" to charge electric cars as they pass over coils under the Tarmac.
 

Robert Drucker, owner of Boston Global Tracking provides GPS fleet tracking for business and personal use.  Safety of employees, family and friends is a major part of what Boston Global Tracking provides for his customers.