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Protecting Your Fleet And Equipment From Theft

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One of the best chances you have of recovering your stolen vehicle or equipment is if it is fitted with a GPS tracker

If  your vehicle is stolen it can be much more than just a simple inconvenience; it can have much bigger implications. Firstly, the cost of replacing your truck or van is something everyone could do without. Even if you are covered for theft under your  insurance, you will still have to fork out the excess. Your  insurance premiums are also likely to go up once you make a claim for a stolen vehicle. The loss of your vehicle can also lead to you to miss important jobs or cost extra amounts of money in rentals!

Tens of thousands of businesses have vehicles and equipment stolen every year and the sad truth is, if your vehicle is stolen you are very unlikely to ever see it again. Thieves are constantly looking for new and more inventive ways to steal your vehicle and equipment with one of the most recent being breaking into a place of business specifically to get the keys to your your vehicles and equipment.

Vehicle GPS trackers

One of the best chances you have of recovering your stolen vehicle is if it is fitted with a GPS tracker. Vehicle GPS trackers transmit up to the minute location data allowing your vehicle to be tracked if it is stolen. This information can allow the police to track down your vehicle in the hope of returning it to you, the rightful owner.

There are many different types of vehicle GPS trackers available on the market, many of which can be installed discreetly and remain covert in the hope that they would go unnoticed by a car thief. You can even get GPS trackers that are so slim they can be fitted to sit behind the number plate. The more covert a GPS tracker, the less likely it is to be spotted and removed from the vehicle, rendering its tracking data useless.

You can purchase vehicle GPS trackers which can either be wired to your car’s power supply.  Even if a wired GPS tracker is disconnected from the power supply, by a thief who wrongly assumes this will turn it off, a good GPS tracker will also have backup lithium batteries to ensure it still emits tracking data.

Tracking your stolen vehicle

Many vehicle GPS trackers can be linked to an app so you can see in real time the exact location of your vehicle. This can be vital for the police to recover your stolen vehicle and make the difference between getting your vehicle back and never seeing it again. GPS tracker apps also store tracking information so that if your GPS tracker is discovered and removed, you will still be able to see the last known location of your vehicle which can give police a head start in tracking it down.

If your vehicle is stolen in the middle of the night you may not realize it has been taken until hours later. This gives the thief plenty of time to get as far away as possible, making them much harder to find. One big benefit of having a GPS tracker on your vehicle is that you can set it up to alert you should your vehicle leave a pre-set designated area. For example, you may set a geo-fence around your property using your tracking app and if your vehicle is moved out of that area then you will be notified immediately. The quicker you know a crime has been committed then the quicker action can be taken and the more likely it is that your vehicle will be recovered

GPS TRACKERS are priceless when it comes to recovering a stolen vehicle. Whether it is your personal car or for your fleet of company vans, GPS trackers can drastically increase your chances of getting a stolen vehicle recovered.  Special trackers are available for heavy duty equipment and trailers.  These trackers have long life batteries and are weatherproof.

Additional advantages to a high quality tracking system are: alerts to poor driving behavior, maintenance alerts, and IFTA reporting (mileage by state).

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Making a Case for Asset Tracking

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You just went out and made a huge investment: brand new trailer and Bobcat.  Now imagine finding out your Bobcat and its trailer has gone missing. It was there on Friday now its gone on Monday. This equipment is worth well over $100,000 altogether, causing instant panic.  This is where asset tracking comes into play.  By tracking you significantly increase your chances of recovering your stolen assets instead of having to replace them.  No downtime, no insurance hassles.  Another huge factor is unauthorized use of equipment.  With asset tracking owners can now monitor equipment and be notified if it is being used without authorization.

Asset tracking is one of the additional features that a full featured GPS tracking company can provide for your business.  When choosing a company make sure that you have the ability not only to track your vehicles but assets as well.  The ability to expand, easily create reports and local service are factors to consider.  Not all companies are the same.  Choose one with good history and a local presence to provide your service.

For more information about asset tracking and all types of tracking needs contact Boston Global Tracking, www.bostonglobaltracking.com 508-341-5115.  Ask for Robert

 

5 trends that are sparking a renewed interest in GPS for commercial vehicles.

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How a GPS Tracking System Overcomes Common Challenge.

More and more companies are turning to GPS for commercial vehicles. They need to know exactly where their fleet is at any moment of the day. But what is driving their decision to implement a commercial GPS tracking system? We have identified 5 trends.

#1 – The Need to Prolong the Life of Vehicles and Equipment.

What is one of the most expensive aspects of your business? Your fleet of vehicles and equipment. Which means, as a business owner, you want to get the most out of each piece of equipment before replacing. Vehicle tracking systems are one way to do that. With these installed, you receive real-time data on things like usage hours, driving habits and more. You can better manage your vehicle and equipment life cycle to determine whether it’s time to invest in new ones.  The ability to create maintenance reports and reminders enhance the system.

#2 – The Need to Improve Worker Safety

Another one of your biggest assets is your people. The company must ensure that employees are operating equipment and vehicles properly at all times. With a GPS tracking system, you can monitor for things like excessive speeding and reckless operating habits. You can then act on these insights to prevent any harm to your people. Or to your expensive equipment. Additionally, many companies have an emergency button installed which enables instant location information when an issue arises.

#3 – The Upcoming ELD Mandate and IFTA Reporting

Beginning on 12/18/17, a new electronic logging device mandate takes effect. Companies will be required by law to log driving time and hours of service (HOS) electronically. Many companies are trying to stay ahead of the curve, and install the electronic logs, or Elogs as they’re often called, sooner rather than later.  The benefit of these systems includes a lower crash rate, and less time and manpower spent completing paperwork.  Electronically recording mileage by state saves time and money for IFTA reporting, no waiting for drivers logs or inaccuracies.

#4 – The Need for Better Theft Protection

Unfortunately, your equipment is a target for theft. In a recent Dewalt study, over 50% of those surveyed responded that they have experienced equipment theft in the last 12 months. Asset tracking can prevent this. Tracking devices can be installed on both non-motorized and motorized equipment. They then send out specific signals on specific frequencies. Non-motorized units usually send a signal at least one time per day. If you notice something wrong, this frequency can be increased to better serve your current situation. Motorized equipment send signals every 30 seconds, allowing for real-time location information.

#5 – The Need to Cut Costs to Save Money

As a business owner, you’re always trying to save money and cut costs. GPS for commercial vehicles can do exactly that. First, it allows you to reduce fuel usage. By understanding things like acceleration, harsh braking, idling and routes better you can increase your fleet’s fuel efficiency. Additionally, many times it will lead to lower insurance rates due to a decrease in accidents and the additional theft protection provided by asset tracking.

Ultimately, commercial vehicle GPS will help maintain your vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently. It arms you with the data and insights you need to optimize usage – there’s no need to ask, you know. If you’d like to learn more, consider signing up for a demo of Boston Global Tracking. Let us show you how to take your fleet to the next level.

5 Reasons To Use A Mileage Tracking And Fleet Management App

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Found this article in Forbes online by Steve Olenski.  Covers some great points on the advantages of GPS tracking.

Tracking mileage for business used to involve notebooks, scraps of paper and even napkins from fast food restaurants – admit it, you’ve done this, I know I have. After recording the mileage, you might have had to do the math on your watch calculator to figure out the difference between your beginning and ending points.

Thankfully, technology has come to the rescue and given us apps that can streamline the process of tracking mileage, reporting expenses and fleet management.

Here are some reasons to use a mileage tracking and fleet management app for your business:

1. Mobile Device Capability

Instead of supplying your employees with bulky laptops, apps allow them to use a mobile phone or tablet to track mileage. Once connected with a Bluetooth device, apps will automatically begin recording the mileage and will automatically stop recording when the vehicle is stopped. Users will also have the ability to track locations with GPS. Another feature of having a tracking app on your mobile device is that you can sync data between a mobile device and web services. Apps also have the ability to record the route taken and show it on maps. Be sure to know what the laws are in your state for using a mobile device while operating a vehicle, and provide drivers with a dash mount or hands-free device.

2. Ability to Create IRS Compliant Reports

Apps like TripLog allow you to create reports that are compliant with IRS rules. You are allowed to deduct $ 0.575 per mile, but in order to claim this deduction, and save hundreds or thousands in taxes each year, you must keep detailed records. The IRS requires you to keep receipts for any business or vehicle expense over $75, and a tracking app can give you the ability to take a photo of the receipt and upload it to the cloud for safe keeping. Using an app that has the ability to create IRS compliant reports will help you claim the highest number of exemptions.

Other vehicle expenses include fuel, parking, tolls, maintenance, insurance, registration, etc. Other business expenses include meals, lodging, gifts, travel and many others. Local service companies like Home Inspection All Star rely on mileage tracking for their day to day operations.

3. Connecting with Accounting Software

Using a tracking app can spare you the effort of inputting data into spreadsheets by connecting with and uploading mileage and expense data directly to Intuit QuickBooks. This allows for easier and quicker mileage reimbursement to your employees. You will also have the ability to upload other expenses like parking receipts.

4. Knowing Where Your Fleet Is

If your business has a large fleet of vehicles, a tracking app can show you the location of every vehicle in your fleet, down to a specific parking spot. You can see real-time driving routes and locations for each driver in your fleet. Drivers can also share trips on Facebook, Twitter and GoogleMaps/Earth.

5. Saves Money and Time

Keeping records of repairs and maintenance to your fleet can save you lots of money by eliminating redundancy and oversight of needed repairs. You’ll avoid costly repairs that could have been prevented by performing scheduled maintenance, and also track the costs so that you can compare and save. Many apps allow you to record and compare fuel costs and gas mileage for all of the vehicles in your fleet.

There are also apps that allow your employees to drive safer by alerting to road hazards, accidents and bad weather. You can also track the speed at which the vehicles in your fleet are traveling, alerting you to drivers who are breaking the law and being reckless. Safer driving prevents accidents, which keeps insurance costs down and keeps your vehicles on the road, saving you the time and money involved in repairing or replacing a vehicle.

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Kids are Back in School: Drive Safe!

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As we turn the page from summer to fall it is time again to be aware that the kids are now back in school.  I would like to remind everyone, from individuals to fleet managers, the importance of being aware of your surroundings and paying extra special attention in the morning and afternoon when the school buses are picking up and dropping off.

For fleet managers I would strongly recommend that you speak with your drivers about the importance of being careful driving around our neighborhoods.   As we normally drive 10 mph over the speed limit on the highways doing this on local streets could mean the difference between life and death.  In addition to being the right thing to do, driving slow in neighborhoods has the added effect of making your company seem more responsible.  The effect is better customer perception of your company.  Better perception = more sales!

It is also a good time to remind drivers the dangers of using cell phones while driving.  Many times I have observed drivers on the phone go right by the stopped bus with warning  lights flashing: no clue to what they just did.

Let’s keep our kids safe by driving slower, dropping the phone and paying more attention to our surroundings.  Parents and kids will really appreciate it.

GPS Fleet Tracking Helps the Worker.

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One of the most common terms when it comes to GPS Tracking is “driver behavior modification.” It sounds like something out of college textbook…no wonder employees are often against the boss wiring a device into their vehicle.

Put simply though, “driver behavior modification,” just means changing a behavior.  Changing  behavior can be beneficial to the employee, not just the boss. Think about it.  Tracking can get you to the job sooner, more jobs in the day and in less time, helping the you to be more productive and getting  more jobs done in a day and in less time, you get home quicker to your family or your plans for the evening. What’s not to like about that?

Or how about proving you did the job you said you did. With fleet tracking technology, it doesn’t have to be a “he said/she said” scenario. Your boss has the info at his finger tips and you are in the clear. Or maybe you show up for the job and no one is there, tracking can show you may be at the wrong building or door.

How about this, you are in an accident and the driver accuses you of speeding, checking the GPS tracking can determine the truth.  Saving you a lot of time off the job to defend yourself.  What about being falsely accused of hit and run?  GPS Tracking can verify the exact location at the time of the accusation.

So let’s get rid of all the excuses for not using GPS fleet tracking.

GPS fleet tracking technology is a tool to help everyone do their job better.