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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.

2016 Section 179 Expiring Soon – Act Now to Save!

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As the year is quickly coming to an end it is time to think about how your taxes will be affected for the year.  One thing many businesses consider is purchasing new equipment.

If you are considering acquiring equipment in the near future or are a supplier looking to save your customers money, Section 179 impacts you!

As part of the IRS Tax Code, Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of certain assets financed or leased and put into service during the tax year. Accelerating depreciation rather than spreading the deduction over the item’s useful life provides a larger tax deduction come tax time. With a $500,000 maximum deduction available, you could keep a lot more money in your pocket.

Additionally, since Section 179 covers new and used equipment or software, you can get the equipment you need now, take the full tax benefit now, and spread your expense over a multi-year financing term, thus significantly reducing your true cost of ownership.

Equipment could be things like new vans or trucks, tools, heavy duty equipment and even a GPS tracking system to help manage your business.

It is important to contact your tax advisor before making a purchase to make sure you qualify and what impact a substantial purchase would have on your taxes.

For more details go to the following website:

http://www.section179.org/

 

Why GPS Tracking Is Not Just For Location Anymore.

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Everyone knows that GPS tracking is beneficial to locate vehicles but today’s tracking is much more.  A good tracking system should include additional items at no extra cost.

  1. Easy to Use Interface: How easy is it to use.  Cumbersome interfaces and difficulty finding the information you need can be frustrating drawbacks to inferior or cheaper systems.
  2. Reliability: Is the system reliable?  Using the best available components makes for a better system.
  3. Maintenance: Set up alerts for maintenance reminders such as oil changes, tire rotations etc..
  4. Location Alerts: The ability to alert the user when a vehicle leaves or enters a per-designated area.
  5. Speed Alerts: Alert user on speeding and other types irresponsible driving.
  6. Reports: Easy to configure reports and save as PDF or excel spreadsheets.  Reports should be able to be sent automatically on a pre-determined date; daily, weekly or monthly.
  7. Closest Vehicle: For multiple vehicles the ability to locate a vehicle closest to an address.  Great for businesses that do emergency calls.
  8. Smart Phone App: Most systems that work well on a laptop or computer do not translate well to smart phones or tablets. A system that has an app designed to work on a smartphone or tablet is a great advantage.
  9. Mileage Report: Reporting for IFTA or tax purposes.

Additional items that should be available at an extra cost could include:

  1. Garmin integration: the ability for managers to communicate and set routes to drivers navigation device.
  2. PTO: For those using PTO’s the ability to monitor use.
  3. Asset Tracking: tracking motorized as well as non-motorized assets.  These typically would be at a lower cost.

When reviewing options it is always important to review what you are getting and what you are paying.

“Price without quality is never a bargain”

For more information on GPS Tracking and the benefits available go to: www.bostonglobaltracking.com

Boston Global Tracking is a local American owned business with a national presence serving any business with vehicles on the road. Fleets From 1 to 1,000’s.