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Here are 5 steps every successful business should take to improve the customer experience

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1.  Make a Positive First Impression:  First impressions are lasting impressions. If your business makes a positive first impression on a customer, they are more likely to give repeat business and refer you to colleagues and friends.
2.  Provide Quick Response Times:  Customers don’t like to be kept waiting. It’s important that your employees arrive on schedule and complete jobs in a timely manner.
3. Carry Out Your Promise:  If you provide your customer with an ETA, make sure it’s accurate. Not only that, but make sure the job you said you would do, gets done. It’s better to under promise and over deliver.
4. Do it Right the First Time:  Carelessness and mistakes can really hurt your business. Make sure the job is done right the first time, so you can avoid
customer complaints and lost business.
5.  Listen to Your Customers:  Your customers want to feel appreciated. It’s important to engage with and listen to your customers. You can even
create a loyalty program where you provide customers with special offers
or discounts. This will show that you value your customers.
Boston Global Tracking helps businesses deliver better customer service through tele-matics.  For more information go to www.BostonGlobalTracking.com

 

 

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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GPS Tracking Can Help Lower Insurance Costs

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There are many cost saving benefits to having a GPS fleet tracking solution. 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. After 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 Discount

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.

 

How GPS Fleet Tracking Helps

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 becomes lost or 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.

Call Boston Global Tracking to get more information on how you can start tracking your fleet today.

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.

oston Global Tracking Announces New Mobile Apps Available For Apple and Android Devices

Boston Global Tracking Announces New Mobile Apps Available For Apple and Android Devices

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Boston Global Tracking has now available mobile apps for all of our customers at no additional charge.  Our IT team has spent over 6 months creating an app that will deliver the information you need most for your phone or tablet.

Please email me a request to activate this new feature on your account.  robert@bostonglobaltracking.com Instructions on use and how to download the application will follow.  Again, there is no charge for this new feature but you do need to send me a request for activation

New Study Verifies Value of GPS Fleet Tracking

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Research Verifies GPS Fleet Tracking Services Value

The Aberdeen Group, one of America’s most trusted names in business intelligence, has been researching the mobile service business market as to what are the external market conditions that are driving organizations with mobile workforces to adopt GPS Fleet Tracking technology as a means to increase profitability.

The information compiled here provides a synopsis of four recent Aberdeen Group studies. These findings present a compelling argument for the value of real-time, GPS fleet tracking in terms of being able to reduce key operating costs, improve on vehicle and operator performance and increase customer satisfaction.

Key facts from the Aberdeen Group studies:

A majority of leading service companies are using fleet management solutions to realize benefits such as a 12.2% increase in service profitability, 14.8% reduction in average travel time per job, 9.9% decrease in overtime pay and 27.9% increase in operator compliance.

• Firms have reduced overall operating expenses an average of $1,100 per vehicle per year.
• Since leveraging location intelligence, firms have seen a 13.2% reduction in fuel costs and a 13.4% reduction in overtime costs, on average.
• Customer demand for faster service call resolution along with increasing service-related costs are the leading factors driving field service
firms to implement GPS fleet tracking services.
• Firms using GPS fleet tracking services are outperforming their peers by 43% in terms of current workforce utilization.
• Firms using GPS fleet tracking services are two times as successful as all others in meeting service response windows.

Savings from reduction in operating costs alone justify ROI

57% of best-in-class companies reduced their operating costs per vehicle by an average of 10.4%. The survey revealed that the average operating costs per mile was 33 cents and the average miles driven per year were 33,243. Based on this information, the annual savings from reduction in operating costs alone can amount to $1,100 per vehicle.

The bottom line

Investing in GPS tracking is no longer a matter of “if ” for businesses with mobile workforces, but “when.” Aberdeen Group’s research confirms that in the face of economic and market-driven pressures to cut costs, service organizations are increasingly turning to GPS fleet tracking technologies to improve their vehicle tracking, routing, and  maintenance management. These firms are recognizing the potential of these services not only to cut costs, but also to increase vehicle utilization rates, service delivery performance and customer satisfaction.

Boston Global Tracking is the premier GPS tracking provider in Eastern Massachusetts with over 15 years of GPS tracking experience. Our mission is to provide the best service with the best most accurate tracking system on the market today.  Take advantage of the 2 week  free trial offer to see for yourself what GPS fleet tracking can do for your business.

4 Ways to Create a More Efficient Fleet

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Are you looking to run a more efficient fleet and reduce operating costs?  Who wouldn’t.  We all try and save money by doing all sorts of things to help reduce costs at home as well as our business.  Here are some pointers on how to run a more efficient fleet.

Create a Baseline

Before you can start to reduce fleet costs you need to determine what your baseline is. A baseline is where all comparisons are made.  How much are you spending on gas each day across all vehicles? How much are you spending on maintenance monthly? Some fleet managers keep detailed records, some just guess or don’t care. You can’t start improving until you start measuring. If you have a GPS tracking system, this kind of data is probably readily available, you just need to start using it.

Communication

Once you have your numbers, make sure every driver in your fleet knows what their numbers are. Make sure they know what’s being spent on fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc. Give them their numbers and work with them to identify areas to start reducing costs. Ask if they idle frequently and if they know how much fuel it wastes. Ask if they realize the impact of hard breaking, rapid acceleration, hard cornering, etc. on their vehicle’s maintenance. Are they reporting issues to your fleet mechanic or just living with them?  Create a safe driver program or rewards for keeping up with maintenance.

Personal Use

Your  drivers spend a lot of time in their vehicles. Over time they may begin to feel as if the vehicle is theirs. This can sometimes lead to misuse as employees begin using their vehicles inappropriately on weekends or after hours. Do you let these incidents go or do you restrict this kind of use? You may find that eliminating personal use not only reduces fuel use and wear and tear, but it also may save your reputation. A van with your name on it parked after hours at an inappropriate location could be damaging your reputation and losing you business.

Initiate Fuel Usage Policies – Introduce a Fuel Card and Usage Policy

Fleet fuel cards can provide discounts and rewards, reduce paperwork, save you from fraudulent spending, provide purchase controls, improve driver security and much more. If you’re already using fuel cards, make sure you’re getting the most out of them. That starts with developing and communicating a usage policy including:

  • Acceptable card uses
    Fuel
    Washer fluid
    Motor oil
    Wiper blades
    Towing
    Etc.
  • Unacceptable card use
    Food
    Car washes
    Bulk fuel
    Non-company vehicles
    etc.
  • Consequences for improper use
  • Card spending limits
  • Retention of receipts

It is important to have this communication between  drivers and owners/management to make sure everyone understands the rules and the consequences of not adhering to these rules.  Policies in place can also help to reduce insurance costs as well.  Many carriers have programs that can help you with the implementation of a safe driver program.

Robert Drucker is owner of Boston Global Tracking, providing GPS tracking solutions for fleets of all sizes.  He helps business owners keep track of what they value most.

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.