Logistics Route Optimization: Guide in 2024
July 12, 2024
Table of Contents
The progressing technology is rapidly transforming every service sector and has also benefited the logistics industry as well. Whether it is route optimization, geofencing, compliance, or fleet management software, the advanced tools have enhanced the functioning of all operational services.
GPS Tracking for Trucks is an advanced technology-oriented software that uses the GPS (Global Positioning System) tool to monitor fleet vehicles, live locations, and on-field activities. The GPS truck tracking hardware is small and installed in the fleet vehicles. It is connected to a cellular network and satellite functioning to provide real-time data to a fleet management system. It may allow you to accurately track fleet vehicle location, observe fuel consumption, and ensure driver safety.
GPS Tracking is one of the most prominent tools for fleet businesses to monitor their assets, observe drivers, and manage customer deliveries. In this article, we have shared the details of GPS Tracking in Trucks and its role in shaping the future of the fleet management industry.
How Does GPS Truck Tracking Work in Real-Time?
GPS truck tracking technology helps companies closely monitor the usage of their fleet vehicles and the driver’s behavior. It allows you to receive real-time updates and manage emergency scenarios. Let us briefly understand the functioning of GPS Trucks.
- The GPS tracking device is a compact set of hardware that is easily positioned and connected to the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port in the fleet vehicle. It uses cellular networks and satellite communication to transfer real-time vehicle information to the fleet management software. Companies can utilize this data to analyze situations and make timely decisions.
- Fleet management software is a centralized technology and is used to collect information sent by GPS devices. Business companies utilize it to synchronize, manage, and organize their fleet operations. It helps to reduce operating costs and enhances the overall performance. The fleet management software helps to optimize routes, plan schedules, manage emergencies, and ensure safe deliveries.
- The GPS truck tracking device includes the GPS unit to track fleet location, speed, fuel bars, odometer data, and vehicle diagnostics. It consists of accelerometers to determine the start-to-end track status, driving functionalities, and more. The system is incorporated with 360-degree HD cameras to monitor footage of the driver and the road.
- AI-built cameras help the driver receive real-time route alerts, proper driving guidance, and correct tracks if in case they face incorrect route tracing.
Then, all the data collected is sent to the fleet management system. Fleet managers use this information to evaluate driver safety, fleet efficiency, and compliance. A combination of AI software in the fleet management system may also help to automate analysis and provide real-time messages. It may enable companies to enhance performance and improve maintenance.
Benefits of GPS Tracking for Truck Companies
Let’s look at the benefits of GPS tracking for truck companies:
1. Improved Fleet Efficiency
Fleet management companies understand the importance of fleet vehicle maintenance very well. Truck damages, repairs, and unwanted breakdowns may cost businesses huge expenses and also reduce vehicle efficiency. GPS-enabled fleet tracking helps minimize these charges and smoothens on-field operations. The software allows you to trace vehicle performance and optimize its maintenance accordingly.
The fleet management software has route optimization functionality. It helps managers and drivers to get the best path for their deliveries. The system provides real-time route updates in case of traffic jams, road constructions, or unpredicted route blocks. It helps fleet management companies strategize their route planning and inform drivers beforehand.
The prior and real-time route planning may help drivers save unnecessary fuel consumption and benefit the company at large.
The fleet management system informs the fleet managers and idle drivers about urgent deliveries. This system is extremely helpful for carrying out tasks efficiently and hassle-free. It also helps improve overall fleet efficiency, reduce time, and enhance performance.
2. Enhanced Driver Safety and Compliance
The GPS fleet tracking helps managers to trace the driver’s exact location and respond quickly in case of any emergencies, accidents, or vehicle damage. At times, the driver may face distress because of weather conditions, riots, curfews, high-risk emergencies, or any other unpredicted scenarios. So, the GPS data is significant to reach out to the driver and take necessary actions.
The advanced GPS truck tracking software also provides details about the driver’s driving behavior. It allows you to monitor acceleration, rash driving, harsh braking, and also speedy overtaking circumstances. Businesses can receive real-time speed alerts through fleet management systems and plan training programs to enhance driver safety.
Regulatory compliance is necessary in fleet businesses for safe driving and public security. It is mandatory for drivers and fleet managers to strictly follow hours-of-service (HOS) rules, fleet management standards, and environmental norms. The GPS Truck tracking assists you in recording driving spans, rest hours, and fleet usage. It helps you to satisfy all the regulatory rules and ensure driver safety.
3. Theft Prevention and Asset Recovery
Whether the fleet vehicle, the delivery articles, or the driver, business companies need to keep track of their fleet operations. The GPS fleet tracking devices have geofencing facilities that notify fleet managers if their vehicles are taken outside the authorized boundaries.
The technology also provides an asset tracker that is beneficial in tracing the exact location in case of stolen assets. Fleet managers can accurately locate and recover their valuables. These asset trackers are tamper-proof and reliable. It allows managers to monitor shipments and receive timely delivery updates.
4. Impact on Customer Service and Satisfaction
According to a fleet management survey in 2023, nearly 44% of fleet managers agreed that they could achieve their routing and on-field goals using GPS tracking software. The technology has created a lasting impact on the delivery service sector.
5. Accurate Delivery Times
As your customers eagerly wait for their order deliveries, late arrival spans may affect your customer relationships and create a negative impression. GPS tracking device allows you to plan efficient routes, skip traffic issues, and make timely deliveries. GPS fleet tracking system enable managers to get an accurate ETA to set delivery estimates for customers and reduce delays.
Moreover, the integration of digital tools into GPS technology has immensely helped companies and customers. Business companies can receive real-time delivery updates through fleet management systems and thereby use the data to notify customers about their parcel deliveries. Also, consumer demands, such as delivery time slots, altered locations, or different routes, may vary from time to time. GPS fleet tracking helps you schedule shifts and enhance customer satisfaction.
In case of unpredicted scenarios like traffic curfews or vehicle damages, GPS fleet tracking updates ETA. It also enables companies to reach the fleet location and solve the problem. It may bring transparency and build trust among customers. The recent 2024 Fleet Technology Trends Report shows that around 45% of businesses using GPS functioning have made remarkable progress in the customer service sector.
6. Optimized Routing for Faster Deliveries
The GPS truck tracking system allows fleet managers to accurately plan routes and increase the number of customer order deliveries in a day. Optimized route planning helps to reduce unnecessary travel time, minimize fuel consumption, and make on-time deliveries. It also helps to keep labor and fuel costs under control.
Incorporating GPS tracking software may help fleet businesses mitigate vehicle downtime and boost reliability. AI integration into the GPS facility will help schedule proactive vehicle maintenance according to fleet performance and usage. Keeping a check on vehicle maintenance requirements may help fleet managers satisfy service commitments and retain vehicle efficiency.
Compliance and Legal Considerations
Here are some of the compliance and legal considerations that should be considered while GPS tracking for trucks:
1. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Fleet management services must follow compliance and legal regulations for smooth operations. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) help you achieve the rules. An ELD is a device that helps to automatically record the driver’s driving time and details of the Hours of Service (HOS) complaince. It keeps a check on the vehicle engine and traveling hours. An ELD device updates the fleet managers with driver status through real-time notifications. It also enables fleet drivers to coordinate with each other. The device can collect information on driver behavior, speed, break applications, and acceleration.
If the driver’s duty span changes, the ELD records this data. These devices are tamper-resistant and ensure accurate Hours of Service (HoS). All the HOS information can also be shifted to managers and officers to facilitate compliance.
The Electronic Logging Devices have to meet certain criteria to stay within the legal regulations.
- It should be connected to the fleet engine to record movement.
- Location data should be allowed to be accessed automatically.
- ELD device should allow the drivers to log in and mark their duty status like on-duty or off-duty.
- The electronic logging device should have a mute button to avoid disturbances in case of the driver’s off-duty hours.
- ELD should supply data in a standardized format.
- The device has to be tamper-resistant.
- The data must be allowed to be shared with law enforcement officers through wireless web services like a USB.
2. Data Privacy and Security
Fleet management and transportation companies are moving to digital solutions these days. They have to maintain a record of minute details like hours worked, kilometers traveled, fuel consumption, and costs. As fleet managers strive to store this critical data in their digital space, it becomes necessary for them to stay more cautious and protect it.
Although the technology has multiple benefits, it has its flaws as well. Hackers use several traps to access your business data. Tricky mail, phishing schemes, data breaches, and cyber threats are some of the common ways in which online data is hacked. According to several reports, the transportation and trucking industry was among the 9 most affected sectors by cyberattacks in 2022.
There is still no particular security solution for fleet management companies, but they can surely follow simple safety tips. Two-factor authentication for driver log-in, sure travel information with passcodes, and encryption-based software are some of the ways to ensure data privacy online.
Fleet management businesses must store their data in secure databases to avoid data misuse and breaches. All collected data should be encrypted to prevent an attack. After the data is ethically collected, encrypted, and stored in a secure database, companies must follow several rules regarding its use. Customer information that is not in use shall be deleted or should not be misused.
Future of GPS Tracking in the Trucking Industry
The evolving technology is rapidly transforming every industry and has also created a positive impact on the trucking sector. Telematics is predicted to drive the future of GPS Tracking in the trucking industry. We have discussed the upcoming technology trends that will enhance development in fleet management services.
Advancements in Telematics
Recent developments in telematics have immensely benefitted the trucking industry. Fleet managers are now able to track mobile assets, manage fleet operations, monitor driver’s behavior, and analyze data impactfully. The Gartner 2021 Market Guide has predicted that the use of telematics worldwide will notice a steady increase at the rate of 25% per year.
- Artificial Intelligence Integration: AI-driven solutions and predictive analysis allow fleet companies to make maintenance decisions beforehand. It saves a lot of extra costs and also helps to prepare for emergencies. It provides ways for complex problems and enables you to resolve large-scale data-related issues effectively. AI technology is rapidly revolutionizing the fleet industry and is predicted to play a significant part in the future.
- Analytics Decisions: Advanced telematics helps businesses collect, manage, and analyze data. Fleet managers can easily interpret data-driven decisions throughout their organization. It helps to understand the root cause of problems like the reason behind the issue, signs of fault-occurring, and the solution to it. It does not require much human interference and can be handled by AI tools.
- IoT Integration: The advanced technology has made it possible to connect vehicles and devices to the internet for efficient tracking systems. It offers fleet managers various functionalities like automatic system updates, collaborative communication between infrastructure and vehicles, real-time truck tracking, and monitoring of vehicles. IoT assists in driving cost-effective solutions and enhancing the GPS trucking industry.
- Multi-platform Integration: Telematics can also provide fleet managers to integrate their GPS tracking with multiple platforms to scale their businesses. It also allows customers to get a full view of their vehicle performance and efficiency.
The Role of GPS in Autonomous Trucking
The GPS in autonomous trucking is improving safety, navigation, and fleet management. These smart solutions are continuously driving effective ways for accurate transport services.
GPS in autonomous trucking is an advanced technology that uses satellite systems to generate accurate locations. It is a strong base for autonomous vehicles to handle navigation and manage operational capabilities. Once a vehicle is attached to GPS, it receives continuous signals from various satellites, and then it evaluates the exact position of the fleet within a few meters.
1. Improved Safety
GPS helps to mark accurate locations for the fleet navigation system. It is easy to measure efficiency with respect to pedestrian crossings, road boundaries, and closeby vehicles. It ensures safety and enhances delivery management.
As GPS includes multiple sensors, it can detect stationary and moving objects on the road. It reduces the risk of accidents and ensures driver’s safety. In case of accidents or vehicle failure, GPS helps to locate the truck and supply emergency responses.
2. Navigation and Route Optimization
Autonomous trucks are capable of adjusting real-time routes to avoid road construction or heavy traffic. GPS in autonomous trucking helps to integrate weather information and stay away from floods, snow, or rainy areas. Route optimization saves unnecessary travel and fuel costs. It helps to maintain vehicle efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
3. Fleet Management
The GPS in autonomous trucking helps businesses maintain their data collection and make relevant analyses. It creates growth and improves employee potential.
The Bottom Line
GPS truck tracking is a powerful tool that will enhance your business workflow, ensure fleet and driver safety, and improve overall fleet performance. The advanced technology, built-in cameras, AI support, IoT integrations, and autonomous vehicle facilities will surely drive the change in the fleet management and logistics sector. NextBillion.ai offers dynamic solutions for fleet management, transport, and logistics. You can plan multi-stop delivery routes without any constraints. We have a vast range of APIs for all your logistics operations. So, request for a demo today and see our solution in action.
