Benefits of GPS Tracking in Transportation
In April 2011, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a new rule mandating long haul truckers to have a GPS unit hooked up to their engine in order to automatically record and track how well truckers adhere to the federal limits on driving. Once a GPS unit is installed on a truck, it communicates via satellites or a cellular network to transmit info about altitude, latitude and longitude, time, speed, and direction of travel. The Department of Transportation estimates the cost of GPS trackers to be around $1,500 to 2,000 per device, which makes the mandate costly, but advantageous in the long run.
In recent years, most transportation carriers are investing in GPS tracking as shippers demand real-time cargo tracking. Carriers are striving to manage their trucking fleet, deliver products to customers faster, and obtain a better Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) score. Most importantly, fleet tracking allows companies to identify, locate, and maintain contact reports with their fleet and cargo in real-time. Some companies have even improved service by decreasing operating costs. Having the detailed level of knowledge allows company dispatchers to adjust routing to reduce drive time, fuel expense, and driver hours. As a result, some companies have seen a 7% increase in productivity, reduced fuel cost, and a 5% to 10% decrease in miles due to a more efficient and shorter transit route calculated by the GPS device.
Enhanced security is probably the most valuable GPS tracking feature because it provides the exact location of cargo during transit. With GPS tracking on reefers, or refrigerated trailers, companies have the ability to monitor the exact temperature and condition of the cargo while it is being transported. As a result, if there are issues with a customer’s high-value cargo, there are better chances of quickly correcting the problem. There are more advanced GPS shipment tracking systems available that are customized, user-friendly, and visible 24/7; these systems have the ability to provide complete cargo descriptions, quantities, product codes, and vendor and consignee information. Consequently, this supplies automatic alerts for key events (loading, sailing, arrival and delivery) and allow customers to track their shipments online using order numbers. For added security, such GPS systems are password-protected and encrypted to prevent security intrusions.
While GPS tracking is highly advantageous, there has been some controversy about whether it infringes with the privacy of owner-operator drivers since drivers may dislike being monitored. On the other hand, some drivers don’t find these trackers as a threat but instead embrace the idea because it gives them security and lessens some of the liability on them. In the end, while installing GPS tracking devices can pose problems such as cost and non-complying drivers, the benefits of having such devices is greater than the cost.
For more information regarding Spectrum Logistics’ security and insurance options for domestic and international transportation needs, email us at international@spectrumlogsitics.us or call us toll-free 1-800-725-1225 and locally (904) 714-9355 and press 2 to speak to a global services representative.
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