With the business of logistics becoming more and more competitive, the use of GPS systems in trucks is increasingly common. A GPS system fitted to a truck will mean that the transportation company will be able to track all their loads throughout their journeys. This will ensure a clear picture of where their vehicles are and they will be able to track their progress as they deliver their goods. Customers waiting for deliveries can then be given a reliable report of progress and a definite expected time of delivery.

The technology which allows the use of GPS systems in trucks is now commonplace and the price of such equipment is decreasing all the time. In fact, you will now find many cars fitted with similar devices in an attempt to combat theft. Many logistics companies have now decided that the cost of the equipment is justifiable as the benefits are clear. These benefits go well beyond just knowing the whereabouts of their trucks. A GPS system will also feed information back to base regarding the speed that the vehicles are travelling. This can be important in reducing speeding and therefore reducing the risk of fines.

Another important benefit of fitting GPS systems in trucks is as an aid to navigation. As the information regarding the whereabouts of your fleet is fed to your central dispatch office, you will be able to give detailed directions to your drivers. This could be vital if you have information regarding road closures or traffic hold ups. Such details could be the difference between making a delivery on time and suffering the consequences of being late. If you are responsible for the long distance movement of perishable goods, for example, this could save your load being spoiled. Details on navigational systems are fed into the computer, including the size of the vehicles. Information such as this can be important as allowances can be made for manoeuvrability though small town. Details such as vehicle size are also important when it comes to narrow roads, low bridges or stretches of road with weight restrictions. A satellite navigation and positioning system will be of great help in the direction of vehicles in such circumstances.

Now that technology is moving on at such a rate, some companies are installing GPS systems in trucks that not only track the whereabouts of their fleet but are also letting the central dispatch office know of problems that the vehicles may be suffering. Some are fitted to the trucks main systems and will give a technical readout directly to the office or vehicle maintenance office. Although this is obviously more costly than a straightforward tracking system, it is considered to be a worthwhile investment for many of the larger companies.

Despite the initial outcry of the drivers to accept the use of GPS systems in trucks, due to the possible invasion of privacy, they are a natural step on from the old cardboard tacho systems that they replace. They are, however, a huge step when it comes to the efficient running of a logistics department.

By: Candis Reade