GPS (Global Positioning System) uses satellites to establish the precise location of people or objects. It was initially used only by the military and was available for the public only in the early 1980s and has expanded to almost all realms today. The use of GPS tracking systems has made it much easier for tracking objects, vehicles, and even people.
Advantages of GPS technology for the transportation and logistics industry
GPS tracking technology can be used in vehicles for tracking the position, speed, and direction in which it is moving. Apart from the wide use of the technology in fleet tracking, it is also used to track school buses, vehicles of e-commerce delivery persons, to protect it from theft. Some other advantages based on the use of GPS tracking systems for the transportation and logistics industry include:
- GPS tracking systems can help transportation and logistics companies ensure maximize vehicle utilization. These systems can help anticipate timings for each trip of the vehicle and schedule other trips accordingly and that too, remotely.
- The safety of vehicles and the people in them can be ensured with GPS tracking systems. It is especially useful for companies that ferry people for long-distance trips and for those that lease vehicles. Businesses that need to keep track of multiple vehicles also use GPS tracking systems to monitor vehicles' speed detection and real-time monitoring.
- Businesses like cab aggregator companies can use GPS tracking systems for resource optimization. With the help of such systems, it becomes easier to understand problems like delayed deliveries or bad performance of drivers.
- Several GPS tracking systems also offer features that let business owners monitor fuel, enabling them to control the fuel consumption in their vehicles.
Top GPS tracking systems for vehicles
Here are some of the best GPS tracking systems in the market used widely in vehicles for various tracking purposes.
Vyncs
Vyncs can be used for car and fleet tracking purposes. The tracker sends data in real-time using a 2G/3G network in the cloud to ensure no locational information lag. The company offers five products: Vyncs Basic, Vyncs Premium, Vyncs Pro, Vyncs Mo, and Vyncs Fleet. Vyncs Basic includes only 3G real-time tracking features.
With Vyncs Premium, customers get 24/7 roadside service on top of the Vyncs Basic features. This is available only in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In the Vyncs Pro category, the basic plan's standard features are topped with a Live Map Auto-refresh feature and 60-seconds GPS update. The Vyncs Mo plan offers all the features from the Vyncs Pro and Vyncs Premium plans. The Vyncs Fleet is for fleet tracking and lets users track more than five commercial vehicles at a time. It comes with fleet dashboard support and even fuel tracking, all of which can be used by multiple managers at the same time.
The tracking and other details from Vyncs’ devices can be accessed via computers and smartphones. Users need to plug their Vyncs hardware into the OBD-II port in the vehicle and log into the account from a computer or a phone.
MOTOsafety
MOTOsafety offers easy-to-install hardware that is smaller than a car key and does not require users to have any data or phone plan to use it. Users can get updates from their MOTosafety tool every minute and is best suited for parents of teen drivers. It allows users to get a daily report to track driving performance and activities. This report includes all details including any incidences of speeding, rapid starts, and harsh braking. These reports can be handy when one wants to track the progress of the driver over time. The alerts can be customized so that you get just the information you need. This is one of the best GPS tracking systems for parents as it lets them set timings for permitted use of the vehicles for their kids, and are alerted if the vehicle is used outside these hours. The map display is interactive and used geofencing to make it easier to recognize locations. With MOTOsafety, parents can get alerts for any device tampering, unavailability of GPS signal, first speeding offense, excessive idling, and maintenance requirements. The maintenance reminders include service recommendations for oil changes, renewing licenses, preventive routines, tire rotation, and more through customization. All of these alerts can be received through emails, messages,and push notifications. MOTOsafety does not work for electric vehicles.
Bouncie
Bouncie is one of the GPS tracking systems that is meant for commercial and personal use. It is one of the cheapest GPS tracking systems available at as low as $8. Regardless of the kind of usage, Bouncie records the vehicle's location at an interval of 15 seconds, ensuring utmost precision for users. It makes for an ideal system for those worried about elderly loved ones and want to ensure that they reach their destinations safely. The geocircling feature lets users get an alert every time a vehicle fitted with Bouncie leaves or enters any specific location that has been set on the system for alerts. Bouncie records the complete history of vehicle movements lest the user needs to check. This includes location, routes, and maps. This GPS tracking system is also ideal for small and mid-sized business owners. Business owners can get trip history and complete tracking details for multiple vehicles on any spreadsheet application. These details can help when it comes to analyzing performance and for ensuring the optimization of resources. The hardware for commercial purposes is available in two sizes to fit a diverse range of vehicles from passenger cars to heavy trucks. The alerts are received through the Bouncie app which can be accessed from smartphones, laptops,and tablets. Its versatility in being accessible makes it easier for anyone to track vehicles on the go. The Bouncie tracker can be connected to an OBD port.
Spytec
Spytec offers a diverse range of GPS tracking systems for tracking people, objects, and cars. The Spytech tracker for vehicles can be used by plugging it into the OBD port, the only step for installing the tracker. It does not require any annual or contractual subscriptions making it easier for users to cancel any time if they do not need the services anymore. Further, the device comes with a lifetime warranty; the brand offers a replacement for the tracker if any issues come up. The company also ensures complete safety of data by ensuring that it is encrypted and secure. The tracker can be used with any vehicle with an OBD port and ensures seamless communication through alerts with 4G LTE satellite location data. A backup battery is also provided with the device to ensure that users don’t miss out on any alerts even when the vehicle is off. Apart from locational data, the Spytec OBD GPS tracker for vehicles also provides other essential information on driving habits, fuel consumption, and much more.
Autobrain
Autobrain is one of the youngest GPS tracking system brands in the country. It is a valuable aid for those looking for a tracking system that offers a comprehensive mileage report and vehicle tracking reports. This one works perfectly well for commercial use as it comes with a diverse set of features for drivers as well as managers. Multiple driver accounts can be used with a single-vehicle. Autobrain eases driver and vehicle management for managers by offering tracking for multiple vehicles at the same time. Drivers on the go can benefit from the car-finder, emergency response, and many other features. Businesses can monitor driving behavior on their apps even without adding a driver’s account. When Autobrain detects the need for any maintenance service or the need for any repair, it gets in touch with the user and offers information about the same as well as offers an estimated quote for getting the services in the market. Users can even get roadside assistance which includes four 15-mile tows annually, tire change services, and free lockout services if someone forgets the keys in the car, emergency crash response, dead battery boosts, and much more. The brand claims to help users save as much as $800 of maintenance services with its device.
Factors to consider when buying GPS tracking systems
You will find a multitude of GPS tracking systems in the market, and most of them have a common set of features along with other optional services. Here are some factors you can keep in mind when browsing through the sea of GPS tracking systems to choose the best one for you.
- Identify the purpose of using a GPS tracker and what you expect from it. If you are looking at just getting locational data with specific features like geofencing and maintenance reminders, then a basic one won’t suffice. Understanding what you need can help you narrow down the options and also help the salesperson. There are different GPS tracking systems for commercial and personal uses, some may even work for both to a certain extent.
- Once you have understood what you need from your tracker, you may further need to narrow it down based on your budget. When comparing the cost of various GPS tracking systems, keep in mind that apart from the device's cost, some brands may also need to pay for a subscription. The subscriptions and device may be cheaper if you are not looking for the feature of real-time updates and just need vehicle travel history.
- Look at the device compatibility of the tracker with the vehicle you intend to use it with. Some trackers may not work on alternative fuel vehicles or may need a special port for use.
- Find out how one receives alerts from the tracker. Look for a device that offers versatility and convenience in terms of the number of devices it can be accessed from. Some of the best GPS tracking systems in the market can be accessed through their phone-based apps as well as web portals.
- If the tracker that you intend to buy needs to be fitted discreetly under the car in locations that can expose it to water or moisture, ensure that it is water-resistant and functions well in diverse temperatures.
- Battery life and whether or not the system you want to buy has a backup battery is an important factor you should not miss out on. Most commercial vehicles run for long hours and some trips may last for days. If you are buying the tracker for such commercial purposes, this is a factor that should not be overlooked.
- The purpose of GPS tracking systems is to provide real-time locational data but how often this information is updated can affect precision. Find out at what intervals does the system update the information. It is important to remember that these intervals may affect battery life. GPS tracking systems with short update intervals drain the battery faster.
- Look for a brand that offers 24/7 customer service. Some brands may even offer 24/7 roadside assistance.
If you need the tracking system for just one vehicle, you can also opt for a tracker that can be installed in the car. These GPS tracking systems do not need separate batteries to run and get powered by the car’s system. These are placed quite discreetly and the installation process takes less than an hour. Investing in a GPS tracking system can help boost the performance of fleet and drivers for commercial users. Follow the tips we have provided to find the best system for you.
