If you can recover a cactus...

While doing some research this morning, looking for stories of vehicle tracking using GPS, I ran across a story of the federal government using a computer chip to track saguaros (the giant cactus with multiple arms).  

We have come a long way with the ability to track anything important to us.  But, it really doesn't matter if you are tracking a cactus or a vehicle, theft recovery is basically the same.  It is well known that being able to get to your vehicle or whatever you are tracking within minutes gives you the best chance of seeing that item in once piece.  I've told stories of one of our customers recovering two vehicles stolen by employees in the last month using our GPS tracking system.  Their savings from tracking have easily paid for the units and service for at least 2 years.

You have the opportunity to protect your investment for the very reasonable cost of GPS tracking.  

Take care of things,

Steven Van Ooyen

Good Stewardship

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable of 3 servants that are given 3 different amounts of money to do with as they would until their master returns.  In the end, when the master returns, he finds that 2 of the servants have done well with what they were entrusted with while the other hid the money he was given and took no responsibility to improve upon what he was given.  The last servant was chastised for his complete failure to take any risk.

Since this blog isn't geared toward exegesis of the Bible, I will refrain from the spiritual meaning and stick with the practical, earthly ramifications of the passage (though, if you ever want to discuss the spiritual implications of the parable, I will be glad to - just send me an email).  

So, what does this have to do with using GPS tracking on my fleet?  That's a fair question.  It is my impression from being in multiple work environments that most employees, whether they are truck drivers or fleet managers or deliver medical equipment work to survive rather than to succeed.  What I mean by that is that most people, even those in management, have one main goal - to keep their job!  That is just sad and depressing.  

What that means for business, and fleet owners, is that very few employees and managers take risks, or propose risks that can substantially help their businesses.  For example, how many fleet managers are actively seeking GPS tracking solutions?  How many have known that GPS tracking exists and could be beneficial yet never made a move to investigate GPS tracking for their own fleet?  How many fleet managers and owners have been told how GPS fleet tracking saved one company over $7,500 in idling on a single truck or how another company was able to get back two trucks stolen by employees on the same day they were stolen or how another company instantly stopped a gasoline bill discrepancy of $1,000 monthly yet they did nothing...

I got to speak to John Pond, one of our customers in Massachusetts today.  John added our GPS tracking system to his fleet about 6 weeks ago.  I called just to make sure everything was working well for him and that the tracking was meeting his needs.  What I really like about John is that he fully understands the benefits of the tracking system he purchased.  John told me how he has been able to review the routes his drivers have been taking, how his time sheets have magically become correct, and how he is able to curtail speeding in his limousine fleet.  John said "I would tell anyone that has a fleet of vehicles that they should definitely have this system to save fuel costs, labor costs, and time."  As I said, John fully understands the benefits he gets from tracking his fleet.  

John is the epitome of a good steward and fleet manager.  He really impressed me today.

Take care everyone.  I hope that your GPS tracking saves you substantial amounts in this difficult economic time.  I know it has for our customers.

Steven Van Ooyen

Employee Theft

When talking with potential customers about the benefits of GPS tracking for their fleets of vehicles, we often bring up theft recovery.  For the most part, I thought of this GPS tracking benefit in regards to the thief you don't know.  Recently, we have had a couple of instances where employees have stolen vehicles.  In both cases, our GPS tracking units and service were able to help our customer recover their $50K worth of vehicle and equipment in an expedited fashion.

There are so many cost benefits for fleet GPS tracking, but these 2 incidents have more than paid for the benefits for an entire year for the entire fleet.  I somewhat understand how the employee's mind thinks "it's just a pen or a few sheets of paper", but I am baffled by the thought of "I'm taking the company truck".  But, it happens.  

I really enjoy hearing when customers are getting great benefits from their fleet tracking.  It's easy and makes financial sense.

Keep an eye out (or a virtual eye)!

Steven Van Ooyen

Challenges for Trucking

The last few days I was in New Orleans for the American Trucking Association (ATA) management convention.  During that time, I listened to several speakers and panelists.  All of whom were concerned about a few major themes.

1. Safety

2. Costs

3. Efficiency

4. Government Regulations

These 4 are greatly simplified here.  

When it comes to safety, it is evident by the data, that the trucking industry has come a long way in this regard.  GPS tracking on trucks, anti-rollover technology, improved awareness programs (including America's Road Team) have made great improvements.  When it comes to safety, knowing what a driver is doing is critical.  Having a GPS tracking system is certainly a first step to ensuring safe driving speeds and driver accountability.  And, unlike some other technologies, GPS tracking for trucks is very affordable.

Costs are certainly of great concern to every trucking company.  Fuel, collections, driver compensation, government regulations, and driver retention all contribute to the strains on the budgets of trucking firms.  There are some interesting solutions on the market for automating billing and collections in the trucking market.  This primarily focuses on the joining of networks to facilitate payment and discrepancy resolutions.  This is certainly an area worth investigating.  One major carrier eliminated the need for several people in his billing market by joining one of these networks.  Of course, when it comes to cost reduction, GPS tracking for your trucking fleet is an incredibly easy option.  ROI for a system is generally achieved in less than 6 months.  Fuel and labor costs drop dramatically when GPS tracking is placed on a fleet of trucks and driver behaviour improves.

Efficiency can be achieved a number of ways.  I'm sure you are already expecting me to say that GPS tracking is of great benefit here as well.  Of course it is!  This might be where the GPS tracking solutions for trucking fleets shines the brightest.  Being able to manage the routing and details of your trucking fleet in real time leads to incredible savings with very little outlay of capital.

Finally, I heard a significant amount of discussion regarding government regulations on the trucking industry.  The desire to reduce pollutants and greenhouse gasses is very popular throughout the world.  That being said, from what I heard, I have to commend the trucking industry and the diesel engine manufacturers for the progress they have made.  Diesel truck engines being manufactured today are cleaner burning than ever before.  In addition to truck engine technology, tire manufacturers are producing tires that "stick" on the road less.  Less "stick" for tires results in greater fuel economy for trucks. 

I continue to be impressed by the quality of the individuals in the trucking market and their desire to make America a better, safer, cleaner, and more profitable country.  I am glad our GPS tracking solutions are a significant part of the solution bank.

Keep trucking and tracking,

Steven Van Ooyen

Chief Technology Officer

Track What Matters