GPS tracking: Best practices to introduce monitoring to drivers

As a fleet manager you worry about your drivers’ safety and conduct when they’re out on the road. Implementing GPS tracking goes a long way toward putting these worries to rest. Additionally, GPS tracking can help you improve your bottom line. With all of that said, this article provides you with some great tips for how to introduce a GPS tracking system (like WEX Telematics) to your employees. 

First, let’s take a look at 5 of the most significant benefits of implementing GPS tracking:

1. It helps prevent unauthorized trips
2. It helps keep your fleet running smoothly and on time
3. It helps improve customer service
4. It can help increase profits
5. It helps improve the safety and reliability of your vehicles

GPS tracking is the new normal for fleet management

As more fleets embrace GPS tracking, the “Big Brother” stigma isn’t as strong as it used to be. And with that in mind, if you operate a service or delivery fleet, some of your drivers might know that a coworker takes unauthorized trips. This makes the implementation of GPS tracking positive for those drivers. In fact, knowledge of misconduct may bother your employees as much as it bothers you.

Introducing GPS tracking helps cut down on misconduct and allows honest employees to feel like they’re operating within a level playing field. There’s an important caveat, however, when introducing GPS tracking: it’s best to be transparent about how you will use your employees’ data.

The wrong way to introduce GPS tracking

Nobody likes finding out that their data is in use without their knowledge or consent. This includes your employees. To emphasize that, an article in Fleet Owner Magazine describes what not do when introducing GPS tracking:

“Some fleet owners and managers are concerned about employees reacting negatively to tracking their vehicles, so they start using the system without introducing the technology to drivers and then surprise them by using the data during coaching …it is strongly advised to discuss plans to use GPS tracking with drivers before using the data.” 

The right way to introduce GPS tracking

Using GPS tracking data without your employees’ knowledge could erode trust. Consequently, it might lead to negative perceptions of this useful technology. Here are some tips on good ways to introduce the tool to your employees:

• Be honest and transparent about how GPS tracking works and how your drivers’ data is used.
• Let your employees know what they — and your business — will gain by implementing tracking.
  • What’s in it for the business: Telematics technology helps solve difficult business challenges, helps your team perform jobs more efficiently, and can help increase revenue.
  • What’s in it for your drivers:
    • GPS tracking makes a driver’s job easier, safer and might even keep them out of trouble.
    • Some paperwork requirements, like manually tracking mileage, are automated.
    • In an emergency, your manager is alerted and more easily sends help to the scene.
    • If a driver is falsely accused of being late or driving recklessly, the tool vindicates them.
• Create clear driver policies for when and where GPS tracking is used. Share your policy with your employees before you start using their data.
• Consider an incentives program.
  • Tracking drives profits and these profits can be shared with employees.
  • Consider increasing salaries and/or awarding bonuses tied to safer driving practices and good conduct.

Find a fuel card provider that connects your GPS data with your fuel spend for you

WEX is a global commerce platform that simplifies the business of running a business. WEX has created a powerful ecosystem that offers seamlessly embedded, personalized solutions for its customers around the world. Through its rich data and specialized expertise in simplifying benefits, reimagining mobility, and paying and getting paid, WEX aims to make it easy for companies to overcome complexity and reach their full potential. To learn more, please visit the company’s About WEX page.

Learn more about fleet management tools and best practices:

• Fuel card fraud prevention
• Fleet cost savings
• Safety on the road
• Grow your business with the best fuel card provider

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Resources:
Fleet Owner Magazine
Verizon Connect