How do I track a fleet by GPS?
GPS fleet tracking means more than a map with dots: real-time position, telemetry (fuel, speed, idling), geofencing and alerts. Below you see how to start it with a telematics provider; 4transports does not include GPS.
Short answer
- Fit a GPS device on each vehicle, from a telematics provider (4transports does not offer GPS).
- See position in real time on the map and the route history per trip.
- Set geofencing (virtual zones) with alerts on entry, exit or stop.
- Read telemetry: fuel, speed, idling and driving style per driver.
- Compare the GPS data with your trip records (from the TMS) to spot deviations.
Steps to start GPS tracking
- Choose a telematics provider and the GPS device fitted on the vehicle.
- Add each vehicle to the provider's platform and link it to the driver.
- Set geofencing for warehouses, customers and restricted zones, with alerts.
- Track positions in real time and compare the track with the planned route.
- Analyse telemetry and send the provider's report to management.
What you can do with GPS data
- Send the customer an automatically updated ETA, based on the real position.
- Cut idling and excessive speed, so you reduce fuel consumption.
- Check driving and rest times alongside tachograph data.
- Prove arrival and departure times with the route history, in case of dispute.
Common mistakes
- Stopping at a map with dots, with no geofencing and no useful alerts.
- Not using telemetry (fuel, idling), so you don't cut the fuel cost.
- Buying GPS without a clear record of trips, drivers and vehicles to report the data against.
How 4transports helps
- 4transports does not do GPS tracking: it has no real-time position, telemetry or geofencing — those come from a telematics provider.
- You follow the status of every trip (planned, in transit, delivered, invoiced) and the delivery date.
- Vehicles, drivers, CMRs and maintenance sit in the same place as the trips, next to the monthly revenue and on-time delivery report.