How GPS Fleet Tracking Works: A Fleet Manager’s Guide
What Is GPS Fleet Tracking?
GPS fleet tracking is a system which allows you to view your fleet in real-time. Each car is equipped with a small device that reads its location using satellites. It then provides that location to a program that can be run on a cell phone or computer. View real-time jobs, routes, and movement on a map.
It is the fundamental part of any GPS and live tracking system and core to a larger GPS fleet tracking system for fleet management. A fleet tracking system is good on its own when it comes to answering one question: Where is my vehicle now? That’s what real-time vehicle tracking is all about.
Why Understanding the Technology Matters
The more you understand the system, the better fleet manager you’ll be. It is possible to distinguish a real problem from a typical signal gap. It is not a fault if a van “disappears” in a tunnel. It’s just a connectivity issue.
This sort of information can additionally be utilized to purchase better. Ask more questions about update frequency, hardware and coverage. It also enables you to understand the difference between GPS tracking and fleet telematics, which will ensure that you purchase a system that you require.
How GPS Fleet Tracking Works: Step by Step
GPS fleet tracking is a four-step process. The data flows from step to step. Here’s the entire space-to-screen voyage.
Step 1: The Satellite Network
A group of satellites circles the Earth. All of them produce a timing signal. To determine its location, a GPS device must receive signals from a minimum of four satellites. It takes a measurement of the time between the appearance of each signal. From this, it calculates latitude, longitude and sometimes speed and direction.
Step 2: The Vehicle Device
Each vehicle has a tracking system in it. It receives them from satellite signals and works out where they are. Some devices are connected to the OBD-II port. Others are hardwired. Units without a power source such as trailers are tracked with battery power.
Step 3: Cellular Transmission
The device transmits where it is to the cloud via a mobile network like your phone. Typically it occurs every 10-120 seconds. More frequent updates will provide a smoother map but require more data.
Step 4: The Software Platform
The data is transmitted to the cloud, which in turn passes it on to your software. You log into a dashboard and view real time positions, trips and alerts. This is where raw location can be helpful data.
Benefits of Understanding How It Works
If you understand how it works, you will extracts more out of it. There are some key benefits.
You trust the data more.
You have greater confidence in the information. Read and interpret a map with confidence and make sense of strange readings. If a car bounces around in the vicinity of high-rise structures, it’s not being deceptive. It’s experiencing dropped signals.
You troubleshoot faster.
Generally, a lack of tracking is not an indication of theft but a problem of signal or power. The simple causes you check and save hours.
You buy smarter and plan better.
You’re smart about buying and planning. You don’t make comparisons on marketing claims, you make comparisons on the update rate and coverage. The update rate also gives an indication of how live the map is. The 120-second gap impacts high value loads, not slow site vehicles.
You connect the dots.
Fuel data is used to inform fuel monitoring, driver management and route planning. Knowing the base layer will enable you to utilize the use of the rest.
Challenges and Limitations
Although GPS fleet tracking is accurate and dependable, it’s not flawless. It’s important to be aware of its limitations before you rely on it.
Signal may be lost in tunnels, underground car parks, or in the thickest of city centres. Small errors from high rise buildings which bounce signals. This is called the urban canyon effect.
In the more remote areas, weak mobile signals can slow down updates. The device still takes the trip but it may be later instead of real time. Low quality parts can also be slow to respond or fail in hot conditions. Most of these problems can be addressed by using good hardware and good coverage.
Hardware Comparison Table
It depends on the vehicles; they require different devices. The three major types and their best fit, as shown in this table.
| Device Type | How It Installs | Best For | Notes |
| OBD-II plug-in | Plugs into the OBD port | Cars, vans, light fleets | Quick install, easy to move |
| Hardwired | Wired to vehicle power | Trucks, long-term fits | Hidden, hard to remove |
| Battery asset tracker | No wiring, self-powered | Trailers, containers, equipment | Lasts months, slower updates |
Real Fleet Example
The ‘delivery company’ in Pune was operating 30 vans. The manager noticed that the one van “disappeared” for a few minutes every afternoon. He believed the driver was turning it off.
Together we reviewed the history of the route. This gap occurred at the same underground market each day. The van was in an underground parking area, out of the reach of satellite signals. The manager realized that there was a problem with the signal and he ceased to blame the driver. He also moved the device to a spot with a clearer view of the sky. The gaps shrank. A little information before a prudent driver an undeserved warning.
Common Mistakes Fleet Managers Make
- Blaming drivers for signal gaps. Numerous gaps are due to tunnels or parking garages, not because drivers are tampering with devices.
- Ignoring the update rate. A vehicle that moves quickly can appear to have jumped roads when it doesn’t have a responsive update rate. Verify this number prior to purchase.
- Choosing the cheapest hardware. Low cost devices are frequently late or fail in warm conditions. If you miss one of the locations, the savings disappear.
Best Practices
- Mount the device with a clear sky view. The ideal install position minimizes signal errors. Do not use metallic covers which interfere with the antenna.
- Match the device to the vehicle. Connect vans to plug-in units, trucks to a hardwired unit and trailers to a battery tracker.
- Test before full rollout. Install a couple of devices initially. Keep an eye on the data for one week. Address any problems before expanding to the entire fleet.
Decision Guide
Who can benefit from GPS fleet tracking?
Any business that has vehicles and desires to know their location. This includes logistics service providers, delivery fleets, construction companies, and field service companies.
Who could possibly not need it?
If your company has a single or two vehicles based in your area, and you have no issues with theft or routing, it may not generate significant returns yet.
When will it be worth the investment?
It’s worth the investment when you can’t see your vehicles anymore, or when the cost of fuel, theft, and late deliveries begin to generate a profit for you.
What is important to buyers? Look at update frequency, hardware reliability and mobile network coverage. Check for essential features such as live tracking, fuel monitoring, driver management, and built-in compliance functionalities for e-Way Bill. Ensure long-term growth of the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does GPS fleet tracking work?
An electronic unit in the vehicle reads its location from the satellites. Sends that location to the cloud over a mobile network, typically every 10-120 seconds. Your software then displays the vehicle location, route and motion on a real-time map.
How accurate is vehicle tracking?
Civilian GPS is accurate to 3-5 meters. Signals can bounce or be blocked by tall buildings or in tunnels, which can reduce accuracy. The best results are obtained with good hardware and a clear sky.
How often does GPS tracking update the location?
They are generally updated within 10-120 seconds. The faster the updates, the smoother the movement, but the more mobile data is consumed. Depending on your requirements and the speed of your vehicle, the right rate is determined.
Does GPS tracking work without mobile signal?
The device still registers trip even while an undetected gap in signals. It holds the data until the signal comes back and then it sends it. You may see the route later even if it wasn’t live when you visited.
What hardware do I need for fleet tracking?
The vehicles must have their own tracking device. For vans and cars use a plug-in OBD device, for trucks use a hardwired unit, and for trailers and equipment use a battery tracker.
Can GPS tracking help reduce fuel costs?
Yes, in part. Improved routing and reduced idling reduces fuel consumption. To save even more fuel, use tracking coupled with direct reading fuel monitoring devices.
Conclusion
Once you understand how to use GPS fleet tracking, it’s easy. Satellites send signals. Read by a device. The location is carried with the mobile data to the cloud. Your software makes it a live map! This makes the data easier to believe, quicker to solve issues and enables you to make the right system purchase. It can benefit any fleet which operates vehicles. The next challenge is to understand how this base layer fits in with the larger picture of fleet management.
Interested in witnessing GPS fleet tracking in action? Book a free FleetScanner demo and see your fleet in real-time.
Related Reading
GPS Fleet Tracking Systems for Fleet Management –
- GPS Fleet Tracking Systems for Fleet Management – all-in-one view of fleet tracking technology.
In this series
- GPS Tracking vs Fleet Telematics: What’s the Difference? – which level of system your fleet really needs.
