As a follow up to yesterday’s post on tips for employers to introduce fleet tracking to their employees, I thought I would turn the tables and speak on how fleet tracking will impact drivers. First of all- don’t freak out! GPS fleet tracking is not about “big brother” watching over you as you do your job. I know it can seem like a huge invasion of privacy for your employers to be tracking your every move. Keep an open mind and remember, this isn’t personal. Your boss just wants to keep track of expensive company equipment. It’s not that your employer distrusts you, but they are more liable for the vehicles than you are and they need to be smart about how they manage that equipment when it’s out of their sight. If a vehicle gets stolen, your employer needs to know where to send the police to recover it.
Let’s also remember that your boss doesn’t have the time to be watching your every single move. Most business owners and managers have a million other things going on- so they are not going to be posted up at the computer staring as your vehicle putters around town. Fleet tracking, while primarily a money saver, also gives peace of mind to employers. It is a very “just in case” application. You know, “just in case” you break down on the side of the road, your mobile phone is dead, and you have no way of contacting the customer you were on your way to see.
Here are some ways that GPS can benefit you as a driver:
Reduced Interruptions
Before fleet tracking, your employer had to incessantly call drivers to figure out where everyone was. Say goodbye to the days of never-ending phone tag. If a customer needs to know when you will arrive, they can call the main office. Instead of phone stalking you to find out where you are at all times, your manager can just tell the customer how far out you are from the job site.
Proof of Service
It happens- customers complain and say that they were billed for two hours of service when they claim you were only there for one. Fleet tracking gives you the proof of service that you arrived on time and billed the customer correctly. Fleet tracking can prove your location and speed at any given time. You have proof if you are wrongly accused of speeding or driving recklessly.
Quickly Request Help
If you need extra support at a job site your boss can quickly send help because they can easily see where you are. If you are broken down and are going to miss an appointment, your boss can re-route another driver or call the customer to reschedule so you don’t have to deal with an angry client.
Get Paid Correctly
Filling out time sheets- talk about tedious. With fleet tracking, your employer knows when you start for the day and when you finish up. All of your hours now are backed up and reported correctly. Now you don’t have to worry about adding hours, rounding errors, or being shorted on overtime.
I know it seems like a big change from your normal routine, but GPS tracking will help you do your job more efficiently. Are you a driver whose company uses fleet tracking? How do you feel about it?
