GPS software has become a vital tool for trucking operations. The advantages it offers carriers practically make it a must-have to be competitive in the industry. HOS247 understands the need for reliable GPS truck tracking solutions, so we have developed an effective, well-rounded system with top-tier customer service.
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HOS247 fleet tracking services come with the following benefits:
- Substantial cost savings. HOS247’s GPS fleet tracking system has shown to cut fuel costs. This technology can be used to keep speeding and idling under control and optimize the vehicle’s fuel use, useful life, and overall performance. The maintenance features show the condition of each vehicle and allows preventative maintenance scheduling for each, reducing downtime.
- Improved inspection outcomes. According to the FMCSA, regular maintenance can prevent several violations, and the considerable penalties that result from them, including being put out of service. This can also help carriers avoid higher CSA scores and insurance premiums.
- Improved safety and security. The GPS tracker in the HOS247 system is an essential safety feature:
- Vehicles and assets can be quickly located in case of theft.
- It provides essential information to manage emergencies like road accidents.
- Trips can be planned safely thanks to alerts about road conditions and available services in the area.
- Easy installation. The GPS tracker can be set up quickly and easily without any wiring or complicated assembling. There is no additional fee, special processes or actions required.
- User-friendly software. The program can be downloaded and installed directly from any standard internet browser. The fleet manager will be able to log in and the program will be set and ready for use in minutes. The intuitive design means no training is needed.
- Enhanced customer service. GPS truck tracking solutions show managers the exact location of vehicles, optimizing both dispatching and routing. Since it also keeps a record of the locations visited, it can be used as accurate back up evidence for services performed.
- Extended vehicle lifespan. By tracking mileage, engine hours, fuel usage, and other metrics, it is easy for fleet managers to stay on top of any mechanical issues. As such, they can budget better and reduce downtime. It also extends vehicles’ useful lives, boosting their return on investment.
Other Important Features for Trucking Operations
The market for GPS truck tracking solutions offers many options. Making the best choice will come down to finding a provider whose product enhances the fleet’s capabilities and efficiency, and keeps operational costs low.
Here are some factors that bring additional value to the business and should be considered before purchasing GPS truck tracking services:
- Electronic logging device. Fleets operating across state lines have to comply with FMCSA standards, and that most likely includes the use of ELDs. The federal mandate states that hours of service must be recorded using a registered elog device. GPS tracking will increase the burden on fleet managers to monitor two systems at a time and on the whole staff to learn two systems. Since both the electronic logbook and the GPS truck tracking solution are essential components of the fleet, a single provider that offers ELD-integrated GPS tracking will make management tasks simpler and more convenient (and the overall cost will surely be lower).
- IFTA mileage calculations. The task of calculating the due IFTA mile tax per jurisdiction can also be done automatically, eliminating human error.
- Vehicle maintenance. This includes a wide array of activities such as oil changes, tire rotations, license renewals, among others. The system can keep vehicles’ service schedules and records and issue alerts for upcoming events. Also, keep in mind that routine maintenance brings many benefits aside from optimizing vehicle performance, for instance, extending its useful life.
- Fault code detection. Many systems can be set to notify drivers in real time when a problem with the engine is detected. This will increase safety and allow issues to be solved before they escalate.
- Automatic idle tracking. This feature increases fleet efficiency and productivity by keeping fuel waste caused by idling to a minimum, as well as reducing the carbon footprint.
HOS247 Offers Top-Rated GPS Truck Tracking Services
As part of the all-in-one feet management system, HOS247 offers trucking businesses a quality GPS truck tracking solution with numerous benefits. Some of the reasons our services are highly rated by truckers are:
- Reliability. The logbook and GPS systems have been tested to make sure their performance is optimal and consistent.
- Dependable hardware. Our devices are durable and come with a one-year free replacement warranty in case anything were to happen.
- Top-rated customer service. HOS247’s technical support team is knowledgeable and ready to provide support for clients every day of the week and in four languages: English, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. Our callback policy makes sure your issue is followed up on if the call drops.
- Two-week trial period. As an HOS247 customer, you are entitled to a tryout period to get familiar with the system. You may return the product within these two weeks if you are not satisfied and receive a hassle-free refund.
- No contract policy. We offer clients a roster of flexible plans that may be upgraded or downgraded according to the needs of the client. Its subscription service allows users to choose a monthly or yearly plan without the need for a contract.
- User-friendly solution. The software app is straightforward and intuitive, so users will learn to use it quickly and without the need for training. It only takes a few minutes to get the system installed and ready to go.
- Extra features. The HOS247 fleet management system offers the following features in addition to GPS tracking:
- Vehicle diagnostics.
- Fault code detection.
- Idling monitoring.
- IFTA mileage calculations.
What Is an ELD?
An electronic logging device is a technology commercial motor vehicle drivers use to keep records of their hours of service (HOS). The main reason for using an ELD is to comply with federal legislation aimed at upholding public safety on roads. HOS rules were implemented when authorities noticed that most road accidents happened when truckers drove for over eight hours.
Truck drivers were first required to keep records of duty status (RODS) on paper. However, logging mistakes or tampering make paper records only partially reliable. Today, ELDs log hours of service automatically to help them improve compliance and pass inspections with less paperwork.
An electronic logging device is made up of two parts: hardware (the device that connects to the truck’s engine) and software (which comprises the fleet management software and the mobile app). ELDs monitor the vehicle’s engine activity and capture data on:
- When the engine is running
- When the vehicle is moving
- Miles driven
- Engine operation time
Who Needs to Comply with the ELD Mandate?
The federal ELD mandate applies to most commercial drivers operating in the United States, regardless of their business address. Drivers involved in interstate commerce, even if they come from Mexico or Canada, are required to record their duty status by means of an electronic logging device unless they fall under one of the following categories:
- RODS up to 8 days per month. The use of an electronic logbook is not necessary if records are only kept for up to 8 days out of a period of 30 days.
- Drive-away-tow-away operations. Drivers who conduct operations where the vehicle being driven is all or part of the cargo being delivered.
- Vehicles with engines manufactured before 2000. These models are not compatible with modern electronic logging devices and therefore are not required to use them.
- Short-haul drivers. Drivers who operate within 150 miles of their home terminal may continue using timecards; they are not required to keep RODS and are not required to use ELDs.
HOS247 Electronic Logbooks Can Help Avoid Costly Violations
A reliable ELD provider should offer a solution that meets FMCSA standards and the needs of carriers and drivers. HOS247 electronic logbook systems have been developed and designed with drivers in mind, ensuring the technology is used properly to make compliance easy.
By keeping automatic, accurate, and updated records of drivers’ HOS, our logbook solution has shown to increase productivity and help prevent some of the most important DOT violations, like:
- Not recording duty status. The standard for FMCSA compliance is for drivers to have a report on duty status accounting for every hour of the day. Not having this report may imply a considerable penalty.
- HOS record errors. Any and all inconsistencies in a RODS report can be considered a violation. Keeping accurate and updated records will streamline this task and human error and forging.
- Operating after 14 consecutive duty hours. Federal HOS rules state that a driver may not drive after 14 hours on duty. The limit for passenger vehicle drivers is 15 hours.
- Driving beyond 60/70 hours during a week. If a driver exceeds 60 or 70 hours a week (when working not every day of the week and every day of the week, respectively) it is considered a violation by the FMCSA.
I’ve co-founded, built and managed several transportation-related businesses. Now, I’m a founder and CEO of HOS247 – an AI Transportation Platform for trucking companies, freight brokers and other logistics operations. We are transitioning old-style operations to technology-advanced logistics entities and help them to grow their businesses. ELDs (electronic logging devices), fleet tracking and management 2.0 combined with AI-powered dispatch tools.
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