GPS tracking is a massive part of fleet management today. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and refers to the relationship between a network of 24 satellites in orbit and devices on the ground that can precisely determine a person or object’s location.
GPS tracking monitors three data sets: positioning, navigation, and timing. You may be surprised to learn how many types of GPS trackers exist today. There are five types of GPS trackers, and we will discuss those trackers and how to use them in detail, so you can determine what might work best for your business.
No. 1: Personal Trackers
These are the most common types of GPS trackers. The average person might use a GPS tracker to monitor an important possession or even their pets. They’ll use a personal device such as a pocket chip or bracelet, activated so users can remotely locate and follow the device. These trackers are used primarily for tracking dogs. When dogs with GPS-equipped collars escape, their owners can easily track and locate the dog in real-time.
No. 2: Asset Trackers
Asset trackers may be a bit more useful to fleets. There are two types of asset trackers: long life asset trackers meant for assets that do not receive power and rechargeable asset trackers meant for assets that do.
Both of these types send regular location updates to your fleet management software. They can even organize that data into reports, so that fleet managers can rest assured that the asset is where it’s supposed to be. The difference between these asset trackers lies in their battery life and the types of assets they are designed to track. These asset trackers are typically used on:
- Trailers
- Shipping Containers
- Signs
- Mobile Storage Units
- Vehicles
- Generators
- Mobile Lights
- Heavy Equipment
The main draw of asset trackers is that they prevent theft. If a thief takes your vehicle outside the perimeter you set, an alert will be sent to you so you can let authorities know exactly where your vehicle is.
No. 3: Cell-Based GPS Vehicle Tracking
This is another widespread type of GPS tracking that’s more common than satellite tracking. Cell-based tracking uses cell towers instead of satellites. This method costs less and reports faster than the satellite method. Many delivery companies use this type of tracking due to its accuracy and ease of use; after all, everyone has a cell phone these days.
No. 4: Satellite-based GPS Vehicle Tracking
This is the standard type of GPS tracking that we discussed earlier. It is still used worldwide because cell-based tracking is not available everywhere. With satellite tracking, businesses can get updates no matter how remote the location. When trucks travel through remote areas, or even when a fleet is based somewhere remote, this is the best method of GPS tracking.
No. 5: App-Based Trackers
Finally, some fleets will download an app to their phones and use internet data to get their locations. Often, small fleets that employ contractors may utilize this option since drivers may not want trackers on their personal cars. With tracking apps, the app is only activated during business hours to keep the appropriate separation between business and personal use of the vehicle.
Learn More About GPS Tracking
To keep up with the latest in GPS tracking, check in with our blog regularly. We often post about how your fleet can use GPS tracking to your best advantage. You can also try a demo of our GPS tracking software, explicitly designed with fleets in mind.
