Fleet GPS tracking might not yet be a priority for pool and spa companies. But, after reading this, though, it very well could be. There are many benefits of using GPS tracking that go well beyond getting your employees to the proper locations on time. These are a few reasons you might want to take a second look at fleet GPS tracking for your pool and spa business.

Constantly Updated Maps

Small town and big cities alike are growing at rapid paces. New roads, neighborhoods, and subdivisions are added all the time. If your drivers are relying on road maps, you know all too well that they are obsolete by the time they’re printed.

GPS fleet tracking systems are constantly updating roadmaps in order to ensure that you’re getting the most accurate routing data for your routing needs. This means you’re assured of the most efficient routes and that important service calls aren’t missed as a result of outdated maps.

Track Driver Locations

GPS fleet tracking systems can verify that your pool and spa drivers did, in fact, make the service calls they were scheduled to make when false claims are levied against them. GPS tracking monitors not only the location of the truck at any given time, but also how long the truck was in a given location. Read the rest of this entry »

Amazon is on your iPad, your laptop, and now hopes to get into your car trunk. Using GPS tracking technology, the retail giant is testing delivery direct to the trunk of purchaser’s cars in Munich in May 2015. They have teamed up with DHL, the delivery service, and Audi carmakers.

The test run is in response to frustrations from customers who have complained about missed package deliveries. When this happens, they either have to wait for redelivery when they are home, arrange for a neighbor to accept it, or trek to the post office.

How It Works

Drivers for DHL will have the technology to track where your car is, as well as keyless access to the trunk. This access is strictly for the trunk, not other parts of the car, and is on a one-time basis.

Right now it only works with Audi cars that have Vorpsrung durch Technik under their hood and keyless entry. The German phrase means Progress through Technology, a buzzword for the company. Read the rest of this entry »

Equipment theft is a big problem for businesses today. Commercial equipment is an attractive target because it is often left unattended overnight on job sites. All thieves need to do is drive onto the site after hours and load the equipment on a truck and drive off. Then they make big profits by selling the equipment as used equipment, selling it for parts, or shipping it illegally to other countries.

You do not need to let this sad tale happen to your business though. There are actions you can take to reduce your attractiveness as a target and aid in the recovery of stolen commercial equipment, like those mentioned below.

Improve After-Hour Lighting on Work Sites

Thieves do not want to be easily identified. Brightly lit worksites increase the odds that they will not only be caught in the act by passersby, but also that they will be easily recognizable if there are cameras or in police lineups if there are witnesses. Read the rest of this entry »

Researchers use GPS tracking devices to discover the unique personalities and social networks of dogs.

The intent of the study conducted by Mate Nagy, a zoologist from the University of Oxford, was to find out if dogs have groups of social hierarchies and social networks similar to other animals, such as wolves. This has long since been a debated topic with those interested in animal psychology.

Not only is it interesting for researchers of animals who have a passion for studying dog behavior in particular, but for pet owners to know more about how dogs function with others.

Wolves are well known for traveling in packs, where they have social statuses, in that one or two wolves are ahead of the pack, while the others fall behind. By traveling in packs, they are more protected. Read the rest of this entry »

The FMCSA, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, rules for Hours of Service, usually referred to as HOS, are making a major impact on the trucking industry. The rules are aimed at reducing driver fatigue and the accidents it causes.

What the Rules Require

The HOS rules limit drivers to a 70-hour work week in an effort to make sure they get sufficient rest to drive safely. Studies done by the FMCSA predicted the new rules will save 19 lives and prevent 640 injuries due to 1,400 crashes each year.

Drivers can’t resume their work week after the 70 hours are up unless they take off for 34 consecutive hours. In addition, each driver must take a break at least 30 minutes long within the first eight hours of his work day and not work

The penalties for trucking companies who don’t comply are stiff:

Trucking companies can be fined $11,000 per offense

Drivers can be fined $2,750 for each offense Read the rest of this entry »