The state of Washington is considering replacing the gas tax with a pay per mile driven on public roads tax.

As a result of a new pay-by-mile pilot program in the works, people driving in Washington State may end up paying the state on a per-mile basis. The state previously implemented a gas tax, but since electric and hybrid vehicles were reducing revenue, regulators have decided to try charging per mile. This comes after the Washington State Transportation Commission approved the pilot project to be started soon.

The pilot program in question will use a GPS tracking device in a person’s vehicle. The device will track the miles the or she drives. There will be a per-mile charge, called a Road Usage Charge, which will completely replace the state’s gas tax if the pilot program is successful. The testing is set to start in 2016, utilizing GPS tracking technology. Read the rest of this entry »

Insurance is one of the major expenses for every fleet manager. The impact is especially tough on small-to mid-size companies. Using every option to lower premiums even a percentage point or two can make a big difference to your bottom line.

GPS fleet tracking software can help you convince your insurer to offer a discount on your monthly rates. Here is a look at how it works.

Safe Drivers

For personal or business driving, insurers offer discounts for safe drivers. But how do you convince them you have drivers who avoid accidents and practice defensive driving? You need proof and GPS fleet tracking software provides it.

With GPS tracking devices in each truck, you have a built-in monitor for speed, rapid acceleration and braking too hard. These are metrics that enable you to increase safety by warning drivers with problems and terminating them if necessary. Read the rest of this entry »

American Researchers have determined that wild horses can now be monitored with GPS satellite or high very frequency (VHF) collars without harming them.

A study performed by scientists in the United States looked at what kind of harm or injury, if any, could potentially cause wild horses if tracked using GPS satellite collars. The scientists wanted to track the behavior and habits of horses that roam free, but did not want to cause them any bodily harm. Thanks to the PLoS ONE study, they now have reassurance that the horses will be perfectly fine even while being monitored.

Researchers from the PLoS ONE study include Craig Carr, Leon Pielstick, Steven Petersen and Gail Collins, all American researchers that work with GPS trackers. Their goal was to learn more about the behavior of free-roaming horses, as opposed to those that were not wild horses.

The researchers were interested in finding out how the free roaming horses get their food sources, where and how fast they roam, and how they use their natural habitat. They also hoped this would help make proper management decisions. Read the rest of this entry »

GPS fleet tracking is revolutionizing the way managers are controlling costs and monitoring vehicles. And drivers.

Surveillance can be a dirty word to an employee. Though only less than 10% of companies used GPS fleet management software to track company vehiclese, according to the “2007 Electronic Monitoring & Surveillance Survey,” conducted by the American Management Association (AMA) and The ePolicy Institute, the rates is increasing quickly. This means complaints about invasion of privacy and lack of trust are also increasing among drivers.

Building Trust

Positive feedback for your drivers is the way to help them accept GPS tracking equipment. If presented as a change for the good, both for the company’s bottom line and for convenience and a safety net for the driver, the system will be accepted much more easily.

And if ongoing approving comments are part of the process, workers will come on board with the new system much more quickly. Read the rest of this entry »

GPS fleet tracking software is here to stay. It has revolutionized fleet management. Many companies have produced programs with a variety of features. How does a manager choose among them?

Here is a quick overview of GPS technology and four tips to help you choose the best solution for your company’s needs.

What Is GPS?

The technology comes from the U.S. government. It relies on 24 orbiting satellites that send and receive signals from a wide range of GPS devices. You probably have one in your car. If you’re a runner, you might have a sport watch with tracking.

GPS is incredibly accurate, often within a dozen feet if the weather is right. Because it relies on many satellites, the triangulation is able to do an excellent job of pinpointing your truck when it carries a fleet tracking device. Likewise, in the office you are able to see exactly where each truck is at any given time. Read the rest of this entry »