Using GPS and Telematics in Dispatching

GPS and Telematics in Dispatching

Telematics technology combines GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and driver behavior monitoring to provide comprehensive fleet intelligence. For dispatchers, telematics transforms fleet management from guesswork to data-driven decision-making. This guide explores how GPS and telematics improve dispatching operations, safety, and profitability.

What is Telematics?

Definition:

Telematics:

Technology that combines:
- Telecommunications (data transmission)
- Vehicle monitoring (engine diagnostics, sensors)
- GPS tracking (location)
- Driver behavior (speed, braking, acceleration)

Data Collected:

✅ Location: Real-time GPS coordinates
✅ Speed: Current speed, speeding events
✅ Engine data: RPM, fuel consumption, idle time
✅ Diagnostic codes: Check engine lights, fault codes
✅ Driver behavior: Harsh braking, rapid acceleration, cornering
✅ Hours of service: From ELD integration
✅ Fuel: Consumption, purchases, efficiency

How Telematics Works

Components:

1. In-Vehicle Device:

Plugs into OBD-II port or hardwired
GPS receiver
Cellular/satellite modem
Sensors and accelerometers

2. Data Transmission:

Device collects data from vehicle systems
Transmits to cloud server via cellular network
Real-time or near real-time (every 1-5 minutes)

3. Software Platform:

Web portal or mobile app
Displays data on maps, dashboards, reports
Alerts and notifications
Analytics and insights

GPS Tracking Benefits for Dispatchers

1. Real-Time Location Visibility:

Always Know Where Trucks Are:

View all trucks on live map
See current location, speed, direction
Historical breadcrumb trail (route history)

Dispatcher Uses:

ETA calculations: How far from delivery?
Routing decisions: Which truck is closest to load?
Customer updates: "Driver is 50 miles away"
Emergency response: Locate truck if driver doesn't answer

2. Geofencing:

Virtual Boundaries:

Draw geographic zones on map
Receive alerts when trucks enter/exit

Applications:

Pickup/Delivery Zones:

Alert when truck arrives at shipper
Alert when truck departs (loaded)
Alert when truck reaches receiver
Automated status updates to customer

Restricted Areas:

Alert if truck enters area it shouldn't be
Unauthorized stops
Route deviations

State Crossings:

Track for IFTA mileage reporting
Time zone change notifications

3. Route Compliance:

Planned vs. Actual:

Compare planned route to actual route driven
Identify deviations
Understand why (traffic, road closure, driver preference)

Optimization:

Learn which routes actually work best
Adjust planning based on real data

Telematics Data for Operations

1. Fuel Monitoring:

Fuel Consumption Tracking:

MPG per truck, per driver, per route
Identify inefficient trucks (need maintenance)
Identify inefficient drivers (need coaching)

Idle Time:

Excessive idling wastes fuel
1 hour idle = 1 gallon of diesel wasted
Track idle time per driver

Fuel Purchases:

Where driver fueled (state, location, price)
IFTA tracking automation
Identify drivers fueling at expensive stations

Savings:

Reduce idle time 20% = Save $1,000-$2,000/truck/year
Improve MPG 0.5 = Save $3,000-$5,000/truck/year

2. Maintenance Monitoring:

Fault Code Alerts:

Check engine lights
ABS warnings
Low oil pressure
Real-time alerts to dispatcher

Proactive Maintenance:

Schedule maintenance based on mileage/engine hours
Avoid breakdowns through early detection
Reduce downtime

Maintenance Reminders:

Oil change due in 500 miles
Annual DOT inspection due
Tire rotation due

Cost Savings:

Prevent major failures through early detection
Schedule maintenance at convenient times (not roadside emergency)
Extend vehicle life

3. Driver Behavior Monitoring:

Tracked Behaviors:

Speeding: Over posted limit or company policy
Harsh braking: Hard stops (safety and wear concern)
Rapid acceleration: Wastes fuel
Harsh cornering: Safety and cargo risk
Seatbelt usage: Safety compliance

Safety Scoring:

Each driver receives safety score (0-100)
Based on frequency of risky behaviors
Compare drivers to fleet average

Uses:

Coaching:

Identify drivers needing additional training
Specific feedback (you harsh brake frequently)
Improve safety and efficiency

Recognition:

Reward safest drivers
Incentive programs
Driver retention

Insurance:

Some insurers offer discounts for telematics use
Prove safe driving in accident claims
Exonerate driver with data

Dashcam Integration

Video Telematics:

Forward-Facing Camera:

Records road ahead
Triggered by harsh braking, collision
Protects driver from false claims

Driver-Facing Camera:

Records driver behavior
Detects distraction, drowsiness
Real-time alerts

Event-Triggered Recording:

Harsh braking → Save video
Collision → Save video
Provides evidence for accidents

Major Providers:

Samsara: Leading dashcam solution
KeepTruckin (Motive): Integrated dashcam
Lytx (DriveCam): AI-powered coaching
Netradyne: Advanced AI detection

Benefits:

✅ Accident exoneration (prove not-at-fault)
✅ Insurance claim support
✅ Driver coaching
✅ Fraud prevention
✅ Liability reduction

Dispatcher's Use of Telematics Data

Daily Operations:

Morning:

Review overnight alerts (speeding, harsh braking, fault codes)
Check truck locations
Verify drivers are where expected

Throughout Day:

Monitor driver progress toward appointments
Check for route deviations
Respond to fault code alerts

End of Day:

Review fuel purchases
Check idle time
Review safety events

Performance Analysis:

Weekly:

Fuel efficiency: Which trucks/drivers are most efficient?
Safety scores: Which drivers need coaching?
Utilization: Are trucks being used optimally?

Monthly:

Trends: Is performance improving or declining?
Comparisons: Driver vs. driver, truck vs. truck
Costs: Fuel, maintenance, violations

Quarterly:

Big picture analysis: Overall fleet performance
ROI calculation: Is telematics paying for itself?

Advanced Telematics Applications

1. Predictive Maintenance:

Pattern Recognition:

Analyze historical fault codes
Predict failures before they happen
Schedule preventive maintenance

Example:

Truck shows intermittent ABS fault
Telematics identifies pattern
Schedule repair before complete failure
Avoid roadside breakdown

2. Driver Coaching Programs:

Data-Driven Coaching:

Identify specific behaviors to improve
Provide concrete examples with dates/times
Track improvement over time

Example:

Driver A: 15 hard braking events last week (fleet avg: 3)
Coach on smooth braking techniques
Next week: 7 hard braking events (improvement!)

3. Gamification:

Driver Competitions:

Safest driver of month
Best fuel efficiency
Fewest violations

Rewards:

Bonuses, recognition, perks
Improves morale and performance

Conclusion

GPS and telematics technology provides unprecedented visibility into fleet operations. For dispatchers, this data enables better decision-making, proactive problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways:

What Telematics Provides:

✅ Real-time location: Know where every truck is
✅ Fuel monitoring: MPG, idle time, consumption
✅ Maintenance alerts: Fault codes, service due
✅ Driver behavior: Safety scoring, coaching opportunities
✅ Dashcam: Accident protection, liability reduction

Dispatcher Applications:

✅ Route compliance monitoring
✅ ETA accuracy
✅ Automated customer updates
✅ Performance analysis
✅ Proactive maintenance

ROI:

Fuel savings: 5-10%
Maintenance cost reduction: 10-15%
Insurance savings: 5-10%
Safety improvements: 20-30% fewer incidents

"You can't improve what you don't measure. Telematics turns your fleet into a data goldmine for continuous improvement."

Continue Learning:

Master telematics for smarter fleet management. Continue your education at Carriversity.