Also the supply of global services has never been better. As you do your research on Car transport companies sift down to the type of program your especially in need of. A few of the more common types of programs are door-to-door rv transport, terminal-to-terminal transport, exotic car mover, delivery to a unique location, storage needs, and tracking your automobile. In addition, many automobile transport companies offer worldwide transport solutions to customers. You’ll often end up with a very dependable and useful team that can manage complex transits. With frequent travel from major US departure locations your sure to come to find what you need..

Experts suggest a covered transport; this will shield your vehicle from nasty weather and other perils on the road. Far distance trips can without a doubt be worth more than local ones with delivery time being an ingredient in price too. The car transport company ought to inform you of potential delays well ahead of time, this would be considered normal service.

If you need a certain day for pick-up, most transport services can pick-up your auto and store it at a protected area for an extra fee. A few auto transport companies may offer this benefit free of charge. Your moving company should provide a reasonably precise delivery day. Ask if there any charges to cancel, and rebates for a rental car.

Even if you have insurance coverage on your car, the transport company can also provide insurance protection. Check on deductibles and overall coverage.

Car storage is a service worthy of mention because you can often find many affordable offers from storage centers; a protected facility with a guarantee a safe storage area warehouse is optimal. What’s more, most auto transport businesses will supply various tracking services such as contemporary satellite tracking and cellular phones to keep advised of your vehicle’s circumstances within the duration of the car’s journey. Simply knowing the simple truths about automobile shipping can make discovering the right Car transport companies a certain success.

How to decide between GPS vehicle tracking software providers

You have to know that the provider you choose is going to give you the system and the service that serves your business the best. The growth in popularity of GPS and vehicle tracking systems has led to a number of companies appearing who may be less than thorough in their approach to customer service and the provision of quality products, so it pays to take a little time to choose carefully. You need to ask yourself a few fundamental questions about suppliers. Can they supply you with a list of customers or recommendations from other satisfied users? If they can’t then it may be that the systems they offer do not live up to the hype. Talk to other customers (particularly if they are in a similar business to you) and find out what their after-care service has been like, what kind of updates have been provided and, if necessary, ask to see the accounts for the provider. You can also look for suppliers who have volunteered to take part in the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s TrustMark programme, which is currently being promoted by reputable members of the industry.

Which sales tactics to be careful of

Don’t get sucked in by glossy brochures and companies that offer something for nothing. The old adage is applicable here – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. A vast collection of onboard maps, moving location dots on a screen and a system that seems to have all the bells and whistles at a knockdown price may be masking a system that is unstable, out of date and won’t do what you want it to do. A good system should offer the user additional data including unauthorised mileage reports, out-of-hours activity and speeding data. Remember that you are the customer, so the provider has to give you a system that is right for your business. Hard sell tactics that try to give you a basic GPS mapping system that you can download from Google for free is probably light on features that you would find useful to your business.

When to expect ROI

The initial outlay and investment involved in vehicle tracking systems can seem high, with good quality GPS devices still expensive. However, the return on your investment (ROI) will be something that can be factored into your company accounts over the long term and may actually begin to show sooner than expected. Savings on fuel consumption, reduction in insurance premiums for fleet vehicles fitted with GPS tracking, increased efficiency and greater customer satisfaction all combine to give you a rapid return on your initial investment. Expect to see returns within the first six to 12 months on your GPS tracking system.

Comparing service providers

Nothing in business beats a personal recommendation so if you know someone who has had a vehicle tracking system installed and is happy with the results, consider talking to their provider. Otherwise it’s a matter of doing a little bit of homework before selecting your final provider. Consider factors such as what kind of after-care service is provided, if free updates to software are available and that the warranty is comprehensive. Don’t compare providers purely on the aspect of pricing. Consider all the factors and remember to choose a company that you feel will work well with your company and give you the service you want. The Internet provides a wealth of information on service providers so a browse on Google may be your best starting point.

When something is stolen from your car that is worth a lot of money you may be able to claim it with one of your insurance policies. When you have a full coverage policy with your car it is common you will be required to pay the car insurance premium and the value of your items will be paid to you. Full coverage usually pays for everything on your vehicle while it is parked from weather or theft and even collision.

Comprehensive coverage is usually included in a full coverage for automobiles. Comprehensive insurance is additional coverage that takes total care of a car. This coverage will cover items inside of your car and even pay for a new paint job if you have hail damage.

Home owners or renters insurance doesn’t necessarily protect your vehicles on the property of your home. If you work out of your car and commonly carry expensive items around in your car then it may be something you can add onto your policy. However, most insurance companies recommend this type of coverage is provided through your required automobile coverage.

If you commonly drive around with things in your car that are very expensive there are a couple of things you can do. The first thing you need to do is by GPS vehicle tracking software. This will allow you to locate your vehicle if it is stolen and it may even lower your car insurance premium. You need to specifically ask the insurance companies when you are comparing auto insurance policies for coverage for your personal property. You also will need to specify the dollar amount of personal property you would like covered. The higher you go the more your policy may be.

If you are looking for the most affordable auto insurance and that is what you usually pay for then you will not have coverage for your personal property inside of the vehicle if it is stolen. Many companies may practice intentional misrepresentation and say things that sound like personal items are covered. Always verify before you purchase the coverage.

If you are looking for coverage for your personal property because you are forced to park on the street, live in your car, drive around with expensive items in your car, or something else then you need to compare car insurance rates. The coverage you should ask for is a full coverage policy with comprehensive coverage. Verify the coverage will pay you if things are stolen to replace items in your car. Remember, whenever you call an insurance company to file a claim for stolen items you will be required to pay the deductible set by the company and you must be caught up on your car insurance premium. This will also raise your monthly payment on your car insurance.

Telematics-based vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions, that utilise GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite technology, give vehicle and equipment operators control over their assets and employees, in a way never thought possible only a few years ago. Maximum optimisation isn’t the impossible dream that it once was, and businesses can now see at a glance exactly where their assets are and co-ordinate and protect them far more effectively.

MAKING IT WORK FOR YOU

Despite what some might tell you, vehicle tracking technology cannot be all things to all people, and installing a system won’t immediately solve all transport-related problems or optimise a vehicle operation overnight. Promises of data on every aspect of your fleet won’t help you either unless there is an effective means to transfer this into knowledge.

Not many companies in the telematics field are making money today – a major proportion of service providers go bust within the first two years of business. The field is overdue a shakeout and we will definitely see some consolidation in this sector. Make sure when you are selecting a supplier that it has a good track record, an excellent reputation and, not least, a sound balance sheet

Choosing a vehicle tracking system takes careful consideration. It is about businesses knowing what they really want, not just now, but also in the future. Focusing on what realistically can be achieved is essential, but businesses need to understand that their requirements will change, so any telematics solutions has to possess the flexibility to evolve and adapt to these changing needs.

Furthermore, no two businesses possess the same needs, so it is critical to select a solution that can be tailored to specific requirements. Imagine the varying needs amongst electrical contractors with every single one having individual requirements and operating with different working practises.

For example, protecting vehicles and assets against theft requires different functionality than a work flow management and job scheduling solution, but a vehicle tracking system needs to possess the flexibility to handle both should this be needed. It is worth considering the benefits of selecting a partner that can develop a bespoke tracking solution rather than procuring an off-the-shelf device that may lack sufficient adaptability and expandability.

To best utilise a vehicle tracking solution, there needs to be substantial levels of commitment from both the telematics service provider and the fleet operator itself. This doesn’t just mean financially, company’s need to also set aside some resource to develop and manage the process. A company also needs to communicate openly with all its stakeholders – whether this is directors, employees, drivers, customers or suppliers – to ensure everyone understands the reasoning for the solution and the potential benefits.

Vehicle tracking and telematics systems can fundamentally change the way companies do business, and if it doesn’t then the solution is not working. What is needed is clearer thinking to define what will add value to a business and how companies can work smarter using the knowledge that this technology offers.

Because of the military’s need to be mobile, transport companies work with military personnel on a regular basis. They will often ship multiple vehicles when soldiers are being shipped out of state to new duty posts. They also offer door to port services (from Hawaii to Alaska) which makes long-distance relocation easier.

Military Personnel Benefit from Cost-Effective Vehicle Transport

Military personnel benefit from the services that vehicle transportation companies provide:

• Cost-effective way for military to ship multiple vehicles to different locations

• Safe, secure relocation of personal automobiles and motorcycles

• Hassle-free order placement

• 24/7 online tracking of vehicles

Standard services that are offered (at no additional cost) include:

• Door to Door Open Car Carrier: Vehicle is picked up and delivered to designated location. The assigned carrier will place vehicle on a double decker auto transport truck. This is the most cost-effective way to transport vehicles promptly.

• Door to Door Enclosed Car Carrier: Vehicle is picked up and delivered to designated location. The Assigned carrier will place vehicle inside a covered truck (provides extra protection from weather and road conditions). Recommended method to transport luxury and more high-end vehicles.

Trained Technicians Take Hassle Out of Vehicles’ Paperwork

Military personnel don’t have the time to deal with the details of vehicle transportation. As a courtesy, these companies take the hassle out of paperwork and handle all necessary details to provide a smooth relocation of vehicles.

Trained transport technicians handle all the necessary paperwork and details of transporting vehicles including insurance and special needs of car. They are fully bonded, licensed insurance carriers. They also comply with the Department of Transportation’s regulations for all states nationwide and take care of all the stressful details for military personnel.

Guaranteed Safety of Vehicles and Customer Service Expertise

Vehicle transportation companies guarantee protection of military personnel’s valuable assets (their cars). Military personnel can trust that their vehicles will be safe and secure en route to their new locations.

They also offer customer service via a toll-free number and can quickly answer questions about order placement or vehicle shipping information. Trained auto specialists also help figure out the best possible route for shipment of military personnel’s vehicles. They offer free quotes on rates and work within military personnel’s budgets to provide the most cost-effective shipping rates.

However, the same system that is used by navigational systems can be levied to help track a fleet of vehicles. GPS vehicle tracking systems can be customized to track a large number of vehicles and provide a wide array of information to the system user. In addition to simply tracking the position of each asset in a fleet of vehicles, their route and speed can be monitored remotely. This can facilitate oversight of the fleet, as well as gather data regarding the driving efficiency of the vehicles.  

Related services may include disabling the ignition remotely to prevent theft. Information provided by the tracking system may be routed to cell phones, PDAs or a central computing system. Additionally, installation of the tracking devices may be done in such a way as to be invisible to the driver. The service is primarily used by the owner of a large fleet of vehicles whose position needs to be known, either in the interest of safety or efficiency.  

Delivery companies may use the services to monitor their fleet efficiency, or re-route drivers based upon the changes needs of their system. If speedy pick-ups are required, GPS vehicle systems can be used to identify the closest vehicle to the pick up location, thus saving time and gas.

Most Vehicle tracking systems use GPS, or Global positioning system, to record their exact position, speed and direction at regular intermissions. A network of satellites in medium earth orbit gathers such data. This system is used for other applications, such as navigation, map making and land surveying. It was originally created by the US department of defence, who developed it to attain a precise time reference for earthquake study, and for synchronizing telecommunication systems.

Some advantages of fitting ones vehicle with a satellite tracking system would display as follows. One can get a 30 percent discount on vehicle insurance when fitted. Companies can catch out employees who are using company time to satisfy their personal needs during valuable company paid hours, or those dragging their feet for unwarranted extra overtime pay. Company managers of service and delivery organizations can respond to an order or call-out promptly by sending the nearest available vehicle to the area of the call, they can also gratify customers by providing a very accurate estimated time of arrival on deliveries and service. All employee or driver records like his or her exact routes can be charted and kept for the appropriate time – no employee can lie about their whereabouts.

For the benefit of a company dispatcher, asset data can be freely monitored and managed over the very simple and user friendly system of a computer application.

Upon feedback from those who have bought vehicle tracking system installations, reports tell a 6 to 12 month return on investment, from the increased efficiency of production and reduced costs. Of course, one should never leave out of their memory the obvious drastic recoup of costs one would experience in the successful recovery of ones stolen asset or vehicle via the highly sophisticated system or network of satellites that circulate the outer atmosphere of the planet, coupled with the unit installed on the vehicle.

Navigation is made into childs play when one utilizes a satellite navigation device to aid them in finding accurate guidance to the sometimes near-impossible task of getting from their original position to the desired destination they require. A Nuvi, for example, which is a small (as small as a box of twenty cigarettes) gadget with an easy to use touch screen graphical user interface, will display a map of the immediate area, provided it has the data stored in its memory, and obligingly guide its owner via voice suggestions concisely and directly to their targeted destination. It can store up to any number of maps and geographically useful items of information, within the capacity of its probably large digital memory, making it indispensable to any person who happens to need to negotiate difficult traffic situations or perhaps cut a living in the regular transportation of goods or what have you to destinations of irregular situation.

These to name a few, are some of the great benefits of investing in the brilliant service of a GPS tracking system.

A prominent part of many vehicle telematics solutions is Vehicle Tracking. Typical vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; location hardware (also known as Vehicle Location Unit or tracking device) and vehicle tracking software. The tracking device is most often hardwire installed in the vehicle. For a straight forward vehicle tracking product, the installation menas fitting the device using a simple three wire connection; ignition switch, battery and earth. Tracking devices using SIRF II or similar GPS receiver technology require the use of an antenna, external to the device, fitted in the line of sight of the sky to receive optimal GPS transmissions. A second antenna is used to transmit the data off board the device, commonly using a mobile data network such as GPRS. Latest generation GPS recievers may mean that installation foregoes the use of an external GPS antenna. As stated, the typical tracking hardware for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint location. Updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval, or after and including an event trigger, such as ignition on / off. This location/ journey data is commonly made available to the user by the service provider, via a website, where a secure login enables fleet activity to be viewed live and or historically, using digital mapping and reporting tools.

Vehicle Tracking Systems are often configured to transmit location and input data at a set update rate or when an event triggers the unit to transmit data. Entry level "Live (or real-time) Vehicle Tracking" generally refers to systems which are configured simply to update at regular timed intervals; 1 minute, 2 minute or 5 minute etc. These sohrt update intervals are used while the ignition status is on and once the vehicle is parked, ignition off, the device will often go into a hibernation or standby mode, transmitting updates intermittently or upon wake up by the next ignition on or the input from a motion sensor attached to the device.

Many Telematics Service Providers, facing increased competition and falling prices, are keen to show that Telematics can mean more than just vehicle tracking. The advent of combined two way messaging and satellite navigation products is such an example of this product development. Fleet managers can choose to do more than simply locate a vehicle or group of vehicles. So called Connected Navigation solutions, allow fleet managers and job dispatchers to locate and track a vehicle or group of vehicles in relation to customer sites, then transmit and receive job messages to and from drivers, while the onboard navigation device automatically creates a journey route and and sends back the estimated time of arrival back to the job dispatch office. This can lead to more jobs completed per day, reduced journey times, fuel savings and improved customer satisfaction.

When used in a commercial environment vehicle telematics can be a powerful and valuable tool to improve the efficiency of an organization. The fleet activity can be analyzed and decisions taken based upon actual information, not guesswork. Key Performance Indicators including, journey times, fuel economy and drivers hours, can be improved.

The challenge is finding the right tracking and telematics solution and then using the information it provides to ensure the maximum benefit is returned against investment.

Other terms used in relation to vehicle telematics might also include, fleet management, GPS vehicle tracking, GPS tracking, GPS tracker, fleet telematics and satellite tracking or satellite tracker. All of these terms generally relate to the content found on the website UK Telematics Online.

As vehicle telematics technology has developed and it’s use becomes more widespread, an ever increasing number and variety of vehicle tracking systems are available to small business users.

Understanding the technology behind these products, knowing what benefits this technology can deliver, while at the same time, being aware of some of the potential pitfalls to avoid, will save the potential user money and ulimately aid the implementation of these solutions. 

Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle tracking is the technology of tracking the movements and/or status of a vehicle or fleet of vehicles, through the use of a vehicle tracking device, typically equipped with a GPS Locator and GPRS modem, which is fitted in the vehicle. Tracking software is then used to view the data, available as a PC or Web based mapping and reporting application.

Trailer Tracking

Trailer Tracking is the technology of tracking the movements and position of an articulated vehicle’s trailer unit, through the use of a location unit fitted to the trailer and a method of returning the position data via mobile communication network or geostationary satellite communications, for use though either PC or Web based software.

Fuel Saving Telematics

The typical car, commercial vehicle or Heavy Goods Vehicle built in recent years, now comes equipped as standard with on board engine diagnostics. This information can be accessed via after market products which capture data directly from the vehicles’ communications network. This communications network (CANbus) passes information around the vehicle connecting all the elements of the vehicle; engine performance, fuel usage, diagnostics etc., various elements of which can be captured and then transmitted off board the vehicle to be analysed by the user. Being able to show the driver that they are over revving, not using cruise control enough, driving to fast, not being efficient in their use of gears etc., can lead to improved fuel economy and reduced vehicle emissions. In addition to driving performance monitoring, providers are beginning to offer ECU remapping to optimise the performance of the vehicle. When combined with ability to monitor vehicle performance and driver behaviour, ECU remapping is promoted as leading to fuel economy savings of up to 10%.

GPS Satellite Navigation

GPS Satellite Navigation technology uses a GPS and electronic mapping tool to enable the user to locate a position, then route plan and navigate a journey.

Mobile Data

The use of wireless data communications using radio waves to send and receive real time computer data to, from and between devices used by field based personnel.

Tracking your vehicle with GPS, or Global Positioning System, will allow you to know exactly where your car, or anyones car you are tracking, is at any given moment. The tracking devices are great for spying on cheating spouses, keeping tabs on teenagers or elderly parents or anyone you think might be going places they shouldn’t. Employers, trucking and fleet industry, are using them to keep track of their drivers to make sure they are going where they are supposed to and where they say they are going.

GPS uses a satellite positioned in space to bounce microwave beams off from the tracking system down to your computer which will then tell you exactly where the vehicle is at.

Many of todays newer model of automobiles come equipped with the GPS vehicle tracking systems already installed in them, so there is no problem tracing down someone who either needs to be kept tabs on, such as a teenager, or elderly person, who may easily get lost, or someone who has stolen your car. But what if you have an older model vehicle? Can you still use the benefits of a vehicle tracking system? Of course you can!

GPS vehicle tracking systems are available at most electronic stores and can also be purchased online. They are relatively reasonable and can also be installed with relative easiness.

One way to get a GPS [http://www.shoppingadviceguide.com/buy-electronic/choosing-gps-vehicle-tracking-equipment.html] vehicle tracking system is to purchase one at an electronic store and take it to your cars dealership and have them install it as a secondary market item. Although, this maybe the most expensive way to go.

You could purchase a device at an electronic store and install it yourself. They have many different styles and brands to choose from. Some GPS vehicle tracking systems will require a little assembly under the hood or under the car itself and you are done; others are magnetic and be placed in the tire wheel well, hidden out of sight.

All styles of systems will upload to your computer and depending on the software you have purchased, you will be able to see where the car is you are tracking. Some programs only show a line and county name and a beeping ball with sound that represents the car, others give you a more detailed map, down to the street names and businesses, and this gives you the beeping vehicle you are tracking, yet it also gives you the turn by turn directions they car is moving in and when it stops, you have an address.

A GPS tracker works by using a triangulating algorithm to give the precise location of the vehicle it is fitted to. This information is fed through to a remote-operating centre, which can then chart the location of every vehicle in the fleet. Through this mapping system, fleet managers can prioritise routes or re-allocate a vehicle to a pick-up, minimising the time that the customer waits for their collection and maximising efficiency. The utility services and network companies running fleets of mobile engineers are also finding this system extremely useful, as it allows them to allocate call-outs to the nearest available vehicle. Courier and delivery services have been using vehicle tracking systems for several years and were the first organisations to really appreciate the benefits of such a system.

Vehicle tracking systems don’t just relay information on a vehicle’s location, though. Good quality systems can also provide fleet management professionals with additional information such as the speed of a vehicle. Speeding is an extremely inefficient operation as increased speed invariably means increased fuel consumption. Major fleets that have used these systems have been able to reduce their annual fuel bills by up to 40% just through the information provided by vehicle tracking systems.

By spending a little company capital at the outset, a GPS vehicle tracking system can help facilitate effective scheduling, which results in a reduction in the amount of time vehicles are standing idle or not being used at optimum efficiency. They can also reduce delivery time delays and improve supply chain management by enabling fleet managers to prioritise routes. This leads to better customer relations as fleet managers are able to give their customers more accurate estimated arrival times.

Another saving comes in a more unexpected area. Fleet insurance policies can be cripplingly expensive, particularly for small and medium sized companies. However, insurers now regard vehicle tracking devices as a major force in the fight against vehicle theft and offer substantial policy discounts for fleets with GPS trackers fitted. Faster recovery times of stolen vehicles, a reduction in the potential damage to stolen vans and cars by thieves and eliminating the need to hire replacement vehicles to cover the shortfall left as a result of a vehicle theft all add up to a considerable annual saving.

Vehicle tracking systems can also tell a fleet manager if vehicles are being used out of hours by drivers for their own, personal use. Technically, this could be regarded as misappropriation of a company vehicle and can cost firms a great deal of money over the course of a year. If a driver knows that their movements are being plotted by a remote GPS tracking device, then he or she will be less inclined to use a company vehicle inappropriately. Again, this all adds up to savings for the company.

In a time of recession, every business is looking for ways to improve productivity, efficiency and cut costs. Although it may seem strange to advocate spending money on a complex vehicle tracking system during these lean times, the long-term savings these systems represent are financially prudent and an essential part of effective fleet management.