GPS Satellites And Vehicle Tracking

We have 24 silent allies in the sky and they are looking down on us. Watching us around the clock, seven days a week. Stopping to rest only occasionally, they measure every journey that we take, and if we really needed to make it. Sounds like I have become a little psychotic? Not really. I am talking about the GPS vehicle tracking system that has changed the way we plan our journeys. And has been for more than a decade.

GPS satellites, powered by solar energy, transverse the Earth twice every 24 hours. Powered by the sun, they travel a path set for them by the US Defence Department, who began the program more than thirty years ago. When they reached their full complement about ten years ago, US defense department made the system available for commercial use, as the system known as NAVSTAR to the US military establishment, was vastly underemployed for military use and very expensive to operate. Each satellite now in orbit has a life expectancy of 10 years only. As well as the 24 in operation, there are a few more satellites in orbit in the event of breakdowns. Every satellite has its own backup batteries onboard. These are to keep the satellites running when there's no solar power, in the event of a solar eclipse. There are small rocket boosters on each satellite that can be operated and adjusted from the Earth. This is to make certain that the satellites never deviate from the correct path of their orbit.

That the innovation of GPS vehicle tracking systems and its commercial availability has changed the way companies and corporations run their fleet of vehicles their can be no doubt. The cost savings, especially in fuel, makes it possible for the companies who install these GPS vehicle tracking system see there full investment returned within a matter of a few weeks.

After the initial purchase has been made, fleet operators have also to pay a fixed operating cost. This is usually based on a cost per month, per vehicle and inclusive in the monthly service fees, are the cost of software upgrades, equipment repairs as well as any routine maintenance required.

Most of the leading companies, who supply GPS vehicle tracking system, should run a state of the art the service and administration center. The center needs to be in action and accessible 24/7 and manned around the clock by trained and efficient staff. In the event of a breakdown in the system, no matter where or when, the fleet operation manager needs to know that there will be a technician on hand to deal with the problem immediately. If not sooner.

The fact that truck drivers can be under surveillance throughout their journey, holds many advantages, both for the operator as well as the driver. Imagine a scenario, where a driver contacts the distribution center, reporting that he is not actually sure how to get to his next drop, as the traffic scheduling has just been changed. There was a time when he would have been taking detours, which added both mileage and time to his journey. Commodities that cost a lot of money.

Under the GPS vehicle tracking system regime, your potentially exasperated driver can be consulting his GPS vehicle tracking system to find out the quickest route. Instead of the pressure and aggravation of the pre GPS days, your happy truck driver arrives at his drop, happy and refreshed, and even with a smile on his face. Good for the company image I would say.