A Q&A with Santa, and Fleet Manager Mrs Claus, of North Pole Inc
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is going through a modern renovation thanks to the Internet. The historically traditional letter carrier service has partnered with Amazon.com to offer extended delivery hours on Sunday, including perishable packages holding groceries (available in select cities).
The Internet has fostered the growth of online retailers, and now with Amazon, U.S. postal workers will be working seven days a week.
To make the process efficient, the USPS is investing in new equipment and GPS tracking technology. In order to track packages in real-time, the agency has devoted $200 million for new internet-connected handheld scanners. Furthermore, with over 189,000 delivery trucks nearing their quarter life, USPS hopes to replace their fleet with new vehicles configured to hold Amazon’s packages.
As the U.S. Postal Service moves to reconfigure its business for the ever-changing and expanding e-commerce space, other businesses have been utilizing numerous GPS tracking solutions that incorporate asset and cargo tracking to help improve productivity and efficiency in their company.
One GPS tracking solution is Teletrac.
With Teletrac’s smart tools, fleet managers can oversee remote cargo, and track the business’ trailers and assets. Protection of equipment is made easy with Teletrac’s trailer and asset tracking unit equipped with a web-based interface allowing full visibility and real-time access to the company’s assets. The unit does not require an external antenna as it contains GPS and cellular data, further securing cargo against outside interference and theft.
Teletrac Drive automates driver tasks, navigation, and communication in one easy interface. Drivers are empowered to stay guided by following a color-coded map and turn-by-turn, voice-guided directions. This advanced navigation application integrates local speed limits, road restrictions, including weight/height guidelines on city streets, helping drivers stay focused and productive.
The two-way messaging feature ensures clear communication between driver and dispatch. Fleet managers can also use the messaging capability to improve productivity by sending route information and other important information directly to the vehicle’s in-cab display. Load delivery assignments can be communicated to drivers in the nearest location to the delivery destination, saving the company money on fuel and time.
Although the U.S. Postal Service already has an extensive delivery infrastructure, it is just beginning to update its business model with GPS tracking solutions to help adapt to new types of deliveries. Following the USPS’ example, it is becoming more common for traditional businesses to invest in new equipment and technology to move the company, and the economy, forward.