For business owners, knowing the location of your company vehicles extends beyond simply locating the vehicles. It is about asset protection, productivity increases, and safety. Based on that, it is not uncommon for small and mid-sized businesses to purchase GPS fleet tracking solutions.

However, a common question arises: Is GPS tracking permitted for employee vehicles? Suppose you are looking to purchase the best GPS tracker for commercial vehicles. In that case, you need to determine what you can legally do, where your employees' privacy rights take effect, and follow effective steps to ensure compliance.

Let’s understand GPS tracking, common legal concerns, and how ShadowGPS devices can help strike a balance between efficiency and compliance.

What is GPS Tracking for Company Vehicles?

GPS tracking is used with satellite-based devices to locate a vehicle in real-time. For the businesses, GPS tracking for employee vehicles is not just about maps, but also includes:

• Ensuring the safety of their drivers

• Minimizing fuel costs with route efficiency

• Increasing the prevention of vehicle misuse

• Improving productivity through accurate ETAs

• Securing company assets from theft

Solutions like ShadowAuto and ShadowTrack, powered by ShadowGPS, offer reliable, plug-and-play solutions for both small and large businesses.

Why Businesses Use GPS Fleet Tracking?

When running a business, minimal margins and inefficiency can cost thousands over time. That's where small business GPS fleet tracking tools come in, helping to manage risk and accountability. Small business owners often contend with situations such as:

• Employees taking personal trips in company vehicles

• Fuel cards are being misused

• Unaccountable and reckless employees are driving your vehicles, resulting in increased insurance rates.

• Customers are demanding transparency in their delivery timing

Utilizing an excellent GPS tracker for commercial vehicles enables business owners to manage these risks effectively, fostering a more accountable environment.

For example, ShadowGPS provides:

• Real-Time Tracking: You can see exactly where your fleet is at any given moment. 

• Rich Reporting: Mileage, trip, and route tracking provide accountability. 

• Simple Installation: Simple devices, such as the ShadowAuto, can be plugged in and ready in just a few minutes. 

Savings: Minimize wasted fuel and discourage wear and tear on your vehicles.

Legal Question: Can Employers Track Employee Vehicles?

This is where it gets confusing. The legality of GPS tracking for company vehicles, especially personal vehicles used for work-related purposes, can depend on three things: 

• Who owns the vehicle? 

If an employer owns the vehicle, they typically have the legal right to track the vehicle. If an employee owns the vehicle, the rules typically become more complicated. 

• When is tracking occurring? 

Tracking during scheduled work hours is generally acceptable. However, tracking a personal vehicle after scheduled work hours (such as evenings and weekends) can raise cases of privacy violations. 

• Where is your organization located? 

Federal laws in the U.S. support an employer's right to use GPS tracking, provided it is disclosed to the employee. Different states may have stricter regulations.

Employee Privacy Rights

Workers possess a legitimate expectation of privacy; particularly during times away from work. Even if you utilize the most popular and effective GPS fleet tracking for small businesses, tracking their movement and/or activities outside of work hours could become illegal.

To avoid issues:

• Provide tracking policy in written form.

• Do not track anything outside of business hours.

• Allow employees to review reports where appropriate.

• Use business-owned vehicles instead of personal vehicles, which allows employees to be tracked at a better level.

ShadowGPS devices enable businesses to control exactly when tracking is enabled, allowing business owners to maintain both transparency and compliance.

Best Practices for Business Owners

Should you choose to track your employees with GPS, take note:

• Develop a GPS Tracking Policy

• A thorough and clear written policy explaining:

• The reason you are tracking,

• When you track a vehicle,

• How you will use the data,

• When developing it, have each employee sign a copy.

• Pick the right device.

For most businesses, a plug-and-play device like ShadowAuto can be easily set up on almost any car, doesn't require batteries from the vehicle, and can be easily moved around. Moreover, if battery life is essential for tracking an asset in an isolated or non-power source application, choose ShadowTrack instead. 

• Focus on Benefits, Not Surveillance.

Focus on the benefits to the employee, such as being safer for travel to a customer's location, faster time by using GPS rather than traditional phone calls, or reduced time needed to fulfill compliance obligations or tasks like checking in on driving or other activities.

• Stay Updated on State Laws

Regulations can change. Review local laws annually or consult legal experts.

Why ShadowGPS is the Best Choice for Fleet Tracking?

There is no shortage of commercial vehicle GPS tracking solutions available today. Still, in the world of GPS fleet tracking for small businesses, ShadowGPS stands at the forefront. Here's why: 

• ShadowAuto: A plug-in tracker that only takes seconds to install and is perfect for companies that want all the benefits of monitoring without the hassle of hardwiring.

• ShadowTrack: Compact, portable, and discreet; the perfect solution for tracking vehicles or assets that do not always remain stationary. 

• Affordable Pricing: At just $79.99, ShadowGPS trackers are priced to fit small business budgets.

• Subscription Options: Choose from having just the device or opt for a subscription plan for ongoing tracking.

If you're looking for the best GPS tracker for commercial vehicles, ShadowGPS offers both versatility and accuracy.

Real World Examples of GPS Tracking in Action

Now let's consider a few use cases where the right GPS tracker for commercial vehicles improves operations:

• Delivery Company: A locally owned delivery company can save on fuel costs (15%) by using optimized routes with ShadowAuto trackers.

• Construction Company: A contractor located a company truck in real-time with ShadowTrack, can monitor the area, and stop theft of the vehicle.

• Services Firm: A plumbing company can improve customer experience by providing a more accurate ETA based on real-time GPS data.

In each case, GPS fleet tracking for small businesses not only saves money; it also builds a stronger reputation with clients.

Common Misconceptions About GPS Tracking

• "GPS tracking is an invasion of privacy." Not when done correctly. Tracking should only be for work purposes and when using a company vehicle. 

• "It's only something that big companies need." Not true. Small businesses actually benefit the most. Using the best GPS fleet tracking for small businesses will help you better compete against larger companies. 

• "It's too expensive." With ShadowGPS options starting under $100, GPS tracking is very affordable and can show a quick ROI by saving you money on fuel and time.

Find the Perfect GPS Tracker for You

Check out ShadowAuto, plug & Play GPS Tracker for real-time vehicle tracking; and ShadowTrack, portable GPS tracker at ShadowGPS website. Whether you need real-time vehicle tracking and security for personal or business use, determine the model that best suits your needs today! By choosing the best GPS tracker for commercial vehicles, you're not only protecting your business; you're building trust with employees and customers a like.

FAQs

1. Can an employer track you with GPS?

Yes, tracking employees can be legal, with legalities varying based on jurisdiction nationally and/or statewide. In many instances, employers are allowed to track work devices, emails or GPS. Finally, transparency and consent from employees is essential for compliance and trust.

2. Can companies track employee location?

Yes, companies can track employee location, but only under certain conditions. Many organizations use GPS-enabled devices, mobile apps, or company vehicles to monitor staff for safety, productivity, or compliance. However, legal and privacy regulations require transparency, employee consent, and clear policies to ensure responsible and ethical tracking practices.

3. Is it legal to track employees?

Yes, tracking employees can be legal, but only under certain conditions. Employers usually have the right to monitor work-related devices, work email, internet usage, or location if they are using company-owned gear. However, it's important to be open and honest, obtain consent, and comply with privacy and labor laws in order to avoid potential legal and ethical consequences.