The availability of GPS systems to help drivers find their way is an unmistakable benefit. But what about other uses of GPS systems?
With the increased use of GPS tracking systems, more companies are using this tracking system to monitor the movements of their vehicles. This is being done by trucking companies, public transportation companies and now, increasingly, by car rental companies.
As with any new technology, there are pros and cons that come with the use of the technology. That is the purpose of this article, to review and discuss some of the pros and cons of GPS tracking of rental cars.
The benefits to car rental companies from having GPS tracking capability for rented vehicles are considered very important. This tracking ability allows them to keep track of their vehicle inventory at all times. Renters do not always indicate where they are going, and rented cars can end up far from the rental car station.
Knowing the position of vehicles allows managers of car rental districts real time information on where their cars are located at all times. This can enable them to get the cars returned faster. It also opens the opportunity, to make money while having the cars returned.
People who rent cars can also benefit from GPS tracking, especially in dangerous winter weather. If a car becomes stuck or disabled, GPS software can alert the renting station that a car may be in trouble, in an accident, or abandoned. In certain situations, this ability could save lives.
GPS tracking can also keep track of the true mileage a rental car travels, which could be a good thing for the renter, or could be a good thing for the rental car company. Either way, it is a very efficient method of managing travel distances and the opportunity arises for pro-active action such as sending the customer a text message when they are nearing the maximum mileage before being charged additional fees.
