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Real-Time GPS Tracking

What is Real-Time GPS Tracking?

Real-time GPS tracking displays the current location of trucks hauling your freight using position data from integrated ELD (Electronic Logging Device) systems. When a driver is assigned to an order and their ELD is connected to TMS.ai, the truck's location automatically updates every 15 minutes and appears on a map view within the order. You see where the truck is right now, when the location was last reported, and how far it is from the next stop without calling the driver or manually checking the ELD provider's platform.

This visibility transforms how dispatch manages in-transit freight. Instead of wondering "where's that truck?" and making check calls, your team opens the order and sees the answer immediately. You know if a driver is making good progress, stopped for a break, or encountering delays that might affect delivery timing. That information helps you make better decisions about customer communications, appointment scheduling, and planning for the next load.

How Real-Time GPS Tracking works:

  1. Connect your ELD provider to TMS.ai. Navigate to Settings > Integrations > ELDs and select your ELD provider (Motive, Samsara, Geotab, etc.). Follow the authentication flow to link your ELD account with TMS.ai. This establishes the data connection that feeds truck locations into your orders.
  2. Ensure trucks and drivers are properly mapped. TMS.ai matches ELD vehicles to trucks in your asset database using VIN numbers. When you assign a driver to an order, the system links that driver's current ELD device to the shipment. Verify that your assets have VIN numbers entered and drivers are set up in both TMS.ai and your ELD system.
  3. Open an order with an assigned driver. Navigate to any order where you've assigned a driver whose truck has an active ELD connection. The order view displays a map section showing the route from current location to the next stop.
  4. View current truck position on the map. The map shows a truck icon at the driver's last reported location. The "Last Known Location" field displays the timestamp of when that position was recorded (e.g., "Updated 8 minutes ago at 2:47 PM").
  5. See location updates automatically. As the driver moves, the ELD reports new positions to TMS.ai approximately every 15 minutes. The map updates automatically without refreshing the page. If you keep an order open, you'll see the truck icon progress along the route in near real-time.
  6. Check the full location history. Below the map, a location history log shows previous position updates with timestamps and addresses. This lets you see when the driver stopped for fuel, how long they were at the pickup location, and track their progression through the day.
  7. Reference location data for customer updates. When a customer calls asking for status, you see the truck's current location and can provide specific information: "The driver is currently near Springfield on I-44, about 90 miles from your facility, making good progress toward your 4 PM delivery window."
  8. Use location data for exception management. If you notice a truck hasn't moved in several hours during expected transit time, you can proactively contact the driver to check for issues. If a truck appears to be heading the wrong direction, you can intervene before the driver gets far off route.

What it means for you:

Check calls disappear from your operation. Dispatchers don't interrupt drivers every two hours asking "where are you?" because they can see it on the map. Drivers focus on driving safely instead of answering phone calls. Your dispatch team manages more trucks with less communication overhead because the information they need flows automatically from ELDs through TMS.ai to the order view.

Customer service improves because your team has real answers to tracking questions. When a customer calls asking about their delivery, your CSR looks at the map and provides a specific, accurate update in seconds. You sound professional and in control of your operation because you know exactly where freight is at any moment. That transparency builds trust and differentiates you from carriers who can only say "let me call the driver and get back to you."