Limo One’s Investment in LiveViewGPS Vehicle Trackers Pays Big Dividends

The problem

Limo drivers get paid to wait.

Sure, they chauffeur you to weddings, proms, concerts and the like. But then they spend hours waiting for the event to end before taking you to the next stop.

If it’s a large event they may talk with fellow drivers. If it’s hot they may simply sit in the limo enjoying the air conditioning. Many read. Others listen to music. Or snooze. Who knows, perhaps they run home for a while or go to a movie?

The fact is, when you’ve got lots of drivers out, there’s no way you can keep tabs on all of them.

That is just one of the challenges faced by companies like Limo One.

Headquartered in Hanford, California, Limo One services the central valley area with a fleet of stretch limos that include Escalades, Hummers, Lincoln Town Cars and feature amenities like HDTVs and outstanding stereo systems.

The company’s excursion/party buses, whose motto is “Don’t go to the club, let the club come to you,” include TVs, stereo system, satellite equipment, lighted floor, tons of ceiling lights, laser light shows and even a dance pole.

“We do lots of weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, proms, quinceañeras and concerts,” says Jose Cabrera, president of Limo One. “And our buses are used for going to sporting events or excursions or simply fun times.

“One of our biggest challenges is idling time. When we go to events about half the limos are idling for hours, which unnecessarily wastes a lot of fuel.”

Some estimates indicate just one vehicle idling an hour a day can cost $1,440 a year based on $4.00 a gallon. Multiply that by a fleet of vehicles and the costs become staggering.

The LiveViewGPS solution

“We wanted to better control the situation,” Cabrera continues, “so I investigated GPS vehicle tracking systems. Previously I’d worked at a company that used a GPS vehicle tracking system that updated every 10 minutes. It was so bad we’d lose track of vehicles for hours. So after looking at several systems and discovering LiveViewGPS vehicle trackers update in 5 to 10 seconds, I was amazed. I ordered a Live Trac G-5 Vehicle Tracker and was so pleased, I ordered five more.”

The best-selling Live Trac G-5 Vehicle Tracker is small and compact, with a state-of-the-art GPS chipset and integrated internal antenna. Its internal battery backup normally lasts for two days between charges.

What makes LiveViewGPS different from other companies is its new Live Trac Platform. This next-generation, real-time vehicle tracking system features 1-, 5- and 10-second vehicle tracking on highly sensitive GPS receivers that work in environments where other GPS units fail.

The Live Trac GPS Platform, with reliable 99.9 percent server uptime, requires no software to install. System updates are free, and live support is built into the platform. Users log on via their web-enabled computer or mobile device and, once connected, can track multiple vehicles in real time on a high-resolution satellite map, set geofencing or zones, find addresses, see aerial or road map views and view historical data up to 90 days. A personal dashboard allows users to set and manage mapping, reporting and alert features to meet business or personal needs.

The benefits

“As it turns out, buying the Live Trac vehicle tracking system wasn’t an expense; it’s been an investment,” Cabrera states. “It’s actually making me money, especially when it comes to fuel savings and maintenance.

“The system automatically generates reports like stops/starts, speed, routes, vehicle maintenance and more, along with a ‘vapor trail’ that shows every stop and turn during the day.

“Because our drivers know we’re watching, they’re more cautious. They no longer idle while waiting for customers to return. They don’t speed, which means they’ve had no speeding tickets and no accidents, which helps keep insurance costs down. Because our drivers don’t drive aggressively, our vehicles last longer, and that cuts down on maintenance costs.”

Limo One’s customers benefit too. They hate when a driver is late, whether it’s coming to pick them up or arriving at a special event. With the Live Trac GPS vehicle tracking system management can go online to view traffic patterns and accidents, warning drivers of problems up ahead and suggesting alternate routes.

“Yes, we’ve one or two customers who’ve complain our driver was late or took a wrong route in the hope they might get some kind of refund,” Cabrera admits. “We simply show them the documented vapor trail showing we did everything right and the dispute disappears. Our drivers appreciate the backup.”

What about LiveViewGPS customer service?

“I think I’ve only called their customer service department once or twice,” Cabrera explains. “The Live Trac GPS vehicle tracking system is really easy to operate and works flawlessly, so there’s rarely a need to call. The few times I did, they solved my problems right over the phone. They’re great to work with.

“Listen, I could go on all day about LiveViewGPS. I tell other owners about the company, but they complain they don’t want to spend the money. I just look at them. It’s not an expenditure, I tell them, it’s an investment. The Live Trac GPS system actually makes me money. They don’t believe me, of course. But it’s true.”