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The installation of GPS tracking devices on your trucks or service fleet vehicles may not be received very well by your employees. Sure, you're taking action to save money, but drivers could see the change as nothing more than making their job more difficult while they are being babysat.

After all, you are taking away some of their freedom with the ability to use your GPS truck tracking system to locate them whenever you'd like in real time.

So, how should you break the news to them?

Human resources professionals say you should tell your workers before you install a GPS truck tracking system. They note that people dislike being watched, but they really don't like being secretly watched.

A smart approach is to tell drivers why you are investing in a GPS truck tracking system and offer them incentives for excellent performance.

Here are five tips to alleviate driver resistance to using a GPS tracking system.

1. Publicly announce that you are installing the units
In groups and individually, explain why the GPS truck tracking system is being installed (to increase driver safety, resolve customer disputes, etc.) and what it will track (speed, idle time, etc.). Follow-up with detailed e-mails and information posted on your company's website.

2. Focus on benefits
Tell employees that GPS truck tracking protects them (by saving vital time and location information) if they are involved in an accident, proves them right regarding attendance issues, increases driver safety by keeping overall speeds down and increases profits with better routing and dispatching.

3. Offer clear-cut incentives
This is the most important part. Put together an incentive plan to reward good drivers for following your new objectives and reaching goals regarding daily fuel use, safe driving and idle time. Drivers should be aware that the more money they save (or make) your company, the more they will too. Give drivers straightforward bonus terms they can shoot for. Have a contest where the driver that reduces their overall fuel usage the most gets a gift certificate or other reward.

4. Be upfront about privacy issues
As already stated, people don't like "Big Brother" watching them. Tell your drivers exactly how much your GPS truck tracking system will be "watching." Equally as important, assure drivers that occasional, minor infractions will not be penalized.

5. Write a formal policy
Compose a formal policy about your GPS truck tracking system, new employee expectations and incentive opportunities. Have your employees sign and date a copy and include it in your employee handbook. This way, everyone stays (or at least says they are on) the same page.

Make sure your drivers know that your decision to use GPS truck tracking will help and benefit them as well as your company.

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