GPS Tracking for Rideshare Drivers: Protect Yourself & Your Earnings

The technology that powers popular rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft is pretty amazing. A combination of clever software development and modern tracking technologies created an entirely new ecosystem, and it seems everyone benefits. People quickly get a ride with a few taps. Drivers earn money on their own schedule and rideshare companies profit.
However, the system is not perfect and drivers can do more to protect themselves. While tracking technologies like telematics and GPS are already essential components of ridesharing, investing in your own GPS tracking solution is one of the best things you can do as a driver. From improved routes to tax breaks, here’s why GPS tracking for rideshare drivers can help you protect yourself — and your earnings.

Why GPS Tracking is Essential for Rideshare Drivers

GPS tracking for Uber drivers and other rideshare freelancers offers myriad benefits for your safety, efficiency, and financial success. Here are the top reasons why GPS tracking is essential for rideshare drivers:

Enhanced Personal Safety

It’s well-known that the Uber and Lyft apps use GPS tracking to link drivers and people who request a ride. The apps use GPS to find available drivers near the requester. Tracking continues for the duration of the ride so that the rideshare companies know the driver’s location at all times. So, why is personal GPS tracking necessary for rideshare drivers?
Personal safety is the main reason. Drivers typically run the rideshare apps on their mobile phones, which are subject to the vagaries of cellular networks. If the phone goes offline, GPS tracking is momentarily interrupted. A personal GPS device provides real-time time tracking, so family and friends are always aware of your location. In case of an emergency, a GPS tracker provides accurate real-time location data. Some trackers even offer a “panic button” feature that can alert authorities or designated contacts when needed.

Resolution of Route and Fare Disputes

Route and fair disputes with customers or rideshare companies are an all too common problem for rideshare drivers. But with your own personal GPS device, you can easily resolve these issues by presenting irrefutable evidence in the form of tracking data. GPS trackers can provide detailed trip logs for a clear record of the route taken, the distance traveled, and the duration of the trip.

Optimized Routes for Increased Earnings

Even though rideshare apps collect a ton of data about drivers’ routes, it typically belongs to the rideshare company. With your own GPS tracker, you can use this historical data to identify potential route improvements. Optimized routes increase efficiency, which means you can complete more trips per day and increase your earnings.

Protection of Earnings and Accurate Trip Records

Accurate and detailed trip records also allow you to verify that you are fairly compensated. The trip logs generated by GPS tracking systems include critical data such as the start and end time of each trip, distance traveled, and route taken. Analyzing these records is an excellent way to ensure the accuracy of fares charged by rideshare apps.

How Uber Uses Telematics and GPS Tracking

To see the value of GPS tracking and the information it generates, you only have to look at how the rideshare companies use it. Uber also collects telematics to capture vehicle data — speed, braking patterns, and the like — to obtain a comprehensive picture of driver performance. Here are just a few of the things Uber does with telematics and GPS tracking:

Real-Time Vehicle Tracking

The Uber app uses your smartphone’s GPS features to continuously monitor the location of its drivers in real-time. With this data, Uber can efficiently track driver availability and dispatch drivers to waiting customers. Uber’s system also uses GPS tracking data to ensure drivers follow optimal routes, both to the customer’s pickup location and the ultimate destination.

Tracking Mileage and Expenses

GPS tracking helps ensure drivers accurately record their mileage and time spent behind the wheel. The highly accurate data ensures precise billing. Uber might use past trip logs to suggest faster routes, lowering the risk of traffic congestion and reducing fuel expenses.

Accident Verification and Incident Reporting

GPS and telematics provide critical evidence in the event of an accident or dispute. Uber can effectively reconstruct the events leading up to the incident by analyzing the vehicle’s speed, braking, and acceleration. In these cases, tracking information can be used to verify a driver’s account, refute false reports, or support insurance claims.
Looking at how Uber collects and uses telematics and GPS information, it’s easy to see why you need tracking data that you own and control. For example, for every 1,000 work miles you drive, you’re eligible for a $545 tax dedication. Do you want to depend on Uber or Lyft to ensure you’re getting the maximum deduction? With your GPS tracking device, you can access all the records and documentation you need.

Choosing the Best GPS Tracking Device for Rideshare Drivers

As you consider GPS tracking devices for your rideshare driving, it’s important to look for the features that will benefit you most. Here are the key features to look for in a GPS tracking device for rideshare drivers:

Real-Time Tracking

With real-time tracking, family and friends can monitor your vehicle’s location, giving you extra peace of mind in case of troubles on the road. Trip logs are more accurate with real-time tracking, which is important for tracking mileage and other data. LandAirSea offers real-time tracking as a standard feature on all of our GPS trackers.

Route History

The ability to review past trips, routes taken, distance traveled, and trip duration is invaluable for dispute resolution, route optimization, and tracking mileage for tax purposes. LandAirSea trackers provide detailed route history for a year, allowing you to analyze your driving patterns and identify areas for improvement.

Panic Button

Some trackers offer a panic button allowing you to quickly alert authorities or designated contacts in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GPS Tracking Legal for Rideshare Drivers?

The terms of service for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft require drivers and customers to consent to GPS tracking. Although the laws of each state vary, GPS tracking is generally allowed by law as long as all parties are aware of it and provide consent.

Does GPS Tracking Drain My Vehicle’s Battery?

Most GPS trackers have their own battery or connect to the car’s electrical system. Your vehicle’s alternator provides electrical power to several devices and features while simultaneously recharging the battery, so a GPS tracker that uses the vehicle’s electrical system will have little impact on the battery.

How Much Does a GPS Tracker Cost?

The price of GPS trackers varies, based on features, size, and other factors. Most trackers meant for personal use are very affordable these days. However, you should also consider any recurring subscription fees and potential tax deductions to arrive at a true cost of ownership.

Secure Your Rides and Earnings Today With LandAirSea

Working as a rideshare driver is a lucrative opportunity, with the added bonus of controlling your own schedule. Ridesharing giants like Uber and Lyft have refined their apps and processes over the years, making it easy to drive as a side hustle or a full-time gig. But there’s just one more thing to do. The last step to take is to invest in a reliable GPS tracker to take control of your personal safety and protect your earnings.
LandAirSea GPS trackers offer all the critical features a rideshare driver needs, like real-time tracking and route history. For increased security and peace of mind, explore the lineup of LandAirSea GPS trackers today.

There are a lot of options when exploring GPS trackers for rideshare drivers. If you ever feel uncertain, reach out to LandAirSea for expert advice.