For the modern trucking company, GPS provides a steady stream of information.

From optimizing routes to ensuring driver safety, today’s fleet managers can make data-driven decisions in real time.

However, for fleets that traverse the nation's most remote corridors, the reliability of their GPS systems can be put to the test.

Weak or inconsistent GPS signals in these far-flung areas are a regular operational hurdle.

When the signals drop, dispatchers and fleet managers are suddenly left in the dark.

These problems couldn’t come at a worse time. Industry mandates such as the electronic logging device (ELD) rule and hours of service (HOS) regulations depend on accurate location data to ensure compliance.

So, lapses in your GPS logs can lead to costly fines.

On top of that, fleet managers don’t like losing track of their valuable cargo.

While remote locations are notorious for being dead zones in reception, there are things you can do to maximize signal strength. 

Here’s how to overcome GPS signal challenges in remote trucking routes.

Why Remote Routes Pose GPS Signal Challenges

Remote areas tend to have natural and infrastructural obstacles that can weaken or block the radio waves transmitted by GPS satellites.

First, there are the geographic obstructions, like towering mountain ranges and deep valleys.

A truck navigating a winding mountain pass may find itself in a "GPS shadow," where the terrain itself physically blocks satellite signals.

A GPS receiver needs to connect to at least four satellites to determine its position accurately. Mountains often reduce the number of visible satellites.

Then there is weather-related interference.

While GPS signals are designed to penetrate cloud cover, the weather conditions often found in remote areas still routinely cause problems. 

For example, heavy snowfall and torrential rain can attenuate GPS signals, reducing their strength and making it difficult for the receiver to lock on.

In colder climates, the accumulation of snow and ice on a GPS antenna itself can also act as a physical barrier to signal reception.

Finally, remote and sparsely populated areas often lack the infrastructure necessary to support modern GPS technology.

Many modern tracking systems in vehicles today use Assisted GPS (A-GPS), which relies on cellular networks to obtain a faster initial location fix.

Along isolated highways where cell towers are few and far between, this assistance is unavailable. Instead, the GPS unit must rely solely on the weaker satellite signals. 

The result is longer acquisition times and a higher likelihood of signal dropouts.

GPS Signal Limitations in Remote Areas

Sometimes, GPS signals are unreliable in remote areas because of inherent limitations in the technology.

For example, GPS satellites are designed to provide global coverage, but their distribution in the sky at any given moment may not be uniform.

There can be times when the satellites are clustered together in one part of the sky from the receiver's perspective, or when some are positioned very low on the horizon.

Either situation makes it difficult for a receiver to get a precise location lock, even in ideal conditions.

In remote areas, where parts of the sky might already be obscured, this is a more frequent problem. 

If the local terrain features large physical objects, such as mountains or hills, the GPS shadow problem mentioned above can exacerbate signal issues.

Common atmospheric conditions also cause signal problems.

Solar flares, for example, are known to be a major cause of signal disruption. 

When combined with other problems found along remote routes, these and other natural phenomena create significant challenges for maintaining consistent and reliable connections to the GPS satellites.

Common GPS Issues in Long-Haul Trucking

When a truck's GPS signal begins to falter, it can have a domino effect of consequences.

Common issues include:

• Delayed location updates: If a GPS tracking device can’t transmit its location data back to the home office in real time, the result is a lag between the truck's actual position and where it appears on the fleet manager's map.

• GPS drift (inaccurate positioning): A weak or distorted signal often leads to GPS drift. This happens when the truck “jumps” from one location to another on the map. This inaccuracy is a common cause of routing errors.

• Complete loss of connectivity: Remote routes often feature dead zones, causing the truck to effectively vanish from the map. This is a significant problem for driver security and cargo safety.

• Failure of automated tracking systems: Modern trucking systems rely on ELDs and GPS data to accurately record a driver’s HOS. In low-signal areas, the ELD may fail to capture location data. This results in incomplete or inaccurate logs and potential compliance violations.

Strategies to Overcome GPS Signal Loss in Remote Trucking

As you’ve seen so far, remote trucking routes are susceptible to GPS signal loss. However, these problems are not insurmountable.

Follow these tips to overcome the most common issues:

Use Multi-Constellation GPS Receivers

You don’t have to solely rely on the US-operated GPS satellites.

Modern tracking devices can simultaneously connect to multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as Russia's GLONASS, Europe's Galileo, and China's BeiDou.

By accessing a larger pool of satellites from different constellations, the receiver has a much higher chance of maintaining a line of sight with the required number of satellites — even in deep valleys or mountainous terrain.

Implement Hybrid GPS and Cellular Tracking Solutions

Today’s best tracking systems use both the GPS satellites and cellular connectivity.

When a strong GPS signal is available, the device uses it to pinpoint location accuracy. 

If the GPS signal weakens or is lost, the device automatically switches to cellular triangulation to estimate the truck's position.

While cellular-based locations are typically less precise than GPS, the hybrid approach helps ensure continuous monitoring.

Leverage High-Gain Antennas for Stronger GPS Reception

The standard antenna on a GPS device may not be powerful enough to capture weak signals in remote locations.

Equipping trucks with high-gain external antennas can make a noticeable difference.

This type of antenna is highly sensitive, which allows it to lock onto weaker satellite signals that a standard antenna might miss.

For optimal performance, external antennas should be installed on the roof of the cab with a clear, 360-degree view of the sky.

Ensure that they are placed away from other antennas and equipment that could cause interference or block the signal.

Use Offline Navigation and Route Planning

Losing a GPS signal shouldn't mean losing the route.

Modern navigation systems offer offline functionality as a backup for remote travel.

For example, before a driver departs, they can pre-load detailed maps containing their entire route plan.

If the live GPS signal drops, the tracker can continue to provide turn-by-turn directions using the stored data and the vehicle's last known position.

This strategy ensures that drivers can navigate with confidence even through known dead zones.

Deploy Real-Time GPS Interference Alerts

Sometimes, signal loss is caused by old-fashioned radio interference.

Today’s advanced tracking systems can identify anomalies in the GPS signal that suggest jamming or interference.

When this occurs, an alert is sent to the dispatcher, who can then contact the driver to verify their status and, if necessary, reroute them.

Best Practices for Maintaining Reliable GPS Tracking

Technology and its implementation can solve many signal challenges, but that’s only half the solution.

Adopt these smart operational practices to maintain reliable GPS tracking:

• Driver education: Train drivers to recognize the signs of GPS signal loss. Additionally, provide them with clear procedures on when and where to use offline maps or switch to emergency communication methods.

• Optimize GPS device placement: Ensure that an in-cab GPS tracking unit is installed in a location that maximizes its view of the sky and minimizes interference from nearby electronics.

• Regularly update software and firmware: Most GPS providers regularly update their software and device firmware. Apply these updates as they become available. They often include improved algorithms for calculating position in challenging terrain and integrating with the latest satellite and cellular networks.

Why LandAirSea GPS Tracking Solutions Are Ideal for Remote Trucking

Overcoming the challenges of remote routes requires a technologically superior GPS device.

For trucking companies investing in technology, it makes sense to buy from a trusted vendor whose technology is known for its operational continuity and emphasis on driver safety.

LandAirSea is that vendor, as our tracking solutions specifically overcome signal disruptions for constant, reliable monitoring.

Our flagship trackers, like the LandAirSea Overdrive, are equipped with powerful, extended-life batteries that can last for weeks or even months on a single charge.

That means the Overdrive is optimized for long hauls, as it minimizes the risk of power loss in a dead zone.

Beyond industry-leading battery performance, LandAirSea devices feature automatic signal recovery and failover.

Our devices don't simply give up when a GPS signal is lost. They are engineered to automatically seek out and use cellular network triangulation as a fallback.

Plus, LandAirSea trackers are built with cutting-edge components capable of capturing even faint GPS signals.

Defeat GPS Signal Loss With LandAirSea

When fleet managers and business owners choose LandAirSea, they’re investing in proven technology that can overcome GPS signal loss.

When your fleet travels the country's remote routes, LandAirSea is there with the unrivaled reliability you need to protect your drivers, cargo, and bottom line.

To learn more, browse the LandAirSea product catalog today.