STATE-of-the-art satellite tracking technology will revolutionise the service TLS can offer to fleets next year. The van and truck rental firm is already trialling a system which can record mileage, speed, location and journeys using global satellite positioning technology and GSM mobile communication links.

Each unit, supplied by Leeds-based Minorplanet, can provide vital information about vehicle mileage to ensure they are disposed of at the correct age to obtain the best used values or avoid excess mileage penalties from manufacturers. It can also offer a stolen vehicle tracking system to combat theft of fleet cars. Already, sister company GE Capital Fleet Services, owned by TLS's parent GE Capital, has adopted the service throughout its fleet. The Fleet Command system won Innovation Of The Year at the 2000 Fleet News Awards.

TLS chief executive Tim Minett said: 'We have the system on trial and provided it to customers. It helps them keep track of their fleets while it helps us with fleet management and positioning data.' An IT link is being developed to effectively manage the vast quantities of data provided by the Minorplanet system and it will then be fitted to thousands of TLS vehicles next year. It will also provide an important step towards raising customer satisfaction by providing up-to-date reports on whether vehicles were delivered on time and collected promptly and improve accuracy of account details.