NexTraq GPS Fleet Management Review

Why NexTraq Is Best for Safety Features

Although every GPS fleet tracking system offers basic driver safety features, NexTraq takes its tools to the next level. You can monitor your fleet’s performance with driver scorecards and dashcams, and then improve unsafe behavior with driver training courses. NexTraq also offers features like in-cab alerts when a driver engages in dangerous behavior, and mobile phone blocking while the vehicle is in motion.

NexTraq enables the use of geofences and mapping, which are useful in tracking drivers and their safety behaviors. Source: NexTraq

Drivers are safer when their vehicles are well-maintained and their routes are optimized. NexTraq helps ensure safe and efficient driving with fuel cards, vehicle health reports, and maintenance schedules. You can also keep a close eye on your drivers’ locations and safety with features like fully customizable geofencing using Google Maps, Doppler radar, live traffic and weather updates, and other mapping tools. We also like the fact that drivers can have optimized routes sent to Garmin navigation devices, instead of (or in addition to) the driver-focused NexTraq Connect mobile app. This sort of collaboration with third-party OEMs was uncommon in other GPS fleet management software providers we reviewed.

You can view NexTraq driver safety data on computers, tablets and smartphones. Source: NexTraq

Usability

It’s easy to get started with NexTraq because the company will install the devices for you. The platform is cloud-based, so you can access your fleet data with a computer, tablet or smartphone. NexTraq also offers two separate mobile apps: drivers can use NexTraq Connect, and managers can access NexTraq View. This is unusual within the industry, and we like the differentiation between the two apps, including their different design. The managers’ app supports vehicle allocation and direct communication with staff and vehicle inspection checklists, while the drivers app allows before-and-after image recording, vehicle fault reporting, and automated inspection reports alongside time and attendance data, job information, and scheduling.

NexTraq’s minimum refresh rate of 30 seconds is on par with competitors like Verizon Connect, but falls short of the instantaneous updates offered by Samsara. Still, there is one unique feature that we like: NexTraq allows you to adjust the standard refresh time to different time periods, right up to 15 minutes. We tested many of NexTraq’s competitors, and that’s not a feature we’ve found anywhere else. It’s useful for managers who don’t need to be constantly bombarded with live tracking updates.

You can view live in-cab video footage with dashcams. Source: NexTraq

NexTraq Features

Here are some of the services NexTraq provides:

Driver Safety

NexTraq provides a host of safety features to keep on top of your drivers’ performance. It offers detailed metrics on your fleet’s safety so you can cut down on aggressive driving and save money on fuel consumption. We especially like that you can view driver safety scorecards, which identify risky driving behaviors and improve employee accountability. By tracking driver behavior, you get a better understanding of how your fleet operates. You can also see if you need to prioritize driver safety education and develop strategies to boost your fleet’s performance. In case your drivers do require additional coaching, NexTraq offers an exceptional 44 driver training courses.

NexTraq offers advanced safety features like in-cab buzzers to alert drivers when they engage in poor driving behaviors, which can prevent activities like texting or gaming at the wheel. You can also sign up for MobileBlock, an advanced tool that blocks active drivers from unacceptable cell phone activity. This technology works through a pod that you can mount in company vehicles to coordinate with an app on the driver’s phone, locking the phone’s screen to help keep your drivers focused on the road. However, this phone-blocking technology could be counterproductive for firms whose drivers routinely need to advise customers of estimated arrival times, or for staff where being contactable at all times is a key plank of customer service.

NexTraq MobileBlock blocks drivers from improper mobile phone usage while they’re driving. Source: NexTraq

Alerts and Reporting

We found it easy to access reports through NexTraq’s cloud-based platform and mobile app, with over 40 reports available to view or receive into your inbox. You can schedule reports on your fleet to manage fuel usage better, understand vehicle history, and analyze overall fleet status. We also like that you can set live alerts to receive a text or email when a safety hazard occurs, or when a vehicle needs maintenance based on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). DTC notifications immediately highlight when issues need tending to, and there are more than 30 alerts to choose from. Drivers can also receive in-cab alerts when they engage in unsafe behavior like hard braking, harsh acceleration or aggressive cornering.

The ability to view fleet and vehicle trends on a single screen is a useful part of the Fleet Metrics Dashboard baked into NexTraq. It’s possible to set goals and track them, either by driver or across your fleet, as well as to identify wasteful practices like idle reports and fuel efficiency predictions versus actual usage.

Maintenance and Optimization

NexTraq provides fuel cards that monitor and analyze vehicle fuel consumption. Not every competitor offers this feature, which may help to reduce inefficiencies and prioritize more fuel-efficient driving practices. NexTraq also provides data and insights on how you can optimize your fleet’s routes for efficiency, and when vehicles are ready for maintenance repairs. Keeping drivers in healthy vehicles on optimal routes is a great way to maximize safety. There are 17 configurable service requests, all created and managed through intuitive software wizards, while custom categories can also be created.

You can also keep your drivers and fleet safe and healthy with electronic logging device (ELD) compliance features. With add-ons like NexTraq Vehicle Inspection and NexTraq Elogs, you can keep your vehicles up to code and access reports like hours of service (HOS), driver’s vehicle inspection reports (DVIR) and records of duty status (RODS). You can specify English, French Canadian or Spanish as languages in the NexTraq ELD app, which is a welcome touch.

Geofencing and Mapping

A key aspect of keeping drivers safe is limiting where they can go and informing them about what their route entails. NexTraq lets you do this by setting geofences, powered by Google Maps. You can ensure drivers are in the correct locations by setting up alerts for when they enter and leave geofenced areas.

Managers can use the mapping feature, also powered by Google Maps, to get a real-time view of the driving conditions their team encounters. For example, you can see how heavy or light the traffic is and what the weather is like. If your drivers encounter severe weather or aggressive traffic, you’ll know almost as soon as they do.

Tracking Hardware

NexTraq provides several hardware options for small businesses, including plug-and-play devices, advanced hardware, the aforementioned electronic logging devices, asset and trailer trackers. The latter can be cellular or satellite-powered, with a variety of solar-rechargeable, battery-powered and hardwired options offered. The solar satellite tracker has been tested by the U.S. Department for Defense and claims to offer a decade of battery life, while the solar cellular tracker can work for four months between battery charges.

NexTraq Elogs are hardwired to your system for ELD compliance. Source: NexTraq

The latest generation of dual-facing dashcams are HD quality with wide-angle lenses and infra-red lights for recording in the darkness, with over 30 different real-time incident alerts sent via email alongside video clips and GPS location data. NexTraq devices are tamper-proof and provide minute-to-minute tracking. You can also enhance your fleet management system with features like driver ID sensors, power take-off sensors, temperature sensors, and pick-up and drop-off sensors.

Job Scheduling

The NexTraq Job Schedule Board is a welcome administrative tool. It allows admins and fleet managers to edit and create jobs in a dedicated scheduling calendar, as well as view assigned jobs with drag-and-drop scheduling for drivers. Employee availability and job status changes are updated in real time, with results fed to either the driver’s NexTraq app or Garmin hardware. The single-screen interface is straightforward and intuitive, which adds an extra layer of granular oversight to the usual mapping and tracking functionality.

NexTraq also offers automatic driver assignment, which is ideal for vehicles routinely shared between drivers. A dedicated key fob identifies the driver taking a particular vehicle out, simplifying dispatch and behavior tracking.

Fleet managers can view a wealth of reports and alerts. Source: NexTraq

NexTraq Cost

Like many telematics companies, NexTraq doesn’t list its pricing information online. If you want to find out how much NexTraq’s services will cost for your business, you’ll need to speak with its sales team for a custom quote. NexTraq requires a contract period between 12 and 36 months, which is less competitive than the rolling monthly contracts offered by GPS Trackit. On the upside, NexTraq offers free hardware installation with any purchase, which is something many competitors charge for.

Users looking for additional safety features can opt into NexTraq’s Driver Safety package, which includes driver’s vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs), in-cab buzzers and dashcams. We were told that a three-year plan would cost roughly $39.95 for outward-facing cameras or $42.95 for dual-facing cameras. These prices are merely estimates based on our criteria, so contact a representative for a specific quote.

NexTraq Setup

You can choose between plug-and-play and hardwired devices; your installation time depends on which type is selected. However, NexTraq simplifies the setup process by offering free hardware installation with every purchase, which other companies typically charge for. Having a professional install your devices not only makes the installation process easier, but also ensures each device is installed correctly and securely so it can accurately record driver safety data.

NexTraq Customer Service

We found NexTraq’s library of online resources to be valuable. It offers case studies, white papers, FAQs, blogs and a savings calculator. If you need more personalized assistance, you can reach customer support by phone, email, webchat and ticketing. They’re available Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST, and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., which is less comprehensive than the 24/7 support offered by many competitors. On the plus side, the customer service number is prominently displayed on the website, rather than being buried alive as it is on one or two competitor platforms.

To get a feel for NexTraq’s customer support, we posed as fleet managers and reached out to its representatives. Their answers were thorough and helpful, but their online response took a little longer than we would have liked. Based on this experience, we recommend that you schedule a demo or call for immediate assistance. It’s also worth noting that as of April 2023, NexTraq is accredited with the BBB and holds an A+ rating.

NexTraq Drawbacks

Although NexTraq offers customer support in various ways, you may find its online support lacking. When we reached out to representatives, posing as fleet managers, we were disappointed that their online response was slightly delayed. We were ultimately pleased with the content and thoughtfulness of their answers, but the delayed response leads us to believe that users would be better supported by scheduling a live demo or calling. This is something to consider if you need a GPS tracking solution with instant online support. If customer support is your top priority, read our review of Azuga.

Another potential drawback to note is that NexTraq doesn’t list its pricing online. Instead, it offers custom quotes for custom fleet management plans. Although this is common in the industry, it can be a problem for businesses that need an immediate online cost estimate for fleet services. If you need a GPS fleet tracking service with preset plans and online pricing, check out our Force by Mojio review. 

Methodology

Finding a GPS fleet tracking system can be a challenge. That’s why we did some of the heavy lifting for you. We spent countless hours researching and analyzing GPS fleet tracking systems to identify the top solutions on the market. We looked at hardware, features, pricing and contracts, usability, refresh times, and customer support. When possible, we even got hands-on experience with demos and product videos. As we searched for the best GPS fleet tracking system for safety, we focused on features like driver scorecards, driver safety alerts, vehicle health alerts, dashcams, and driver training. The latter is an area NexTraq excels in, with a focus on driver safety that will be welcomed by many fleet managers.

Overall Value

We recommend NexTraq for …

• Businesses that want to improve and maintain driver safety.
• Firms that need to maintain ELD and DVIR compliance.
• Companies looking to optimize their fleet performance.

We don’t recommend NexTraq for …

• Managers looking for transparent online pricing.
• Companies that need quick customer support available around the clock.