The Best Fleet Management and Fleet Tacking Software to Use in 2024

An inability to track your firm’s vehicular fleet can lead to inefficiencies, duplicated routes, lost productivity and potentially risky driver behaviors. GPS fleet tracking tackles these challenges by monitoring company assets including vehicles, equipment and drivers. Also known as telematics, GPS fleet tracking systems allow companies to know where their merchandise and equipment are in near-real time, while providing useful data about fleets and driver performance. GPS fleet tracking systems can help you improve driver safety, optimize fleet performance, maintain vehicle health, and comply with laws and regulations.

Although they’re most commonly associated with vehicle tracking, GPS software can also be a vital safety and regulatory tool. Source: Teletrac Navman

Fleet management is how companies manage work vehicles, including monitoring their location, tracking driver behaviors and ensuring regular maintenance. Fleet management software can help reduce fuel costs, manage vehicle routes, ensure driver safety and boost productivity. Fleet management is also important for satisfying regulatory requirements governing the frequency of vehicle inspections, the hours drivers can work before taking a break, and electronic logging devices (ELD) to demonstrate compliance with these rules.

The total cost of a GPS fleet tracking service depends on several factors, including the kind of hardware being installed and the number of individual devices. Costs typically include an upfront charge for each hardware device plus a monthly service fee for the tracking service capabilities. Pricing starts around $100 for one hardware device and $15 to $35 per month for subscriptions. Some plans allow you to rent the hardware for an additional monthly fee.

The average service agreement ranges from 12 to 60 months, though brands like GPS Trackit offer rolling monthly contracts, which will benefit firms that only need GPS fleet tracking for a short time. Some companies also offer free trials or money-back guarantees.

It’s worth noting that companies are gradually firewalling their prices – since we last reviewed this sector, firms including Teletrac Navman and GPS Trackit have deleted pricing from their website, while Verizon Connect followed suit in late 2022. This makes it far harder for a fleet manager to get a handle on pricing, but to some extent, it reflects the variety and complexity of some GPS fleet tracking platforms, which may be used very differently from one client to the next. Still, we were impressed by the up-front device and peripheral pricing provided by Force Fleet Tracking and RAM Tracking.

GPS fleet tracking systems are a combination of tracking hardware and software that collect data and convert it to usable information. For example, they can help to optimize navigation, monitor vehicle health and maintenance, and ensure driver safety and efficiency.

Here is a rundown of some of the many features GPS fleet tracking systems offer.

• Tracking hardware: To collect vehicle and driver data, you need some form of tracking hardware, like ELDs. You can often choose from several device types, depending on what you want to track. Standard trackers include plug-and-play devices, hardwired devices and solar-powered hardware. You can also set up accessories like single, dual or surround-view AI dashcams, temperature monitors, asset trackers, trailer trackers, panic and privacy buttons, and ID card readers. Vehicles with multiple drivers can be monitored using driver-specific key fobs or QR codes.
• Performance and optimization: Most GPS tracking systems track driver behavior and navigation, which can help ensure driver safety and route optimization. You can also track actions like speeding, harsh acceleration or braking, idling and seat belt usage. Managing these types of activities, while simultaneously monitoring fuel performance, helps optimize fleet usage.
• Driver safety: You can track driver behavior through data and video telematics. When a driver engages in risky activities, they can receive an instant warning. Modern AI technology can identify and start recording whenever a driver is distracted, tired or looking away from the road. Dual-facing dashcams monitor both the driver and the road ahead – even at night, thanks to infra-red lighting. Some systems can also monitor and block certain smartphone functions while the phone’s owner is driving (e.g., calling, texting, and app usage). Most systems have some form of driver scorecard, so you can see who your best drivers are, versus people needing additional training. Some systems even offer driver coaching, so you can keep drivers up to date and compliant with the safest driving policies and behaviors.
• Geofencing and mapping: To keep your fleet safe and accountable, GPS tracking systems come with geofencing and mapping features. These allow you to map out the best routes for your drivers and set specific ranges that they should stay within. You can track your fleet in real time and receive notifications if they travel outside their assigned locations.
• Maintenance and vehicle health: Pretty much every GPS fleet tracking system we researched tracks vehicle health and maintenance needs. Common analytics include fuel levels, battery voltages, temperature, RPM, seatbelts, engine fault codes, odometers and service history. In addition to tracking engine diagnostics, the software can send out vehicle maintenance reminders based on mileage or engine hours. These alerts allow you to schedule preventive maintenance to reduce maintenance costs and keep your fleet safe and healthy. Interestingly, several firms we reviewed are owned by tire manufacturers, who offer discounts on their own products when it’s time to replace rubber. Several firms are developing EV battery/range reporting technology, but as of March 2024, only Verizon Connect and Samsara offered the ability to monitor remaining battery charge in EVs.
• Alerts and reporting: Every telematics system has alerts and reporting features which can be customized according to client preferences and requirements. Diagnostic alerts might highlight issues with low battery or fuel levels, engine warning lights, unauthorized usage and (on the likes of NexTraq) temperature fluctuations.

Many businesses are legally required to implement some form of fleet tracking system, but even if you’re not, there are several advantages to doing so. If you are unsure whether a fleet tracking system is right for you, these are some of the advantages of adopting one and rolling it out.

Improves driver safety and performance

One of GPS fleet tracking’s main advantages is improved driver safety and performance. With features such as dashboard cameras and driver ID readers, you can gain insight on your team’s driving practices. Many GPS tracking systems also include driver reports and scorecards that track driving behavior. You can analyze driving metrics to pinpoint who your best drivers are, and who needs additional training. If you notice a driver behaving recklessly, you can address the situation before it ends in disaster, using a variety of light bars, audio alerts and/or voice messages. And if you really want to incentivize employees, Azuga offers the prospect of financial rewards for being among the highest-performing drivers, while Motive only rates drivers in similar vehicle classes and comparable urban/rural environments.

The best GPS fleet tracking platforms give managers real-time insights into driver behaviors. Source: Samsara

Optimizes fleet performance and saves you money

GPS fleet tracking software includes alerts and reporting features that can aid corporate decision-making. By tracking driver performance, route trends, and fuel consumption, you can optimize your fleet’s performance, reduce drivers’ idle time and save money.

Supports preventive maintenance

With GPS fleet management software, you can better anticipate when a vehicle will need maintenance and take action before it breaks down. Proactive maintenance to prevent vehicles from going into disrepair and requiring more costly and time-consuming fixes can help you keep your vehicles on the road and money in your pocket. Fleet management software also supports the creation of a historical record of maintenance activities, so you can easily keep tabs on each vehicle’s maintenance history and easily spot those that are having recurring issues.

Helps you maintain legal compliance

Fleet tracking software helps you comply with legal regulations and ensure your drivers are being safe on the road. Businesses with vehicle fleets must adhere to certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of their drivers. For example, the ELD mandate requires certain companies to install ELDs in their vehicles to track how many miles and hours each driver logs. Fleets must also adhere to hours of service (HOS) regulations, which determine how long a driver can be on the road before a break. GPS fleet tracking systems have features that can help you maintain compliance with such laws and regulations, which not only ensures your fleet’s safety, but can also save you from hefty fines and penalties.

Although many GPS fleet tracking systems seem the same, they often have specific features that can make a world of difference to your fleet. Every fleet is unique, so evaluate your choices carefully to determine the best telematics solution for your business:

1. Determine what you need to track.

The first step in choosing a GPS fleet tracking system is identifying what types of vehicles and assets you need to track, and how many of each type you have. Because you will need different types of tracking hardware based on what you are tracking, this will help you narrow down your viable options. For example, some companies offer very limited selections of tracking accessories, and certain GPS brands require a minimum number of vehicles. Those numbers may be small (three with Samsara), but we prefer brands with no minimum fleet size stipulations (GPS Trackit).

Live mapping tools on all the best GPS fleet tracking platforms give you insights into your fleet’s presence and performance. Source: Verizon Connect.

2. Identify the features you need.

Once you know what you need to track, identify your purpose for tracking them. GPS fleet tracking systems can vary in how comprehensive their features are, so pinpoint which features are your top priority and which are negotiable. Do you need to monitor trailer temperatures and humidity, or identify cut cables?

If driver safety is your top priority, look for a solution that offers AI dashcams, driver scorecards, driver training and coaching, vehicle safety and maintenance alerts, plus geofencing. However, if you are simply looking to track the location of non-powered assets and equipment, less comprehensive options may be better. Firms in specific industries like construction might also appreciate the crossover in platforms including FleetUp and Teletrac Navman, both of which can also track heavy plant machinery and even tools. Similarly, Verizon Connect allows you to overlay their proprietary maps with sewage lines and power grids, among other utilities.

3. Establish a budget.

GPS fleet tracking systems often have hefty upfront costs. You will need to purchase all the hardware upfront and then pay a monthly subscription fee for the software. However, some tracking solutions have tiered plans that vary in features, which can save money if your tracking needs are minimal. After you identify the features you need, you can set a realistic budget and then look for telematics solutions within that budget. In addition to hardware and software costs, budget considerations include contract lengths, vehicle minimums, and free trials. Jobber requires you to subscribe to the second-top package, and only makes financial sense if you have five or more vehicles to track, since you’re paying for five regardless.

4. Research your options.

With so many GPS fleet tracking solutions available, we’ve researched and identified 12 of the best GPS fleet tracking solutions and pinpointed their key features or benefits. In addition to standard features and pricing, research which options will be the easiest for your team to use.

5. Consult representatives from your top choices.

If you’re torn between a few different fleet tracking options, reach out to company representatives to learn more about their services and how they will meet your needs. Ask any remaining questions you might have about (for instance) contract requirements, free trials or scalability. Working with a representative will also offer insights on what it might be like to work with the company and receive customer support. This can vary widely, from east-coast office hours only to 24/7 support. Some companies encourage e-ticketing, whereas others go the extra mile by publishing all-hours customer support numbers. Bafflingly, FleetUp’s chatbot only accepts enquiries between 5am and 2pm Pacific Time.

The two main types of GPS fleet tracking software are active and passive systems.

Passive tracking

Passive tracking systems only check in on a vehicle’s location during certain events, such as when it is first entered into the system, when a driver checks it out and when a driver returns it. Passive systems offer less visibility into where a vehicle is at any given time and how a driver is operating that vehicle. Passive systems may be useful for small fleets or businesses with delivery drivers, but they provide less transparency than is generally needed for larger fleets or long-distance hauls.

Active tracking

Active tracking systems provide real-time or near real-time updates on where a vehicle is and how a driver is operating it. Fleet managers can use active systems to monitor entire fleets and see where their vehicles are at any given moment. Active tracking systems also incorporate alerts and notifications so fleet managers can see things like incident reports or dangerous driving as these events occur. These systems are ideal for large fleets and businesses with drivers traveling long distances who may not be checking a vehicle in and out every day. All of our best picks offer active tracking systems.

If the five platforms above aren’t meeting your GPS fleet tracking needs, there are plenty of other companies offering proprietary software, tracking hardware and useful third-party integrations:

ClearPathGPS

This is an affordable GPS fleet tracking solution with an extensive array of standard and optional features. You can choose from plug-and-play or hardwired tracking devices, as well as dual-powered and solar-powered asset trackers, AI dashcams with driver alerts and in-cab coaching, and many accessories. ClearPathGPS offers essential fleet management features like unlimited automated reports, maintenance and odometer readouts, temperature monitoring, driver behavior tracking (e.g., idling and speeding), virtual timecards, driver IDs, driver scorecards, and real-time alerts. One impressive aspect of ClearPathGPS is how easy we found it to use, with the familiar Google Maps interface supporting features like polygonal geofencing and live traffic overlays. One negative to note is that the Standard plan lacks many of the (desirable) features found in the more expensive Pro package. Read our ClearPathGPS review for more information.

GPS Trackit

GPS Trackit offers a choice of hardwired or plug-and-play devices including three dashcams and other telematics accessories. Smaller firms will appreciate the absence of minimum fleet size requirements and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can access reports on various fleet data and optimize vehicles with insights into maintenance reports, engine diagnostics, service history and costs. There’s access to real-time interactive maps of vehicle locations, live traffic, current weather and street-level views, while it’s even possible to remotely monitor the temperature of heat-sensitive cargo items across three different temperature zones per trailer. If you want to monitor and evaluate your drivers, you can view reports on driver performance metrics like productivity, safety and compliance. We also like the fact AI dashcams are HD quality and have night vision video capabilities. Read our GPS Trackit review for more information.

Force Fleet Tracking (Mojio)

Force is an ideal GPS tracking solution for businesses that want to place an emphasis on driver accountability. This is one of the most affordable GPS fleet tracking solutions we analyzed, costing just $20 per vehicle per month, with a 60-day free trial. Plug-and-play GPS tracking devices are included, which means you can start tracking your drivers almost immediately. You can monitor driver safety reports and standards with RoadScore, and ensure drivers are on their assigned routes by tracking their locations, routes, mileage and start/end times. Safety is further enhanced with a tire check photography app, while 20 per cent discounts on Goodyear tires help to lower fleet maintenance costs. Instant crash alert notifications will be rolled out soon, while it’s already possible to view every trip taken by a particular vehicle over the last 18 months. Read our Force Fleet Tracking review for more information.

FleetUp

This is an ideal GPS fleet tracking solution for companies with a mixture of fleet vehicles and assets. From sedans to semis, from containers to construction site equipment, FleetUp can provide tracking and diagnostic equipment including hardwired, solar-powered and plug-and-play trackers with easy installation. FleetUp offers engine audits and alerts, maintenance schedules and history (including repair tracking), geofencing and driver behavior alerts, safety scorecards and trip analysis. All this is supported by 10-second refresh times, with weighted values giving more priority to harsh driving than high revving, for instance. Managers can receive customizable alert notifications about each incident and email dashcam video footage to drivers for educational purposes, while in-journey progress and live ETAs can be shared with clients via SMS or email.

RAM Tracking

Firms operating on a strict budget should consider RAM Tracking – a lesser name in the industry, yet one that majors on value. The company specializes in working with smaller businesses with three vehicles or more, with an average size fleet of 6.5 and no bias towards firms in particular industries. Available reports include a points-based system highlighting erratic drivers, while route analysis reports help optimize efficiency. There’s a minimum contract length of 12 months, payable in advance or in installments, while a free trial supplies trackers for one or two vehicles over a 30-day period. Dashcams include front and rear external cameras alongside dual-facing hardware, while professional installations are recommended but not essential.

At Business News Daily, our team of small business tech experts have been researching and testing GPS fleet management software for years, comparing some of the leading solutions across more than 20 key metrics. We considered 25 GPS fleet management software platforms and closely reviewed and tested 14 of them before selecting our five best picks above.

Below are the factors we considered when determining our best picks. Each is weighted according to how much the criteria typically influences business owners’ buying decisions.

• Pricing (30%): We considered not just the base cost of the software but also the number of pricing plans, per user fees, and add-on costs to determine which provide the most value per dollar.
  
• Features (25%): We particularly evaluated the hardware included with each plan, how it was installed, and the software platform associated with each system. We took note of refresh rates, alerts and notifications, driver performance tools, maintenance monitoring tools, and intelligent routing capabilities.We also evaluated reporting tools to determine which offered detailed, granular analytics for managing and improving fleet operations.
  
• Usability (20%): We paid close attention to the ease with which the software could be set up, how intuitive we found the navigation and use of key features, and the training and informational resources available to new users. We also considered whether the software offered a responsive mobile app or mobile browser.
• Customer Support (15%): We examined the ease with which customers can contact the team in need of help. We reviewed customer feedback to determine how well the customer service team meets the needs of existing customers.
• Expert Insight (10%): Our product reviews are conducted by software and industry experts who are deeply familiar with GPS fleet management solutions. Given their institutional knowledge of different platforms and firsthand experiences using these programs, we take their judgment into account when determining our best picks.

In addition to scoring each GPS fleet management software we reviewed based on this criteria, we also determined the best use case scenarios for each. No two businesses are exactly alike, so we put ourselves in the shoes of different types of small business owners and identify the best GPS fleet management software for a variety of needs.

To learn more about how we review and test tech products and services for small businesses, read about our editorial process here.