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Updated Oct 16, 2024

The Best Fleet Management Services of 2024

Save on fuel costs, improve driver safety and track your fleet with GPS fleet management services from Verizon, Samsara and more.

Mark Fairlie
Written By: Mark FairlieSenior Analyst & Expert on Business Ownership
Verified CheckEditor Verified:
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Editor Verified
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A business.com editor verified this analysis to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy, expertise and integrity.
Chad Brooks
Managing Editor & Expert on Business Ownership
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

Businesses that employ a fleet of vehicles need to keep tabs on them to ensure routes are completed in a timely manner, drivers are engaging in safe behaviors, preventive maintenance is performed as needed and that their expensive vehicles are all accounted for. That’s where fleet management software comes in. The best GPS fleet management services offer easy-to-use software, hardware that’s simple to install, and valuable tracking, driver safety and fuel performance features. To help you find the best GPS fleet tracking systems for your business, we scrutinized the top options on the market to determine their ease of use, price and safety features before arriving at our best picks.

Sponsored Partners
Motive
Best for Driver Accountability
Motive logo
Visit Site
Links to Motive
  • Contact for price
  • 1-3 second refresh rate
  • 24/7 email and telephone
Verizon Connect
Best for Midsize Fleets
Image related to the service.
Visit Site
Links to Verizon Connect
  • Starts at $20 per vehicle/month
  • 30-second data refresh rate
  • 24/7 support (email, phone, ticket)
Azuga
Best for Ease of Use
Image related to the service.
Visit Site
Links to Azuga
  • Starts at $25 per month/vehicle
  • 2-min refresh rate (15 sec option)
  • 24/7 support (email, phone, ticket)
Samsara
Best for Sustainability
Image related to the service.
Visit Site
Links to Samsara
  • From $44 per vehicle per month
  • 1-second data refresh rate
  • 24/7 (mainly live chat and ticketing)
Teletrac Navman
Best for Easy Vehicle Maintenance
Image related to the service.
  • From $25 per vehicle/month
  • 1-second data refresh rate
  • 24/7 support (email, phone, ticket)
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Table of Contents

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At business.com, our team of technology experts has analyzed hundreds of tools and services designed to improve essential business operations, from POS systems to GPS fleet management services to remote PC access software, and we use these experiences to provide business owners with actionable guides and industry insights. Every playbook and explainer is infused with advice from real IT consultants, implementation experts, security specialists, software developers and more.

Our rigorous product review process involves in-depth industry research, vendor interviews, hands-on testing and service comparisons. Each analysis — whether for a business phone system, CRM platform, call center software or website builder — is independently verified by a business.com editor to ensure our recommendations are free of bias and errors. Learn more about our editorial process.

Tip Bulb

How We Decided

When choosing the best fleet management services, we considered the quality of both hardware (such as GPS tracking devices and dashcams) and software (fleet management dashboards). We tested each solution to see how it facilitated reduced fuel costs, encouraged...

MoreMore

When choosing the best fleet management services, we considered the quality of both hardware (such as GPS tracking devices and dashcams) and software (fleet management dashboards). We tested each solution to see how it facilitated reduced fuel costs, encouraged driver safety and allowed fleet managers to track drivers and assets. Our ratings also took into account contact lengths, caps on fleet size, monthly pricing and the availability of free trials.

25

evaluated

14

researched

6

chosen

When choosing the best fleet management services, we considered the quality of both hardware (such as GPS tracking devices and dashcams) and software (fleet management dashboards). We tested each solution to see how it facilitated reduced fuel costs, encouraged driver safety and allowed fleet managers to track drivers and assets. Our ratings also took into account contact lengths, caps on fleet size, monthly pricing and the availability of free trials.

25

evaluated

14

researched

6

chosen

Compare Our Best Picks

BDC Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
Verizon Connect
Samsara
Teletrac Navman
Jobber
Rating (Out of 10)9.39.29.09.08.38.5
Use case

Driver accountability

Midsize fleets

Ease of use

Sustainability

Vehicle maintenance

Home services business

Contract length

12 months

36 months

36 months

36 months

12 months

30-day rolling

Pricing

Custom

from $20 pm

$25pm for GPS, $50 for GPS + basic camera, $60 for GPS plus AI camera

Hardware + 3 years’ service: $1,584 – $2,160 per vehicle for SMBs, customer for enterprise

from $25 per month

$49 per month 1 user, $129 per month up to 5 users, $249 per month up to 15 users.

Free/paid trial

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Refresh rates

1-3 seconds

30 seconds

30 seconds – 2 minutes (15 seconds costs extra)

1 second

Variable

Not disclosed

Hardware type

Plug and play

Plug and play, hard-wired

Plug and play

Plug and play, hard-wired

Plug and play, hard-wired

Plug and play

Third-party apps

150

48

48

Around 200

25

24

Review Link
Scroll Table

Our Reviews

Motive logo
Editor's Rating: 9.3/10
Visit Site
Links to Motive

Driver and road safety are central to Motive. We were impressed by how the platform’s smart dash cams film both the road and the driver in-cab and start recording automatically when they detect high-risk behaviors. Unique to Motive, is that the company employs hundreds of staff who review and make notes on incident footage prior to upload to fleet managers’ dashboards. The software also scores driver safety and behavior, taking into account weather and traffic conditions to deliver fair assessments. There’s a lot more to Motive than driver safety, though. The platform offers a range of detailed reports on compliance, fuel use and vehicle maintenance. Fleet managers can also manage fuel cards via the platform, establish individual vehicle maintenance schedules and more efficiently route drivers taking into account factors like vehicle and driver HoS stipulations.

Motive driver incident video

As well as managers, drivers can see their own rating and receive video of incidents they have been involved in on the mobile app. (Source: Motive)

Motive doesn’t publish its pricing on its website however our research into the platform suggests that the electronic logging device in each vehicle costs $150 and GPS tracking costs $25 per ELD per month.

There are three service plans:

  • Starter: Primarily for companies seeking basic ELD coverage.
  • Pro: Offers Wi-Fi availability and International Fuel Tax Agreement reporting.
  • Enterprise: Provides more advanced features for larger vehicle fleets.

Service contracts are for a minimum of 12 months. Motive currently does not offer a free trial, but it does offer a free system demo.

  • Driver scoring systems on other platforms don’t take into account factors like weather and traffic conditions, making assessments on Motive fairer and more reliable.
  • Motive employees review all incident footage prior to sending it to a manager’s dashboard to check that an incident was not a false positive and to provide additional details.
  • With a refresh rate of between one and three seconds, this platform provides managers with near real-time data on their drivers and vehicles.
  • Motive does not post pricing online, so to get a quote, you need to contact the company.
  • Other systems with driver scoring incentivize good behavior by allowing managers to award to safe drivers.
  • The company only offers plug-and-play equipment so companies that prefer hard-wired devices because of their durability and reliability will need to look for another solution.

Motive scores an impressive 8.7 out of 10 on TrustRadius with 70 percent of reviewers giving it full marks. Clients seem very positive about the platform’s customizable dashboards, analytics and reporting, and e-logging. One user stated, “when you’re using Motive in your organization, it’s like having a secret weapon for your trucks.”

Editor's Rating: 9.2/10
Visit Site
Links to Verizon Connect

Managers in charge of mid-sized fleets find keeping on top of compliance, cost control, and vehicle reliability their major challenges. Of all the GPS platforms we reviewed, Verizon Connect’s software provides the range of tools that allow them to do this easily.

We were particularly impressed with the company’s integration of the AEMP 2.0 telematic standard. This integration gives managers reliable, real-time insights into their vehicles and assets by manufacturer and model for improved maintenance. We really liked how Verizon Connect not only allows you to compare driver safety and behavior within your company but against other companies too, giving fleet managers the opportunity to benchmark their own performance against the rest of their sector. The platform also stands out for how it handles compliance (both state and federal regulations like ELD, DVIR and IFTA) and we appreciated the feature that directs drivers only to use authorized roads no matter which state they’re in.

Verizon Connect scoreboard

You can create your own customized driver and vehicle scoreboards tracking safety and fuel efficiency. Source: Verizon Connect

Verizon Connect’s Reveal Starter service costs $20 per month per vehicle. The company will provide you with GPS equipment but you’ll need to commit for three years. You can ask for a 12-month minimum contract but you’ll need to supply your own equipment and make sure it’s compatible with their platform.

On the Starter tariff, you receive access to Verizon Connect’s live map dashboard, geofencing, speed and location data and their mobile manager app. You need to contact the company to find out prices for its standard Reveal tariff which also offers maintenance scheduling, advanced alerts and reports, and the Reveal Driver mobile app.

Other services like electronic logging, fuel card integrations and roadside assistance are available for an additional charge.

  • Well-stocked marketplace and comprehensive API integrations means you can precisely customize the platform.
  • Wide range of features prioritizes driver performance, vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.
  • For companies doing business across the country, Verizon Connect is excellent for intrastate compliance.
  • There is a maximum limit of 512 jobs, breaks or depots per route, limiting usefulness for very large fleets.
  • Although there is a 30-day free trial, some companies may not feel comfortable signing up to the minimum three-year contract required when taking the bundled equipment.
  • There is a learning curve to the platform, however there are also some effective resources and customer support options.

Companies using the platform award Verizon Connect 4 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with over half of users rating the platform 5 out of 5. Customers appreciate the after-sales service, as well as the system’s accuracy, user-friendliness and the range of well-executed features.

Editor's Rating: 9/10
Visit Site
Links to Azuga

Implementing your first or switching to a new GPS fleet management platform can be very disruptive. The two major challenges companies face are setting up a new system in the first place, which can be complex and time-consuming, and training managers and staff on how to use the system so that it delivers the promised benefits. Azuga does away with all this thanks to an installation process that takes a few minutes, an easy-to-use and highly customizable dashboard and excellent 24/7 customer support in case you do need help. Beyond that, it’s easy to see why Azuga’s users rave about the platform. We were impressed when reviewing the platform how well executed the driver safety and training is, especially the ability to be alerted of unsafe driving behaviors in real time. The vehicle management functionality on Azuga is very intuitive and responsive too with easy to review service history, maintenance scheduling, and diagnostic code alerts.

Azuga performance

Monitor comparative driver safety performance in real time with Azuga Source: Azuga

Azuga does not publish pricing on its website although, during the time we were actively reviewing the platform, the company indicated that customers could expect the following price structure:

  • GPS tracking: $25 per vehicle, per month
  • GPS tracking plus basic safety dash cam: $50 per vehicle per month
  • GPS tracking plus AI-powered dash cam: $60 per vehicle per month

The minimum subscription term is 36 months and, except for the dash cams costing $29.99 each, hardware charges are included in the tariffs.

  • Azuga is very easy to use with a minimal learning curve meaning speedy implementation and minimal training will be required.
  • Customer service is excellent, offering clients around the clock support by phone, email and web ticketing. The online support documentation in the firm’s knowledge base is market-leading.
  • The features on the platform should be more than enough for most fleets. There is a small but growing marketplace offering enhanced fuel card, routing, and scheduling functionality.
  • Unlike many of its competitors, Azuga has no free trial although it does offer a comprehensive free demo service.
  • Companies choosing their first GPS platform might think a 36-month contract is too much of a commitment and choose a vendor offering a flexible 30-day rolling contract instead.
  • Although you can pay extra for a 15-second refresh rate, the standard refresh rate of 2 minutes does not compare well to other vendors.

Customers rate Azuga highly, scoring it 4.7 out of 5 on G2. As with our review, clients highly rated the platform’s ease of use and its customer support. Customers were also appreciative of its real-time data and fleet insights, with one user stating that the “monthly reports are very easy to read and understand and give a monthly review of drivers.”

Editor's Rating: 9/10
Visit Site
Links to Samsara

Boards are under pressure from investors and other stakeholders to make their businesses more environmentally friendly. A focus for many companies in this drive to be greener is their use of vehicles. Samsara is, following our sector review, the GPS fleet management platform best positioned to help them.

That’s in large part thanks to Samsara’s impressive EV Sustainability tool. This allows companies and their fleet managers to make informed decisions on which vehicles to replace with EV and hybrids and when based on their own criteria like overall mileage and daily driving range.

We also found the reporting and analytics features to be among the most comprehensive on the market, providing insights that help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by tracking 27 activity and fuel metrics and 21 driver safety categories. Samsara’s immediacy is also impressive, offering second-by-second updates on tracked vehicles and assets as well as live streaming from its dashcams. The AI-powered dash cams are excellent, offering HD picture quality and automatic incident detection and recording, which promotes safer driving practices and reduces the environmental impact of accidents.

Samsara ICE and EV fleet comparison

Manage and compare your ICE and EV fleet easily on the Samsara dashboard. Source: Samsara

Samsara targets its services at companies with fleets of eleven or more. Whilst it doesn’t charge companies with smaller fleets any more for its equipment or services, it does require them to pay up front for both.

The current charges are per piece of equipment (with monthly equivalent over three years in brackets for 11+-vehicle fleets):

  • Vehicle IOT Gateway: $1,584 ($44 a month)
  • Dual-facing AI dashcam: $2,160 ($60 a month)
  • Front-facing AI dashcam: $1,584 ($44 a month)
  • Unpowered Asset Gateway: $432 ($12 a month)
  • Powered Asset Gateway: $558 ($15.50 a month)
  • Powered Asset Gateway Plus: $756 ($21 a month)

Samsara offers a 30-day money-back period for new customers to test the system out as well as up to a 60-day free trial.

  • Reducing environmental impacts of business transport is a challenge and Samsara’s range of features are particularly well adapted for this purpose.
  • The system is very easy-to-use and getting to the platform’s features and reporting tools is pleasingly one-click.
  • Samsara’s one-second refresh rates mean you benefit from real-time information on your vehicles and assets.
  • The company targets fleets of 10 or more vehicles and requires firms with fewer vehicles to pay for equipment and service for three years in advance.
  • Samsara’s contracts vary between three and five years in length which may be too much of a commitment for some firms.
  • We love the comprehensive app store, especially the tire monitoring and maintenance-related apps, but they add to the overall cost of the platform.

Samsara scores 8.4 out of 10 on TrustRadius. Users are very happy with many aspects of the system, especially the ease of install and implementation, its in-built compliance and fleet maintenance features, and its dual-facing dash cam.

Editor's Rating: 8.3/10

One of the hardest aspects of any fleet manager’s roles is vehicle maintenance. The difficulty often arises from not having the real-time data needed to efficiently manage individual vehicle maintenance schedules to prevent downtime. Teletrac Navman’s range of features makes the platform the best in class for this purpose. The system delivers second-by-second information on the vehicles it monitors from engine diagnostics to fuel consumption, providing the comprehensive data your fleet manager needs to streamline maintenance schedules and reduce downtime. Teletrac Navman’s dedicated Inspections app impressed us with its ability to allow drivers to complete customizable digital inspections and upload the results to the system straight away, convert failure notices into maintenance events, track costs and invoices, and book in rechecks for unscheduled work. Other stand-out features on the platform include quad-view dash cams and its excellent drive app offering live routing and proof of delivery functionality.

Teletrac Navman dashboard

Track a wide range of vehicle and driver variables on Teletrac Navman’s flexible dashboard Source: Teletrac Navman

Teletrac Navman does not advertise its tariffs on its websites however, during reviewing, we discovered that the price point of GPS tracking seems to be around $25 per vehicle per month which is a competitive market rate.

Like a handful of vendors, Teletrac Navman prefers to provide prospective clients with customized pricing according to their fleet size and use case.

  • For companies wanting to reduce costs and vehicle downtime, Teletrac Navman offers comprehensive reporting, analytics and insights on maintenance and fuel use issues.
  • Teletrac Navman is one of a small number of providers offering quad-cam coverage for surround-view monitoring and recording of on-road driving behavior and events.
  • The driver app is stand-out - drivers will find it very easy to use and fleet managers get the information they need instantly to improve vehicle maintenance.
  • We are surprised that there is no pricing on the site, especially as the company’s charges seem to be competitive.
  • You can’t overlay maps with information on hazards like tunnels and bridges. There is also no EV charger map overlays despite the fact the platform allows you to monitor battery levels and charge states.
  • Teletrac Navman asks for a commitment of three years despite not offering potential new users a free trial.

Teletrac Navman customers award the platform 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot, one of the highest ratings of any GPS fleet management platform rated on that site. An impressive 80% of reviewers give the company 5 stars thanks to the excellent customer service offered. The company scores even higher on Featured Customers with 4.7 out of 5.

Editor's Rating: 8.5/10

Home service businesses are complicated to run. Managers need to keep on top of schedules to make sure coworkers get where they need to be on time so they don’t let customers down. They also need to check that jobs are completed to the required standard and arrange follow-up appointments and visits when necessary. When we reviewed Jobber, it had all the tools required for home services to effectively schedule, track and keep records thanks to its smart combination of GPS tracking and CRM functionality. Head office always stays up to date with all job arrivals, completions and updates thanks to the GPS modules in each vehicle and coworker mobile app. We also like how the platform optimizes driving routes to save on fuel and better keep appointments. Additionally, you can also send quotes and invoices to and take credit and debit card payments from customers via the platform.

Jobber map location

Jobber shows coworker locations on a map when they clock in or out of a job, complete a visit, or add an attachment or note to the job they’re on. Source: Jobber

There are two Jobber tariffs that feature GPS tracking, priced at $169 (up to 5 users) and $349 (up to 15 users). The less expensive Connect service offers syncing with Quickbooks Online, automated reminders, online book, and automatic payments for recurring charges. The more expensive Grow tariff offers automatic time tracking, job costing, two-way text messaging and lead management.

  • Jobber allows companies to see a wide variety of information on their staff and drivers including where they are, fuel levels, speed and more.
  • The smart routing features optimizes the distance between appointments based on driver locations, saving fuel and improving timekeeping.
  • The integration of CRM-lite features like online booking and lead management will be very useful for home service businesses, as will the ability to take payments and connect to QuickBooks Online.
  • You only see where your coworkers and vehicles are when they perform an action, not after a given interval like other GPS platforms.
  • GPS functionality is only available on the two more expensive platforms.
  • Useful features like the ability to run campaigns and manage reviews are charged separately.

Customers rate Jobber very highly with the platform scoring 4.5 out of 5 on Capterra and Software Advice. Many users comment on the ability to track vehicles and workers with one calling the routing feature a “game changer” and another complimenting the platform’s ability to clock workers in and out. Other significant feedback on Jobber focused on the ability to schedule work, invoice customers, and better manage workflows.

What is GPS Fleet Tracking?

GPS fleeting tracking uses GPS satellites to monitor the location and movement of vehicles or assets within a fleet. This tracking system provides businesses with real-time data on their fleet’s whereabouts, enabling them to optimize operations, improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Several types of businesses can benefit from GPS fleet management:

  • Trucking companies, delivery services and courier services
  • Construction and field services
  • Rental car companies
  • Government agencies
  • Private fleets for retail, manufacturing and distribution services

How Does Fleet Management Tracking Work?

GPS fleet management uses a combination of hardware and software to track company assets like trucks, equipment and drivers. GPS fleet management hardware records and sends a wide variety of data that used to improve driver safety, maintain and service your vehicles better, decrease fuel costs, protect against damage and theft, and increase the number of jobs individual drivers can carry out in a day thanks to route optimization.

Most GPS fleet tracking providers don’t require you to download apps or programs to your PC or Mac to access data. You can access their platforms via internet browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Edge. You will need to download mobile phone apps.

On GPS fleet tracking dashboards, you can see live information on your vehicles, their location and the trip they’re making. You can run reports on driver safety and performance, fuel efficiency and optimization, geofences and route navigation and vehicle condition and maintenance to improve efficiency.

What Are the Benefits of Fleet Tracking?

GPS fleet tracking offers numerous advantages for businesses that manage fleets of vehicles. These benefits include:

Improved efficiency

GPS tracking allows you to plan and optimize routes, reducing travel time and fuel consumption.

By monitoring vehicle performance and identifying potential issues early, you can schedule preventive maintenance and avoid costly breakdowns.

Enhanced security

GPS tracking can help deter theft by allowing you to locate and recover stolen vehicles.

You can monitor vehicle usage to prevent unauthorized use, as well as set virtual boundaries to alert you if vehicles enter or exit specific areas.

Improved customer service

GPS fleet tracking can provide customers with real-time updates on the location of their shipments or services. This allows you to respond quickly to customer inquiries or issues by tracking the location of field workers or delivery drivers.

Reduced costs

GPS fleet tracking helps to optimize routes and reduce idle time to minimize fuel consumption. This preventative maintenance can help identify and address issues before they escalate, reducing costly repairs. Some insurance companies also offer discounts to businesses that use GPS fleet tracking.

Better visibility

Tracking vehicle locations and activities in real time provides valuable insights into your fleet’s operations. Analyze data on driver behavior, fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance to identify areas for improvement.

How Much Will GPS Services Cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to fleet management tracking. Providers know this and they aim to provide solutions tailored to your business’s specific needs. While many providers require a 36-month contract, others offer 30-day rolling contracts.

The price depends on the number of vehicles or assets you track and the vehicle, driver and asset data you want. Some providers include all data and features with their per-vehicle, per-month price while others offer a base set of functions that you can supplement with additional subscriptions and third-party contracts.

TipBottom line
If you are new to fleet management tracking, you might benefit from choosing a provider offering a free or paid-for trial or a 30-day, money-back guarantee. That way, you can test whether you need the service without committing your company to a long contract.

How to Choose a Fleet Tracking Service?

When choosing a GPS tracking service, “consider key features like real-time tracking, fuel efficiency, and driver safety,” said Tim Peters, chief marketing officer at Enghouse Systems, which specializes in fleet management and telematics.

Here are some factors that you should keep in mind during your search:

Hardware and Installation

All GPS fleet tracking services we reviewed offer plug-and-play hardware, including the trackers themselves. They plug into the OBD-II port on your vehicle. With most providers, it takes around 10 minutes to install a device and connect it to the software. You can move GPS trackers between vehicles at any time.

“Look for platforms offering robust data integration with telematics,” Peters advised, as they provide comprehensive fleet insights.

Some providers offer hardwired trackers. Some require professional installation, often at an additional cost. They are less prone to tampering and do not require as much maintenance.

Most providers offer dashcams (many of them powered by AI), asset trackers, trailer trackers, heavy equipment trackers and driver ID readers.

Azuga dash cam

This Azuga dash cam is AI-powered and films the road and the driver in-cab. Source: Azuga

Driver Safety and Performance

GPS fleet tracking systems allow companies to monitor the performance of their drivers for safety and fuel efficiency.

Incidents of unsafe driving that waste fuel are recorded and sent to the control dashboard. These include events like harsh driving, speeding, hard braking, rapid acceleration, aggressive cornering, idling, fuel usage, cell phone distractions, unauthorized usage and engine on/off times.

Some systems create driver quality scores from this information, allowing you to quickly identofy which drivers are behaving responsibly and which may need additional training.

Vehicle Condition and Maintenance

Maintaining the health of your fleet is imperative to reduce costs and increase safety and performance. Fleet management software can record the fuel level, battery voltage, odometer reading and coolant and engine temperatures of each company vehicle. The sensors within your vehicle hardware also alert you to DTCs that indicate emerging problems, sending fault data to your control dashboard.

Many fleet tracking platforms allow you to set a timetable for preventive maintenance.

Alerts and Reports

Many systems send automatic alerts to drivers, system admins and supervisors, as well as people at destinations where your vehicles are headed. Choose what you want them to be notified of and the system will take care of it.

For example, in addition to DTC alerts, you can tell the system to notify you and your driver of unsafe driving habits in real time.

Your system collects and stores a lot of data on vehicles, drivers and trips. You can run reports on that data to identify driver training needs and fuel consumption trends, such as fuel wasted through unsafe or poor driving habits.

These reports provide the insight you need to save money and increase efficiency across your business.

Cost

It’s also important to consider pricing. It’s not just about the month-to-month costs but the value of what you get for the money spent.

Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, said they prioritized finding GPS tracking software that allowed them to pay for what they need and not a bunch of add-ons they wouldn’t use.

“We have a relatively small fleet that operates locally 90 percent of the time, so it was important not to overpay for features we don’t need or a fleet size far larger than anything we would grow into in the next couple of years,” Graber said.

Samsara platform

Many GPS platforms allow you to set alerts to be notified immediately on factors ranging from driver behavior to vehicle engine performance. Source: Samara

Usability

Fleet management systems are controlled via the online dashboard. All providers have attempted to create an intuitive UI, although some do this better than others. For brand-new fleet tracking system users, you may want to choose a provider with an extensive online knowledge base that offers tips and techniques about how to get the most from your system.

Some mobile apps offer system supervisors and administrators the full range of features available on the PC/Mac desktop dashboard; however, some providers offer limited mobile functionality.

Many providers offer REST API interfaces, allowing data on the platform to be integrated into third-party programs like Salesforce and other top CRM software solutions.

Customer Service

Customer service levels vary from provider to provider. Some offer 24/7 access while others are available during working hours only. Some make it easy to speak with representatives on the phone while others prefer you to communicate by email, help desk or ticketing system. A few companies provide named accounts or customer success representatives to customers.

Chris Dukich, owner of Display Now, said finding a provider that offered help getting set up in a seamless fashion was critical when searching for a GPS tracking solution.

“Onboarding support also was of pivotal importance as we expected no interruption during the course of the deployment,” Dukich said.

Future trends

Peters believes that business owners should keep up with the latest GPS tracking developments to ensure that they are using the latest technology.

“Future trends point towards AI-powered predictive analytics, enabling smarter route planning and vehicle maintenance, and 5G integration,” Peters said. “[This] will revolutionize data transmission speed for real-time updates.”

What Are Some Features of GPS Fleet Tracking?

GPS fleet tracking systems offer a wide range of features to help businesses optimize their operations and improve efficiency. Here are some of the most important features to consider:

Real time tracking

GPS fleet tracking systems provide real-time location data for each vehicle in your fleet, allowing you to monitor their movements and activities.

Route optimization

Many systems offer route optimization features that help plan the most efficient routes for your vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and travel time.

Driver behavior analysis

GPS fleet tracking can be used to monitor driver behavior, such as speeding, harsh braking and excessive idling. This information can help improve driver safety and reduce operating costs.

Geofencing

Geofencing allows you to create virtual boundaries around specific areas. You can receive alerts if vehicles enter or exit these boundaries, which can be helpful for security, compliance and ensuring that vehicles are staying within designated areas.

Fuel and maintenance monitoring

GPS fleet tracking systems can track fuel consumption for each vehicle, allowing you to identify areas where fuel efficiency can be improved in an effort to reduce costs. Some systems also provide alerts when vehicles need maintenance or repairs, helping you avoid unexpected downtime.

Reporting and analytics

GPS fleet tracking systems can generate reports on various metrics, such as fuel consumption, driver behavior and vehicle utilization. This data can help identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

What Are Some Alternative Fleet Tracking Options?

There are many excellent vendors offering GPS fleet management solutions. Six more you may wish to consider are:

ClearpathGPS

ClearpathGPS is ideal for companies on a tight budget. For $20 per month per vehicle, your subscription includes driver reports, ELD support, geofencing, and traffic overlays. For $5 extra, you get real-time alerts, advanced reports, open API access, and more integrations. AI dash cams cost $30 per month per vehicle. ClearpathGPS offers flexible terms with just 30 days’ notice and a 30-day free trial.

The platform is easy to use and feature-packed. There are two maintenance options to keep your vehicles on the road and managers can set a wide range of alerts to be notified on issues like speeding and out-of-hours usage. We like how ClearpathGPS gives you the choice between plug-and-play and hardwired GPS trackers – many providers now only offer plug and play. Click to find out more with our comprehensive ClearpathGPS review.

Force

Force has long been a leading provider of GPS fleet management for smaller businesses. While that’s still where their focus lies, we like how the company has adapted the system to appeal to a wider base as they have removed the previous limit of 30 vehicles per fleet and they can now track Class 6, 7 and 8 vehicles.

Force’s smart mix of features and functionality also makes it a great choice for expanding local businesses thanks to its competitive pricing, easy scalability and excellent customer service. We were particularly impressed by the integration with Housecall Pro, which companies can use to create, schedule, and move jobs, and text customers to let them know that a company representative is on their way to their location. The proactive maintenance tools excel, alerting managers to potential and emerging vehicle issues, so you can keep them on the road for longer. For more information, read our in-depth review of Force.

GPS Trackit

For companies needing robust video telematics and a fully-featured GPS fleet management service, we recommend that you include GPS TrackIt on your shortlist of prospective vendors. GPS TrackIt’s VidFleet One and VidFleet AI+ dash cams are best in class, offering 360-degree views, tamper detection and eye-tracking. We love how the platform’s multi channel splitter can record from up to four HD cameras simultaneously so you get the fullest possible view of driver behavior when the system records an event. The platform shines in its reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing managers to track a range of vehicle and driver metrics from speed and onboard temperature to safety and fuel performance. Find out more by reading our GPS Trackit review.

FleetUp

FleetUp boasts a highly satisfied user base thanks to its laser focus on keeping customers happy. Key to this is their comprehensive, around-the-clock support the company offers by phone, email and online chat. After you sign up, you’re assigned a company rep to help you with system set up. It’s excellent that all this help is available but you may not need to use it as FleetUp has one of the most intuitive and user-friendly dashboards on the market. Fleet managers will find vehicle maintenance and management easy setting up alerts on a range of metrics from low battery voltage and engine temperature to idling and sharp turning. We were impressed at how well implemented the driver and admin/manager mobile apps were in handling everything from managing maintenance schedules to sharing DVIRS with mechanics. For a run-down of its main features, visit our review of FleetUp.

RAM Tracking

RAM Tracking stands out as the best GPS fleet management platform for fleets with three to 10 vehicles. This budget-friendly service starts at $10 per month per vehicle for GPS tracking with the option to choose extras live multi-camera tracking and AI-powered dash cams for a minimal extra charge. Users benefit from 30 different types of reports, 60 hours of cloud recording and isolated recording of incidents on the road that can be recalled if needed as evidence. There is a free 30-day trial if you want to try the system out before committing.

Methodology

To determine the best GPS fleet management services on the market, our team of technology experts and software analysts evaluated an initial list of 25 vendors. We then considered a number of factors, to whittle down our list, including its usability, hardware options, safety features and reporting capabilities.

After narrowing our list down to 14, we chose six services as our top recommendations. Our experts and analysts studied each solution’s functionality and evaluated the systems on more than 30 factors.

These factors were weighted differently in our overall conclusion. The weights were determined based on how much business owners prioritize these criteria when shopping for business software and services and making purchasing decisions.

  • Pricing (30%): Our experts and analysts compared and contrasted each vendor’s plans, judging which packages offered the best bang for your buck. They took into account monthly subscription rates, caps on fleet size, hardware costs, contract lengths and add-on fees.
  • Features (25%): We looked for standard GPS fleet management functions like dashcam recording, electronic logging, fleet management tools, driver safety monitoring and maintenance tracking. We also assessed the available integrations and awarded extra points for advanced services, like AI-powered dashcams and open API access.
  • Ease of Use (20%): We tested the hardware and software ourselves, gauging each solution’s learning curve, user-friendliness and customization options. We also considered whether the GPS devices and other equipment were plug-and-play and if the vendor offered a fully featured mobile app for handling fleet management tasks on the go.
  • Customer Service (15%): We evaluated the range of customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each vendor’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.
  • Hardware (10%): We examined the various hardware options for businesses. Was there a range of options? Did they offer options that needed to be professionally installed and plug-and-play ready tools, or just one or the other? We wanted to ensure businesses weren’t locked into hardware that wouldn’t serve their needs.

Based on these criteria, we not only determined which fleet management systems our readers could trust but also the ways in which each solution could best serve different business needs. Some services were better at certain tasks than others or more suited to a particular type of company. These takeaways informed the “Best for” use cases you see on this page.

To learn more about our methodology, see our full editorial process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common use for GPS fleet trackers is locating vehicles. It’s important for many businesses to know exactly where their vehicles, drivers and assets are at all times, for both safety and cost efficiency. Another common application is to monitor driver performance, fuel consumption and/or vehicle maintenance. The software connected to the trackers can provide insights into how vehicles are being used and what changes can be made for them to run more efficiently.

Installing GPS trackers on your business’s vehicles or assets allows you to track where each vehicle and driver is, which can help prevent theft, accidents and misuse.

Many GPS trackers have a geofence feature, which allows you to set a specific perimeter for your fleet. If a tracked vehicle or asset leaves the geofenced area, you are notified. Geofencing helps you verify that your team is staying within a designated zone and not taking your vehicles or assets to unapproved or unsafe areas. Additionally, GPS trackers analyze fleet routes and provide recommendations for the safest and most efficient itinerary.

Yes, most GPS fleet tracking systems include fuel monitoring capabilities. This feature allows businesses to track fuel consumption, identify fuel theft, and optimize fuel efficiency. Some systems use fuel sensors installed in the fuel tank to measure fuel levels and consumption, while others integrate with fuel cards to track fuel purchases and expenses.   

Yes, GPS fleet tracking systems can be integrated with other software to enhance their functionality and provide a more comprehensive solution. Common integrations include ERP systems, accounting software, CRM systems, and dispatching software. 

  1. Assess your business’s needs. Clearly define what you want to achieve with fleet management (e.g., improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance security). Evaluate your fleet size, types of vehicles, and specific requirements.
  2. Choose the right system. Select a reliable GPS fleet tracking system that meets your needs. Install GPS tracking devices in your vehicles, and integrate the fleet tracking software with your existing systems. 
  3. Train drivers and employees. Educate drivers and staff on how to use the fleet management system and its benefits. Address any questions or concerns to ensure buy-in and smooth adoption.
  4. Analyze data. Generate reports on key metrics to track performance and identify trends. Use data to make informed decisions and optimize your fleet operations.
  5. Continuously improve and iterate. Regularly review your fleet management practices and make necessary adjustments. Stay informed about the latest fleet management technologies and best practices.

While GPS fleet tracking offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to comply with relevant laws and regulations to avoid legal issues. Ensure that GPS tracking complies with employee privacy laws in your jurisdiction. This may involve obtaining employee consent and informing them about the tracking system. In some jurisdictions, electronic logging devices (ELDs)  may be required to track driver hours of service. GPS fleet tracking systems can often integrate with ELDs to ensure compliance. If your fleet provides services to customers, protect their personal data in accordance with applicable privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

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Mark Fairlie
Written By: Mark FairlieSenior Analyst & Expert on Business Ownership
Mark Fairlie brings decades of expertise in telecommunications and telemarketing to the forefront as the former business owner of a direct marketing company. Also well-versed in a variety of other B2B topics, such as taxation, investments and cybersecurity, he now advises fellow entrepreneurs on the best business practices. At business.com, Fairlie covers a range of technology solutions, including CRM software, email and text message marketing services, fleet management services, call center software and more. With a background in advertising and sales, Fairlie made his mark as the former co-owner of Meridian Delta, which saw a successful transition of ownership in 2015. Through this journey, Fairlie gained invaluable hands-on experience in everything from founding a business to expanding and selling it. Since then, Fairlie has embarked on new ventures, launching a second marketing company and establishing a thriving sole proprietorship.
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