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Verizon Connect Review and Pricing
Table of Contents
- Verizon Connect’s features are comprehensive and geared toward optimizing vehicle and driver performance.
- With the apps in Verizon Connect’s marketplace and its application programming interface (API) integrations, you can tailor the platform to your specific needs.
- The system stands out for its ability to handle intrastate compliance issues very well, which is critical as growing fleets contend with more regulations.
- Verizon Connect requires a minimum three-year contract if it supplies and installs your tracking equipment.
- Poor online reviews of the vendor’s customer service may be a cause for concern.
- Verizon Connect’s 30-second refresh rate, although standard for the industry, is slower than some competitors’ rates.
The needs of midsize fleets are more complex than those of smaller fleets. Fleet managers must automate as many job allocation, driver safety, vehicle safety and maintenance tasks as possible to stay on top of their countless responsibilities. Regulatory and legal compliance, nationally and at a state level, also becomes more challenging when the area covered is more expansive. Fortunately, the Verizon Connect platform’s built-in functionality is extensive and particularly suited to this market size, making it our choice for the best GPS fleet management service for midsize fleets.
Verizon Connect Editor's Rating:
9.2 / 10
- Contract length
- 8.0/10
- Price
- 10/10
- Refresh rate
- 7.0/10
- Customer service
- 10/10
- Hardware type
- 10/10
- Functionality
- 10/10
Why we chose Verizon Connect for midsize fleets
Companies with midsize fleets need usable and actionable information to manage costs and improve efficiency. The costs of running vehicles and employing drivers at scale can be steep, and failing to manage the expenses properly can eat into profit margins — especially for haulers.
We like that Verizon Connect’s features are built to help businesses with midsize fleets organize workflows efficiently, stay on top of vehicle maintenance, manage drivers and technicians, and save money on fuel and wages. The system is particularly adept at mapping ideal routes for drivers and handling job scheduling.
Because of the volume of data obtained through Verizon Connect, fleet managers and administrators can create customized reports tailored to their business needs. We also like how the platform helps companies comply with state and federal laws and regulations, no matter where their drivers are. Verizon Connect is also scalable. As you add to your fleet and expand your geographical footprint, the system can grow with you. With all that in mind, we recommend Verizon Connect as the best GPS fleet management system for midsize fleets.
Verizon Connect’s desktop dashboard lets you see precisely where vehicles in your fleet are on a map. Source: Verizon Connect
Ease of use
We like how easy Verizon Connect has made its system to use out of the box.
Intuitive design and user experience
Simplicity was clearly a priority during Verizon Connect’s development process. We appreciated the following elements:
- Intuitive interface: The platform’s interface makes excellent use of screen real estate; no function is more than one or two clicks away. Unlike other platforms we reviewed that require multiple clicks to access key features, Verizon Connect keeps everything within easy reach.
- Easy feature access: The platform’s primary features, including the main navigation screen, jobs and routes, reports, tasks, and the help section, are always accessible via the left-hand dashboard. We like how you can pin your most-used features to the top of the menu.
- Multiple tab access: Another helpful feature is the ability to have multiple tabs open, similar to how you can have multiple pages open in a web browser at the same time for ease of access. For busy transport managers, it will save a lot of time.
There is often a learning curve if you’re new to GPS fleet tracking systems, but Verizon Connect’s design and usability choices shouldn’t make it very steep.
Verizon Connect’s user-friendly dashboards on desktop, tablet and mobile devices make it easy to see vehicle locations and fleet data. Source: Verizon Connect
Online knowledge base
Verizon Connect offers extensive online documentation featuring hundreds of articles, making it easy for business owners and their teams to familiarize themselves with the platform. (These online help resources are on par with what we detailed in our Azuga review.)
A collection of videos walks users through topics such as watching fleets in real time, setting up geofences, and using alerts and reports. We were impressed that you and your team can watch multiple training videos and even book live training sessions with customer support.
Connecting to other business apps
We appreciate how straightforward Verizon makes it to connect the platform to other apps, including enterprise resource planning software, many of the best CRM software solutions and the best online payroll services, through its comprehensive API. You can quickly integrate timesheets, driver performance data and work orders with your existing software while monitoring compliance and maintenance issues.
The Verizon Connect marketplace hosts 65 apps across 12 categories, including compliance, electric vehicles, insurance, fuel management and more. In-house apps also power fleet tracking, dashcam use, compliance management, asset tracking, commercial navigation and route optimization.
We also appreciate the ability to build custom workflow scripts in Verizon Connect, although you may require assistance from a third-party developer at an additional expense.
Verizon Connect features
From high-quality hardware to intuitive and functional software, the following Verizon Connect features make the platform particularly desirable for midsize fleets.
Route planning, work planning and geofencing
Route optimization and planning are integrated deeply into the Verizon Connect GPS fleet tracking solution.
- Route planning: Drivers get tailored directions based on their vehicle’s type, size and load. The system ensures drivers are directed to roads where they comply with local transport regulations. It also steers drivers away from traffic jams and obstacles. We like that drivers can warn administrators and other drivers about unreported road closures and download map data in areas with poor 4G reception.
- Work planning: We were impressed by the platform’s work management feature, which optimizes drivers’ schedules for routes and time management at each drop point. If a driver is running late, you can send a message with the vehicle’s estimated arrival time to the end destination. Drivers can use Verizon Connect’s mobile apps to collect paperless proof-of-delivery forms — functionality that courier companies often need.
- Geofences: We like that Verizon Connect allows you to set up geofences — virtual perimeters or boundaries. The system can also send alerts to end users (such as customers awaiting a delivery) or end travel points (such as warehouses where goods are picked up or dropped off).
Geofenced areas on the Verizon Connect platform let you analyze fleet information for a specific region. Source: Verizon Connect
AI-powered dashcams
Verizon Connect offers two types of artificial intelligence–powered dashcams: One monitors the road and the other provides a comprehensive overview of the vehicle and its surroundings. Both cameras perform well in low light and offer live-view capabilities for real-time monitoring, although direct audio recording is not supported.
- Road-monitoring camera: The camera detects unsafe behaviors such as near misses, drowsiness and aggressive driving (such as tailgating, fast cornering, hard braking and rapid acceleration).
- Driver-monitoring camera: The camera detects mobile phone use, smoking, and eating or drinking behind the wheel. When incidents occur, drivers hear a warning; footage is automatically tagged with an AI-generated incident description and sent to fleet managers.
Verizon Connect’s advanced dashcam setup includes cameras that capture views of the driver, road, rear and cargo area, giving fleet managers a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in and around each vehicle. The 360-degree system, available to U.S. customers, requires professional installation. A planned upgrade will add side-view cameras to help with safer lane changes and provide extra protection against theft or tampering.
HD video footage is stored for 90 days to support crash investigations or dispute false insurance claims. If an incident occurs outside a 4G area, footage is stored in the dashcam’s internal memory and automatically uploaded to the platform once a connection is reestablished.
Verizon Connect’s dashcams are equipped with AI functionality. Source: Verizon Connect
Mobile apps
The vendor’s Integrated Video app, which connects to the dashcam, is just one of many Verizon Connect apps available for fleet management. The apps are aimed at different user groups, but all help improve midsize fleet operations and efficiency.
- WorkPlan: WorkPlan (previously WorkMobile) is a field service app that allows technicians to view detailed work orders while on the road. They can also use it to get real-time updates from other field techs, ensure compliance with electronic logging mandates and communicate with the office.
- Reveal Driver: Reveal Driver helps drivers conduct vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs). They can append photos and notes for issues requiring follow-up. The app also provides drivers with directions, access to roadside assistance, general road condition alerts and job details. Fleet managers can use the Reveal Field app to manage new jobs remotely and change driver schedules.
- ELD LogBook: The electronic logging device (ELD) LogBook helps drivers of very large vehicles with electronic logging and hours-of-service regulations.
- Navigation: Navigation is an industry-standard route-planning app with global and North American editions.
- Networkfleet Manager: Networkfleet Manager allows managers to view all vehicle locations and assets on one screen and set up delivery schedules for their teams.
- Networkfleet Driver: Networkfleet Driver includes navigation and adds vehicle and maintenance information, plus alerts about risky driving behavior.
- Coach: Coach is a gamified training platform that helps drivers become more aware of safety issues.
- Spotlight: Spotlight lets managers see vehicle locations on a live map and analyze individual vehicle activity.
Verizon Connect’s mobile apps work on iOS and Android devices. Source: Verizon Connect
Roadside assistance
The Verizon Connect team will deliver three gallons of gas or diesel to vehicles that run out of fuel (fuel cost not included) and tow broken-down vehicles up to 25 miles. Roadside assistance also covers dead batteries, tire changes, lockouts and vehicles stuck in snow, mud or ice. Winching is available only for light vehicles on paved public roads, and the service is limited to four calls per year. Although roadside assistance comes at an additional charge, it can be extremely valuable for midsize fleets.
Fleet management efficiency with AEMP 2.0
Although almost all fleet management solutions likely will adopt AEMP 2.0 standards for telematics systems over time, we love how quickly and effectively Verizon Connect has integrated it into its platform. AEMP 2.0 integration offers the following benefits:
- Easy data sharing: AEMP 2.0 builds on the original 1.0 tracking standards to make it easier for vehicles and assets to share data. You’ll gain more detailed insights into operating efficiency, fuel usage and machine health across your fleet, helping simplify performance monitoring and optimization.
- Comprehensive maintenance records: With AEMP 2.0, managers can keep more complete maintenance records for every tracked vehicle and asset. It’s easy to access each item from the dashboard and to schedule preventive maintenance through the Verizon Connect platform.
- Vehicle performance and health insights: Managers receive detailed analyses of key metrics such as location tracking, fuel usage and idle time. Those insights help fleets reduce idle time and fuel costs, improve efficiency, and keep more vehicles on the road. For an additional fee, you can opt to receive notifications when a vehicle reports a diagnostic trouble code, providing an early warning when service is needed.
- Improved regulatory compliance: The system supports compliance with electronic logging device (ELD) regulations, service-hour tracking and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements. That is especially helpful for growing fleets, which become harder to manage without robust compliance tools.
Verizon Connect supports a variety of vehicle types, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Available metrics for those vehicles include charge state, battery levels and specific EV alerts.
Driver safety
We love Verizon Connect’s driver safety focus, including the following functionalities:
- Safety Scorecard: Verizon Connect’s Safety Scorecard continuously updates driver scores based on factors such as hard braking, sharp cornering, speeding and aggressive driving. Driver scores make it easier to reward excellent drivers and identify those who need additional training.
- Fuel efficiency reports: Driver fuel-efficiency reports reveal who’s wasting fuel through behaviors such as excessive idling. You can also compare driver performance against company benchmarks for average speed, CANbus idle time, distance traveled and more.
- Rearview camera: The rear camera provides a clear view of what’s behind a vehicle, reducing the risk of collisions and helping drivers maneuver trailers and trucks in tight spaces. It also captures high-definition footage of impacts or accidents to simplify insurance claims.
- SpeedGauge: Verizon Connect’s partnership with SpeedGauge provides even more detailed driver behavior data. After downloading SpeedGauge from the marketplace, you can learn more about individual driving patterns to identify top performers and highlight areas where others need improvement. The system also assigns your fleet an overall safety score and shows how you compare to other fleets.
- Seat belt detection: After analyzing 70 million driver-facing videos, Verizon Connect found that 7 percent of commercial drivers still weren’t wearing seatbelts. In response, the company updated its AI dashcam to detect unfastened seatbelts and flag the behavior alongside other risks such as phone distraction and tailgating.
Verizon Connect pricing
We were disappointed that Verizon Connect no longer publishes pricing details for its fleet management plans — including the Reveal Starter and Reveal plans — on its official website. Previously, sources estimated the Reveal Starter plan at around $20 per vehicle per month, but we can’t confirm that with currently available information.
Businesses interested in Verizon Connect must contact the vendor directly for a custom quote based on their fleet’s needs. Pricing will vary depending on the number of vehicles in your fleet, the GPS hardware you want (e.g., plug-and-play trackers or dashcams) and various features. That may include geofencing, speed and location tracking, customizable reports, alerts, mobile apps, maintenance scheduling, and dashboard analytics.
Optional add-ons that may enhance your plan include:
- Roadside assistance
- ELD compliance
- Field service and scheduling tools
- Fuel card integrations
- Installation assistance
We like that Verizon Connect offers a free demo so you can explore the platform’s features, along with a 30-day risk-free trial that begins five days after hardware shipment. That gives you time to evaluate the system before committing to a contract, which typically lasts 36 months if Verizon supplies and installs the tracking equipment.
Implementation and onboarding
Here’s what you need to know about Verizon Connect’s implementation and onboarding processes:
- Installation assistance: The Verizon Connect team typically prefers to install the tracking equipment for you — especially on larger vehicles where installation can be more complex. The company is noticeably more hands-on during onboarding than many other providers we reviewed, though this assistance comes at an additional cost.
- Bundled equipment and installation option: Verizon’s standard contract is 36 months. The longer term allows the company to bundle equipment and installation costs into your subscription fees, however, making setup more affordable than with some competitors. (You don’t have to buy tracking equipment from Verizon Connect. If you plan to use your own, check with the company to confirm compatibility.)
- Hardware: We like that Verizon Connect offers both plug-and-play and hardwired tracking options. With plug-and-play, you connect the device to your vehicle’s OBD-II port using an extension cable and Y-cable. The company estimates installation takes up to 60 minutes per device. Once connected, you add the vehicle’s details to the desktop dashboard or mobile app and can begin tracking right away. If your vehicle doesn’t have an OBD-II port, a Verizon Connect technician likely will need to install a hardwired unit.
- Apps and software: There’s no software to install on a PC or Mac, because the desktop dashboard is browser-based. Verizon Connect’s mobile apps are available on iOS and Android and can be downloaded from their respective app stores for quick implementation.
Customer support
Verizon Connect’s customer-service team provides 24/7 support by phone, email, online ticketing and live chat. When you sign up, you’re assigned a dedicated point of contact for questions and issues — a nice plus. That level of personal assistance is notable in the fleet management industry.
The company’s online help center includes on-demand tutorials, live webinars and monthly blog posts highlighting new features and industry updates. Other resources include e-books, case studies, a glossary of fleet management terms and reports on the latest trends in fleet technology.
Verizon Connect’s help center is accessible on a tablet. Source: Verizon Connect
Limitations
Two notable concerns we have about Verizon Connect are its contract terms and customer-service quality.
- Contract terms: Users often praise the platform’s depth of functionality, but three years is a long time to commit. If you’d prefer a shorter contract, check out our ClearPathGPS review and GPS Trackit review for more flexible alternatives.
- Service quality: Although Verizon Connect’s customer support is available 24/7, not all users are satisfied with it. Online reviews of the company’s service are often negative, which is important to keep in mind when shortlisting GPS fleet tracking vendors for your business.
Methodology
Choosing a GPS fleet management service can be tough, so we did some of the heavy lifting for you. We spent hours researching and analyzing the best GPS fleet tracking systems to identify the top solutions on the market. We looked at hardware, features, pricing and contracts, usability, refresh rates, and customer support, and we got hands-on experience with demos and product videos whenever possible. When searching for the best GPS fleet tracking system for midsize fleets specifically, we focused on features such as scalability, customization, comprehensiveness, optimization and reporting.
Verizon Connect FAQs
| Feature | Verizon Connect | Samsara | Azuga | FleetUp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Contact vendor for a quote | Contact vendor for a quote | From $25 per vehicle per month for GPS and basic camera, $60 for GPS plus AI camera | Contact vendor for a quote |
| Contract length | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months | 30-day rolling |
| Refresh rate | 30 seconds | 1 to 30 seconds, depending on plan | 15 seconds to 2 minutes | 10 seconds |
| Hardware type | Plug-and-play or hardwired | Plug-and-play or hardwired | Plug-and-play only | Plug-and-play or hardwired |
Bottom Line
We recommend Verizon Connect for …
- Companies with a midsize vehicle fleet that plan to grow in the future.
- Businesses that want to integrate telematics, driver management and vehicle tracking with other apps.
- Organizations that prefer to use a single platform to track vehicles, assets, plants and equipment.
We don’t recommend Verizon Connect for …
- Companies that are concerned about customer-service responsiveness or need second-by-second location updates.
- Businesses hesitant to commit to a 36-month contract.
Neil Cumins contributed to this review.
