Best 7 GPS Fleet Tracking Software 2024: Ranked & Reviewed

The cost of fleet maintenance remains the top concern for owner-operators, according to the American Transportation Research Institute 2023 report, with high gas prices, driver shortages, and driver wages among the top three worries.

A professional GPS tracking system can help relieve some of that mental load. The best tracking system will boost your fleet’s efficiency and reduce expenses by accurately tracking routes, fuel usage, and driver behavior.

Based on our research, the best fleet GPS tracking software is Verizon Connect for its outstanding vehicle tracking capabilities, fuel management, advanced driver management and ELD compliance features. But it’s not the only great software out there, so keep reading for a review of our top seven picks.

Verizon Connect – Best Overall Fleet GPS Tracking System

Top features:

• 30 second refresh time
• Daily reports for each driver or vehicle
• Real-time alerts (speeding, harsh driving, idling, long stop, crash…)
• Geofencing
• Smartphone apps
• AI dashcams 
• DVIR and ELD compliant
• Fuel management
• Fuel card integration (Amerifuel, Comdata, Fleetcore)

Verizon Connect has the best tracking and driver management features of all the products we researched, so much so that it was hard to pick which ones to focus on in our review. To name a few, it comes with automatic route optimization, navigation phone apps, asset tracking, and fuel management.

During hands-on testing, we found that the live map allowed us complete awareness of active drivers. Colour-coded icons hovering above each vehicle indicate the current status of each driver: active, idling or stopped, while ‘Street View’ provides a visualization of each driver’s location.

The ‘Reports’ feature offers you in-depth information about your fleet, such as speed, and jobs completed – armed with this information, you can make smarter decisions regarding your future scheduling, route planning and fuel usage.

We found Verizon’s built-in ‘Scheduler’ extremely intuitive to use. In the left-hand sidebar, there is a complete list of all of your employees, while the full screen displays a timetable of jobs with smart usage of color-coding to clarify job status. Meanwhile, the pending tab collects all of your appointment requests in one location, so that no jobs slip through the net.

It also integrates with other systems such as Garmin satnavs. This makes the Verizon Connect GPS tracker a better choice than Samsara, which doesn’t link up with other satnavs.

Who’s Verizon Connect GPS Tracker For?

Verizon Connect is a good option for small to mid-sized fleets, who want access to a wide array of fleet management features.

Its flexible pricing structure means what you pay is based on your fleet size and the features you want to use, making it an easily scalable option. This can save you from having to switch providers as you grow.

That being said, Verizon is on the pricier side, starting at $23.50 per month on average. You can find a cheaper solution with Quartix, but it doesn’t come with as wide a breadth of features as Verizon.

Samsara – Best Fleet GPS Tracking System for Managing Vehicles

Top features:

• 30-60 second refresh time
• Reports by topic (fleet activity, driver behavior, routes…)
• AI powered real-time alerts (speeding, harsh driving, geofence breach, idling, crash…)
• AI route optimization
• Fuel management
• Vehicle diagnostics and maintenance scheduling
• DVIR and ELD compliant

When it comes to vehicle tracking, Samsara‘s range of clever features stood out to us as extremely helpful for business management decisions.

A lot of these decisions will be made for you, however, Samsara also has smart tools that can make decisions for you. For instance, Samsara uses AI Route Analytics to improve driving routes and make the best possible use of your automobile resources, bringing the Internet of Things to fleet management.

We were very impressed by Samsara’s “Optimize Route ” tool. The tool calculates which succession of jobs have the shortest distance traveled between them, estimates stop and departure times based on historical data, and builds an itinerary for you automatically.

Samsara’s software can also provide you with real time vehicle diagnostics, so you can spot faulty parts ahead of time, and minimize the chance of a vehicle breaking down on the job. You can also create a maintenance schedule for your vehicles, and get alerts for when each service is due.

On the other hand, Samsara falls a bit short in that it lacks a hardwired option (unlike Verizon Connect). So hopefully everyone you work with is good at keeping batteries charged, or you could face some issues with loss of data connectivity.

Who’s Samsara for?

Samsara is a good option for managers of medium-sized, established fleets who want to save time and money by optimizing vehicle usage. Its scheduling features will accelerate shift planning, and cut down on wasted time and fuel.

You’ll also be able to avoid costly breakdowns, and look after the health of both your vehicles and your drivers with Samsara’s maintenance calendar and diagnostic features.

We wouldn’t, however, recommend Samsara to small fleets of fewer than five vehicles. That’s because it’s an expensive option, and a small fleet doesn’t necessarily need to be paying a premium for the best vehicle management features, since they have less vehicles to manage.

Teletrac Navman – Best Fleet GPS Tracking System for Managing Drivers

Top features:

• Real-time tracking
• Generates reports using search terms (eg. “show me speed alerts over the past week”)
• Driver safety reports 
• Receive alerts via dashboard, email, or text (speeding, harsh driving, geofence breach, crash…)
• Real-time alerts for drivers in-vehicle
• DVIR and ELD compliant

Teletrac’s TN360 is one of the best systems for effectively managing drivers. When you’re scaling up operations, managing the workforce quickly gets complicated. So you’ll benefit from its driver management features like job dispatch and routing, and driver fitness declaration as well as schedule progress.

We found the TN360’s driver performance scoring more comprehensive than that of competitors like GPS Trackit (which gives individual driver ratings), as the TN360 creates customizable driver league tables, giving a clearer general overview.

Teletrac’s TN360 also has a built-in messaging app for fleet-wide messaging, recurring notifications, job status updates and document sharing. This is more convenient than phone calls to stay connected with your drivers.

One thing we particularly like about the Telerac TN360 is that the system alerts not just you, but also your drivers when they’re engaging in bad driving practices. Other systems, such as Verizon and Samsara only do this if you’ve also purchased a dashcam, whereas Telerac TN360’s GPS tracking system does this without requiring extra hardware.

It’s also one of the best ELD providers (electronic logging device) giving the most detailed overview of driver status and activity of all the trackers we researched.

However, the system does lack some more advanced features offered by competitors Verizon and Samsara, such as adverse weather alerts, vehicle diagnostics, and satnav integration.

Who’s the Teletrac TN360 for?

The Teletrac TN360 is a good option for medium-sized fleet managers looking to keep a close eye on their drivers. Driver management might sound draconian, but it can actually help improve your driver’s on-the-job experience, by making them feel valued and looked after.

The TN360’s emphasis on communication between operators and drivers through messaging, in-vehicle alerts, and healthy point-based leadership systems can help you motivate your team, and lead to improved efficiency.

However, we wouldn’t recommend the Teletrac TN360 to a fleet that transports temperature-sensitive cargo (medicine, perishables), since it doesn’t come with a cargo temperature monitoring system.

Azuga – Best Fleet GPS Tracking System for Efficient Routes

Top features:

• Custom refresh time (30 seconds to 59 minutes depending on preference)
• Schedule automatic reports (vehicle movements, shifts, driver behavior…)
• State-based mileage reports
• Geofencing
• Automatic route optimization
• ELD and DVIR compliance at extra cost

Linked in directly with Google traffic alerts, Azuga adapts to suggest the best routes for each driver based on your preferences. We were impressed by the range of options you get when it comes to picking routing priorities: revenue per route, maximum route duration, maximum distance per vehicle, stops per route, and more.

That’s a high level of customization you won’t get with Teletrac Navman’s TN360, which simply guides your drivers back to the first route suggested. Combined with geofencing that times how long your drivers spend in a defined location, Azuga offers a laser-sharp tracking solution for fleet managers that need to prioritize route efficiency.

Another unique feature of the Azuga system is its state mileage reporting. You can generate reports on miles driven within a state for a requested period, particularly useful when filing IFTA Use Fuel Tax reports.

Azuga’s solution isn’t comprehensive, however, it’s missing a hardwired option, satnav integration, and crash reporting. Plus the panic button is within the mobile app, which, in an emergency situation, could increase risk to the driver.

For comparison, the TN360 has crash report alerts, and Samsara even records crash data based on G-Force values.

Who’s Azuga for?

Azuga is a good option for small to mid-sized fleets that operate small trucks or vans, regularly travel across state lines, and want to prioritize optimizing routes and journeys. The platform’s state mileage reports make fuel tax reporting easier, and the route optimization feature can be customized to fit the needs of your fleet.

However, we wouldn’t recommend Azuga to fleets that operate large trucks. These vehicles have a higher risk of crashing than smaller ones, and Azuga’s lack of crash reporting, and app-based panic button make it unsuitable for high-risk journeys.

Spireon – Best Fleet GPS Tracking System for Performance Monitoring

Top features:

• 15, 30, or 60 second refresh time
• Real-time alerts for dangerous driving
• Driver leaderboard system
• Reports (audit-log, risk management, trip summaries)
• Theft prevention (door sensor, after-hours alert)
• ELD and DVIR compliance

Spireon’s FleetLocate system gives greater insight and control into driver performance management than any other system we looked at.

Its data refresh rate can be set to 60, 30, and 15-seconds, and it has real-time alerts for dangerous driving events, including speeding, harsh cornering, harsh acceleration, geo-fence breach.

Spireon also has a driver leadership board, which encourages safe driving via healthy competition between employees. We should note that this is nothing exceptional for GPS tracking software – most competitors on this list have similar point systems.

We also rate FleetLocate’s built-in theft prevention measures, such as its door sensor and after-hours alerts. Competitor Quartix doesn’t have any such security features.

However, Spireon does have some shortcomings. Namely, its opaque pricing and somewhat lacking help and support options – there’s no 24/7 phone line, chatbot, or help center, unlike Azuga.

Who’s Spireon FleetLocate for?

Spireon is a good tracking solution for managers that need to identify and improve performance issues among drivers, thanks to its real-time driver behavior alerts and risk management specific reporting.

Its solid theft prevention tools also make it a good option for fleets that operate in areas with high vehicle theft rates.

That being said, because of its opaque pricing, we wouldn’t recommend it for newly formed or small fleets. You’ll likely need to be well-versed in GPS tracking software prices to negotiate a good deal with them.

RAM – Most Affordable GPS tracking System

Top features:

• Hardwire and cloud options available
• 30 second refresh time
• Geofencing
• Alerts (crash, idling, harsh driving, speeding…)
• Financial reporting (travel and time on-site costs)
• CO2 emissions reports
• Fuel card integration

RAM Tracking has the lowest monthly fees of any provider on this list, starting at $11 per month, less than half of what you’d be paying at Verizon or Azuga.

Pricing is custom however, so what you pay will depend on your fleet size, features, and contract length. If you opt for a long contract, you’ll pay less. Don’t let that put you off. RAM comes with a lifetime warranty (competitors like Spireon and Teletrac only offer warranty for 12 months), which to us, indicates that the company trusts in its product.

RAM’s GPS tracking software is more focused on live tracking than reporting, providing you with an oversight of your drivers in a map view with each vehicle’s registration, driver ID, location, speed, and whether they’re stationary or on the move.

It does have reporting features, but we found them to be a little less comprehensive than those offered by Verizon or Samsara. With RAM, reporting is mainly centered around individual vehicle or driver history. There aren’t any vehicle diagnostics or maintenance logs available on the platform.

However, RAM still has some useful features, including a hardwire option, asset tracker, and smartphone app.

Unfortunately, RAM Tracker lacks smart route calculation, so you’ll have to plot your own journeys as best you can based on how long past journeys took. That’s a shame, as it involves a lot more manual work than Azuga, which automatically plans the best routes for you.

A few other missing pieces are a panic button, and integration with satnav devices, which unfortunately compound the less-than-ideal route planning capability.

Who’s RAM Tracking for?

RAM Tracking is a good option for small fleets, thanks to its affordable starting price. It’ll provide you with core GPS tracking features, such as vehicle tracking, driving behavior monitoring, alerts and basic reporting.

Its lack of route optimization is a big downside, however, especially if you’re creating routes for multiple vehicles, which is why we wouldn’t recommend RAM to mid-sized or large fleets.

Quartix – Best Fleet GPS Tracking System for Fuel Spend Control

Top features:

• 15-60 second refresh time
• Reports (vehicle and driver documentation, tyre reports, vehicle safety checks, online driver risk assessment…)
• Email alerts (out-of-hours driving, geofencing, harsh driving, idling)
• Fuel management with FleetCheck (fuel costing, MPG breakdown, CO2 reports, fuel theft detection…)
• IFTA Mileage and IFTA Fuel Tax reporting

We rate Quartix highly for its ability to connect with your fuel card data through its partnership with FleetCheck, so you’ll get one central system to oversee fuel spending. Automatic expense reporting and digitization can step up your control over gas expenditure.

Combine this with advanced driver behavior insights in the form of speeding, acceleration and breaking data – and you’ve got all the info you need to coach drivers on how to bring down gas wastage.

We’re also fans of the system’s trip reporter function, which provides insight into where each driver has been throughout the day, to help prevent fraudulent insurance claims.

We also found that the Quartix system is a little difficult to use. It doesn’t have the most intuitive layout, and we struggle with simple tasks like returning to the main dashboard after opening a tab. Turns out you need to click on Quartix logo on the top left of the page, but clearer indications would be greatly appreciated.

You should also be aware that Quartix does not support ELD compliance, and isn’t looking to develop this. It also doesn’t automatically optimize routes, can only identify journey duplication (two vehicles delivering in the same area).

Who’s Quartix for?

Quartix has price plans to suit both small and mid-sized fleets, and is a particularly good option for managers looking to keep a close eye on fuel spending, thanks to its partnership with FleetCheck.

It can also provide insights into driver behaviors that waste fuel, such as harsh acceleration and breaking, so you can identify which drivers need further training.

GPS Fleet Tracking Software Providers that Didn’t Make the Cut

We’ve reviewed what we judge to be the top seven GPS tracking providers, but here are some good alternatives that didn’t quite make the cut:

You should choose a GPS fleet tracking software based on the specific requirements of your business and your drivers.

Here’s what you should consider:

Cost: How much do you have to invest in a GPS system?

On average, fleet management costs range from $25 to $45 per month. Samsara, Teletrac Navman TN360, and Azuga all fall comfortably within this range.

Other providers, such as Verizon, offer variable price quotes based on your fleet size, contract length, and breadth of features.

If you operate a small fleet, you might prefer going with a provider that has upfront, transparent pricing, since this makes it easier to plan and budget.

Don’t forget about ‘hidden fees’, which are basically extra costs you might not have thought about. These could include add-ons (some providers might charge extra for premium features like cargo temperature monitors), extra hardware, or service fees (installation and termination fees, or technical support fees).

Features: What features do you need, and what can you live without?

If you’re going to be smart about your business spending, you need to identify which features are essential, and which are just window dressing.

Basic features all GPS tracking software should have include:

• Vehicle tracking: bonus points if the provider offers real-time tracking
• Alerts and notifications: this will help you quickly identify incidents
• Driver behavior management: this will help you identify drivers that need further training and improve driver safety
• Fuel management and mileage tracking: can help you plan routes and manage fuel more efficiently

Depending on your operations, other features you should consider for your GPS tracking software can include geofencing, cargo temperature monitoring, crash reporting, or maintenance scheduling tools.

Ease of use: Does it match you and your drivers’ skill level?

Whether you’re new to GPS tracking software, or switching providers, consider that there will be a learning curve when onboarding your drivers with the new technology. This will be the case even if they’re already familiar with GPS tracking software, so you’ll have to commit to some upskilling.

Choosing a provider that has a free trial or free demo can help you determine whether it’s the right fit for you and your team. Providers with free trials include Verizon, Samsara, and Quartix.

Contracts: Are their contracts flexible? How long do they run for?

If you’re a first-time buyer, you should know that a GPS tracking platform isn’t a simple one-time purchase. They are usually contract-based, with a typical length of 3 years.

You may get better deals if you make a longer-term commitment, but we’d usually only recommend this option to large, established fleets, who can withstand prices going up.

Customer Support: How can you contact them and how available are they?

Ideally, you don’t want anything to go wrong with your GPS tracking software. But since we live in an imperfect world, it’s best to be aware of your support options if you run into issues.

We recommend that you look for a provider that has several channels for support, including email, phone, live chat, and a help center. Phone support should be your go-to for emergencies, so check that the opening hours align with your fleet’s operating hours.

Compliance: Does the system meet state and federal requirements, and can it help you stay compliant?

Before you implement GPS tracking, make sure you’re aware of the GPS tracking laws in your state, and that your chosen provider can help you stay compliant with them.

At the federal level, businesses that operate big commercial vehicles need to ensure their vehicles are fitted with an ELD (Electronic Log Device) compliant device.

GPS Tracking Software Benefits

There are several ways in which GPS tracking improves your profitability as a business. Here are the top five benefits:

1. Reducing costs

Rising costs are the greatest concern for the majority of fleet managers today. But Verizon’s research finds vehicle managers are bringing down outgoings on fuel (by an average of 9%), accident costs (by 17%), and labor (by 12%) thanks to installing GPS tracking.

2. Improving safety

It’s your responsibility to keep drivers safe – of course, your company’s reputation depends on it. If you know exactly where your drivers are, you can send help out to their precise location.

Weather alerts can also provide critical insight, raising the alert if heavy snow or rain is going to pose a risk. Automatic re-routing can resolve safety issues before they become a concern.

3. Finding opportunities for better efficiency

Thanks to insights like idling time, driving habits, and fuel usage, vehicle trackers provide a range of opportunities to reduce waste in your operations. Do your drivers take the same old routes out of habit? You could find more cost-effective routes with smart GPS suggestions.

4. Boosting client satisfaction

With vehicle tracking, you’ll know exactly which automobiles are available the moment they finish their last job. That oversight means you can dispatch the right driver at the right time for their next mission.

Then you can furnish your clients and customers with accurate arrival times based on traffic, weather, and road conditions. And you won’t have drivers waiting around for work while your clients await their cargo.

5. Timely vehicle maintenance

If you currently schedule your vehicle inspections based on monthly or seasonal intervals, then you’re in danger of missing safety issues with more heavily used vehicles. GPS tracking monitors mileage, too, meaning you can allocate resources more effectively by only inspecting automobiles after they’ve driven a certain distance.

Advanced systems include engine diagnostic alerts, so you’ll be warned if any urgent issues arise in between check-ups. And you’re less likely to be caught off guard with major repair bills if you’re nipping issues in the bud.