Best 9 GPS Fleet Tracking Software 2023: Ranked & Reviewed

Based on our research, the best GPS tracking system for fleet vehicles is Verizon Connect. It scored a perfect 5/5 score for its vehicle tracking capabilities, as well as earned top scores for its vehicle and driver management features.

These days, you can't run a fleet business at maximum efficiency and productivity without a certain nifty solution: a fleet GPS tracking system. Not only does this fleet management software enable you to monitor your vehicles in real-time – the best fleet GPS tracking systems can now monitor driver behaviour, keep cargo cool, provide automatic reports on what’s going on across the fleet, and more. You'll be empowered to drive down fuel costs, improve customer service, and use analytics to grow your business.

So, to help you find the right solution for you, we’ve put together a list of the nine best fleet GPS tracking systems for US businesses, based on our own independent, extensive research into the market. Read on to learn about our top picks, or use our comparison tool to get a free quote tailored to your needs.

Best GPS Fleet Tracking Software 2023

We conducted in-depth research into the fleet management market, and found that the nine best fleet GPS tracking systems for US businesses are:

Read on to learn more about these solutions, and find out what makes them so great…

Verizon Connect – Best overall fleet GPS tracking system

Verizon Connect has the best tracking and driver management features of all the tracking products we researched. Scoring 4.9/5 in the features category, it comes with automatic route optimization, navigation phone apps, and asset tracking. Combine that with traffic alerts and driver messaging, and you'll quickly see why this GPS tracker takes the top spot.

We appreciated the helpful driver management functions of this software. Instead of wasting time texting your drivers links and screenshots via different messaging apps, you can simply click to send dispatch details for their next job. That builds efficiency directly into your operations workflow. 

It also integrates with other systems you're likely to use, such as Garmin satnavs. This makes Verizon Connect GPS tracker a better choice than Samsara, which doesn't link up with other satnavs. Moreover, Verizon has recently published video guides to give further guidance on how to set up APIs and other integrations.

If you have Spanish-speaking drivers, you can now opt for warning messages in Spanish instead of English. This is a brand new update to AI safety alerts this year, which are triggered in situations like tailgating, pedestrians walking near the vehicle or if your driver seems distracted at the wheel. That can prevent tragedies and reduce the likelihood of reputational damage from costly legal action.

Some of the latest updates since September 2023 include the possibility to remotely restart your device without losing your data, which removes the need to call Verizon customer support. What's also new is integration with SpeedGauge, a third-party software that tracks the behavior and speed of your drivers to compare it with that of other fleets.

Is Verizon Connect GPS Tracker Worth it?

While Verizon is one of the pricier systems on the market, we'd argue its tracking features will help you make cost savings in the long run. For instance, alerts on idling, speeding, and harsh driving pinpoint exactly which drivers, routes, and vehicles are a common source of wasted funds. Then you can find out which of your drivers needs a quick talking to.

But what if you need two-way messaging with your driver? We'd recommend you look to our next provider on the list…

Samsara – Best fleet GPS tracking system for managing vehicles

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, thanks to the smart Internet of Things tech in play. For instance, Samsara uses AI Route Analytics to improve driving routes and make the best possible use of your automobile resources.

And it can send automatic alerts to your desired contacts when certain conditions are met, such as your driver arriving at a destination (with geofencing). Or if the driver is idling too long, your driver will be warned to keep it moving or turn off the engine.

We appreciate Samara's two-way driver messaging, too. In case you want to find out why your driver is idling – “Oh hey, I was just on the phone to a supplier” – you can quickly work out what's going on thanks to the inbuilt comms system. (Don't worry, it won't work while the wheels are turning.)

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.

Recent updates in 2023 include an engine immobilizer feature, which allows fleet managers to remotely enable or disable any vehicle engine, to prevent theft attempts or recover stolen vehicles.

Is Samsara Worth It?

In Samsara, you'll get a highly customizable tracking system with advanced driver management capabilities. Yes, it's worth the higher price tag if you are confident your team will make full use of its powers. It's likely to be overkill for a smaller fleet, so we wouldn't recommend it if you're managing fewer than five vehicles.

We would caution that Samsara is not the most beginner-friendly telematics system you could find. So you'll need a technician on your team who is comfortable with instructions like “Enable outbound traffic over port 443 (TLS)” because the online support guides are somewhat sparse.

Teletrac Navman – Best fleet GPS tracking system for managing drivers

Teletrac's TN360 is an ELD (electronic logging device) providing the most detailed overview of driver status and activity of all the trackers we researched.

When you're scaling up operations, managing the workforce quickly gets complicated. So you'd benefit from its driver management features like job dispatch and routing, and driver fitness declaration as well as schedule progress.

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

We rate TN360 for its robust document management. The tech lets managers send full-day run sheets to drivers. Everyone can store, send, and share all documents in a simple application, which allows for easy access by the driver and leaves no room for excuses regarding lost paperwork.  Data on the app is updated in real time, and the digital checklist app is really handy for vehicle inspections.

Teletrac Navman's Journey Management allows fleet managers to set specific routes, rather than just a destination. If a vehicle deviates off this route, Teletrac Navman redirects to the defined route, not the quickest route to the destination (as a typical satnav would respond). This is particularly important when managing vehicles carrying sensitive material or abnormal loads. All these great features earned Teletrac a 4.9/5 in the tracking department.

Newer features include an in-built messaging app – which competitors like Samsara and GPS Trackit admittedly already had – 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.

Is Teletrac Navman's TN360 Worth It?

As the TN360 is focused on compliance, it can be considered an essential tool for growing and medium-sized fleets. Realistically, you'll need to invest in some kind of telematic software to adhere to the federal mandate – recall that since December 2019 certain motor carriers became duty-bound to use ELDs.

So you may as well get the best you can for your money, ensuring you don't fall foul of nationwide regulations. We're confident in our recommendation of the TN360 to cover all your bases there.

Note that the TN360 you won't calculate smart route optimization, however, unlike Azuga. So let's look at the best software for efficient routes, if speed of delivery is more important for your business.

Azuga – Best fleet GPS tracking system for efficient routes

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.

Azuga's solution isn't comprehensive, however, which is why we rated it just 3.8/5 in the product features category. It's missing a hardwired option, satnav integration, and crash reporting. Plus the panic button is within the mobile app, which isn't particularly convenient.

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

After a recent update, Azuga's FleetMobile integration has features that track safe driving and speeding, as well as the option to add features such as vehicle health monitoring, navigation, tracking, parked vehicle location, and third-party apps.

Is Azuga Worth It?

This is a tricky one. Arguably, Azuga isn't the best investment choice for many, as many of its features are paid upgrades only; surprisingly, you'll need to pay up to get eLogs for ELD and DVIR compliance. Maintenance scheduling also come at a premium with Azuga, yet this feature comes as standard from competitors like Spireon and Linxup.

On the other hand, Azuga is a leading GPS telematics brand, and its efficient route planning technology could help your business find cost savings from better fuel usage and reduced idling time.

Spireon – Best fleet GPS tracking system for performance monitoring

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. That is the fastest rate we found, and perfect for managers that need to identify and improve performance issues among drivers. 

Spireon is a solid product across the board, with its only shortcomings being its opaque pricing and somewhat lacking help and support options. Spireon doesn't provide chatbot support or a 24/7 phone line, unlike Azuga.

The latest feature added to their fleet management product is the IntelliScan cargo sensor which informs drivers and carriers of free trailer space. This feature allows more freight to be hauled in fewer trips, which boosts efficiency and revenue.

We also rate FleetLocate's built in theft prevention measures including its door sensor and after-hours alerts. Unlike Spireon's device, Fleetio, Geotab and Quartix don't have any such security features.

Is Spireon's FleetLocate Worth It?

It's hard to say because your package depends on the features your individual sales rep will offer you. Our best advice is to be clear about what business issues you're trying to solve. Then you can have a clear understanding of the technology that would or wouldn't help you reach those goals.

Stand firm in your commitment to reduce waste from poor driver performance and improper fuel usage. If your area is secure, then you won't need Spireon's added theft prevention. However, if your neighborhood is notorious for vehicle theft, consider that a worthwhile investment.

RAM – Most affordable GPS tracking system

RAM Tracking has the lowest monthly platform on this list, scoring 4.6/5 in price. If you opt for a longer contract, you could spend half or even a third as much per month as you would with a premium provider like Verizon Connect. 

This doesn't compromise its GPS tracking prowess, however, as it still scores a hearty 4.6/5 for its tracking capabilities. You'll get live oversight of your drivers in a map view with each vehicle's registration, driver ID, location, speed, and whether they're stationary.

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.

However, a 4.5 in product features is also quite solid, attributed to its hardwire option, asset tracker, and smartphone app. A few missing pieces are a panic button and integration with satnav devices, which unfortunately compound the less-than-ideal route planning capability.

Some of the latest updates in 2023 include the addition of geofencing, congestion zones, and improved alerts.

Is RAM Tracking Worth It?

At the lower end of the price spectrum, RAM Tracking could prove really helpful for managers of smaller fleets. Everyone is looking to save on costs right now, and we'd say RAM Tracking is worth a look for that reason.

You should ensure that you won't need to buy additional products or apps to make up for its shortcoming, though. For instance, if you work in a region where the climate can produce risky temperatures, RAM Tracking may not be the best for your fleet due to its lack of engine or cargo temperature sensors.

If cost is your main consideration, you may also want to check out our next reasonably-priced supplier, Quartix.

Quartix – Best fleet GPS tracking system for fuel spend control

While gas prices aren't as high as they have been in recent years, drivers in states such as California and Washington can still expect to pay upwards of $5 per gallon of gas. This means gas can add up to almost a third of your direct operating costs. Automatic expense reporting and digitization can step up your control over gas expenditure. We rate Quartix for its ability to connect with your fuel card data, so you'll get one central system to oversee fuel spending.

Combine this with advanced driver behavior insights in the form of speeding, acceleration and braking data – and you've got all the info you need to coach drivers on how to bring down gas wastage. The system even ranks drivers from best to worse to make it even easier.

Fleetio doesn't offer any such driver activity insight, making it much weaker than Quartix for fuel conservation efforts.

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.

However, you should be aware that Quartix does not support ELD compliance, and isn't looking to develop this.

As of June 2023, the new Quartix Check app allows fleet managers and drivers to record audits and inspections on vehicles to create a digital report.

Is Quartix Worth It?

We rate Quartix for its ability to connect with fuel card data, so you'll get one central system to oversee fuel spending. It could be the silver bullet to finally defeat that mountain of gas bills.

But buyer beware, you must check whether your business needs to comply with the latest ELD rules. If so, Quartix is not the right product for you. Look to Motive down below if you need an alternative.

GPS Trackit – Best fleet GPS tracking system for resolving safety concerns

GPS Trackit is best for smaller operations due to its month-to-month flexibility, so you can use the system only for as long as it suits you. Tying yourself in for a lengthy period can be risky, particularly if your business is still young.

Add to this GPS Trackit's stellar vehicle theft prevention measures (including remote main power disconnect, theft detection, PTO alerts, and starter disable), plus the unlimited live training it offers to help you learn your way around the system, and you've got a solution that  keeps your fleet secure for the long-term.

GPS Trackit scores 4.8/5 for its driver management features, outperforming RAM Tracking, Omnitracs, Spireon and Quartix in this category. We were particularly impressed by safety features including its dangerous driving alerts combined with reporting on dangerous driving events per driver.

Its new ‘Tags' feature allows you to manage various important elements of your fleet such as vehicles, drivers, locations, driver forms and easily sort and assign them.

Is GPS Trackit Worth It?

If safety is a priority in your business (and why wouldn't it be?) then yes, GPS Trackit is a terrific investment. Not only could you save on inefficient fuel usage and vehicle repair costs due to unsafe driving, but you'll better protect the wellbeing of your drivers, their families, and others on the road.

Nobody likes being told they're a bad driver, but if you've got the data to back you up, you're going to win that argument much faster. Or… find another driver who's willing to listen. Either way you'll need the right behavior tracking system to plug that leaking money from your business.

Motive – Best fleet GPS tracking system for compliance automation

Motive provides a useful digital tool to automate your drivers' hours of service monitoring. Its compliant ELD helps you stay on the right side of fleet regulation, and clients actually report 50% fewer HOS violations since they installed the tech.

Motive's GPS tracker is therefore superior to devices from Quartix, Fleetio, Navixy, and GPS-Server, as none of those would keep your business ELD compliant.

In our research, Motive also scored an impressive 5/5 in for its driver management features as it covers all bases in this area. It's much better than Azuga (which only scored 4.3/5), for instance, as Motive collects AI-powered data on crash incidents while Azuga carries out no crash reporting at all.

Is Motive Worth It?

We see Motive as a diamond in the rough, and very underrated compared with some of the bigger names on the fleet tech circuit today. It's great at the core task of driver management, taking pressure off your shoulders as a manager, because you'll be compliant with ELD regulation. Definitely worth the investment, in our book.

Linxup – Best fleet GPS tracking system for minimizing downtime

Linxup isn’t as well known as some of the heavy-hitting trackers on this list, but it champions the cause of small businesses – and in terms of features, it punches well above its weight. It doesn't score extraordinarily well in any field but doesn't outright fail anywhere either, except in its customer support, where it scores a 2.0/5.

Linxup scores 4.5/5 and 4.3/5 respectively for its vehicle and driver management features. Its mobile app simplifies driver dispatching and messaging, while its clean, stripped-back dashboard takes the hassle out of the analytics. And if you missed something out on the road? Don’t stress – its historical playback feature lets you replay routes at leisure, from whichever device, wherever you are in the world.

What is GPS Fleet Tracking Software?

As a fleet manager, you need a way to see where your vehicles are, and the routes they've taken. GPS stands for “global positioning system” and it's a neat way of using satellites to record the positions of each automobile.

These days, trackers also record extra information like driver behavior (for example, harsh braking or idling), vehicle health, and even fuel efficiency. All that data is displayed in a dashboard to give an easy overview of fleet activity, plus the detailed reports you need for effective analysis.

But where that data is stored, and how often it updates depends on the type of vehicle tracker you have.

Vehicle Tracking System Types

• Active GPS tracker: Updates in real-time, sending live information from each vehicle as it travels.
• Passive GPS tracker: Stores tracking data on the device itself, which you have to upload once it returns. It's also known as a “standalone” tracker.
• Cloud-based GPS tracker: Tracking data is saved in the cloud, so it's backed up by a third-party.
• Self-hosted vehicle tracker: You're fully in charge of data management, including the storage infrastructure (which is usually on-site).

How Did We Research and Rank Vehicle Trackers?

We've been researching business software and creating advice guides for over a decade. We closely follow the industry for the latest news and product updates. Our in-house research team carries out detailed analysis of each provider on the market to ensure our articles are up-to-date, accurate, and reliable.

Our head of research decides on key criteria that matter most to fleet managers of small-to-medium-sized companies. A dedicated researcher analyzes each product alongside 60 set criteria under the following categories:

• Support
• Price
• Tracking features
• Driver management
• Vehicle management
• Hardware and software features

Each product is then ranked according to how well it suits different use cases. When products have critical flaws, we'll always be transparent about these so you end up making the right choice for your business.

GPS Fleet Tracking Software Costs Compared

Like most products, GPS fleet tracking software can be basic, mid-range or premium. This doesn't always mean that cheaper products are worse and expensive ones are better. It's simple a matter of matching budget to the business case.

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 Motive, have variable costs, and you'd need to get in touch with a sales rep to get accurate pricing for your particular business. The good news is speaking to an individual consultant means you won't end up buying a blanket package full of tools you don't actually need.

For instance, fleet technology companies like Verizon offer variable price quotes based on:

• Your fleet size
• Contract length
• Breadth of features

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

And ask yourself if it's really worth saving a few dollars a month to lose out on critical fuel usage data that could save your company thousands in the long-run?

GPS Tracking Software Benefits

There are several ways in which GPS tracking improves your profitability as a business. Indeed, 96% of those using GPS tracking software for their fleet found it beneficial (per the 2023 Fleet Technology Trends Report from Verizon Connect).

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 management 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 there are any urgent issues that 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.