Best 9 GPS Fleet Tracking Software 2024: Ranked & Reviewed

GPS fleet tracking system

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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.

We also reviewed eight alternative GPS systems based on several important factors. Read the full breakdown below or cut straight to the chase and use our free comparison tool to find your best fit.

What Are the Best Fleet GPS Tracking Systems?

These are the providers we recommend based on our research. Use our comparison tool to find the best service for your business

  1. Verizon Connect – Best overall
  2. Samsara – Best for managing vehicles
  3. Teletrac Navman – Best for managing drivers
  4. Azuga – Best for efficient routes
  5. Spireon – Best for performance monitoring
  6. RAM – Most affordable
  7. Quartix – Best for fuel spend control
  8. GPS Trackit – Best for safer driving
  9. Linxup – Best for minimizing downtime

As we enter 2024, the economic pressure of fleet maintenance remains the top concern for owner-operators. Parking costs, gas prices, driver shortages and driver wages also made their way into the top five worries, according to the American Transportation Research Institute at the end of last year.

One way to take control of your fleet is to install a professional GPS tracking system to boost efficiency, by staying on top of delays and arrival times. We reviewed the top GPS fleet tracking software on the market to give you everything you need to make an informed decision.

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Teletrac Navman TN360

Azuga

Spireon

RAM

Quartix

GPS Trackit

Linxup

Starting Price
Starting Price
Starting Price
Starting Price

$25 per month

Starting Price

$25 – $35 per month

Starting Price

On request

Starting Price

Bespoke

Starting Price

$14.90 per month

Starting Price

$23.95 per month

Starting Price

$25 per month

Refresh time

1-60 seconds

Refresh time
Refresh time

30 seconds – 1 minute

Refresh time

Real time updates

Refresh time

30 seconds

Refresh time

15 – 60 seconds

Refresh time

30 seconds

Refresh time

15-60 seconds

Refresh time

60 seconds

Refresh time

60 seconds

Alerts and Notifications
  • Motive’s Fleet Dashboard/App allows admins to create and manage email alerts and notifications for both fleet managers and external recipients.
Alerts and Notifications
  • Activity
  • Diagnostic
  • Driving hours
  • Geofencing
  • Harsh driving
  • Idling
  • Ignition
  • Late start
  • Long stop
  • Speeding
  • Power disruption
Alerts and Notifications
  • AI-powered real-time alerts
  • SMS and email alerts, including temperature alerts and control
  • Vehicle idling
  • Geofences for drivers
Alerts and Notifications
  • Dangerous driving behaviours
  • Upcoming/overdue maintenance needs
  • Driver behaviour in ‘live sites’/geofencing
  • Idling
  • Stolen vehicles
Alerts and Notifications
  • Real-time hazardous driving alerts
  • Vehicle maintenance alerts
  • Only provider to offer seat belt alerts
  • Idling and ignition on/off
Alerts and Notifications
  • Driver behavior
  • Maintenance notifications
Alerts and Notifications
  • Ignition on
  • First ignition of the day
  • External power lost
  • When a vehicle leaves or enters a congestion charge zone
  • Idling
  • Vehicle impact
Alerts and Notifications
  • Vehicle idling
  • Geofencing
  • Out of hour vehicle ignition
Alerts and Notifications
  • Speed alerts
  • Landmark alerts
  • Geofencing
  • Off-hours alerts
  • Unauthorised movement alerts
  • PTO alerts (tow alerts, boom alerts)
Alerts and Notifications
  • Safe driving habits
  • Device tampering and no GPS signal
  • Geofence alerts
  • First ignition of the day
  • Excessive idling
  • Vehicle usage outside hours
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Why Can You Trust Expert Market for Fleet Tracking Recommendations?

At Expert Market, we are dedicated to helping our readers make informed purchases to make their businesses thrive. Our publishing team is separate from our sales team, so our research-backed opinions are independent of financial persuasion.

We conduct an unbiased, user-led testing process to evaluate the best fleet-tracking software on the market. Refer to our methodology section for a more detailed breakdown of how we arrived at our top nine.

red shaded area on a map displayed on a tablet
Set area limits with Verizon Connect geofencing, and get alerts when drivers go outside it.

Verizon Connect – Best overall fleet GPS tracking system

verizon connect logo
Verizon Connect Reveal
4.7 Expert research score
Pricing $20 - $40
Strengths

Fast data refresh rate (30 seconds)

Advanced driver KPI features

Automatic route creation based on driver availability

Excellent efficiency features (eg. automatically optimized routes)

Weaknesses

Typically offers a long contract period of three years

Some businesses may not need all its features

Pricing
Typical price Prices are bespoke, based on factors like fleet size, package options, and contract length
$20 to $40 Per vehicle, per month
Telematics Winner

Verizon also won the crown when it came to our research on telematics. It wasn't an easy fight however – read our breakdown of the best telematics companies on the market.

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.

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 ongoing decisions regarding your scheduling, route planning and fuel usage.

We found Verizon’s in-built ‘Scheduler' extremely intuitive to use. In the left-hand sidebar, there is a complete list of all of your technicians while the full screen displays a timetable of jobs with smart usage of colour-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.

What's New? December 2023

Based on our December checks, the most recent updates for Verizon Connect are that it's entering the AI realm, offering dashcams which use AI technology that can help when dealing with accidents on the road.

Verizon has also released a press release discussing the high cost of living's effect on fleets and fleet-focused businesses.

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.

Read our full Verizon review.

Verizon's Live Map displays the location of your entire fleet.

Image Source: Expert Market


Samsara – Best fleet GPS tracking system for managing vehicles

Samsara flexi
Samsara
4.6 Expert research score
Pricing From $27/month
Strengths

Increases dispatch efficiency

Excellent driver management tools

30-second to one-minute data updates

24/7 customer support

Weaknesses

Three year minimum contract

Hardware such as panic button sold separately

Pricing
ProductPricing (per device, due upfront)
Vehicle Gateway (ELD) $1584 for 3-year license
Cargo Monitor $162 for 3-year license
Environmental Monitor $324 for 3-year license
Panic Button $54

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.

What's New? December 2023

Samsara hasn't had a massive product update in a while, but they're keeping their standards high, winning Frost and Sullivan's Company of the Year Award for 2023.

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.

Read our full Samsara review.


Teletrac Navman – Best fleet GPS tracking system for managing drivers

Teletrac Navman TN360
4.5 Expert research score
Pricing From $25
Strengths

Top-tier driver monitoring tools, including driver fatigue management

Provides real-time data updates

Powered by battery or solar

Useful reporting and data presentation

Weaknesses

Lacks advanced hardware features like cargo temperature and engine temperature monitoring

Doesn't provide weather updates

No panic button

Pricing
Starting price Prices are bespoke, based on factors like fleet size, package options, and contract length
From $25 Per vehicle, per month

Teletrac's TN360 is 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.

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 managementThe 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.

What's New? December 2023

Teletrac Navman recently revealed TN360 Transport, which uses AI technology to streamline operations and optimize the sustainability and safety of your fleet.

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.

Read our full Teletrac Navman review.

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

azuga Logo
Azuga
4.4 Expert research score
Pricing $25 - $35
Strengths

Suggests efficient driving routes

Insightful fuel usage reports

Monitor driver activity with geofencing

Weaknesses

Not compatible with third-party sat navs

No crash reporting

3 year contract minimum

Pricing
Price range Prices are bespoke, based on factors like fleet size, package options, and contract length
$25 to $35 Per vehicle, per month

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.

What's New? December 2023

Azuga's Fleet Management Software has recently become available for download on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) marketplace.

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.

Read our full Azuga review.


Spireon – Best fleet GPS tracking system for performance monitoring

spireon logo
Spireon
4.2 Expert research score
Pricing On request
Strengths

Automatic alerts for dangerous driving events

Accurate tracking thanks to fast refresh rate

Detailed custom reports

Weaknesses

No panic button or crash reporting

No route improvement capability

No chatbot customer support

Pricing
Pricing
Bespoke Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length

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.

Read our full Spireon review.


RAM – Most affordable GPS tracking system

RAM
4.3 Expert research score
Pricing From $11 per month
Strengths

Map view live vehicle tracking

Weather updates from Google Maps

Hardwire and cloud options available

Comprehensive driver scoring system

Weaknesses

Won't plan the best routes for your drivers

No vehicle maintenance tracking

No engine temperature monitoring

No messaging feature

Pricing
Pricing
Bespoke Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length

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.

Read our full RAM Trucking review.


Quartix – Best fleet GPS tracking system for fuel spend control

Quartix Logo
Quartix
4.1 Expert research score
Pricing $14.90 - $22.90
Strengths

One of the cheapest providers on the market

Gives a comprehensive view of active vehicles

Integrates with fuel cards

Weaknesses

Doesn't automatically optimize your routes

Lacks automated maintenance scheduling

No vehicle diagnostics

Pricing
PlanPricing
Infopoint $14.90 Per vehicle, per month
Infoplus $18.90 Per vehicle, per month
Infofleet $22.90 Per vehicle, per month

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.

What's New? December 2023

Quartix hasn't had a massive product update recently, but they have a consistent record of winning awards for the quality of their service, most recently winning an award for exceptional customer service in February of this year.

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.

Read our full Quartix review.


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

GPS Trackit apollo ELD
4.2 Expert research score
Pricing $23.95-$44.95
Strengths

No cancellation fees

Live alerts for safety events and speeding

Two-way driver messaging with canned responses

Weaknesses

Shorter contract costs more

No traffic alerts

No vehicle diagnostics

Pricing
ELD + GPS Monthly Software Subscription DepositPricing
Month to month $44.95
One year $39.95
Two years $34.95
Three years $23.95

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.

What's New? December 2023

GPS Trackit released its own ecommerce platform in 2023, which offers an array of AI fleet management, telematics, and video solutions.

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.

Read our full GPS Tackit review.


Motive – Best fleet GPS tracking system for compliance automation

Motive
4.1 Expert research score
Pricing Variable
Strengths

ELD regulation compliant

HOS limit notifications

AI collision detection and reporting

Weaknesses

No traffic alerts

No satnav integration

Self-installation only

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.

Read our full Motive review.

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Linxup – Best fleet GPS tracking system for minimizing downtime

linxup Logo
Linxup
4 Expert research score
Pricing From $25
Strengths

Automatic vehicle diagnostics Consistent mileage reports Detailed fuel reports

Consistent mileage reports

Detailed fuel reports

Weaknesses

Doesn’t provide traffic alerts

No automatic route optimization

No chat bot or knowledge center

Pricing
Starting price Prices are bespoke, based on factors like fleet size, package options, and contract length
From $25 Per vehicle, per month

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.

Read our full Linxup review.

What's New? December 2023

Linxup is a newer face on the scene, like we said, so the biggest headline for them recently is a massive acquisition of $50 million in funding to grow and improve their service.

What is GPS Fleet Tracking Software?

GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking uses satellites to record the positions of automobiles. As a fleet manager, it's crucial to see where your vehicles are, and the routes they've taken.

GPS 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).

GPS Tracking: What Buyers Need to Know

A GPS tracking platform isn't a simple one-time purchase. They are usually contract-based, and the usual length of a GPS contract is 3 years, though you may get better deals if you make a longer-term commitment.

This means you want to be sure of your needs before signing the dotted line. And before you implement GPS tracking, make sure you're aware of  the GPS tracking laws in your state.

There are a lot of factors to consider before deciding on a GPS-tracking product. Ensure the features on offer meet the requirements of your business and consider that there will be a learning curve when onboarding your drivers with the new technology, so you'll have to commit to some upskilling.

We'd therefore recommend that you choose carefully and based on the needs of your business and your drivers. We're aware of how important the decision is, and have kept this at the forefront of our minds when creating this article and our fleet management comparison tool; with these two resources, you should be able to make a final decision with confidence.

GPS Fleet Tracking Software Costs Compared

GPS fleet tracking software can be basic, mid-range or premium. 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 essential, and which are just window dressing.

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 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.

How to Choose the Right GPS Tracking System

The best GPS fleet tracking software for your fleet should be chosen based on the specific requirements of your business and your drivers. Most importantly, select an option that simplifies the management of your vehicles, drivers, and maintenance, and that leverages analytics to upscale your operations. Some key factors to consider are:

  • How many vehicles/drivers do you need to support?
  • How much do you have to invest in a GPS system?
  • What features do you need/can you live without?
  • Are their contracts flexible? How long do they run for?

Is It Easy to Switch GPS Tracking Systems?

If you find you are running into roadblocks with your current GPS tracking system, you may want to consider switching to a more suitable provider.

Most GPS tracking systems are designed with quick and easy installation in mind. This makes the practical element of switching from your old to new provider simple. Unless you have a very large fleet, this shouldn't take more than a day once you have an installer.

On the other hand, many GPS tracking providers are contract-based, so if you want to switch providers before your contract ends, you might find yourself paying the entire agreed amount. So that is something to keep in mind.

How We Test Vehicle Tracking Systems for Businesses

We tested 29 market-leading vehicle tracking systems to evaluate them in terms of functionality, usability, accuracy, and aesthetics so we can make the most useful recommendations to US businesses.

Our rigorous testing process means these products have been scored and rated in six main categories of investigation and six subcategories – in fact, we covered 51 areas of investigation in total. We then gave each category score a ‘relevance weighting' to ensure the product's final score perfectly reflects the needs and requirements of Expert Market readers – and that's our algorithm in a nutshell!

Our main testing categories for vehicle tracking systems are:

Price: the cost associated with using the vehicle tracking software, including upfront costs, subscription fees, hardware costs (if applicable), and any additional charges for advanced features or add-ons.

Tracking: the core functionality of the vehicle tracking software, which involves monitoring and tracking the location and movements of vehicles in real-time, such as GPS tracking, route optimization, and geofencing.

Driver Management: the features and tools provided by the vehicle tracking software to manage and monitor driver activities. This can include driver behavior monitoring, driver performance reports, driver identification.

Vehicle Management: the functionalities that allow for the efficient management and maintenance of vehicles, such as vehicle health monitoring and maintenance scheduling.

Product Features: the additional functionalities and capabilities offered by the vehicle tracking software beyond basic tracking and management, such as real-time alerts and notifications or driver routing and dispatching.

Support: the resources, assistance, and guidance provided by the vehicle tracking software company to users, including phone support, email or chat support, and online forums.

 

How to Pick the Best GPS Tracker for Your Fleet

Of all the GPS tracking software we reviewed, Verizon Connect was the most versatile of the bunch, scoring 5/5 for tracking, vehicle management, and driver management features. Its Reports feature is particularly helpful as it is designed to help managers identify trends over time, allowing you to be more agile in your delivery, and spot opportunities for efficiency improvement.

In comparison to other trackers, Verizon Connect isn't the most affordable – scoring just 2.5/5 for price versus competitors like RAM, which scores 4.6/5.

There are plenty of other providers out there, however. If you'd like to be matched to a provider based on your specific business needs, then it's worth filling out our free quote form, after which providers can contact you with their prices and offerings.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between an active and a passive GPS fleet tracking system?
Active (or real-time) GPS trackers send updates every few seconds, providing location data in real-time. They rely on a combination of wireless and GPS signals to stay in constant contact with your fleet HQ.

Passive GPS trackers record exactly the same vehicle information as real-time GPS trackers. However, rather than sending continuous updates to your fleet’s base, passive trackers store data locally on each vehicle.

Passive GPS trackers are a smart choice for small fleets (of, say, fewer than five vehicles). They’re cheaper than active trackers, just as accurate, and are often more portable, too. In fact, here’s a handy tip – you can save your company money just by rotating passive trackers between different vehicles!

What is the ELD mandate, and how do I stay compliant?
ELD stands for Electronic Logging Device. The ELD mandate was created by the FMCSA, who are responsible for regulating the trucking industry in the US. The mandate came into place in December 2019 to enforce certain standards around vehicle tracking – and apart from a few exemptions, you’ll have to make sure your fleet ticks all the boxes.

To stay compliant, your drivers need to be able to present data from the last week’s worth of journeys, if requested. And as a fleet manager, your devices have to automatically record your drivers’ duty status. You’ll also need to record any changes in status, plus the amount of miles clocked up by each driver.

All the suppliers above will help ensure that you’re completely compliant when it comes to the ELD mandate, and help you out if you have questions.

How do you keep track of fleet vehicles?
Vehicle tracking systems are a great way of keeping on top of your business' vehicles. When you're juggling a dozen vans or cars, you'll want to know where each of them are, as well as what they're doing. Vehicle tracking platforms, with their GPS tracker functionality, are the best way to centralize your vehicle tracking.
What is the best GPS tracking device?
Every provider on this page has its pros and cons, but our overall favorite GPS tracking device is Verizon Connect. In our research, it scored a perfect 5.0/5 when it comes to its tracking functionality, and its driver and vehicle management were similarly perfect. It's pricier than we'd like, but it lives up to the price tag.
Is fleet tracking legal?
Yes. It is legal in the U.S. to implement fleet tracking on vehicles that you own, either personally or under your business. However, GPS tracking vehicles that don't belong to you is illegal.
How much does GPS fleet tracking software cost?
GPS fleet tracking software can range from $14.90-$30 per month, on average. That being said, many providers offer bespoke pricing based on the unique requirements of your fleet so it's best to contact providers directly or use our free tool to receive tailored quotes from potential providers.
Written by:
Julia Watts author headshot photo
Specialising in business software, Julia writes jargon-busting guides about VoIP, fleet management, dash cams, fuel cards, and more. Having spent almost a decade writing for entrepreneurs and reviewing business solutions, she loves helping exciting ventures – big or small – to flourish.
Reviewed by:
James thinks all businesses can improve if they use the right technology. At Expert Market, he utilises his 4+ years experience as a researcher to offer specialised advice on a wide range of categories from CRM to Fleet Management.