Top 7 GPS Fleet Tracking Software in 2024: Ranked & Reviewed

person holding gps tracking software on mobile smartphone infront of a package

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Based on our research, the best fleet GPS tracking software is Verizon Connect. Its outstanding vehicle tracking capabilities and advanced fuel and driver management features set it above the competition, helping alleviate the financial strain of operating a fleet.

Most of the top fleet management companies offer a service, including a professional GPS tracking system, that accurately tracks and optimizes routes, improves fuel efficiency, and promotes safe driving practices to boost your fleet’s efficiency, reduce expenses, and even extend the lifecycle of your fleet vehicles too.

But what option best fits your specific needs and budget will vary depending on your business. Keep reading for an in-depth guide to our seven best-rated GPS tracking systems to find the option suited to your business.

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Spireon

RAM

Quartix

Starting Price

$30 monthly subscription

Starting Price

$23.50 per month

Starting Price
Starting Price
Starting Price
Starting Price

Quote-based

Starting Price

Bespoke

Starting Price

$14.90 per month

Refresh time

1-60 seconds

Refresh time

30 seconds

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

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
See Pricing See Pricing See Pricing See Pricing See Pricing See Review See Review See Review
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.

Verizon Connect – Best Overall Fleet GPS Tracking System

Verizon Connect's new logo
Verizon Connect Reveal
4.7 Expert research score
Pricing Bespoke
Strengths

Fast data refresh rate (30 seconds)

Modern, user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate

Automatic route optimization, extensive reporting and analytics

Advanced driver management tools, such as scheduling and performance monitoring

Weaknesses

Bespoke pricing structure can be expensive

Long contract length (3-year standard)

Add-on features can jack up the price

Pricing
Typical price This is an estimate since prices are bespoke and based on factors like fleet size, package options, hardware bundles and contract length
$45 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, but it’s the best telematics company currently on the market.

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 what 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.

Verizon Connect Reveal software map with list of vehicles on left and Google map in remainder of screen based in Atlanta, US
The on-page architecture of the Verizon Connect Reveal web-app is straightforward to understand and has an aesthetic that is attractive on the eye - Source: Expert Market

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.

Verizon Connect Reveal dashboards showing different metrics in bar charts, including vehicle activity, harsh driving and wasted fuel
Reveal+, seen here, is a version of Verizon Connect Reveal designed for large fleets, though you can use dashboards on the regular version of Reveal too - Source: Expert Market

Verizon 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.

Test Summary (2024)

During hands-on testing, we found that the live map allowed us complete awareness of active drivers. Color-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.

One thing we did find a little disconcerting, however, is that the map automatically zooms into a vehicle’s location when you click on it, which was unexpected. Luckily, though, it was quite easy to zoom out to a full map view.

We also 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.

Who’s Verizon Connect GPS Tracker For?

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

Its flexible pricing structure means that what you eventually 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 – and we didn’t find it as easy to use.

What's new in October 2024?

In our October look at Verizon Connect, we’ve found that users with integrated video hardware can now get a driver safety score every week within the Drivers tab of the video section. The score is based upon a risk analysis of driving behaviors, the frequency with which risky behavior occurred, and event classifications.


Samsara – Most Suitable for Managing Vehicles

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

Uses AI to increase dispatch efficiency

Excellent driver management tools

30-second to one-minute data updates

24/7 customer support

Weaknesses

3-year minimum contract

Not a very intuitive system

High starting price

Pricing
GPS software license Samsara has custom packages; these prices are exemplaryHardware
$27-$33/month (3-year contract) $99-$148/vehicle

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 making crucial business management decisions.

For instance, Samsara uses AI Route Analytics to improve driving routes and make the best possible use of your automobile resources. It does this by letting you calculate what succession of jobs have the shortest distance traveled between them, estimating stop and departure times based on historical data, and then building an itinerary for you automatically.

screenshot of Samsara GPS tracking map
Samsara’s route map lets you see the progress made by your driver, including notes on missed stops - Source: Samsara

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.

While it’s one of the best options for vehicle maintenance and management, Samsara doesn’t offer 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.

What’s new in October 2024?

Samsara’s latest release saw changes to its AI detection models. That included improvements to its AI-powered safe following distance detector which we previously mentioned it was testing. The tool no longer relies on dash cameras being properly calibrated to calculate the distance to a vehicle ahead, and the Distance Seconds setting has been simplified to just three options: < 0.5 seconds, < 1.0 seconds, and < 1.5 seconds.

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 owner won’t necessarily need super-advanced vehicle management features, since they won’t have many vehicles to manage.


Teletrac Navman – Most Suitable 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

Short warranty (12 months)

Lacks advanced features (temp monitor, weather updates, engine monitoring)

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

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 such as job dispatch and routing, and driver fitness declaration as well as schedule progress.

teletrac navman 360TN ELD dashboard on a laptop screen
Teletrac Navman's ELD dashboard displays all the information you need to know in an intuitive, user-friendly manner - Source: Teletrac Navman

We found the TN360’s driver performance scoring more comprehensive than that of competitors such as 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. Lots of businesses will find this more convenient than using phone calls to stay connected with their drivers.

One thing we particularly like about the Teletrac 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 Teletrac 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.

What’s new in October 2024?

In September, Teletrac upgraded its TN360 platform with a new integration with Ekos fleet, fuel, and EV management software. This will allow for live fuel card data to be pulled into the platform, as well as control of on-site distribution and inventory (among other functionalities), to help identify patterns and where savings can be made. Previously, you couldn’t integrate fuel data into Teletrac.

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 – Most Suitable for Creating Efficient Routes

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

Suggests efficient driving routes

Insightful fuel usage reports

Monitors driver activity with geofencing

Weaknesses

No crash reporting

ELD and DVIR costs extra

3-year contract minimum

Pricing
Price range Prices are bespoke, based on factors like fleet size, package options, and contract length
$25 per vehicle, per month BasicFleet
$30 per vehicle, per month SafeFleet
$35 per vehicle, per month CompleteFleet

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 features that track how long your drivers spend in a defined location, Azuga offers a laser-sharp tracking solution for fleet managers looking to make their routes more efficient.

Screenshot of Azuga route planning zone delimitation tool
Using Azuga’s route planning tool, you can delimit a zone on the map and plan a route using addresses for stops. Source: Azuga

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, could increase the risk to the driver.

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

What’s new in October 2024?

The latest updates to Azuga’s software have been across the Azuga FleetMobile Application. An “Assets” module has been introduced (accessible within the Dashboard’s Admin module), which allows admins to efficiently manage asset-related tasks such as viewing, creating, editing, and deleting assets directly from the app. Previously you had to log in to the web application.

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 – Most Suitable for Performance Monitoring

spireon logo
Spireon
4.2 Expert research score
Pricing Custom
Strengths

Automatic alerts for dangerous driving events

Accurate tracking thanks to fast refresh rate

Excellent theft prevention features

Weaknesses

No panic button or crash reporting

No route optimization capability

Limited support options

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

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)
  • Fuel management and fuel card integration
  • 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, and geofencing breaches.

Spireon FleetLocate software map features
Spireon's FleetLocate software has a map view that's par for the course with GPS tracking software, though it functions well and allows you to view driver history in a couple of clicks - Source: Spireon

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.

Spireon Fleet Locate software driver scorecard configuration with sliders to change settings
You can give importance weightings to different driving violations within Spireon's FleetLocate driver scorecard settings - Source: Spireon

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.

What’s new in October 2024?

Spireon has not updated its software this year, besides bug and performance fixes to its FleetLocate Shift mobile application.

Who’s Spireon FleetLocate for?

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

RAM
4.3 Expert research score
Pricing Custom (previously from $11 per month)
Strengths

Map view live vehicle tracking

Wide range of fuel card integrations

Lifetime warranty

Weaknesses

No automatic route optimization

No vehicle maintenance tracking

No vehicle diagnostics

Pricing
PackagesPricing
Lite Custom Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length
Core Custom Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length
Plus Custom Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length

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 such as Spireon and Teletrac only offer a 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 and 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.

ram tracking app image on a mobile phone
The RAM Tracking mobile app is available on iOS and Android and get reports, replay routes, and call/text drivers, too - Source: RAM

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.

What’s new in October 2024?

RAM’s latest product updates have seen the RAM Tracking app support live streaming from installed RAM Live cameras, accessible via a new camera icon in the web app grid for real-time vehicle details.

Temperature sensors are also available for compatible trackers, allowing users to set alerts for temperature breaches, with inquiries directed to the sales team via chat. Plus, enhanced Geofence editing means users can now turn circle geofences into polygons, providing more customization options and improved sharing across the organization.

Who’s RAM Tracking for?

RAM Tracking is a good option for small fleets, thanks to its affordable starting price (according to our understanding since its prices are quote-based). It’ll provide you with core GPS tracking features, such as vehicle tracking, driving behavior monitoring, alerts and basic reporting across its core package.

Its lack of route optimization across any of its plans 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 – Most Suitable for Fuel Spend Control

Quartix Logo
Quartix
4.1 Expert research score
Pricing Custom (previously between $14.90 - $22.90/month)
Strengths

One of the cheapest providers on the market

Integrates with large fuel card network via FleetCheck

Provides CO2 emissions reports

Transparent pricing structure

Weaknesses

Doesn't automatically optimize your routes

No help with EDL or DVIR compliance

No vehicle diagnostics

Pricing
PackagesPricing
Infopoint Custom (previously $14.90) Custom Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length
Infoplus Custom (previously $18.90) Custom Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length
Info Plus + Driver ID Custom (previously $22.90) Based on fleet size, package features, and contract length

Top features:

  • 15-60 second refresh time
  • Reports (vehicle and driver documentation, tire 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.

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

Screenshot of Quartix route map
You can check scheduled or completed routes by vehicle using the Quartix route mapper, and easily flip between days using the arrows in the top left corner - Source: Expert Market
Test Summary (2024)

We found the Quartix system a little difficult to use at first. It doesn’t have the most intuitive layout, and we struggled with simple tasks such as returning to the main dashboard after opening a tab. Turns out you need to click on the Quartix logo on the top left of the page. A clearer indication of how to return to the main dashboard would be greatly appreciated.

Other than that, the vehicle tracking map was clear and uncluttered, giving us great visibility on our vehicles, and it included satellite views and a button for toggling traffic on and off.

Despite our initial difficulty returning to the main dashboard, the buttons for generating reports and changing settings tend to be in the same location across multiple categories, which makes the learning curve easier.

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.

Manager-operators can generate fuel card reports to better monitor how much is being spent on fuel, and get insights into driver behaviors that waste fuel, such as harsh acceleration and breaking, so you can identify what drivers need further training.

The platform can also identify potential instances of fuel theft, allowing you to nip problems in the bud.

What’s new in October 2024?

Quartix still hasn’t rolled out any new updates this year. That means its last update was in December 2023, when it introduced new speed limit thresholds. Users can now get speeding alerts based on the thresholds they set (a certain percentage over the limit, or a mph number).


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:

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

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

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

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right GPS Tracking System

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. 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 improve driver safety and identify drivers who need further training
  • 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 levels?

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 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, that 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-compliant device.

Is It Easy to Switch GPS Tracking Systems?

Most GPS tracking systems are designed with quick and easy installation in mind, making the practical element of switching to a 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 – something to keep in mind.

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 – 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 on things 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 what vehicles 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, 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 vehicles 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.

Fun fact!

70% of those using GPS tracking software for their fleet found it extremely or very beneficial (per the 2024 Fleet Technology Trends Report from Verizon Connect).

How Did We Rank Fleet Tracking Software?

We investigated 29 market-leading fleet management and 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 research 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.

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, and 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.

 

Verdict: What is the Best GPS Tracker for Your Fleet

Of all the GPS tracking software we reviewed, Verizon Connect was the most versatile of the bunch. Its Reports feature is particularly valuable as it is designed to help managers identify trends over time. This can allow you to be more agile in your delivery, and spot opportunities for efficiency improvement.

However, Verizon Connect isn’t the most affordable option, especially when compared to the expected prices for competitors RAM and Quartix. That’s something to consider if you don’t feel like you need a suite of fancy features.

There are plenty of other providers out there. If you’d like to compare prices from providers based on your specific business needs, it’s worth filling out our free quote form. Just answer a few questions (it’ll only take a few seconds) and we’ll match you with GPS tracking providers. They’ll reach out to you with their prices and offerings.


Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between active and passive GPS fleet tracking systems?
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. However, they tend to have far fewer features compared to software capabilities associated with active trackers.

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, which is responsible for regulating the trucking industry in the US. The mandate came into place in December 2019 to enforce 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 status changes, 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.

Is fleet tracking legal?
Yes. It is legal in the US to implement fleet tracking on vehicles you own, either personally or under your business. However, your drivers need to be informed the vehicle they are driving is being tracked and you, as expected, cannot track vehicles which aren’t your own.
Written by:
Matt Reed is a Senior Writer at Expert Market. Adept at evaluating products, he focuses mainly on assessing fleet management and business communication software. Matt began his career in technology publishing with Expert Reviews, where he spent several years putting the latest audio-related products and releases through their paces, revealing his findings in transparent, in-depth articles and guides. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism from City, University of London, Matt is no stranger to diving into challenging topics and summarising them into practical, helpful information.
Reviewed by:
James draws on his 4+ years experience as a researcher to offer specialized advice on a wide range of categories from CRM to Fleet Management. He believes all businesses can grow if they use the right tools and services.