When your business relies on a fleet of vehicles to keep operations running smoothly, collecting the right data is critical. Fleet tracking solutions can monitor everything from fuel efficiency to driver behaviors, signaling where changes can be made to reduce costs and maximize the efficiency of your fleet.
Here's how to choose the ideal fleet management system for your business.
Key features of fleet tracking solutions to consider
When tracking your fleet, you want to know more than the location of your vehicles on the road. Telematics is a key feature of most, if not all, fleet tracking solutions on the market today. Telematics systems offer a comprehensive picture of your fleet with respect to fuel consumption, driver behavior, engine diagnostics, and other data that directly impact its efficiency.
According to Sherry Calkins, Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Accounts at Geotab, there are additional features that are just as important as the data collected using telematics.
"Selecting the right fleet telematics partner requires a focus on scalability, accuracy, and compliance capabilities," she explained. "A system must grow with the business, provide precise real-time data for informed decision-making, and support regulatory requirements."
Just as important, Calkins recommended that businesses opt for a user-friendly platform with low training time and easy adoption across the organization.
"The right solution should not only offer visibility but also support leadership with actionable insights that support long-term business objectives," Calkins said.
[Read more: How to Track Company Vehicle Use as a Small Business]
Businesses should prioritize solutions that align with their goals, test via demos, and consult industry peers or experts for recommendations.
Marcus Newbury, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Driver Technologies
The best GPS fleet tracking solutions on the market
There are many fleet tracking solutions for your business to choose from. Here are a few solutions that stand out for their ease of use and available features.
Azuga
If customer support is important to you, Azuga's GPS Fleet Tracking Solution is your best bet. The software offers unlimited customer support via email, web chat, and phone. Azuga is also easy to use for businesses of all sizes; the plug-and-play GPS device installs in 20 seconds and provides users with real-time tracking, driver safety monitoring, and vehicle diagnostics. Other key features include driver rewards, trip logging, distraction prevention, tire pressure monitoring, and automated dispatching.
FleetUp
Businesses with diverse fleets will like FleetUp's range of vehicle coverage, from sedans to heavy equipment. The tracking system offers hardwired, solar-powered, and plug-and-play trackers to fit your fleet needs. Plus, FleetUp is equipped with 10-second refresh rates, customizable notifications, dashcam footage sharing, engine audits, geofencing, and driver safety alerts.
Linxup
Linxup's easy-to-install GPS fleet tracking system can help you monitor your entire fleet with a simple-to-use solution. Linxup helps improve on-the-road safety and efficiency with real-time vehicle monitoring, route replays, and geofencing alerts. The solution also offers driver performance reports, idle time tracking, and maintenance reminders, helping cut fuel costs and optimize fleet operations.
Motive
Motive's fleet management software not only closely examines driver behavior but also streamlines operations with real-time reporting. GPS tracking, artificial intelligence-powered dash cams, and built-in compliance tools are just a few of the platform's features, in addition to driver scorecards, which can track and analyze driver-specific metrics. It can also save your business valuable time and money by automating tasks like dispatching, maintenance, and fuel tracking.
SafetyCulture
SafetyCulture's telematics software is designed for optimization. Fleet managers can access real-time data on vehicle performance, GPS tracking, and maintenance needs, all with an intuitive dashboard and interface. The software also comes with a custom alert system, programmable to your fleet's needs, to help mitigate costly issues. SafetyCulture also includes driver training modules and task tracking to help ensure accountability, efficiency, and improved safety across your entire fleet.
[Read more: 10 Fleet Management Tools for Small Businesses]
How much do GPS fleet tracking solutions cost?
In general, businesses can expect to pay between $25 and $45 per vehicle per month for a reliable fleet tracking solution, according to Expert Market. However, large vehicles, such as trucks, can cost your business upward of $499 per vehicle per month.
Marcus Newbury, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Driver Technologies, stressed that the industry has multiple solutions with varying prices and features.
"One size doesn’t fit all, and the least expensive option isn't always the best, while the most expensive solutions might be overkill," said Newbury. "Businesses should prioritize solutions that align with their goals, test via demos, and consult industry peers or experts for recommendations."
[Read more: How to Manage Company Vehicle Usage and Maintenance]
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