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GPS Fleet Tracking Device Buyer's Guide

Fleet tracking has become a key component of fleet management, providing operators with increased visibility into how vehicles are being used. By capturing data, including location, driver behavior, driver hours and engine fault codes, fleet managers can make informed decisions and streamline maintenance and compliance processes.

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GPS Fleet Tracking GPS Fleet Tracking

What is GPS fleet Tracking?

GPS fleet tracking is a technology that provides fleet operators with visibility over their vehicles, providing location, usage and compliance information in real-time. It uses telematics devices to pull data from vehicles, which is made accessible in software platforms through interactive mapping, dashboards and reports.

Modern GPS fleet tracking systems provide a wealth of information that helps managers improve fleet performance, key insights include:

  • Real-time location updates
  • Vehicle usage
  • Driver behavior
  • Fuel consumption
  • Vehicle inspection & maintenance
  • Driver hours

Why are businesses investing in GPS fleet tracking?

GPS fleet tracking systems have evolved to become fully integrated platforms that operators are using to:

  • Improve efficiency with digitized job assignment and management
  • Simplify compliance with hours of service and fuel tax reporting
  • Improve driver safety with scorecards, integrated AI dashcams and coaching applications
  • Protect drivers against false insurance claims, and their business from premium increases, with real-time camera footage
  • Streamline inspection and maintenance processes
  • Reduce fuel spend through improved routing and driver behavior

Fleet tracking solutions are continuing to evolve and play an important role as businesses look to find ways to increase operational efficiency and meet environmental and social targets.

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Fleet Tracking Capabilities Fleet Tracking Capabilities

What should you look for in GPS fleet tracking devices?

When evaluating GPS fleet tracking devices, its important to review the capabilities of the device and the connected software platform. Businesses should consider:

  • Does the device capture the data I need?
  • Does the device meet the physical requirements?
  • Range of devices for different vehicle or asset types?

When looking at connected software, businesses should review if the platform:

  • Provides real-time location (drone view)
  • Includes connected apps (DVIR, Job Management)
  • Can incorporate integrated cameras
  • Includes driver scorecards and compliance tools
Learn About GPS Fleet Tracking Devices

Compare GPS Fleet Tracking Devices

A range of devices to meet your need

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GPS Tracker - VT101

This hardwired device captures vehicle location, trip miles, engine data and driver safety data.


  • Real-time vehicle tracking and status updates
  • Captures safety events including harsh acceleration, braking and cornering
  • Integrated into TN360 and enables access to workflow apps
  • Sturdy hardwired device for increased security.
  • Captures detailed engine data the vehicle CANbus

Technical details


Size: Height: 126mm , Width 65mm, Depth 25mm
Weight: 150g
Connectivity: 4G Global LTE CAT M1 / NBO / GPRS

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GPS Tracker - VT202

This hardwired device has advanced telematics capabilities and greater connectivity to support your future needs.


  • Real-time vehicle tracking and status updates
  • Captures safety events including harsh acceleration, braking and cornering
  • Versatile GPS tracker that can track light-duty to heavy duty vehicles
  • Scalable solution with BLE connectivity and 3 serial ports
  • Captures detailed engine data the vehicle CANbus

Technical details


Size: Height 184mm, Width 82mm, Depth 31mm
Weight: -360g
Connectivity: Internal 4G LTE Cat M1 modem

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GPS tracker - SI201

The self-install GPS tracker is perfect for light-duty vehicles, tracking real-time vehicle location and driver safety data.


  • Simple plug-and-play installation into the vehicles OBD2 port
  • Integrated into TN360 and enables access to workflow apps
  • Captures safety events including harsh acceleration, braking and cornering
  • Captures detailed engine data the vehicle CANbus

Technical details


Size: Height 65mm, Width 46mm, Depth 24mm
Weight: 79g
Connectivity: 4G Global LTE CAT M1

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Trustpilot Logo And Statement 1020X266

My boss and I can be in office and see who's where and whether they are getting to their destination on time. It makes my job a whole lot easier.

- Navajo DOT

I've always said we have fantastic drivers, but with cameras I now see how truly incredible their defensive driving skills are.

- P&B Transportation, INC.

What really pushes you to telematics is the data. The data you can gather is just amazing.

- Sherwood Construction

GPS fleet tracking software

Vehicle tracking software harnesses the data collected by your GPS trackers to provide a comprehensive view of your fleets performance. By combining real-time vehicle location data, safety event monitoring and compliance workflows into a single platform, you'll get the insights to streamline your fleet operation. Key software features include:

  • Real-time location tracking
  • Geofencing and site reporting
  • Performance dashboards
  • Driver scorecards
  • Driver app ecosystem
  • Customizable reporting
  • Trip and event reporting
  • Proximity search and reporting
smart job daily smart job daily

Software Features

GPS fleet tracking software features

Icon Real Time Tracking 160X160
Real-Time Tracking
Second by second tracking powered by Drone View.
Icon Job Dispatch 160X160
Job Dispatch
Streamline job allocation and management.
Icon Fuel Reporting– 160X160
Fuel Usage Monitoring
Lower cost by improving driver performance.
Icon Insights And Alerts 160X160
Insights and Alerts
Turn data into decisions and keep your fleet moving forward.
Icon Maintenance Scheduling – 160X160
Maintenance Scheduling
Ensure your vehicles are always ready for the road.
Icon Safety Analytics 160X160
Safety Analytics
Monitor behavior and reduce risk across your fleet.
Icon Driver Scorecards 160X160
Driver Scorecards
Recognize and reward your top performing drivers.
Icon Video Telematics 160X160
Video Telematics
Reduce risk with AI powered cameras and driver coaching apps.

How to select a GPS fleet tracking solution?

Before choosing the best fleet tracking device, you should outline you're goals and the information you need the solution to provide. It's important to think about the needs of your business today and in the future to make sure that your choosing fleet tracking devices that can scale with your needs. Some of the key areas to consider are:

  • Do I need detailed engine diagnostics?
  • Do I need to track non-powered assets, such as trailers?
  • Do I need inspections & maintenance solutions?
  • Do I need an integrated ELD platform?
  • Do I want to implement driver coaching and rewards?
  • Do I need the devices to integrate with other platforms?

The TN360 platform has the flexibility to track vehicles and non-powered assets, and with its mobile app infrastructure and open API, offers limitless scalability to grow with your needs.

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GPS fleet tracking - Frequently Asked Questions

We have answers to your questions about GPS fleet tracking

Fleet tracking uses global positioning systems or cellular towers to monitor the current status and activity of all tracked assets, including vehicles, equipment and workers. This data is transmitted back to a cloud-based software application where it is analyzed and presented on an easily-digestible dashboard in real time.

Because GPS fleet tracking uses satellite technology, it is very accurate and offers real-time insight into your fleet. For location information, these devices are accurate to within three meters. When operating in areas with no service, the system can store data on the device and upload when service resumes to ensure data integrity.

Because GPS fleet tracking uses satellite technology, it is very accurate and offers real-time insight into your fleet. For location information, these devices are accurate to within three meters. When operating in areas with no service, the system can store data on the device and upload when service resumes to ensure data integrity.

Just a few examples of the types of land-based vehicles you can track with GPS fleet tracking include cars, vans, trucks, trailers, construction equipment and unpowered assets. We have written an article outlining in more detail the types of vehicles that you can track.

Modern fleet tracking systems are entirely cloud-based and can be accessed via a web browser like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari. These cloud-based platforms also mean your important data can be accessed from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

The ability to track and trace vehicle and equipment movement via a satellite or cellular network is perhaps the most known use case of fleet tracking software. There are, however, many other features that businesses are using and when evaluating providers you should also consider their capability in these areas:

  • Compliance
  • Safety
  • Fuel
  • Maintenance
  • Productivity
  • Integrations
  • Dashboard Cameras

Businesses use fleet tracking software for various reasons, the most common of which is to monitor vehicle location and driving behaviors. Other business requirements include safety and compliance, productivity, and fuel and maintenance monitoring. With the right technology in place, businesses can increase efficiencies, enhance productivity, improve safety and extend the lifecycle of vehicles and other equipment.

GPS fleet tracking devices are installed under the dashboard and are hardwired into the vehicle’s onboard computer, usually connecting via the vehicle’s OBDII port. This is typically done by a professional installer and once complete the device is virtually invisible. A mobile tablet or other display unit can also be mounted in the cab which interacts with the GPS device enabling information to be shared between drivers and the back office.

When you’ve selected the right fleet tracking software for your business, look for a company that can implement a solution with as little downtime as possible. Some providers offer white glove services to ensure your system is up and running and your staff is fully trained as quickly as possible.

Fleet tracking systems offer a wide variety of different features. With real-time monitoring, you can get instant access to vehicle location and status, which provides fleet managers with ultimate control over fleet operations. With Geofencing, management can establish virtual barriers, which offer a notification when a vehicle enters or exits a selected geographical location. Safety analytics deliver the ability to understand the behavior of drivers, thereby reducing on-road risk. However, it's up to you to determine which data and features are most relevant to your business.

GPS Fleet Tracking Device Resources

Get more information about GPS fleet tracking devices.