Modern technology has empowered people with tools and techniques to make human tasks faster and more accurate. The effective use of technology can make the business process smoother and more streamlined. The transportation sector utilizes modern technology in fleet management for tracking, recording, and reporting, which helps get better control over vehicle operations. The fleet management system tracks real-time vehicle location, movements, mechanical issues, and driving performance.
It gives a lot of benefits by helping managers to make informed decisions based on updated and accurate information. The tracking devices installed in trucks, cars, and other moving assets, help locate their position in real-time. The GPS-enabled systems in vehicles guide the most efficient routes to reduce travel time and avoid disruptions.
The facilities provided by GPS trackers eventually lead to more efficient operations, improved asset utilization, and better customer service. A technology-based advanced fleet management system is the future trend in transport to make business operations more productive and cost-efficient.
YourBestFleet team brings a detailed overview of the 10 best fleet management systems and features along with a list of leading service providers.
How Does Fleet Management System Work?
The fleet management system utilizes advanced technology for collecting and sharing vehicles’ diagnostic data for analysis that guides informed decisions. The system works through an integrated platform of GPS-enabled hardware devices supported by software solutions. Advanced fleet management systems track vehicle and driving performance and manage any potential risk by generating alerts.
The software maintains records and generates reports for taking suitable actions and can also form a database for future reference and analysis. Using a suitable GPS tracking system in fleet business, the managers can get real-time locations and movements of their vehicles from any remote location through electronic devices at their convenience. The tracking system provides sufficient data for business performance analysis to manage productivity and profitability.
Best Fleet Management System
The fleet management system has developed a lot in recent years to meet the changing business needs and customer demands. This technology solution help achieve business objectives like improving efficiency, asset utilization, and productivity. It provides clear visibility and insights into many aspects of vehicle operations that can add to profitability. Here is a list of 10 fleet tracking software with significant and customized features to help you achieve the desired benefits and meet your business needs.
Matrack Fleet Management Solution
The Matrack fleet management software is one of the best software solutions in the market, perfect for large fleet operations. The software provides many significant features at an affordable cost. The GPS tracking software offers an efficient, easy-to-use, and robust platform to monitor vehicles and valuable assets.
This GPS tracking software works through a user-friendly app on IOS and Android platforms and provides a satisfying user experience. It guides fleet managers and drivers with accurate reports to make actionable decisions to enhance productivity, safety, and customer service. The key features of Matrack are as follows:
- Automated HoS logging and IFTA calculations
- Analytical report generation for vehicle performance
- Tracking driver habits and optimizing delivery routes
- An easy and accurate tracking system with clear data visibility
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- ELD
- Fuel Cards
- Dashcams
- Dealership Profit Multiplying Trackers
- BHPH Dealership Solutions
- Dealership Lot Theft Solutions
- ATV and Boat Tracking Solutions
Verizon Connect Fleet Management Solution
Verizon Connect can provide solutions as per the business requirements of midsize fleets. It offers special reporting facilities to access historical data for up to two years. It helps businesses to remain resourceful, efficient, and safety compliant. The advanced features of the software are as follows:
- Electronic report generation with necessary checkpoints
- Automated HOS reporting
- Accurate GPS tracking abilities
- Integration with a fuel card facility to manage fuel costs.
Solutions Offered:
- fleet tracking
- asset tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- ELD
- fuel card integration
- Automated HOS reporting
- Integrated video tracking
- Emergency roadside assistance
Samsara Fleet Management Solution
Samsara provides comprehensive solutions with the most robust software that keeps track of vehicles and assets with real-time reporting. The software allows you to view engine diagnostics data that helps you make appropriate decisions ensuring efficiency and productivity in business.
The user-friendly software allows drivers to log their duty status and prepare vehicle inspection reports conveniently. This software creates multiple customized workflows for drivers to improve the driving experience and increase compliance and safety. The significant features of this software are as follows:
- Integration with fuel cards to track and reduce overall fuel costs.
- Setting up geofences with alerts to track fleets for any route deviations.
- Ability to integrate with third-party applications
- Easy upgrade to the field management system (FMS)
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Equipment Tracking
- Trailer Tracking
- ELD
- Fuel Card Integration
- Trip history recording
- Monitor driving behavior
Nextrac Fleet Management Solution
This fleet management software has the best tracking and safety features. NexTraq provides location updates ranging from every 30 seconds to 15 minutes. The software keeps track of unsafe driving practices and generates alerts to control driving performance. The significant features of this software solution are as follows:
- Record driving behavior with video recording
- Generate alerts for drivers to make them cautious
- Vehicle maintenance tracking
- Compliance with ELD mandate
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- ELD compliance
- Fuel Card Integration
- Dashcam
- In-cab alerts for drivers
GPS Trackit Fleet Management Solution
This fleet management software can update tracking data every 30 to 60 seconds. You have access to various automated reports on a user-friendly online platform. It provides facilities for real-time interactive mapping of vehicle locations, traffic conditions, and potential risk factors on the route. The salient features of this software are as follows:
- Display reports of driving performance to take actions to ensure safety and compliance
- Provides notifications for poor and unsafe driving practices
- Automated reporting facility
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- ELD
- Defect management and reminders
- Automated HOS reporting
- Pre-start checking questionnaire
Azuga Fleet Management Solution
It offers to arrange bundled plans from which you can choose the best one matching your requirements. Azuga provides plug-and-play tracking hardware that is very easy to install. You can access enhanced features to track vehicles, dispatch status, and real-time events. This software facilitates regulatory requirements, optimizes routes, and safeguards drivers. The key features of this software include:
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile app
- Messaging tools to facilitate communication between managers and drivers
- Tracks drivers’ behavior with automatic safety alerts and notifications
- A unique feature to locate the closest gas station with the cheapest fuel
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- Driving behavior monitoring
- Accurate ETAs
- Integrated video tracking
- Locate the nearest gas station
ClearpathGPS Fleet Management Solution
ClearPathGPS is an affordable GPS fleet tracking solution with robust features. It offers plug-and-play and hardwired tracking devices and also solar-powered asset trackers. ClearPathGPS offers essential fleet management features like geofencing, traffic overview, automated reports, etc. It has the following key features:
- Multiple competitively priced plans
- Driver behavior tracking like idling and speeding
- Easy to install and use
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- ELD
- Virtual geofencing
- ·Accurate reports
Force by Mojio
It is an ideal fleet tracking solution that improves driver accountability by monitoring driving behavior like speeding, harsh braking, turning, idling, and inaccurate routing. Force offers facilities to ensure your drivers are on their assigned routes by tracking their locations, routes, mileage, and start and end times. Other special features of this software include:
- Driver safety scores and reports
- Pricing of $15 per vehicle per month with a 60-day free trial
- Frequent refresh rates of 10 seconds with location updates
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- ELD
- Monitor vehicle health
- Ensure safer driving and security
FleetUp
FleetUp is an ideal fleet tracking software developed on a customer-centric approach and provides you with a custom telematics solution based on your needs. It offers essential tracking features like engine diagnostics, maintenance alerts, geofences, and driver behavior monitoring. The key features of Fleetup are as follows:
- Frequent location updates with 20-second refresh times
- Hardwired and plug-and-play trackers with easy installation
- Monitors risky driving behaviors
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- Monitors risky driving behaviors
- Enhanced customer service
- ·Automated compliance solutions
Teletrac Navman
It is one of the best fleet management solutions where you can track your vehicle maintenance history with maintenance records and digital inspection schedules. It can create automatic notifications for maintenance needs. The key features of this software include:
- View real-time engine diagnostic alerts with color-coded icons
- Quickly identify maintenance issues or trends to keep your vehicles in good condition
- Track the cost of maintenance across your entire fleets
Solutions Offered:
- Fleet Tracking
- Asset Tracking
- Vehicle and Trailer Tracking
- ELD
- Automated maintenance routines
- Vehicle activity log
Role of Fleet Management System
The objective of the fleet management system is to make fleet operations more convenient, safe, and reliable. The real-time tracking of vehicles and traffic patterns helps route optimization, saving time and fuel costs. You can monitor driving behaviors, road and weather conditions, and compliance with safe operating practices. These significant features help deliver desired results without human intervention while improving productivity and efficiency. The potential benefits that a fleet management system can provide to fleet businesses are as follows:
- The tracking technology allows you to monitor vehicle location and receive alerts for any movements beyond specified zones that help take immediate action.
- The GPS-enabled tracking systems can map the risk associated with unpredictable traffic and road conditions, and helps you optimize routes that improve efficiency in operations.
- The GPS tracking tools help manage and protect valuable assets by providing location updates that reduce the chances of theft or misuse.
- The system diagnoses and sends predictive indications about technical issues to help you implement necessary maintenance activities.
- An integrated fleet management system helps to create safe driving conditions by alerting drivers in case of safety violations.
- The fleet management system keeps track of vehicle performance and driving time, fulfilling the compliance requirements.
- These automated report generation facilities reduce manual efforts and save time which helps streamline the entire operation.
- GPS tracking systems can monitor fuel consumption and prepare mileage reports that guide managers to control inefficient driving behavior.
- The extensive routing and mapping capabilities of GPS technology help optimize dispatch routes and ensure the shortest travel route, leading to fuel cost savings.
- The GPS monitoring system also helps to monitor and control unsafe driving practices and encourages drivers to follow safe driving patterns and avoid accidents or damages.
- The GPS tracking system helps companies to access and share real-time dispatch status with customers, thereby improving customer satisfaction.
Parameters of Best Fleet Management System
The vehicle management system offers a whole range of facilities that help the efficient functioning of transport operations producing tangible results. The software-hardware integration can control the sophisticated devices and applications of the fleet management system. The critical features to look for when choosing an effective fleet management system are as follows:
Driver Management
The management system allows you to monitor and measure essential driving parameters like acceleration, harsh braking, speeding, and excess downtime. You can communicate with truck drivers to improve driving standards and follow safe driving practices. It would help achieve the following benefits:
- Improve vehicle efficiency and productivity
- Reduce risks of accident
- Control fuel consumption
- Better vehicle condition and reduced chances of damages
- Avoid violations and penalties
Vehicle Management
Vehicle management involves monitoring and controlling vehicle movements through real-time tracking and getting alerts to avoid any deviations. The critical components of vehicle management tools include the following:
GPS Tracking System
GPS vehicle tracking is an essential part of fleet management that enables fleet managers to access the real-time locations and movements of their vehicles. You can trace where vehicles are at any given time, whether in moving or idling conditions.
It helps protect your assets from theft and misuse by getting immediate alerts from the tracking device fixed in the vehicle. You can inform your customers about the accurate location of trucks and estimated delivery schedule, enhancing the overall customer experience. Real-time information is accessible through any modern digital device.
Fleet Alert System
The alert system configured in the fleet system can notify you of any deviations or violations while your vehicles are operating. The system may generate alerts when the vehicle goes beyond a specified zone. It can also notify the driver to avoid unsafe or wasteful activities. This would help reduce fuel consumption, save time, and improve safety compliance.
Operations Management
A fleet management system allows streamlining operations with effective monitoring and planning. The various benefits achieved during the fleet operations are as follows:
Route planning: Fleet management software helps route optimization by analyzing driving performances and anticipating road risks and hazards. This feature helps in shortening dispatch routes and saves time.
Fuel management: Fuel management along with route optimization helps to track mileage and fuel efficiency and take necessary actions to reduce fuel consumption and associated costs.
Task management: Fleet management makes effective utilization of resources for better productivity. The tasks are mostly automated, helping you improve efficiency and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Fleet management software gives easy accessibility to various data and guides you to make informed decisions.
Maintenance Management
The regular tracking of vehicle performance and automated reports based on engine diagnostics help managers review and analyze vehicle health and maintenance needs. The system identifies potential technical issues that need resolution.
Accordingly, you can proactively plan the vehicle maintenance and repairs of your vehicles to avoid any chances of breakdown and improve vehicle efficiency. The maintenance records and history of repairs also guide maintenance staff to identify potential faults and resolve them with proactive actions.
Software Integrations
One of the significant advantages of fleet management is tracking technology. It works on an integrated platform of hardware and software to collect, process, and transmit data about individual vehicles for controlling large fleet operations.
A fleet management system must integrate seamlessly with other business tools and activities to generate a comprehensive solution. The software integration with mobile apps can help drivers enter real-time data, prepare reports, and update status, which are valuable insights to help you manage the entire operation.
Features To Look For In Fleet Management System
The best fleet tracking systems work effectively to help you ensure vehicle and driver safety, optimize fleet productivity, improve vehicle efficiency, and comply with regulations. Several companies are providing fleet management software services, so it is essential to fix some benchmarks to analyze their features before making a choice. Few criteria decide how effective the performance is in meeting specific business needs. These parameters are as follows:
- Cost and fees: Fleet management software with no upfront cost and low-cost plans with full features get more credit than others. The affordable monthly plans can meet varying customer requirements.
- General features: Some essential features must be present in the best fleet management software, like real-time location tracking, maintenance alert, geofencing, route history, and document management.
- Ease of use: The fleet management software must provide an easy-to-use solution with quick installation and a convenient mode of operation with customized features.
- User-friendly software: The software support allows easy and quick access to information that enables business owners to view, store, and manage records avoiding paperwork and excess time, improving back-office efficiency
- Customer service: Customers always prefer the fleet management program that offers reliable technical and customer support round-the-clock.
Conclusion
An effective fleet management system ensures better control over vehicle operations with reduced risks, improved resource utilization, and necessary compliance. GPS fleet tracking systems are a combination of hardware and software that collect data and convert it to usable information for making informed decisions.
Many businesses are using fleet management to meet legal requirements. Still, you can get several associated benefits by implementing fleet management software solutions in your fleet business to improve productivity and profitability.
Tracking vehicle diagnostics and handling maintenance need help to improve the cost parameters. The GPS tracking system provides various inputs and timely information that help make proactive actions toward better efficiency and asset utilization.
Adapting advanced tracking technology as an integral part of the fleet management system ensures fuel cost savings, improves driving performance, and enhances fleet productivity with better customer service that helps achieve profitability goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of using a Fleet Management System?
A: The benefits of using a Fleet Management System include improved efficiency, reduced operating costs, improved safety, better customer service, and increased productivity. By using real-time data and analytics, fleet managers can make informed decisions about their operations, which can lead to improved performance and profitability.
Q: What features should I look for in a Fleet Management System?
A: When choosing a Fleet Management System, you should look for features such as GPS tracking, vehicle maintenance tracking, fuel management, driver management, dispatching, real-time alerts, and customizable reports. You should also consider the cost of the system and whether it is scalable and adaptable to your specific needs.
Q: How does GPS tracking work in a Fleet Management System?
A: GPS tracking in a Fleet Management System uses satellite technology to track the location of vehicles in real time. This information is transmitted to the fleet management software, where it can be used to monitor driver behavior, optimize routes, and improve customer service.
Q: How can a Fleet Management System improve safety?
A: A Fleet Management System can improve safety by monitoring driver behavior, such as speed and harsh braking, and providing real-time feedback to drivers. It can also alert fleet managers to potential safety issues, such as vehicle maintenance needs or driver fatigue. Additionally, it can provide a detailed record of driver and vehicle activity, which can be useful in the event of an accident or insurance claim.
Q: How does a Fleet Management System help with vehicle maintenance?
A: A Fleet Management System can help with vehicle maintenance by tracking maintenance schedules, alerting fleet managers to upcoming maintenance needs, and providing a detailed record of vehicle maintenance history. This can help fleet managers to keep their vehicles in good working order, which can improve safety, reduce breakdowns, and extend the life of the vehicle.
James Johnson is a former truck driver who now works as a writer, specializing in the trucking industry. With over 15 years of experience on the road, James has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by truck drivers and the trucking industry as a whole. His writing focuses on issues such as safety, regulation, and the latest industry trends. His work has been featured in several trucking publications and he has received recognition for his contributions to the industry. In his free time, James still enjoys being around trucks and often attends truck shows and other industry events.