Fleet tracking is a set of tech-enabled systems designed to help fleet managers manage their fleets, drivers and all rolling assets.

Most fleet tracking systems include a combination of:

1. connected devices installed into trucks, trailers, and equipment,
2. an Internet of Things (IoT) platform or servers which centralize the data collected from the connected devices, and
3. an application or dashboard to view the data, often on an embedded Google map. These systems are sometimes interchangeably called “telematics.”

Technologies

In fleet tracking, the most common technology used is GPS. But that’s only part of it. Additionally, most GPS trackers use a combination of satellite-based GPS systems to track location, along with a cellular network to communicate that location data to the platform. In addition to the two basic communication technologies, many GPS trackers also have on-board processing capabilities, security layers, and embedded device logic such as power management and communications protocol management. Most GPS trackers come equipped with an on-board accelerometer, to detect motion. Optionally, connected devices may also support additional communication technologies, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This added feature enables a connected device to communicate with other nearby receivers or sensors. For example, a connected device might communicate with a sensor in a key fob.

Networks

Most connected devices used in Fleet Tracking in the U.S. are currently operating on the 3G network, often called HSPA. Many devices use dual radios so that the devices are backwards compatible with 2G networks. Those devices are generally using GPRS/HSPA (“Generalized Packet Radio Service” or “High Speed Packet Access”) networks.

Newer Fleet Tracking devices are using 4G, or 4G LTM, or 4G LTE Cat-M, which are advanced networks specifically designed for small messages in high frequency. Devices on this network use far less power, and typically have stronger connectivity features as compared to older networks.

Features

Fleet Tracking devices often connect to a vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Port. When connected to this port, a fleet tracking device can collect and communicate advanced diagnostic data, in addition to location and speed. Common features of fleet tracking systems include:

• • Location
• • Trip Tracking
• • History of Trips
• • Mileage/Odometer
• • Breadcrumbs during a trip
• • Speed
• • Direction
• • Fuel Level
• • Battery Voltage
• • Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) notification

Monitors:

Some Fleet Tracking systems enable a manager to receive real-time performance information, via email or text or in-app notification. Here are some examples of monitors:

• • Geofence exit/entry alert
• • Speed threshold alert
• • Battery voltage alert
• • Disconnection alert
• • Excessive Idling alert

Reports:

Some Fleet Tracking Systems offer on-demand and downloadable reports. These can be downloaded into a spreadsheet for easy sorting and analysis. Some important Fleet Tracking system reports are:

• • Idling Reports
• • Mileage Reports
• • Trip Reports

Benefits:

Fleet Tracking systems offer a variety of benefits. In the simplest sense, fleet tracking enables a manager to know where his assets are, where they are going, and how they are performing. The manager can answer questions such as: Are my drivers where they are supposed to be? Which driver or asset is closest to a job site and available for dispatch? What is my fuel consumption today? How can I manage idling time and who are my drivers idling the most?

Advanced Fleet Tracking Systems can help with:

• • Loss Prevention
• • Dispatch and Routing
• • Customer Satisfaction
• • Compliance with IFTA tax filing requirements
• • Tracking for business/personal use
• • Managing maintenance costs with timely reporting of diagnostic issues

Some Fleet Tracking systems offer a well-documented set of resources, including:

• • RESTful API
• • Webhooks
• • Integrations with Workforce Management Applications

Fleet Tracking is an increasingly important technology which has served big fleets for decades. Driven by lower costs, flexible monthly billing, and increased product simplicity, Fleet Tracking is being adopted by more small and mid-sized field service fleets.