We’ve conducted in-depth industry research on the best fleet management software using our review methodology. Our top picks are based on ranking factors like usability and value for money, as well as key features like route optimization and GPS tracking features.
- AUTOsist: Best Overall
- Fleetio: Best Customization Options
- Samsara: Best for Real-Time Tracking
- Verizon Connect: Diverse Vehicle Support
- Omnitracs: Best for Intelligent Routing
- OnFleet: Best Last-Mile Delivery Management
- Azuga: Best Safety Features
- Fleet Manager: Best for Cross-Border Fleet Management
1 AUTOsist - Best Overall
Why we chose it: AUTOsist is our top pick for its ability to manage diverse assets, from vehicles to generators and heavy machinery. Beyond its strength as an asset management system, AUTOsist gives fleet managers an easy way to track maintenance, inspections, fuel, and other vehicle records. Its customizable spreadsheets and digital forms allow operators to tailor fleet management and maintenance records to their needs.
Suited for small to medium-sized businesses that manage fleets of 50-100 units, AUTOsist delivers driver behavior assessments through GPS tracking and scorecards. It offers dual-facing in-cab HD safety cameras for enhanced accountability. Additionally, the system is web-based with a mobile app for iOS and Android so operators can manage fleets remotely. They can easily set service reminders, upload fuel receipts, and assign multiple drivers to vehicles on one platform.
2 Fleetio - Best Customization Options
Why we chose it: We found Fleetio highly customizable, allowing users to configure the system to fit their requirements. This includes custom fields for detailed asset records, personalized notifications and reminders for maintenance and other tasks, and configurable reports and dashboards. It also provides customizable forms and service programs for tailored maintenance tracking.
For added configurability, Fleetio integrates with several third-party apps. Popular providers include Verizon Connect, Samsara, KeepTruckin, and Geotab. Finally, the software collects data from telematics devices, fuel cards, and external maintenance shops, calculating the true cost of fleet ownership over time.
3 Samsara - Best for Real-Time Tracking
Why we chose it: Samsara made our list for its GPS tracking capabilities and advanced dashcam technology. This includes artificial intelligence to detect and record driving events. Additionally, Samsara has geofencing tools to monitor and enforce compliance with regulations.
Samsara’s one-update-a-second refresh rate ensures fleet managers can access nearly instantaneous data about their vehicles’ locations and conditions. Their dual-facing dashcams provide insights into driver behavior and enhance safety with features like night vision and driver alert functions. Plus, Samsara has several built-in alerts for monitoring vehicle health and driver behavior. To cap it off, Samsara’s streamlined manager dashboard and driver app streamline communication and task management.
4 Verizon Connect - Diverse Vehicle Support
Why we chose it: We went with Verizon Connect due to its support for many types of vehicles, including battery and plug-in hybrid electric. This system provides detailed vehicle metrics such as charge state and battery levels. It also affords capabilities like fuel management reports and maintenance scheduling for extended vehicle life.
Overall, Verizon Connect is designed for midsize fleets, offering tools for route optimization, vehicle and driver safety, and compliance with industry regulations. For example, the software includes live GPS tracking with detailed asset history. It also covers extensive driver management, like performance reports and customizable incident alerts. Finally, Verizon Connect has a broad marketplace of 38 apps, including Trimble, Amazon Web Services, and AssetWorks.
5 Omnitracs - Best for Intelligent Routing
Why we chose it: We found Omnitracs best for trucking companies needing intelligent routing capabilities and compliance tools. Intelligent routing optimizes workflow by storing customized routes, which helps in simplifying operations and coordinating activities. Omnitracs also provides GPS tracking, combining location monitoring with engine diagnostics and reporting software.
The system’s emphasis on safety, compliance, and effective asset management helps businesses grow and transform by providing full fleet visibility. Last, Omnitracs offers detailed driver management solutions, ELDs & Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, and vehicle navigation.
6 OnFleet - Best Last-Mile Delivery Management
Why we chose it: OnFleet specializes in optimizing last-mile delivery operations, with advanced routing algorithms and a user-centric design. The software’s dispatch and route optimization capabilities are tailored for efficient last-mile deliveries. OnFleet also offers proof of delivery options, driver chat, and onboarding processes to improve communication and accountability.
Overall, OnFleet is best for the consumer services and goods sectors, with real-time tracking, automated customer notifications, and in-depth data analysis capabilities. The system is easily navigable, allowing fleet managers to auto-assign drivers based on regions. Finally, the platform supports real-time data insights, including predictive ETAs and auto-dispatch features.
7 Azuga - Best Safety Features
Why we chose it: We picked Azuga for its optimized safety features, including seatbelt alerts and driver safety histories. The platform has leaderboard tracking for driver safety scores, with the ability to reward high-performing drivers, enhancing motivation and safety compliance.
This platform offers route optimization and extensive tracking tools, with traffic and weather alerts through Google. In fact, Azuga includes a breadcrumb feature for detailed movement history. It also delivers Earth mapping integration, and customizable landmark settings for frequent locations. Overall, fleet managers appreciate Azuga’s ease of use and its effectiveness in improving vehicle and driver safety.
8 Fleet Manager: Best for Cross-Border Fleet Management
Why we chose it: We found Fleet Manager best-suited for cross-border trips with automated commercial environment (ACE) e-manifesting measures. Overall, it’s a good choice for businesses requiring international logistics capabilities. Its interline shipping feature, which allows a single package to be delivered through multiple freight carriers, only enhances its flexibility.
Fleet Manager’s platform also supports hosted and on-premise solutions, catering to many business needs. The software’s dispatching, load planning, and driver management functionalities, coupled with its ability to generate detailed reports, make it an effective tool for improving workflow efficiency in transportation.
What is Fleet Management Software?
Fleet management software is a digital tool that manages the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of an organization’s vehicles. This is useful for any business which requires multiple vehicles in the field. Fleet operations can range from delivery trucks and vans to corporate cars for management and C-suite executives.
Fleet management systems help maximize the lifetime performance of company cars, vans, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Most systems are designed to keep track of the following in real time:
- Vehicle metadata (make, model, VIN, etc.)
- Vehicle history (miles, fuel consumption, etc.)
- Driver safety and performance (i.e. insurance, behavior, etc.)
- Predictive and preventive maintenance
- Route optimization
- Purchasing and leasing information
By providing all this data in one place, fleet management software makes it easy to optimize your entire fleet.
Fleet Management Software Key Features
Basic systems allow for simple asset tracking. Other features associated with fleet management solutions also include:
- Driver records. Keep records of driver information such as insurance information and driving history. Measure driver performance to ensure work is being done on time, or analyze long-term driver behavior for signs of potential issues.
- Work orders. Maintain accurate work orders for all maintenance requests, vehicle history, and driver behavior.
- Service management. Create alerts for scheduled maintenance based on driving behavior, warranty information, and fuel usage. Maintain a historical list of maintenance performed.
- Parts inventory database. For those companies with internal maintenance management, track spare parts and materials used for maintenance.
- Route mapping. Customizable mapping systems can include geographic information system (GIS) mapping and turn-by-turn instructions. A GPS fleet provides a map of all your assets in their current locations.
- Vehicle location history. Track vehicles with an animated vehicle history trail to see where the vehicle has been down to each turn, each stop, and the time at each stop. Decrease route times and hold your drivers accountable. The mapping function lets you see when your drivers drive faster than the posted speed limits.
- Route optimization. Route optimization will help you and your drivers to create the best and most efficient route for better fuel management. Also, you can re-route drivers or technicians as needed to reduce fuel costs when idling.
- Maintenance. Whether you manage your fleet maintenance in-house or outsource to a third party, maintenance schedules can reduce downtime and keep your fleet running.
Fleet Management Software Pricing
Fleet tracking software prices vary by product, but typically depend on required features and number of managed vehicles. These two factors can help you calculate potential costs for a reasonable budget. Additionally, knowing if you want an on-premise or cloud-based solution can influence the total price.
Typically premium features like GPS tracking, route planning, or condition monitoring increase costs. Most systems are priced per vehicle, per month, with prices ranging from $15 to $150 per vehicle. Typical use cases average $35 per vehicle, per month.
In-House Vehicle Maintenance in Fleet Management Software
Two main ways to handle your fleet’s vehicle maintenance are in-house or through third-party sources. Managing your fleet internally takes a lot of resources, especially when you need to remove vehicles from the fleet for repairs, schedule drivers, and plan out predictive maintenance to minimize downtime. Fortunately, the right fleet maintenance software can help you take some pressure off those resources by streamlining your review process. Managing staff, scheduling work, ordering parts, and maintaining records in-house is all possible with fleet management software.
Parts Inventory Management
Unlike a GPS vehicle, your spare parts aren’t tracked with real-time satellite coverage. The parts you need, including filters, oil, and fuel, can all be tracked with a fleet management software solution. You can also maintain an inventory of other parts that may not be used as frequently based on vehicle make, model, and year.
Coordinate Scheduling
When managing a small fleet, scheduling vehicle inspections and maintenance may not seem difficult. When managing dozens or hundreds of vehicles, scheduling becomes more important. You need to ensure your fleet management platform can coordinate between staff on hand to complete the work and the parts available, so you can get the vehicle back into service and out on the road.
Reduce Liability
Keeping records on drivers and vehicle history can pay off for your company in more ways than one. Fleet managers can use GPS tracking tools to see which drivers follow assigned routes and stay within posted speed limits. These records can lower your insurance costs by providing proof of good driver behavior. Similarly, maintenance records can protect your company in the event of an accident by showing when maintenance was last performed and what parts were used.
Outsourced Vehicle Maintenance in Fleet Management Software
If you outsource your maintenance to a dealer or repair shop, it is still important to track the work completed. You need to keep a service history of those items and the associated cost of the repairs. Additionally, use the service history to determine when the vehicle needs to go in for scheduled maintenance.
Third-Party Fleet Services
If your fleet maintenance is provided by a third-party organization, integrated management software can make it easy to keep track of their work. Fleet tracking tools show real-time updates to vehicle locations and maintenance work orders, keeping your third-party partners accountable.
Out-of-State Fleet Services
Have employees in multiple states? No problem. Have the driver mail or scan the invoice and service record into the system, where the document can be stored with the vehicle for better records management. Gather records from different repair facilities and store those records in the software.
Vehicle tracking systems are particularly valuable for fleets that operate over multiple states or countries. Know which vehicles are always under maintenance and which are on the road. Real-time fleet tracking services let you know where all your vehicles and drivers are, no matter where they are.
Best Fleet Management Software Options
Fleet management depends on business processes provided by software. Some systems are Cloud-based for access anywhere, ideal for global corporations. Others include mobile apps for on-the-go updates. The right software will fit your needs.
If you are at the point where you are ready to find which fleet management software options are right for you, we can help. Through a brief phone call, our software specialists will look to better understand your business and software needs to help you locate a handful of solutions that can address the issues you are currently experiencing. Get started today with Software Connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fleet management software cost?
Fleet tracking software ranges from $15 to $150 priced per vehicle per month, with typical use cases averaging around $35. Required features, the number of managed vehicles, and the choice between on-premise or cloud-based solutions also impact the total cost of ownership.
How does fleet management software work?
Fleet management software uses telematics devices, like GPS and other sensors, to capture information about vehicle movement, driver behavior, and operational activities. It transmits this data to the cloud, where software visually interprets vehicle location, utilization, compliance, and maintenance activities.
Who uses fleet management software?
Fleet management software is used by fleet managers, compliance teams, maintenance professionals, finance teams, and dispatchers. Common industries include transportation, manufacturing, logistics, chemicals, construction, and oil and gas.
What is the benefit of using a fleet management system?
Key benefits of using a fleet management system include improved driver safety, extended vehicle life, enhanced business intelligence, tight regulatory compliance, and lower operational costs through maintenance scheduling, optimized routes, and reduced fuel consumption.
What is the difference between a fleet management system and a transportation management system?
Fleet management software focuses on overseeing the operations of a company’s vehicles, while transportation management software (TMS) handles broader logistics activities like freight management, carrier selection, and order tracking. While both aim to streamline operations and reduce costs, fleet management software is more tailored to internal fleet operations, whereas TMS encompasses broader supply chain management.