Choosing Fleet Tracking Devices
- Study the specs.
- Sort through features.
- Try to understand if the device has the needed capabilities.
- Evaluate product and platform claims.





- Location accuracy: This will vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer.Superior accuracy is considered anything within 10–50 feet of the true location of the device.All One Step GPS vehicle trackers provide accuracy within ~6 feet of the true location of the device, making them the top of the line of available trackers today.
- Reporting speed: The location accuracy is only part of the real-time tracking equation. You also need frequent updating to get a true view of the actual location of a vehicle. For instance, if a device reports location with an accuracy of 30 feet once every 2 minutes you still don’t have a real-time view of the vehicle. A lot can happen in 2 minutes on the road!One Step GPS’ devices are top-of-the-line with update speeds as fast as every 1 second.
- Cellular provider: If your devices send updates across a slow or unresponsive cellular network, you will not receive them as quickly as you should which also prevents accurate updates.Make sure the devices you choose have a strong cell connection with a major provider.All One Step GPS devices use roaming SIMs, meaning they can connect with the strongest cell network in the area regardless of the provider. Whether Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or some other provider, you get the best possible signal in every case.
- Reporting capabilities: Different devices report different amounts of data ranging from simple location reports to extensive vehicle data.Make a list of the vital reports you need to reach your current fleet goals and the additional reports you may need which can support your longer-term fleet goals and be sure the devices you choose can provide the data you need.For example, if your primary goal today is fleet safety, be sure your device can report speeding, sudden braking, hard cornering and acceleration events. Make sure the platform you choose compiles this information in an actionable way.After you solve fleet safety, your next goal may be reduced operational costs. For this you’ll want reports on idle time, maintenance issues, etc.One Step GPS devices provide a comprehensive list of alerts and reports to support you in solving virtually any fleet problem.
- Initial Device CostWhat is the upfront purchase price of the fleet tracking devices?Does the device come with a warranty if it’s faulty or gets damaged?Some systems require you to buy the hardware or to sign a contract.At One Step GPS, we cover the cost of all devices, including replacements, as part of your $13.95/mo service.
- Platform fees and contractsThe cost of the platform is generally billed monthly and is often more than the cost of the devices themselves after a few months of payment.Platform fees vary widely from company to company, and, for reasons known only to the businesses, most do not disclose their costs upfront.Your platform subscription is normally locked into a contractual agreement with the details of your service tier spelled out. Often contracts can contain a renewal clause that triggers some months before the end of the contact term. They can also leave you stuck with lousy, outdated devices, long waits for customer service, and a host of other headaches.At One Step GPS we find hidden pricing and contracts to be unethical business practices that too often result in poor customer service and bad user experiences.Our real-time tracking is $13.95/mo per vehicle and there are no contracts ever. We offer you free devices with a lifetime warranty, a 100-day money-back guarantee, and no contracts ever.This is an intentional business decision that ensures our team works to earn your business every day instead of locking you into a contract and moving onto the next sale.
- Installation costsInstallation costs can vary significantly depending on the type of device.Plugin trackers can be easily DIYed for almost zero installation cost whereas hardwired trackers require electrical skill, installing 10s or 100s of them can incur costs that should be factored into your purchasing plans.A note, sometimes companies will offer “free installation”. This virtually always comes with a contract, and you generally end up paying for this installation cost in higher monthly fees over the course of your relationship.At One Step GPS we provide you with all the support you need to install the devices yourself or have your shop install (installation instructions, live US-based and in-house support, wiring diagrams, etc.).We can also arrange professional installation through our network of installers for a one-time fee and with no contracts.This gives you the most flexible installation options.
- Plugin devices are quick, easy to install, easily transferred between vehicles, and cost-effective. If simple installation is important to you, consider this type of device.
- Hardwired devices are more difficult to detect and are compatible with any vehicle with a power source. They also allow for custom functionality such as remote kill switches and temperature sensors. If security, tamper-proof installation, or specific functionality is key for you, consider this type of device.
- AI Dashcams provide video footage of every incident so you can add context to the alerts you see on your screen. They are invaluable for fleet safety, consider these if safety is a primary concern.
- Rugged/exterior-mounted applications for heavy-duty vehicles in construction, landscaping, etc., require robust, durable fleet tracking devices. Ruggedized hardwired trackers are critical to withstand these kinds of harsh operating conditions.
- Remote deployment options can be valuable if you have non-powered assets that are deployed across large distances or deployments with limited physical access. There are two classes:
- Battery-powered fleet tracking devices.
- Solar-powered devices.
- Kill switches enable fleet managers to disable the engine remotely and turn off the ignition or fuel supply in the event of unauthorized access, such as theft.
- Temperature sensors retrieve vehicle data to ensure temperatures stay within pre-set thresholds.
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Authors

James Fish
Fleet Technology Specialist

Nico Photos
Customer Insights Manager
Reviewed by

Adam Ben Jacob
Director of Support and Technology
20,000+ of the world's fleets are monitored with One Step GPS
Authors

James Fish
Fleet Technology Specialist
James has directed his career to helping real fleets implement tracking solutions that solve their exact challenges. Having personally spoken to thousands of fleet operators, he brings insights drawn from the front lines. Now at One Step GPS, a company with more than 20,000 customers, James offers a no-nonsense, practical perspective on fleet tracking that you won’t find anywhere else.

Nico Photos
Customer Insights Manager
Nico is obsessed with how One Step GPS customers use and derive value from our platform and devices. He regularly conducts interviews with fleets of all shapes and sizes to document the problems they're facing, their needs, and the tools and solutions that help make their lives easier.
Reviewed by

Adam Ben Jacob
Director of Support and Technology
Adam oversees the Customer Success Department of One Step GPS, a department that serves over 20,000 customer fleets at this moment. His breadth of knowledge is unmatched, and Adam's unique insight into the inner workings of fleets and fleet tracking brings value found nowhere else in the industry.