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From flower delivery to construction, many business types require a fleet of vehicles to get the job done. Whether you’re managing five delivery vans or 50 big wheelers, you want to maintain oversight of your vehicles as they are valuable assets. The best fleet management software makes it easier with features like GPS tracking and driver safety scorecards.

Our researchers surveyed 20 different fleet management tools, assessing each one on factors like features, value for money and customer support. Below, we summarize our findings so you can confidently choose the right software to fit your needs.

Best fleet management software

Why trust our small business experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of business products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

  • 19 companies reviewed.
  • 775 data points analyzed.
  • 100+ hours of research.

Best fleet management software comparison

ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSGPS TRACKINGMAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGINCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGMILEAGE TRACKING
YesYesYesYesYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes
GPS TRACKINGYes
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGYes
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
YesYesYes; for advanced plans onlyYesYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes
GPS TRACKINGYes
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes; for advanced plans only
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGYes
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
YesYesYesYesYes; for an additional cost
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes
GPS TRACKINGYes
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGYes
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes; for an additional cost
YesYesYesNoYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes
GPS TRACKINGYes
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGNo
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
YesYesYesYesYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes
GPS TRACKINGYes
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGYes
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
YesYesYesYesYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes
GPS TRACKINGYes
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGYes
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
NoYes; for advanced plans onlyYesNoYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSNo
GPS TRACKINGYes; for advanced plans only
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGNo
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
Yes; through plug-in for advanced plans onlyNoYes; for advanced plans onlyNoYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes; through plug-in for advanced plans only
GPS TRACKINGNo
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes; for advanced plans only
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGNo
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
Yes; through plug-in for advanced plans onlyYes; through plug-in for advanced plans onlyYesNoYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes; through plug-in for advanced plans only
GPS TRACKINGYes; through plug-in for advanced plans only
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGNo
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes
YesYesYesYesYes
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE COMPLIANCE TOOLSYes
GPS TRACKINGYes
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT TRACKINGYes
INCIDENT/SAFETY REPORTINGYes
MILEAGE TRACKINGYes

Methodology

We extensively research the key competitors within an industry to determine the best products and services for your business. Our experts identify the factors that matter most to business owners, including pricing, features and customer support, to ensure that our recommendations offer well-rounded products that will meet the needs of various small businesses.

We collect extensive data to narrow our best list to reputable, easy-to-use products with stand-out features at a reasonable price point. And we look at user reviews to ensure that business owners like you are satisfied with our top picks’ services. We use the same rubric to assess companies within a particular space so you can confidently follow our blueprint to the best fleet management software in 2024.

Expert score (10%): Each provider in our roundup was awarded an expert score based on how it compared to the other providers surveyed. The score took into account the product’s features (2.5%), such as GPS and mileage tracking, that give fleet managers granular information about their vehicles and drivers. The expert score also assessed value for money (2.5%), popularity (2.5%) and ease of use (2.5%).

Value (32%): Fleet management software can add value to a business by streamlining operations, maintaining vehicle oversight and improving driver accountability. However, business owners with an eye on budget want to make sure what they pay is worth it.

Our researchers assessed value for money, starting with an assessment of pricing transparency. We checked if pricing was clearly displayed online and then compared pricing structures, looking at monthly and annual fees as well as additional costs like setup fees. We also looked for long-term discounts and the availability of a free demo.

Service and support (8%): From getting your software set up to dealing with tech glitches, you may need customer support to address questions about your fleet management software. Ideally, the provider will have easily accessible, knowledgeable support available to you. We checked whether each provider had live chat (2%), phone help (2%) and an email contact (2%). We also looked for a self-help knowledge base (2%), which can be a useful first stop in case of queries.

General features (34%): There are a few general features we’d expect even a basic fleet management tool to include. ELD compliance tools help measure driver hours to ensure they aren’t exceeding the maximum driver time permitted by U.S. laws, for example, which helps keep your business out of legal troubles.

Meanwhile, GPS tracking lets you monitor where vehicles are at all times, while maintenance management tracking gives you a heads-up when it’s time to take a vehicle in for a tune up. Other general features we looked for included safety/incident reporting, driver safety scorecards and mileage tracking, as well as the ability to generate cost reports, securely store documents and track tolls and toll violations

Additional features (14%): Beyond the basics we’d hope to find in any basic fleet management tool, there are some “nice to have” extras that can further enhance the user experience. For example, a mobile app allows fleet managers to track vehicles and drivers anytime, anywhere. Meanwhile, perks like vehicle diagnostics and tire pressure monitoring can help you ensure vehicles are staying in good condition, and a perk like a free dash cam can prove useful in case of accidents for insurance and police reports.

Features for slices (2%): Finally, our researchers considered two additional features that can help fleets cut costs and stay on track. Fuel management software can help identify fuel waste, while a route planning tool can help chart out efficient routes, likewise potentially cutting fuel costs. Again, these may not be “must have” characteristics for fleet management software, but they are excellent value-add perks.

What is fleet management software, and how does it work?

Fleet management software is designed to help oversee and organize vehicles and drivers and can be useful in fields like delivery services, construction, oil and gas, trucking and logistics. 

Depending on the software, managers can use the tool for tasks like monitoring driver hours, checking vehicle mileage and tracking vehicle locations in real-time. Some tools also have extras like driver safety reports and integrated dashcams. By consolidating such tasks in a single tool, fleet management becomes streamlined.

Benefits of fleet management software

Although there are some free tools, most fleet management software requires you to pay a monthly or annual fee, often on a per-vehicle basis. You may be wondering if it’s worth the investment.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect if you pay for a comprehensive fleet management tool:

  • Simplify driver management: Many fleet management tools track driver hours. For hourly workers, this can simplify payroll. Time tracking also helps ensure drivers aren’t driving for longer than is safe (or legally permitted).
  • Enhance safety: Some fleet management tools include incident reports so that the fleet manager can keep track of issues like accidents. Depending on the tool, it may also be possible to create safety scorecards for individual drivers.
  • Improve efficiency: A route management tool can help plan faster routes for delivery drivers, taking into account details like road closures and traffic jams. This can improve overall efficiency.
  • Cut costs: Route management can also help cut fuel costs. When drivers are given the most efficient path from A to B, they are able to avoid traffic jams and other nuisances that can use up gas needlessly.
  • Reduce hassle: Keeping track of multiple drivers, vehicles and routes can be confusing, especially if you have a larger fleet. Fleet management software puts essential data in one place, giving you improved oversight of your team.

Who needs fleet management software?

Fleet management software may be used by business owners or fleet managers who are in charge of overseeing delivery vehicle logistics. Many industries can use fleet management tools, from local food delivery providers to construction firms and long-haul trucking companies. Different providers have different needs. 

For example, if you’re managing a team of big-wheelers hauling goods coast to coast, you want to make sure they aren’t exceeding the 11-hour driving time set forth by the DOT, so ELD compliance tools are essential. This feature is less important if you oversee a fleet of food delivery drivers who work limited hours (say, the dinner rush in the evenings).

How to choose the best fleet management software

Key features to look for

While you may not need all the bells and whistles of the most high-end fleet management tools, there are some basic functions worth looking for. When shopping around for a tool, check for these features:

  • Electronic logging device compliance tools: ELD compliance tools measure driver hours. This time-tracking can be useful for payroll as well as for compliance purposes since there are legal limits on how much time drivers can spend behind the wheel daily.
  • GPS tracking: With real-time location tracking, fleet managers know exactly where their drivers/vehicles are at all times. This can improve transparency and bring peace of mind.
  • Violation support and incident reporting: What happens if a driver speeds or gets in a crash? Violation support and incident reporting keep fleet managers in the know so they can make sure their teams are safe.
  • Mileage tracking: Vehicles require maintenance, like oil changes, after a certain number of miles are driven. Mileage tracking helps managers know when it’s time to get a car in for a tune-up.
  • Vehicle diagnostics and maintenance management tracking: Some providers offer sensor-driven plug-ins that connect to each vehicle, providing alerts when maintenance is required.

Add-ons and extras

While the following extras aren’t a “must-have” for fleet management software, they can be beneficial add-ons. Depending on your needs, you may want to look for tools with these functions (or pay extra for higher-tier plans that include them):

  • Route planning tool: A route planning function charts out delivery or trucking stops in an optimal order, which can enhance route efficiency.
  • Fuel management software: Fuel management tracking can help control fuel consumption, which can help maintain or even cut gas costs.
  • Tolls support: Drivers can get help with toll road payments, while managers can track toll expenses for their fleets as a whole.
  • Dashcam: Dashcams can be valuable in case of a car accident or similar unexpected incident, providing footage for legal or insurance purposes.

Customer service 

As with any software product, fleet management technology can raise questions for users, especially those who are less tech savvy. Knowing you have customer support services to help, whether it’s a matter of configuring a feature or addressing a glitch, is critical. 

We suggest confirming what customer service options are available (for example, phone, email, live chat or knowledge base.). Also, clarify whether options like phone or live chat will connect you with a human or an automated bot. Finally, confirm the customer service operating hours.

How much does fleet management software cost?

LOWEST MONTHLY FEE LISTEDMONTHLY FEE PER VEHICLE AVAILABLE?DEMO AVAILABLE?
Motive
Contact company
Contact company
Yes
Azuga
$25 per vehicle
Yes
Yes
Linxup
$25
Yes
No
Rhino Fleet Tracking
$21.95
Yes
Yes
Samsara
Contact company
Contact company
No
IntelliShift
Contact company
Yes
Yes
AUTOsist
$6 per vehicle
Yes
Yes
Whip Around
$0 for one vehicle
Yes
Yes
Fleetio
$5 per vehicle
Yes
Yes
Holman Fleet Management
Contact company
Contact company
No

The costs of fleet management software can vary widely, from as little as $0 per month to upwards of $25 per vehicle per month. In general, the more comprehensive a technology is in terms of coverage and features, the more it will cost. For example, Whip Around has a Basic plan that’s free but covers only one vehicle.

You may be able to save on your fleet management software costs by signing up for an annual plan instead of paying month by month. Longer contract terms may also result in lower monthly rates. Plus, some providers offer volume discounts, which can be beneficial if you have an especially large fleet. Note that not all of the providers we surveyed provide transparent pricing information on their websites; some require you to request a quote.

What we don’t recommend

Always read the fine print when it comes to tiered pricing models. Lower-tier plans are usually limited in terms of functionality. For example, we saw a couple providers that offered integration for basic functions, like GPS tracking, only for higher-tier plans.

Another pricing point to consider is the number of vehicles you need covered. Some providers limit the number of vehicles for lower-tier plans. Others may require you to have a minimum number of vehicles to qualify for a certain plan. So, while there may be a price of $5 per vehicle per month, if at least five vehicles are required, that’s $25.

As with any software product, we don’t recommend paying for features that you don’t need! Bigger or more comprehensive doesn’t mean best. Use this guide to make a list of the functions you require in your fleet management tool and use that to guide your buying.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The best fleet management software will meet your operational needs without adding unmanageable expenses to your business. Key traits to look for include:

  • ELD compliance functionality.
  • GPS tracking.
  • Maintenance management oversight.
  • Incident/safety reporting.
  • Mileage tracking.

Beyond this, you may seek additional features depending on your requirements, such as fuel tracking or integrated dashcams.

There is free fleet management software, which is the cheapest option you’ll find. However, free tools generally lack the comprehensive functionality of more expensive technologies. In general, you can expect fleet management software to cost at least $25 per month. Some providers offer discounts for long-term contracts or annual pricing plans.

Fleet management can be made easier by tracking details like driver hours, vehicle routes and fuel expenditures. Fleet management software simplifies this kind of data tracking, gathering all the relevant information from each vehicle and driver and compiling it in one platform. For example, a fleet management tool can provide alerts when vehicles require maintenance, ensuring a safe and well-kept fleet of vehicles.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Alison Kilian

BLUEPRINT

Alison Kilian has been working as a journalist and ghostwriter for over ten years. She has written for internationally recognized publications and brands, including Forbes Books, ABC News, U.S. News & World Report, and Axel Springer Media.

Sierra Campbell is a small business editor for USA Today Blueprint. She specializes in writing, editing and fact-checking content centered around helping businesses. She has worked as a digital content and show producer for several local TV stations, an editor for U.S. News & World Report and a freelance writer and editor for many companies. Sierra prides herself in delivering accurate and up-to-date information to readers. Her expertise includes credit card processing companies, e-commerce platforms, payroll software, accounting software and virtual private networks (VPNs). She also owns Editing by Sierra, where she offers editing services to writers of all backgrounds, including self-published and traditionally published authors.