Best Fleet Management Software in 2023

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Chief Data Scientist & Head of Content

The outlook for the transportation and fleet management solutions sector looks promising. In 2022, the United States logistics market was estimated to be worth $175 trillion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate or CAGR of 6.2% ($236.41 trillion) by 2027 (Research and Markets, 2022).

However, the transportation and fleet management industry is still affected by the ongoing fuel crisis, the current threat of a recession, and several other challenges. Hence, having the right fleet management software is essential for individuals with logistics careers or any business in the logistics industry that wants to maximize its business growth, as well as the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of its drivers and vehicles.

Truly, fleet managers are relying on technology and automation today more than ever to support them in facing multiple challenges, including a shortage of fleet drivers, difficulty procuring vehicle parts, and keeping up with new transportation and carbon emission laws. Our team at Research.com has prepared this guide to help you choose the best fleet management software for your organization by considering pertinent fleet management software statistics and trends and the unique technology and automation features your business requires.

Best Fleet Management Software Table of Contents

1. Fleet Management Software Statistics
2. Fleet Management Software Trends
3. List of Best Fleet Management Software

Fleet Management Software Statistics

The United States relies heavily on vehicle fleets to transport goods. In 2021, trucks transported 72.2% of the total domestic tonnage, which amounted to 10.93 billion tons of freight in primary shipments only (American Trucking Associations, n.d.). It is safe to say that this high reliance on the fleet industry is contributing to the growth seen in fleet management software trends.

During the 2022-2030 forecast period, the fleet management market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11% and hit $37 billion by 2027 (Market Research Future, 2023).

A report from Markets and Markets (2022) provides an even more positive outlook—the fleet management market will grow at a CAGR of 15.5%, growing from $25.5 billion in 2022 to $52.5 billion in 2027.

This growth in the fleet management software sector is attributed to several factors, including growing demand for automation and telematics, increasing awareness of the importance of drivers’ safety and health, desire to be more fuel-efficient and carbon-friendly, and expectations of customers to receive deliveries with faster ETAs.

Fleet managers are also facing a truck driver shortage. In 2022, the shortage was reported to be historically high, almost 78,000 drivers. If current trends in the truck driving industry continue, this number could reach 160,000 by 2031 (American Trucking Associations, 2022).

Aside from a truck driver shortage, there is also the issue of rising fuel prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (2023) Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update reports that gasoline prices ended lower in the last part of 2022 than at the start of the year.

However, despite the dip in gasoline prices at the end of 2022, experts predict that fuel prices will remain higher for some time compared to the pre-COVID era.

The truck driver shortage and surging gasoline prices are two problems that fleet management platforms aim to provide solutions for. These platforms gather important data for businesses that they can utilize to assess their vehicles’ fuel use and identify how to improve driving performance for better fuel efficiency.

Fleet management software can also provide the required technology for an AI-driven fleet, a solution that businesses are considering for the driver shortage problem.

Fleet managers and drivers today understand that business software and technology are essential to overcome the difficulties and changing demands in today’s supply chain management landscape. That realization has boosted the demand for fleet management technology. The global fleet management software segment is expected to grow from $20.73 billion in 2022 to $67.38 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 18.3%.

North America is one of the largest sectors of that market, bringing in $7.16 billion in 2021 alone (Fortune Business Insights, 2022).

Fleet Management Software Trends

According to Allied Market Research (2021), the global vehicle tracking system market is projected to reach a CAGR of 19.7% from 2021 to 2030. In 2020, the sector was valued at $17.37 billion and is forecast to reach $109.95 billion by 2030.

From 2022-2032, software is projected to be the most lucrative sector in the forecast period with a CAGR of 13.1%. In 2022, it accounts for approximately 66.2% of the market (Fact.MR, 2022).

Based on current fleet management software trends, several drivers are responsible for the steady growth of the FMS sector. One factor is more businesses are heavily relying on fleet management products, ERP software, and other business tech tools to stay competitive and profitable, as well as flexible enough to handle any changes or growth in their setup.

With more businesses employing FMS solutions, software developers and providers are leveling up the features and scope of their platforms to meet the current requirements for a more intelligent and efficient all-in-one product. FMS trends include:

• Increase in the demand for driver and road safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that the number of people who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021 was an estimated 42,915 individuals, the highest number in 16 years (United States Department of Transportation, 2022). Taking this into account, safety technology is a common feature offered by FMS platforms. These features usually include collecting data on driver behavior and automatic coaching.
• Growing need for analytics and AI. Data gathering and AI are at the forefront of many fleet management platforms to help combat driver shortage issues, improve employee driving experience, and even allow real-time tracking. Advanced analytics will also provide faster and more accurate data that are essential in identifying vehicle, driver, or process issues, as well as in providing speedy solutions to address those problems.
• Focus on faster and improved vehicle maintenance issues. Surging fuel prices and a low supply of vehicle parts mean fleet managers want FMS products that let them stay on top of any repairs and regular maintenance. Furthermore, FMS solutions can notify fleet owners about expiring licenses and registrations, upcoming inspections, and new local and federal vehicle requirements and legislation.
• Push for fewer carbon emissions and more EVs. The U.S. government is tightening its laws on vehicle pollution with California, taking the lead with its new zero-emission vehicle regulation. Fleet managers are looking for FMS products that can significantly boost their sustainability and reduce their carbon emissions, as well as for platforms that allow for a smoother transition to managing a fleet of EVs.

List of Best Fleet Management Software

The fleet management software statistics and trends presented above emphasize the vital role of smart FMS in helping many industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas, succeed today. Because businesses vary in size, target markets, and industry, fleet owners need software that can be personalized to suit their needs in meeting their targets for productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

We compiled this list of best fleet management software by carefully considering features that provide organizations with the most flexibility and potential for growth.

1. Verizon Connect

Verizon Connect, formerly known as Fleetmatics, is a comprehensive and customizable fleet management solution ideal for businesses of all sizes. It offers scalability when you need to downsize or expand your operations. They also have multi-time and multi-language options. This software aims to provide a single robust tracking solution for a well-connected and dynamic mobile workforce. It includes management tools and features like enterprise vehicle tracking, truck GPS navigation, mobile apps, OEM telematics, and software integration with partner products. Plus, they offer their customers 24/7 roadside assistance for commercial trucks in the U.S.

Verizon Connect Key Features:

• Monitor your entire mobile workforce with user-friendly fleet tracking dashboards and apps.
• Improve fleet efficiency with route optimization software.
• Stay up to date with regulations and streamline your compliance obligations.
• Protect, optimize, and maximize your resources with asset tracking software.

Pricing:

By quote

2. Motive

Motive, formerly known as KeepTruckin, is FMS that caters to small businesses and large enterprises. This platform lets you manage your entire operation online with an easy-to-use app and dashboard, tracking, compliance and maintenance monitoring, and data analytics. It provides customizable plans based on the size of your fleet, the hardware you choose, and the management software you need. Its mobile app lets you bid on and book loads right away, and the smart load matching feature allows you to match the right drivers with a particular cargo.

Motive Key Features:

• Easily monitor the status of your temperature-controlled cargo using Reefer Monitoring.
• Browse through thousands of loads from brokers and find the right load with complete details and recommendations.
• Get discounts on maintenance and fuel fees and monitor fleet spending using the Motive Card.
• Access pre-built, third-party integrations in the App Marketplace.

Pricing:

By quote.

3. Azuga Fleet

Azuga, owned by Bridgestone, is a customizable and easy-to-use FMS solution for businesses of all sizes and sectors, particularly the trucking, utilities, and construction industries. It offers plug-and-play devices, a mobile app, 24/7 customer support, telematics, route optimization plus, last mile scheduling software, and alert and reporting features. One of Azuga’s FMS products is SafetyIQ, SaaS software that helps keep your fleet safe and efficient through predictive analytics. You can set geofences with alerts and notifications so you know if there are any natural disasters in any area where your fleets are currently deployed.

Azuga Key Features:

• Encourage good driver habits and behavior with safety and training programs, gamification, and incentives.
• Stay on top of your Back Office, Customer Management, and Field Operations with a single Field Management Software bundle.
• Cut on spending and improve fuel efficiency and vehicle performance with the FuelSaver feature and maintenance and tire discounts from Bridgestone.
• Easily install hardware by simply plugging into your OBD-II port and instantly syncing it with your vehicle GPS and computer and with the Azuga FMS.

Pricing:

By quote.

4. Fleetio

Fleetio is a fleet management solution that lets you automate maintenance processes, collaborate with your entire workforce, and manage all fleet-related tasks and data on a single platform from anywhere. It offers a simple and customizable platform that you can easily integrate with other business management software, fuel cards, telematics, GPS hardware, and more. Fleetio has an app, collaboration tools, and contact management features so you can stay on top of any interaction among and between your drivers, mechanics, suppliers, and other vendors.

Fleetio Key Features:

• Stay on top of vehicle maintenance and problems to reduce risks and costs.
• Keep track of assignments and conveniently assign vehicles to drivers even from a mobile device.
• Improve collaboration and boost data analytics by easily integrating Fleetio with other fleet management hardware and software you already use.
• Gain insights into the true cost of running your fleet from acquisition to disposal.

Pricing:

Fleetio offers a 14-day free trial. You can also choose from its Starter, Pro, or Advanced packages, with plans ranging from $15, $25, and $35, respectively (covering your first five assets) per month. Otherwise, opt for their yearly billing.

5. Onfleet

Onfleet is a logistics management cloud-based platform that aims to provide a single toolkit for all your last mile delivery needs. It offers scalable product packages suitable for various business sizes and is designed to help customers launch or upgrade their delivery services. It was created for easier dispatching, faster access to data analytics, speedier customer response, and real-time tracking. Onfleet has route optimization, internal communication tools, pre-built software integrations, automated dispatch capabilities, and feedback collection mechanisms. Some of Onfleet’s customers are from the retail, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and courier industries.

Onfleet Key Features:

• Efficiently assign, monitor, and consolidate dispatch operations from one dashboard.
• Keep customers happy with accurate predictive ETAs and integrated customer communication.
• Monitor and organize key data and create comprehensive reports by exporting analytics.
• Integrate Onfleet with your existing delivery tools for a more comprehensive and streamlined operation.

Pricing:

Onfleet offers a 14-day free trial. You can choose from their product packages depending on your needs and fleet size, namely Launch for small businesses (starting at $500/month), Scale for growing delivery teams (starting at $1,500/month), and Enterprise for established large-size operations (customized pricing provided by the Onfleet sales team).

6. FleetUp

FleetUp provides fleet management solutions through apps and software packages. Its products offer technology for fleet telematics, tracking, monitoring, diagnostics, and reporting. The FleetUp Admin App is an all-encompassing FMS app for fleet managers who want to have the flexibility to supervise employees and facilitate operations even when away from their desks. The FleetUp Driver App is designed for fleet drivers to spend less time on administrative tasks and complete compliance faster so they can focus on their main task—moving freight. It also incorporates safety and route optimization features.

FleetUp Key Features:

• Login from any device, anywhere, anytime even without software installation.
• Stay informed with telematics checks, which give the status of all your fleet assets every 10 seconds.
• Manage safety and compliance with ease using Intelligent ELD.
• Reduce waste and improve fuel efficiency with fuel waste analysis.

Pricing:

FleetUp has four software plans—Standard, Compliance, Advanced, and Professional (combining the features of the first three plans). You need to get in touch with the vendor’s representatives to get a personalized quote for each plan.

7. FleetFocus

FleetFocus is a fleet management software product from AssetWorks Inc. This FMS allows you to manage all your fleet assets, stay on top of vehicle maintenance and safety, and gain insights into your operations through tracking and reporting and by mobilizing your shop floor workers. It was created for fleet-owning organizations to save money, improve customer satisfaction, and keep vehicles longer. Fuel management software, motor pool, mobile apps, and open APIs are all part of the FleetFocus product suite. FleetFocus serves customers in the higher education, government, utilities, and private and commercial sectors.

FleetFocus Key Features:

• Makes it easier for technicians to request and issue parts, manage workload, record labor, and submit timecards.
• Access more than 275 out-of-the-box reports or utilize the ad-hoc reporting features.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and warranty recovery.
• Manage inventory with more ease and increase vehicle safety and availability.

Pricing:

By quote.

8. GpsGate

GpsGate is a real-time fleet tracking platform that provides flexible and scalable systems tailored for various business needs and sizes. You can customize the platform with your branding, activate user-level security, and add plug-ins. It is ideal for businesses that want to have a more customizable tracking product that offers very flexible payment options. For example, you can use scripts to customize automated functionality. Organizations with a large employee pools can build custom workspaces for each employee and choose which features and what level of access to give each one.

GpsGate Key Features:

• Have the choice of using a built-in map or the map service you prefer.
• Enjoy worry-free maintenance and installation with the cloud-hosted version.
• Customize the platform using your own logo.
• Integrate various business software and sync everything with APIs.

Pricing:

GpsGate offers a free 30-day risk-free Cloud trial and free tracking of 5 devices with Gps On-site also as a trial. You can also opt for its per-device offerings—cloud-hosted $3/device/month or on-site $2/device/month. For customized pricing and product packages, get in touch with the sales team.

9. Idelic Safety Suite

Idelic Safety Suite is a driver management platform that uses technology that helps improve driver behavior and safety to lower insurance costs. It consolidates data to predict driver risk, improve insurance outcomes, and prevent accidents. Idelic’s Discover Dashboard provides intuitive reporting on employees, claims, injuries, FMCSA BASICs, violations, accidents, telematics alerts, roadside inspections, enforcement, and driver training/corrective action. You can also use the dashboard’s filters to quickly access different variables, select how the data is presented, and share the data with anyone in your fleet.

Idelic Safety Suite Key Features:

• Identify and quickly intervene with at-risk drivers using Driver Watch List.
• Improve driver behavior with coaching plans using Driver Safety Playbook.
• Can be integrated with a suite of other fleet tech products.
• Gain data-driven insights into factors that put your fleet more at risk of crashes and other liabilities.

Pricing:

Idelic doesn’t provide pricing details but you can sign up for a free 30-minute consultation through its website.

10. Trimble Transportation

Trimble Transportation provides cargo, transportation, and fleet management solutions to the supply chain industry. It has a suite of mobility products to help businesses at every link of the supply chain—whether you are a carrier, intermediary, shipper, or service center—with improving operations and growing their business. You can choose which among its administrative, tracking, routing and optimization, maintenance, safety and compliance, and transportation management applications and features to add to your suite. It also specializes in solutions for fleets in the oil & gas industry.

Trimble Transportation Key Features:

• Work on accounting, payroll, invoice, and other admin tasks.
• Gain an end-to-end view of supply chain factors that help plan trips better.
• Receive notifications on fuel discounts, the right quantity of fuel, and how to reduce empty miles.
• Quickly find parking locations and the most cost-efficient routes.

Pricing:

Trimble Transportation doesn’t provide pricing information but you can get in touch with its sales team for pricing details.

11. EliteExtra

EliteExtra offers last mile delivery software solutions, including routing and dispatch software, a third-party delivery network platform and returns management. It is designed for businesses of all sizes and supports web and mobile platforms. You can integrate this software with other business management apps. Its features include centralized contract and billing management, crowdsourced delivery, product returns tracking, and automated dispatching and routing. Elite Extra customers come from the automotive, courier, electrical supply, HVAC, lumber and building supply, retail, and service industries.

EliteExtra Key Features:

• Automate and simplify any last mile returns.
• Provide customers with real-time updates on delivery status and ETAs.
• Plan ahead and always use the most cost-efficient and optimized delivery routes.
• Gain more delivery options through the offered third-party fleet partners.

Pricing:

EliteExtra representatives can give you a custom quote for month-to-month pricing options. All pricing includes a one-time setup fee and standard features.

12. NexTraq

NexTraq has a suite of fleet management tools used for monitoring driver behavior, tracking mobile assets, staying on schedule, and keeping up with vehicle maintenance. Servicing a variety of industries and fleet sizes for many years already, NexTraq offers hardware, features, and apps to help different businesses boost team and vehicle safety, health, and efficiency. Your choices of apps include those for dispatching, routing, scheduling, fuel management, geofencing and mapping, ELD compliance, and maintenance. You can integrate NexTraq with third-party partner software.

NexTraq Key Features:

• Activate alarm features to warn drivers if they need to drive more cautiously.
• Quickly locate your vehicles and your fleet team in real-time.
• Improved visibility and communication for your mobile workforce.
• Verify job and delivery status with photo and signature capture.

Pricing:

You can request a demo and pricing details from Nextraq representatives.

13. Track-POD

Track-POD is a cloud-based delivery management software offering live tracking, instant delivery notification, paperless delivery confirmations, real-time import and export of data, and speedy allocation of orders. It provides tools that help make deliveries faster, easier, and more cost-efficient. For instance, Track-POD has cloud-based courier management software with automated scheduling, instant dispatching, tracking, and performance insights. There is also delivery software for back-office managers and a delivery driver app to make it easier for everyone to communicate, collaborate, and meet delivery deadlines to keep customers happy.

Track-POD Key Features:

• Plan routes more strategically and with more flexibility using route optimization and driver and customer preference.
• Stay on top of load control with the app’s QR/Barcode scanner.
• Get delivery confirmation conveniently and quickly through customers’ e-signatures using the Sign on Glass technology.
• Integrate transportation management data into your ERP system.

Pricing:

Track-POD offers a free trial and different pricing plans in two categories—Per Driver (starting at $35 per month) and Per Order (starting at $285 a month for 1,500 orders). It also has an Enterprise plan with per-driver, per-vehicle monthly or annual billing.

14. Webfleet

Webfleet is a fleet management SaaS platform providing businesses with the technology to track vehicles, manage workflows, improve driver performance, cut costs, and optimize fleets. This software allows for real-time tracking, comprehensive reporting, smart scheduling, and easier asset management on a user-friendly platform. It also provides tools for smarter and more effective management of EV fleets. With its easy integration functionality, you can customize your FMS suite with Webfleet partner products or your existing systems. You can even integrate it with the systems in your other departments for better collaboration.

Webfleet Key Features:

• Enable more accurate vehicle tracking.
• Gather actionable insight on fleet performance through comprehensive reporting.
• Display your desired metrics on a customized dashboard.
• Expand your workforce mobility with two-way communication and sending jobs directly to drivers on the road.

Pricing:

You can get in touch with Webfleet’s sales team for pricing details.

15. Zubie

Zubie is a cloud-enabled FMS designed to help fleet owners and managers protect vehicles, optimize business, and track their entire fleet. Zubie’s marketing literature claims it services members of the dealership rental, car rental, RV and campervan rental, construction, and home services industries. It requires one-step installation and allows for system integration. Zubie has Rental Connect hardware and software that are designed specifically for the vehicle rental business. There is also a Fleet Connect platform and telematics devices for fleet-operating companies. It includes driver management software for more accurate and efficient driver performance assessment.

Zubie Key Features:

• Save time and money and keep your vehicles on the road with fleet maintenance telematics.
• Manage all company data from one single destination by integrating Zubie with your current rental platform.
• Receive notifications on tow alerts and stolen vehicles.
• Capture accurate odometer and fuel readings.

Pricing:

Zubie offers its customers a free trial and the option to purchase product package contracts (Light, Standard, and Premium) for either one, two, or three years. The Light product package for one year is at $18 per month while its three-year contract is at $15 per month.

Choose the Right Fleet Management Software for Your Business Sucess

Those with business management careers and those who work in the supply chain sector are acutely aware of the importance of using technology and IoT to maximize resources and improve efficiency.

Business software for inventory management, accounting, fleet management, and similar systems are essential to an organization to remain competitive and profitable, especially now that the workforce has become even more mobile.

The fleet management platforms we presented above all have their merits. However, it is best to inspect the products and solutions thoroughly before choosing which software to buy. You can consult with their sales experts, or try their free trials and demos to have a more hands-on experience with what their FMS solutions offer.

Ultimately, the top fleet management platforms will compete in providing the best analytics, cost-efficiency, protection, safety, connectivity, and user-friendly technology.

References:

1. Akshay J, Akshay J, Sonia M (October 2021). Vehicle Tracking System Market by Type (Active and Passive), Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles), Technology (GPS/Satellite, GPRS/Cellular Networks and Dual Mode) and Component (Hardware and Software): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030. Allied Market Research. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/vehicle-tracking-system-market
2. American Trucking Associations (n.d.). Economics and Industry Data. https://www.trucking.org/economics-and-industry-data
3. American Trucking Associations Economics Department (October 2022). Driver Shortage Update 2022. https://ata.msgfocus.com/files/amf_highroad_solution/project_2358/ATA_Driver_Shortage_Report_2022_Executive_Summary.October22.pdf
4. Fact.MR (July 2022). Vehicle Tracking System Market Analysis By Vehicle Type (Passenger, Light & Heavy Commercial), By Technology (GPS/Satellite, GPRS/Cellular Network & Dual Modes), By Type (Active & Passive), By Component (Hardware & Software), By End-Use & By Region – Global Market Insights 2022-2032. https://www.factmr.com/report/vehicle-tracking-system-market
5. Fortune Business Insights (March 2022). The global fleet management software market is projected to grow from $20.73 billion in 2022 to $67.38 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 18.3% in forecast period. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/fleet-management-software-market-100893
6. Markets and Markets (September 2022). Fleet Management Market by Solution (Operations Management, Vehicle Maintenance and Diagnostics, Performance Management, Fleet Analytics and Reporting), Service, Deployment Type, Fleet Type, Vertical and Region – Global Forecast to 2027. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/fleet-management-systems-market-1020.html
7. Market Research Future (January 2023). Fleet Management Market. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/fleet-management-market-2646
8. Research and Markets (February 2022). US Logistics Market (2022-2027) by Mode of Transport, Customer Type, Logistic Type, End-User, Competitive Analysis and the Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5566881/us-logistics-market-2022-2027-by-mode-of
9. United States Department of Transportation (May 2022). Newly Released Estimates Show Traffic Fatalities Reached a 16-Year High in 2021. https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/early-estimate-2021-traffic-fatalities
10. U.S. Energy Information Administration (January 2023). U.S. retail gasoline prices rose in summer but ended 2022 lower than start of 2022. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=55099