8 Best Driver Tracking Apps to Optimize Your Fleet Management in 2024
Discover the top features of driver tracking apps and explore our top 8 picks to enhance your fleet management. Learn how these apps can optimize routes, improve efficiency and boost your delivery performance.
Anyone who runs a delivery business or team knows the uncertainty of field operations. Once those vehicles and drivers leave the depot anything and everything is likely to go wrong. It can be traffic snarl-ups, vehicle breakdowns, people not being there to receive deliveries, or simply locations that are hard to find. Sending vehicles out in the field is an inherently uncertain activity. With 39% of fleet managers reporting that their fleets idle for three to four hours per day, and an additional 14% indicating idle times exceeding four hours daily, the need for improved oversight is evident.
Fleet tracking software is the key to gaining oversight over your operations. By harnessing the power of advanced technology, fleet tracking solutions offer invaluable insights and oversight into the movements and activities of your vehicles and drivers.
In this blog, we will delve into the key features to look for in a driver tracking app and present our top 8 recommendations to optimize your delivery operations.
What are Driver Tracking Apps?
Telematics Systems Vs. Driver Tracking Apps
What Features Should the Best Driver Tracking App Include?
8 of the Best Driver Tracking Apps on the Market
What are Driver Tracking Apps?
Driver tracking apps encompass more than mere location tracking; they offer a comprehensive view of operations, enabling informed decision-making throughout the delivery process. By leveraging real-time GPS data, these apps empower delivery teams to adopt a data-driven approach, enhancing operational intelligence.
It also creates intelligence within the organization that certain routes are the best and can subsequently be ‘fixed’ and passed to other drivers. This reduces a company’s dependence on local driver knowledge and undermines the position drivers might have with companies as being the brains behind the delivery operation. Without intelligent data on driver movements, companies cannot estimate time of delivery correctly, they cannot reduce cost-per-delivery and then ultimately, cannot compete in the marketplace. For that reason, driver tracking software is an essential technology for logistics managers and dispatchers to implement.
SmartRoutes Driver Tracking App
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Telematics Systems Vs. Driver Tracking Apps
When comparing telematics systems to driver tracking apps, it's essential to understand their distinct functionalities and implications for fleet management.
Telematics systems employ GPS technology and onboard diagnostics (OBD) to monitor drivers' activities, including vehicle movements and performance metrics. These systems offer real-time vehicle tracking capabilities, allowing managers to pinpoint drivers' locations and assess factors like speed and engine efficiency. However, the implementation of telematics systems can be costly, as each vehicle requires retrofitting with specialized hardware. Additionally, integration with other systems can be challenging or non-existent, presenting a significant limitation.
In contrast, driver tracking apps offer a more flexible and cost-effective solution. These apps are installed directly on drivers' mobile devices, eliminating the need for additional hardware installation. Leveraging the device's built-in GPS capabilities, these apps provide accurate location tracking that is seamlessly displayed on a desktop interface via a live tracking map. This approach not only simplifies implementation but also enhances accessibility, as drivers only need their smartphones to facilitate the fleet management software.
What Features Should the Best Driver Tracking App Include?
Route Optimization
Route optimization is not just about finding the shortest path; it's a sophisticated algorithmic process that considers myriad variables like driver availability, vehicle constraints, and time windows to determine the most efficient route. Central to this optimization is the real-time GPS tracking provided by driver tracking apps. Without accurate location data, route optimization simply isn't feasible. Furthermore, the ability to dynamically reoptimize routes in response to unexpected changes is crucial. SmartRoutes takes this a step further by proactively notifying drivers of any route modifications, ensuring seamless adaptability on the go.
Real-time Tracking
Real-time tracking is indispensable for providing accurate estimated time of arrivals (ETAs) and facilitating proactive notifications such as geofencing alerts. For instance, when a delivery driver is approximately 30 minutes away from the destination, automated notifications can be triggered to notify recipients. Additionally, real-time tracking enables administrative staff to monitor the driver's location on a map, enabling them to provide live and precise updates to customers inquiring about their delivery status.
Data Collection
Accurate tracking of drivers' movements addresses a significant industry challenge: ensuring fair compensation for hours worked. By systematically tracking drivers, instances of false overtime or inaccurate reporting of hours can be mitigated. Moreover, monitoring drivers' activities throughout the workday provides insights into adherence to optimized routes and identifies any deviations. Understanding real arrival and departure times, stop durations, travel times, and periods of inactivity empowers managers to enhance asset efficiency and ensure compliance with operational standards.
Driver Performance Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is paramount for optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency. A fleet tracking app provides valuable insights into field activities, enabling managers to allocate delivery territories effectively and minimize driver downtime. Tracking drivers in real-time allows logistics managers to gain a clear understanding of operational dynamics and make informed decisions to optimize costs and enhance productivity. By leveraging driver performance analytics, businesses can streamline operations and achieve tangible improvements in service delivery.
8 of the Best Driver Tracking Apps on the Market
1. SmartRoutes - Best Delivery Driver Tracking App
SmartRoutes is an easy to use driver tracking app for teams managing one or more drivers. SmartRoutes solves the problem of driver tracking with an in-built GPS tracker in their driver app. It allows logistics managers to track activity in the field and manage driver behavior.
Features include:
- Route optimization
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Real-time location tracking
- Geofenced notifications
- Live ETAs
- Driver performance metrics
- Capture location and timestamps for completed orders
There’s some nice delivery-specific features available on the delivery driver app too. Dispatch notes can be added to stops, and proof of delivery and driver notes can be captured at the drop-off point and accessed in your route history at a later date.
Our route optimization algorithm reduces the amount of time required to make deliveries allowing you to complete more deliveries with the same resources. Ensure delivery performance is always optimal with performance analytics and thus make data driven decisions based on driver data.
Pricing:
Pricing starts at €29 per month per vehicle (unlimited driver roles) and 7 day free trial available.
2. OptimoRoute - Best for Large Fleets
OptimoRoute combines a desktop-based route planner and driver mobile app with a wealth of features beneficial for multi-drop couriers. It includes over 50 features such as delivery tracking, reporting, and driver management.
Features include:
- Real-time driver tracking
- Route optimization
- Proof of delivery
- Automatic SMS notifications
- Detailed analytics
- Driver performance monitoring
OptimoRoute’s pricing starts at $17 for the driver app alone. The full package, which includes desktop planning and additional features like real-time order tracking and proof of delivery, starts at $35 per driver, per month. One thing to be aware of is that there is a cap of planning 250 orders at once on the driver app, and a cap of 700 orders at once on the full package. Those are pretty big limits, but it’s worth checking over previous routes you’ve completed to ensure you're not running into issues.
Pricing:
Pricing starts at $17 per driver for the app alone, with the full package at $35 per driver, per month.
3. Routific - Best for Large Volumes
Routific is ideal for businesses handling large volumes of deliveries with multiple vehicles. It combines a desktop and mobile app, making route planning and optimization seamless for business owners, in-house staff, and drivers.
Features include:
- Real-time driver tracking
- Route optimization
- Proof of delivery
- SMS notifications
- Driver performance metrics
- Detailed reporting
If there is anything to fault the solution on, it may be that the interface is a little more complex than other solutions. This can make the learning curve a little longer if you're not familiar with routing software, but it can be overcome with their learning support material.
Pricing:
Pricing starts at $39 per vehicle per month, with advanced features available at $78 per vehicle per month.
4. Onfleet - Best for Scalability
Onfleet is a versatile driver tracking and management app designed to scale with your business needs. It offers comprehensive features that cater to a wide range of delivery operations, making it suitable for small startups to large enterprises.
Features include:
- Real-time driver tracking
- Route optimization
- Proof of delivery (photos, signatures, barcodes)
- Automatic SMS notifications
- Task history and analytics
- Driver performance metrics
Onfleet’s intuitive interface allows managers to easily assign and track tasks while providing drivers with clear and concise delivery instructions. The real-time communication feature ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly, improving overall delivery efficiency.
Pricing:
Pricing starts at $149 per month for the Starter plan, which includes up to 2,000 tasks per month. For higher volume needs, the Scale plan costs $399 per month, allowing up to 10,000 tasks.
5. Track-POD - Best for Proof of Delivery
Track-POD is a robust delivery management software that excels in providing detailed proof of delivery options. It is designed to streamline delivery operations and improve the overall customer experience.
Features include:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Route optimization
- Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) with photos and signatures
- Customizable delivery notifications
- Offline mode for areas with poor connectivity
- Integration with major e-commerce platforms
Track-POD ensures that each delivery is documented accurately with ePOD, reducing disputes and improving customer satisfaction. The app’s ability to function offline makes it reliable even in remote locations.
Pricing:
Plans start at $29 per month per vehicle for the Standard package, which includes core delivery features. The Advanced package is priced at $49 per month per vehicle, offering additional features like advanced reporting and API access.
6. Samsara - Best for Fleet Management
Samsara provides an all-in-one platform for fleet management that includes comprehensive driver tracking capabilities. It is ideal for businesses that need a holistic solution for managing large fleets.
Features include:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Dashcams and driver safety tools
- Route optimization
- Detailed driver performance reports
- Compliance management (e.g., ELD)
- Maintenance scheduling
Samsara’s extensive fleet management features help in maintaining compliance with industry regulations while ensuring driver safety and efficiency. The platform’s real-time insights assist in proactive decision-making to enhance operational productivity.
Pricing:
Samsara offers custom pricing based on the size and specific needs of your fleet. Contact their sales team for a detailed quote.
7. GPSWOX - Best for Customization
GPSWOX is a flexible and highly customizable GPS tracking app that suits various industries, from logistics to personal tracking. It provides powerful tools for monitoring and managing driver activities.
Features include:
- Real-time location tracking
- Route optimization
- Geofencing and notifications
- Fuel consumption monitoring
- Customizable reporting
- Mobile app for drivers
GPSWOX allows businesses to tailor the tracking system to their specific requirements, ensuring that they get the most out of their investment. The platform supports a wide range of GPS devices, making it a versatile choice for many applications.
Pricing:
GPSWOX offers a range of pricing plans starting at $99 per year for the Basic plan. More advanced plans with additional features are available at higher price points.
8. Verizon Connect - Best for Large Enterprises
Verizon Connect provides a comprehensive fleet management solution tailored for large enterprises. It combines powerful GPS tracking with extensive fleet management features to optimize operations.
Features include:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Route planning and optimization
- Detailed driver performance analytics
- Maintenance scheduling
- Compliance management
- Mobile app for drivers
Verizon Connect is designed to handle the complexities of managing large fleets, offering detailed insights and robust tools to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Pricing:
Verizon Connect offers custom pricing based on the size and requirements of your fleet. Contact their sales team for more information.
Choosing the Best Driver Tracking App for your Fleet
In conclusion, selecting the right driver tracking app for your fleet is crucial for optimizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and ultimately, delivering exceptional service to your customers. While there are many options available, SmartRoutes stands out as a comprehensive vehicle tracking system that offers advanced features, seamless integration, and user-friendly functionality.
With SmartRoutes, you can unlock the power of real-time tracking, route optimization, and performance analytics to streamline your delivery operations and make data-driven decisions. But don't just take our word for it – experience the difference firsthand with our 7-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is it important to track drivers?
Tracking drivers is crucial for several reasons. First, it enhances operational efficiency by providing real-time data on driver locations, allowing for dynamic route adjustments and improved delivery times. Second, it ensures accountability and transparency, reducing instances of time theft or unauthorized stops. Third, it improves customer service by offering accurate ETAs and timely updates. Lastly, tracking drivers promotes safety by monitoring driving behavior and ensuring compliance with regulations, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall fleet safety.
2. Can I manually track my drivers?
While it is possible to manually track drivers using traditional methods such as phone calls or radio communication, this approach is far less efficient and prone to errors. Manual tracking does not provide real-time data, making it difficult to respond quickly to unexpected changes or issues on the road. Additionally, it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive for dispatchers. In contrast, GPS fleet tracking software automate this process, offering real-time updates, detailed analytics, and seamless communication, which significantly enhances efficiency and accuracy.
3. Are driver tracking apps compatible with different types of devices?
Yes, most driver tracking apps are designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices. They can typically be installed on smartphones and tablets running on various operating systems such as iOS and Android. This flexibility ensures that drivers can use their existing devices without the need for additional hardware. For more information on the best phones for delivery drivers, check out our blog 4 of the Best Phones for Delivery Drivers & How to Choose One.
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Brendan Tobin
Brendan Tobin
