How Much Does a GPS Tracker Cost?

When looking at GPS fleet management pricing, there's a lot to consider. Price is just one aspect. It's not how much does a GPS tracker cost that is the most important aspect, but how much it does. The challenge is to find the sweet spot between price and function for your fleet.

The price spectrum for GPS fleet management pricing is so broad because there are so many factors to consider, such as:

• How advanced is the system?
• Whether you rent or purchase?
• Are there any add-ons to your package?
• How long is your contract (month to month or yearly)?
• How big is your fleet?

These are just a few of the things to think about when choosing a GPS fleet management system.

Things to Consider in a GPS Fleet Management System

There's no doubt that fleet management has changed in the last decade. The availability of sophisticated GPS trackers is one reason why. As the technology moved from a strictly military application to a commercial one, advances continued to make it a more attractive option for fleets of all sizes.

What Influences GPS Fleet Management Pricing?

The total GPS tracker cost takes into consideration the following factors:

• Devices – each vehicle in your fleet will need a device, which may be leased or purchased.
• Software licenses – either an annual or monthly subscription fee includes the software licenses and may vary depending on what services the software offers.
• Installation – the devices must be installed. Fees may vary depending on your contract, or you may be able to install it yourself.
• Training – training for the system is generally offered in the form of webinars, manuals, online live support, or in-person, or a combination.
• Other factors that may affect GPS Fleet management systems:
• The size of your fleet – most companies charge a monthly fee per vehicle.
• Features – this depends on the type of data you want to track, from ELD compliance to maintenance to fuel tracking alerts.
• Hardware needed – do your drivers have tablets or smartphones? These items would not be included in the GPS tracker cost.

What to Look for in a GPS Fleet Management System

When it comes to fleet management, price is not always the most important factor. The more sophisticated the system, the more a GPS tracker can cost, but not always. That's why just choosing the cheapest option may not be the best strategy.

Let's begin at the beginning. When you choose a robust GPS fleet tracking system and fleet management, you will get a worthwhile return on your investment (ROI). A robust system can help you reduce your fuel costs, reduce dangerous driving incidences, plan efficient routes, dispatch jobs quickly, keep tabs on vehicle maintenance, and more.

Now let's take a look at what makes a system robust. In general, it boils down to two factors:

1. What features come with the system?
2. How often is the data refreshed?

A less robust system is generally simpler. It will track the routes the vehicles in your fleet take. Some may offer other simple features, such as recording starts and stops, logging trips, basic reporting, and one or two alerts. These systems don't really offer much actual fleet management.

A more robust fleet management system will have the features above, and a whole lot more. They come with a lot of features that really give you insight into your fleet and help you solve problems, such as:

• Detailed driver behavior monitoring
• In-depth fuel consumption reports
• Ability to maximize routes
• Maintenance alerts
• Incident reports
• Theft prevention alerts

With these features, you know much more about your fleet's performance and can identify and improve areas of weakness, cut unnecessary operating costs, and run your fleet more efficiently. They may be more expensive, but with these robust features, you see much more ROI.

Real-Time Data Streaming

Active alerts and real-time information is what fleet management systems are all about. With a passive system, you will need to transfer information from each device to a computer at the end of the day. This is not very convenient, and you won't know when driving incidents happen, and thus won't be able to act quickly and, in some cases, proactively.

With an active system, you get data sent to you automatically, in real-time. Not only does this make it easier to get and find your data, it lets you be proactive in rerouting or rescheduling your fleet. These robust systems give an accurate picture of where your vehicles are.

Is It Better to Purchase or Rent Your GPS Vehicle Tracking Device?

Most of the time, when looking for a GPS tracker, you'll find companies that charge a subscription rate that covers the software and the hardware. While you will always have to pay a monthly software subscription fee, some companies will let you purchase the hardware rather than rent it. The up-front fees can vary from company to company, but the real question is, which is better? Let's take a look at the differences.

Buying GPS Tracking Devices

When you purchase a GPS tracking device, the price covers the cost of the device and the fleet management software. Sometimes, with this option, you feel like you are paying less in the long run. You own the technology, and you can use it for as long as you need it. However, the initial GPS cost is usually high, and you may need to pay if you want it updated, fixed, maintained, or replaced.

Renting a GPS Tracking Fleet Management System

When you lease a GPS fleet management solution, you pay a monthly fee that covers both the hardware and the software. This is a subscription-based license, which lets you use the hardware and the software as long as your contract or subscription lasts.

With this option, the initial GPS cost is much lower, and you get regular updates to the software when it is upgraded.

What Features Do You Need?

The features you need may also affect GPS fleet management pricing. With MiX Telematics' GPS tracker, you get:

Real-Time Location

Know where your vehicles are at all times.

In-Cab Video

Identify and improve poor driver behavior, the leading cause of accidents and fatalities. Monitor and record driving behavior such as speeding, hard braking, excessive acceleration, and more.

Real-Time Alerts

Gives drivers real-time alerts when pre-determined parameters are exceeded. Let's you know in real-time if your drivers run into delays. You'll get instant alerts when fuel-wasting events occur so that you can take immediate action.

Customized Reports

Customize reports to present the information you need in the way that you need it. See where and when drivers engage in risky behavior. Access your reports 24/7.

Breadcrumb Trails

Breadcrumb trails that give you an overview of your driver's route so you can see where they've traveled.

Stop Data

Know when the vehicles in your fleet stop, and for how long. You'll get alerts about traffic and other delays so that you can reroute in real-time.

ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

Stay in compliance with the ELD mandate and save thousands of dollars in safety-related claims.

Advanced Tracking

Get a real-time view of a vehicle or non-mobile asset's position, whether it is on the move or stationary and who is driving.

Web and Mobile Access

Access your data online or on your mobile device. All the information you need is just a few clicks away.

Choice of Installation Options

We can ship the devices to you to self-install, or we'll send a professional installer to your business, and you don't pay for the shipping. It's your choice.

Payroll Optimization

Logbook and geo-fencing help you eliminate the erroneous payment of unauthorized trips. Your payroll will be easier and more accurate.

Improve Resource Utilization

Tracking and monitoring your drivers and vehicles, the time they spend in certain areas, stops, and routes help you determine which resources are being overused and which are underused, thus increasing overall fleet efficiency.

Contracts

Our simple fee structure is completely transparent. You pay one flat subscription fee, one shipping and handling fee, and that's it. No additional costs for installation, unless you choose to have it installed, and no extra charges for other services.

And, with your contract, we offer a comprehensive range of services that go beyond the sale, implementation, and troubleshooting. Our service to you begins the day you sign the contract and continues until the day your contract ends. We support you every step of the way.

Our services, which are as flexible as our products or solutions and can be tailored to meet a customer's needs, include:

• Implementation services -- Project planning, installation, implementation, and training.
• Data capture services -- Vehicle recorders, Android displays, audible alerts, communication networks, and cloud-hosted services.
• Support services -- 24/7 customer care, tier 1, 2 and 3 support, escalation paths, and systems administration.
• Success services -- Account management, quarterly and annual business reviews, best practices, professional services, integration services, product development, fleet consulting, and journey management.

Ease of Use

Installing and using a MiX Telematics GPS tracking system couldn't be easier. You don't have to worry about hard-to-install hardware and hard-to-use software. We've made it easy. Once you select your subscription and paid online, your devices are shipped. Install them yourself, or have one of our professional installers do it for you. Once the device is installed, login to the app and you are ready to go.

Every Fleet Is Different

Every fleet is different, and therefore their needs are different. That's why we offer a solution that is customizable to your needs. How much a GPS tracker costs for your business depends on what you want out of your system, whether you buy or rent your GPS tracking devices, and more.

After Your Purchase

Our Customer Care and Account Management teams work with you during the life of your contract, from planning through installation and training, to ensure you meet your business goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These could include saving money, improving safety, reducing fuel consumption or increasing vehicle utilization. This service extends to optimizing the use of our robust reporting and analytics tools.

In addition, our Customer Care team is on standby 24 hours a day to assist with technical or other queries. We also offer an "Eyes on Screen" service for proactive monitoring of assets – and complete peace of mind.

Industries Served

At MiX Telematics, we have a solution for any size fleet and any industry. Industries we've served include:

• Public Transport
• Oil and Gas
• Security
• Mining
• Emergency Services
• Government
• Construction
• Utilities
• Transport and Distribution
• Rental and Leasing
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods
• Landscaping
• Food Delivery

With so many benefits to be had with a GPS fleet management system, choosing the right one is essential. If you are looking for a fleet management system, contact us today.