Managing a fleet has never been more challenging. Rising insurance premiums, unpredictable fuel costs, and growing maintenance costs combined with the need to keep equipment running efficiently on tight schedules… All this makes fleet management more expensive and harder to handle. Is there any way companies can reduce these high costs?

In fact, there is. The first step is to move away from manual, paper-based processes that take hours and don’t offer much help – especially when managing 50-100 vehicles. Instead, companies should adopt innovative fleet management technology. This is a set of tools specifically designed to streamline and reduce the risks all fleet companies face. With fleet management technology, critical processes like vehicle dispatch, location tracking, maintenance planning, and driver monitoring are captured in real-time and presented on a single digital platform, ready for analysis and on-the-go adjustments.

As a result, companies can prevent costly maintenance issues, optimize routes, and minimize idle hours, ultimately getting the maximum value from each asset. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right fleet management technology? Let’s first explore what these technologies include to help you find the best fit for your fleet.

What are fleet management technologies and what do they include?

Fleet management technology is a collection of digital tools and devices designed to monitor, optimize, and streamline the operation of vehicle fleets. These technologies gather valuable data such as vehicle location, driver behavior, and vehicle health, and convert it into reports and customized dashboards.

To better understand how fleet management technology works, let’s take a look at each solution of fleet management systems.

Telematics systems

Telematics with built-in trackers are the backbone of any fleet management technology. Plugged into a vehicle's OBD-II port, a telematics device collects data such as GPS location, speed, engine diagnostics, and even harsh braking or cornering events.

This data is then sent to the cloud via cellular networks, where fleet management software analyzes it in real time. In cases where there’s no internet connection on the road, the data is stored directly on the device and the moment the connection is restored, it is sent into the cloud. With such a system, fleet managers can have direct access to real time and historical data and be sure that nothing is lost.

Dash cameras

Dash cameras, often dual-sided, are another fleet management technology that allows dispatchers to observe both the road and the driver's behavior.

Dashcams in fleet management capture both driver and the road to improve safety and driver training.

Modern dash cameras can also be equipped with AI-powered analysis tools. They capture high-definition footage of the road and driver behavior, processing it on the spot to identify risky habits like distracted driving, speeding, or tailgating. When unsafe behavior is detected, alerts are sent to the driver and fleet managers to prevent accidents. Cloud storage ensures that video evidence is always accessible, which is especially important in case of road accidents, as it helps determine the root cause of an accident.

Routing and dispatching software

Routing and dispatching software uses data from telematics and GPS systems to create optimized routes tailored to real-time conditions. It analyzes factors such as weather updates and delivery priorities to ensure timely arrivals with minimum fuel consumption.

This type of system also enables smarter decision-making by providing managers with up-to-date information about vehicle locations, status, and condition. Such software helps select the right vehicle type for the job based on its availability and proximity.

When disruptions like road closures or sudden weather changes occur, managers can instantly reroute vehicles using the software’s map overlays and real-time updates.

Fleet maintenance tools

These systems continuously monitor vehicle health using telematics and onboard sensors. They track metrics like mileage, engine temperature, and tire pressure, predicting maintenance needs before they turn into costly repairs. Managers receive automated alerts for upcoming services, ensuring the fleet stays road-ready without interruptions.

As you can see, fleet management technologies don’t just simplify oversight. Combined, they create a tight-knit network of tools that communicate seamlessly to improve safety, save costs, and ensure smoother fleet operations.

At the core of these technologies are trackers that collect data and send it for further analysis within a fleet management system. So let’s now discuss different types of trackers and how to choose the right one for your fleet.

Types of trackers and how to choose the right one

Each type of tracker serves a specific purpose, and selecting the most suitable one can make a big difference in how effectively you manage your fleet. Here are the main types:

• GPS trackers. These are the most common trackers that provide real-time location data and allow fleet managers to monitor the movement of vehicles. They offer route history, which helps in analyzing and optimizing driving patterns for fuel efficiency. GPS trackers can also include geofencing capabilities, which let you set virtual boundaries for your vehicles, sending alerts when they enter or exit certain areas.
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device). These trackers are essential for regulatory compliance in many regions. They monitor and record driving hours to ensure drivers stay within legal limits, preventing overworking and promoting safety. ELDs automatically record data from the vehicle’s engine, like speed and mileage, and can generate reports to help with compliance audits.
• OBD trackers. These plug directly into the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port. OBD trackers provide in-depth data about engine performance, fuel consumption, and mileage. They allow fleet managers to detect potential mechanical issues early, helping to prevent costly breakdowns and extending vehicle lifespans.
• Hardwired trackers. These trackers are installed directly into the vehicle's electrical system, offering greater durability and security. Since they aren’t easily removed, they’re often used for high-value or heavy-duty fleets where a more permanent tracking solution is needed. Hardwired trackers also tend to be more reliable in extreme conditions, making them ideal for construction-related fleets.

The most efficient way to benefit from these tools is to adopt fleet management technology that comes with all needed features, from location tracking to vehicle state alerts. Let’s see specific cases when the adoption of fleet safety technology will be beneficial.

5 main use cases for fleet manager technology

Here’s how companies take benefit of fleet technology in day-to-day operations:

Spotting problems early on with preventative maintenance

For construction fleets, keeping vehicles and equipment in good shape is essential to avoid costly downtime. Fleet management systems monitor key aspects like engine performance, tire health, and battery status in real time, helping managers catch issues before they turn into major problems. For example, if the system detects an overheating engine, it will send an alert to schedule a quick repair, preventing a breakdown on the job.

Fleet Chaser, a modern fleet management software, makes it especially easy. It logs every repair and tracks issues for each vehicle, so you always know what’s been done and what needs attention.

Fleet managers can also see maintenance schedules with engine condition or oil changes, ensuring the fleet always stays running and ready to work.

Keeping track of every vehicle

Real-time location tracking provides a clear overview of your fleet, letting you know exactly where every vehicle is at any moment. This capability is crucial for smooth dispatching and route optimization. For example, if a vehicle is stuck in traffic, you can reroute another nearby driver to ensure timely delivery. Geofencing tools also allow you to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts if a vehicle strays from its designated route, eliminating the guesswork of where your vehicles are or what routes drivers are taking.

With Fleet Chaser, you get access to an up-to-the-minute, fully customizable map that displays all your key data in one place. Fleet managers can filter vehicles by type, status, or activity, and overlay weather, traffic, and location details to plan routes with precision.

Fleet Chaser also lets you switch between map views, create geofences, use custom markers, and set alerts for specific events like prolonged idling or speeding. This way, fleet managers stay always informed and in control of their fleet.

Optimizing task distribution

Customizable dashboards offer complete views of key metrics, such as vehicle usage rates or service schedules. As an example, a dashboard might show that one truck is overutilized while another is underused, allowing to redistribute tasks for better efficiency. Centralized management also helps reduce scheduling errors and ensures all vehicles are used optimally depending on their location.

Enhancing safety on the road

Dashcam systems enhance safety by identifying risky behaviors like harsh braking or speeding. For example, if a driver frequently accelerates too quickly, the system can flag this behavior for review. Additionally, dashcams provide critical evidence in the event of road accidents, allowing to easily determine fault and facilitate insurance claims.

As a result, fleet managers have access to all driver data while drivers themselves can see their oversights and improve.

Accurate billing with geofences

Geofencing technology establishes virtual boundaries around job sites, offering precise insights into vehicle activity. Instead of relying on estimates, geofencing provides exact data on vehicle locations and movements.

With Fleet Chaser, fleet managers can see exactly how long vehicles were on-site, whether they were working, idling, or stopped at a gas station. Automated reports detail real-time activity and ensure that billing accurately reflects actual time and effort spent on the job.

This transparency helps fleet managers bill clients accurately, avoid disputes, and cut time spent on report creation.

These use cases show how fleet management technology can boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve safety. Want to know more about how it can transform your business? Check out our article on Fleet Management Benefits.

One of the examples of comprehensive fleet management software is Fleet Chaser. It’s an all-in-one solution that handles everything from tracking vehicle performance to predicting maintenance issues and ensuring driver safety. Let’s see how Fleet Chaser makes fleet managers’ lives easier and cuts fleet management costs.

Fleet Chaser – your one-stop fleet technology solution

Fleet Chaser brings everything construction companies need to manage their fleets into one unified system, eliminating the need for multiple tools, paper logs, or complex spreadsheets. This intuitive fleet management software simplifies every aspect, from predictive maintenance and real-time vehicle tracking to precise billing with geofencing – all tailored to meet the demands of construction operations.

Here’s how Fleet Chaser makes managing your fleet more efficient:

• Asset management. Gain full visibility into your assets, whether they're being overused, underused, or left idle. Fleet Chaser helps optimize asset performance by tracking usage patterns, reducing unnecessary operational costs, and ensuring that assets are always ready when needed.
• Vehicle tracking. Know exactly where your vehicles are at all times with Fleet Chaser’s advanced GPS tracking. Whether you’re managing equipment in remote areas or ensuring vehicles stay on track, our system helps you stay in control and on schedule, no matter how far the job site is.
• Maintenance management. Track and manage equipment health in real time. Fleet Chaser sends custom alerts for engine failures, low fuel, or battery issues, keeping you ahead of potential breakdowns. Prevent costly repairs and unexpected downtime by staying on top of your fleet’s maintenance needs.
• Fleet management. Get real-time insights into your entire fleet’s performance. Fleet Chaser’s customizable dashboards, reports, and alert system give you a clear overview, helping you identify areas for improvement and optimize operations for better efficiency and lower costs.

Curious about how it can work for your company? Schedule a demo to experience Fleet Chaser firsthand.

Have some questions left?

Here’s additional information on fleet management technology.

How quickly can I adopt fleet manager technology?

Some fleet management solutions can take months to fully implement, from signing the contract to getting everything up and running. With Fleet Chaser, the process is much faster. Once you sign up, we’ll send you the trackers right away. After they arrive, your dedicated account manager will guide you through the installation step-by-step. Once the trackers are set up, you can hit the road with a new system on board.

Does fleet manager technology replace other management software?

Yes, with Fleet Chaser, you can manage everything from a single system, which benefits everyone involved: fleet managers, dispatchers, mechanics, and drivers.

Does fleet technology require big investments?

The majority of fleet management systems in the global fleet management market require long-term contracts and upfront investments. But Fleet Chaser offers a flexible, month-to-month subscription model with no large initial payments.

Our pricing ranges from $20 to $25 per vehicle per month, with an additional $25 per camera for each vehicle. If you have any questions about our pricing or setup costs, feel free to reach out to us!