Vehicle tracking uses GPS tracker technology combined with on-board diagnostics to provide real-time data on the location and condition of your vehicle.

Whether you're a fleet manager looking to optimise routes, a business owner aiming to improve safety, or an individual concerned about car security, vehicle tracking offers a versatile solution to meet your needs.

Why is it important?

In today's fast-paced world, staying updated with precise information about your vehicles isn't just a convenience - it's a necessity. For businesses, effective vehicle tracking means enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and better service delivery. For private vehicle owners, it means peace of mind knowing your car is where it should be and that you can find it anytime, anywhere.

From our years of experience at Radius, we've seen businesses flourish by making smarter decisions based on the insights gained from vehicle tracking. For instance, a logistics company we partnered with reduced their fuel costs by 20% in just the first six months of using our tracking solutions, simply by optimising their delivery routes and reducing idle times.

What you'll learn here

This page will guide you through everything you need to know about vehicle tracking. We'll explore how it works, discuss different types of GPS tracking systems, and dive into the benefits they bring. Plus, we'll address common questions and challenges, helping you understand how to implement these systems effectively.

Vehicle tracking systems are adaptable to a wide variety of vehicles - from car tracking right through to HGVs - enhancing their utility across different sectors. Here are some typical and non-traditional vehicle type examples:

Typical vehicles:

Trucks: Essential for logistics and freight services, where tracking helps optimise delivery routes and monitor cargo security.

Vans: Commonly used by service industries such as trades for efficient dispatch and routing, and final mile delivery companies, having a van tracker can allow for route optimisation and fleet visibility

Cars: Car tracker systems are used by businesses to manage sales and service teams more effectively, with the car tracker allowing people to be directed to the next job or location.

Passenger Transport Vehicles: Includes buses and coaches used in public and private transport, where tracking ensures punctuality and safety.

Blue-Light Vehicles: Emergency vehicles like ambulances and police cars, where real-time tracking is critical for quick response times and coordination.

Vehicle Leasing and Hire Fleets: Leasing companies use tracking to monitor the location and usage of their vehicles, ensuring they are used within agreed terms and facilitating recovery if stolen.

Non-traditional examples:

Boats and Watercraft: Essential for maritime businesses, tracking aids in navigation, fleet management, and safety on the water.

Motorbikes: Ideal for delivery services and law enforcement, motorbikes benefit from tracking in urban areas where quick navigation through traffic is crucial.

Agricultural Machinery: Monitoring equipment such as tractors and combines is vital for large- scale farming operations, ensuring efficiency and timely maintenance.

Jet Skis: Tracking enhances security and management for recreational and rental businesses, helping to monitor usage and recover stolen units.

Quad Bikes: Useful for monitoring off-road vehicles in agriculture, mining, or recreational settings, ensuring they remain within designated areas and are efficiently managed.

Caravans: Tracking provides security for caravans, helping to prevent theft and allowing for location monitoring during travel or when parked. This is particularly valuable for rental companies and frequent travellers.

Understanding the pricing of vehicle tracking systems is crucial for both businesses and individual users. The cost can vary significantly depending on several factors, making it important to consider these aspects when budgeting for a GPS tracking solution. Here’s a brief overview of what influences the price and how contracts are typically structured.

Factors impacting price:

Type of Hardware: The complexity and features of the tracking device can affect the cost. Basic models are cheaper, while advanced devices with additional sensors and functionalities are more expensive.

Installation Requirements: Some systems require professional installation, which can add to the initial costs, whereas others offer easy DIY installation.

Software Features: The range of features offered by the tracking software—such as real-time tracking, detailed reporting, route optimisation, and alerts—can influence the subscription price.

Contract Length: Often, longer contracts may offer reduced rates per month compared to shorter-term agreements.

Number of Vehicles: Discounts or tiered pricing may be available depending on the number of vehicles in your fleet that need tracking.

Typical contract structure:

Vehicle tracking services are usually structured around a monthly fee that covers both the lease of the hardware and access to the fleet tracking software. This fee ensures you have ongoing support and access to the latest software updates. Contracts may include:

Setup Fee: A one-time charge for setting up the system.

Monthly Service Fee: Covers ongoing use of the software, customer support, and sometimes data storage.

Cancellation Terms: Details on how to cancel and any fees associated with early termination.

When choosing a GPS vehicle tracking system, define its purpose - for efficiency, safety, or monitoring. Do you need simple GPS tracking, or a wider vehicle tracking solution with richer features, and perhaps the ability to track against driver ID vs vehicle? Consider pricing models and overall cost-effectiveness to align with your budget. Verify available customer support and training for maximising system benefits.

Consider the vehicle tracking software available, in terms of the features available and how intuitive it is for fleet managers to use. Select features like real-time tracking, route optimisation, and reporting based on your needs.

Also look at the tracking device range available. Do you need something that is simple to install? Do you require certain accreditations, such as Thatcham S5 or similar.

Finally, consider other related products, such as integrated dash cams. Will this be something you want to include now or in the future, to protect drivers?

These steps lead to an informed decision, in line with your needs and requirements.

The vehicle tracking industry is poised for significant growth and innovation, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for smarter, more efficient transportation solutions. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global vehicle tracking market is expected to grow significantly, highlighting the increasing adoption of these systems across various sectors.

Emerging Trends:

Integration with IoT and Telematics: The vehicle tracking system of the future will see deeper integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) and broader telematics solutions. This integration allows for more comprehensive data collection and analytics, enabling businesses to optimise their operations more effectively than ever before.

Advanced Analytics and AI: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in vehicle tracking systems is set to enhance the predictive capabilities of these tools. AI can help predict vehicle maintenance issues before they occur, optimise routes in real-time, and enhance driver safety features.

Increased Focus on Driver Behaviour: With advancements in technology, tracking systems are increasingly focusing on monitoring and improving driver behaviour. This includes more sophisticated alert systems for speeding, idling, and harsh driving, which can help improve safety and reduce costs.

Enhanced Security Features: As vehicle theft remains a concern, tracking systems are expected to develop more advanced security features, such as instant alerts to theft attempts and improved recovery tools using real-time tracking. These trends indicate that vehicle tracking technology is not only becoming more integrated and data-driven but also more focused on enhancing safety and efficiency. As the market continues to grow, these innovations will become increasingly accessible, providing valuable opportunities for businesses to improve their operational strategies.

GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system used to determine the precise location of a vehicle.

Geofencing: A technology that creates a virtual geographic boundary, enabling software to trigger a response when a mobile device enters or leaves a particular area

Telematics: The integration of telecommunications and informatics for sending, receiving, and storing information relating to remote objects like vehicles, via telecommunication devices.

Real-time Tracking: Monitoring the location and status of a vehicle as it happens, without delay.

Route Optimisation: The process of determining the most cost-efficient route based on various factors such as distance, fuel consumption, and traffic conditions.

IoT (Internet of Things): The network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.

Predictive Maintenance: Techniques used to predict when vehicle maintenance should be performed to prevent unexpected vehicle failures.

Driver Behaviour Monitoring: Tracking and analysing driver behaviour such as speed, acceleration, and braking to improve safety and efficiency.