Fleet tracking has become a standard part of how trucking fleets operate. Whether you run five trucks or five hundred, knowing where your vehicles are, how they’re being used, and what’s affecting your operating costs is essential. But one question always comes up before a company switches to a tracking platform:
How much does GPS fleet tracking actually cost?
The short answer is that most fleets spend somewhere between $15 and $85 per truck per month, depending on the features they need and the type of hardware used. Some systems require upfront hardware fees, while others offer “free” devices that are locked behind long contracts. Installation can be free, or it can cost over $150 per vehicle depending on the technology and the vendor.
Below, we break down what fleets typically pay, what actually drives the price, common hidden fees, and how to calculate ROI. We’ll also show where Blue Ink Tech fits in and how fleets use BIT Dashcam, BIT ELD, and BIT Fleet Visibility to get GPS tracking, telematics, compliance, and video without juggling multiple providers.
How Much Does GPS Fleet Tracking Cost Per Vehicle?
GPS fleet tracking prices land in three main ranges: basic, mid-tier, and advanced. Each tier includes software, hardware, and a cellular connection that sends vehicle data to the cloud.
Basic systems with core location tracking usually fall in the $15–$25 per truck per month range. These tools show where a truck is, alert you when assets move, and offer basic reporting. Many small fleets use this tier when visibility is the main goal.
Mid-tier plans typically cost $25–$55 per month. These systems add richer history, better reporting, maintenance scheduling, and deeper telematics. Companies choose this tier when they want more efficiency, better routing, and stronger safety oversight.
Advanced systems run $55–$95+ per month. These plans include AI dashcams, safety scoring, workflow tools, document scanning, and tools for insurance and litigation support. Large or safety-focused fleets typically invest in this level.
Upfront hardware costs vary even more. Some brands push “no hardware charge” deals, but those almost always require multi-year contracts. Plug-and-play OBD devices generally cost $40–$100, while hardwired black-box units may cost $100–$300+ and often require professional installation.
The total cost depends on how many vehicles you have, what you need the system to do, and how long you’re willing to commit.
The Main Parts of a GPS Fleet Tracking Price
Hardware Type
The simplest devices plug into the OBD port. These take minutes to install and are popular with delivery vans, hotshots, and heavy-duty fleets. Hardwired units connect directly to the vehicle’s electrical system. They are more durable and harder to tamper with but cost more to install and require to take trucks out-of-service.
Some systems build tracking directly into dashcams or ELDs. This reduces hardware clutter and makes tracking more reliable. More specialized providers consolidate multiple hardware capabilities into one unit for a better driver experience.
Software Subscription
Your monthly software fee typically covers real-time GPS tracking, map access, cloud storage, alerts, and support. Faster updates cost more. Systems that store years of history also charge more because of data costs.
Add-On Modules
Dashcams, driver scorecards, automated maintenance, messaging tools, and advanced analytics all increase the monthly rate. These add-ons often deliver strong ROI, but fleets should only pay for what they actually use.
Contract Requirements
The same system can cost very different amounts depending on whether you sign a month-to-month plan or a 36-month contract. Short contracts cost more but give you flexibility. Long contracts offer lower monthly pricing but lock you in for a longer term preventing you from getting a better deal during another providers update cycle.
Cost Tiers Explained: Basic vs. Mid-Tier vs. Advanced
Basic Tracking
This level works for fleets that want to know where their vehicles are and want quick alerts if something moves. These systems don’t include deep analytics or heavy telematics. They’re ideal for startup fleets or companies replacing whiteboard schedules with live maps.
Mid-Tier Tracking
This is the most common level for fleets with 10–50 trucks. At this stage, companies want more from their system than a blinking dot on a map. They want to reduce idle time, schedule maintenance, and detect unsafe driving before it turns into an accident. They want more accurate ETAs and better routing.
Mid-tier plans usually include richer reporting, maintenance notifications, and more historical storage.
Advanced Platforms
Advanced tracking systems add dashcams, workflow tools, and full safety suites. They analyze driver behavior, detect crashes, and score risk trends. Compliance tools like ELDs and IFTA tracking are included or integrated. Large fleets rely on this tier because it reduces accidents, improves fuel use, and supports insurance claims.
What Drives GPS Fleet Tracking Costs Up or Down?
Even with similar hardware, pricing can range widely because different fleets need different things.
Fleet Size
A company with 100 trucks will almost always get better pricing than a company with four. Volume discounts are standard across most providers.
Fleet Mix
Tractor-trailers, hotshots, box trucks, vans, and equipment may each need different hardware. More complexity means more specialized cost.
Vehicle Usage
Long-haul fleets that require constant real-time updates pay more. Local fleets that only need updates every few minutes pay less.
Feature Requirements
If you need AI dashcams, maintenance software, fuel analytics, custom reporting, or compliance tools like IFTA or ELD, the cost increases.
Contract Length
Short contracts give flexibility but cost more. Long contracts look cheaper per month but can be expensive to escape.
GPS Fleet Tracking Cost Scenarios
Numbers vary, but here are realistic examples.
Small Fleet (5–10 Vehicles)
A small company might pick a mid-tier plan at $30 per month. For 10 vehicles, that’s $300 month. Hardware might cost a few hundred dollars upfront, but the fuel savings often pay that back within a few months.
Growing Fleet (25–50 Vehicles)
A regional carrier might negotiate a lower per-vehicle rate because of volume. They may add maintenance analytics and limited video, increasing value but also cost. This tier usually sees the biggest gains in efficiency because better routing and visibility make an immediate difference.
Large Fleet (100+ Vehicles)
Large fleets look for enterprise pricing and custom integrations. They often add dashcams, telematics, and full compliance tools to reduce claims and audit exposure. The monthly cost is higher, but the ROI is clearer because every percentage point improvement affects hundreds of units.
Hidden GPS Fleet Tracking Costs to Watch For
Not all costs are obvious.
Some providers charge onboarding or activation fees. Others charge for support. Some charge for advanced reporting, additional users, or higher-frequency GPS updates. Hardware replacement fees can also be surprising if a device fails outside warranty. Companies offering “free hardware” often bury the cost in multi-year contracts.
Storage fees for dashcam video or data overages can also add up quickly. Finally, early termination fees can trap fleets in costly contracts long after the system stops delivering value.
How GPS Fleet Tracking Pays for Itself
Despite the costs, GPS tracking almost always pays for itself because it solves expensive problems.
Fuel and idle reduction bring fast savings. Even a small reduction in idle time makes a measurable difference. Better routing reduces unnecessary miles. Catching maintenance issues earlier helps prevent breakdowns.
Safety monitoring and dashcams reduce crashes and protect fleets from false claims. Insurers increasingly reward fleets that use telematics and cameras. Claims close faster, and fleets often pay less.
Productivity improves because dispatch knows exactly where drivers are and how much time they have left in the day. Fewer calls. Less confusion. Better scheduling.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a GPS Tracking System
Ask vendors what the true all-in monthly cost is. Clarify whether the hardware is included, leased, or purchased. Confirm contract length and cancellation terms. Check whether support and training are free.
Ask how easily you can export data, because many fleets need to integrate GPS with maintenance systems, TMS, or safety tools. Also ask what happens to your data if you leave.
Where Blue Ink Tech Fits Into GPS Fleet Tracking Costs
Blue Ink Tech offers GPS tracking through BIT ELD, BIT Dashcam, and BIT Fleet Visibility. Instead of paying for multiple tools from different companies, fleets get GPS tracking, route history, fault codes, safety features, in-state miles, and weights in one connected platform.
BIT Dashcam gives fleets live GPS location, event detection, and instant remote video retrieval.
BIT ELD adds HOS logging, vehicle diagnostics, and IFTA mileage data. BIT Air Scale shows axle and gross weights during loading so drivers never leave overweight again. All of this feeds into BIT Fleet Visibility, giving managers a complete view of operations.
Because BIT uses a BYOD model and plug-and-play hardware, fleets avoid costly installations and proprietary equipment. Devices install in minutes. The system has a 30-day return policy, so fleets can test it risk-free.
Instead of stacking multiple monthly subscriptions, BIT brings tracking, visibility, and compliance into one platform. That reduces cost and eliminates complexity.
GPS Fleet Tracking Cost FAQs
How much does GPS fleet tracking cost per truck?
Most fleets pay between $15 and $55 per vehicle per month depending on the features they need. Hardware may cost extra if the provider doesn’t include it or requires professional installation.
Do I have to pay for hardware separately?
Some systems include hardware with long contracts. Others offer plug-and-play devices that you buy upfront. Costs vary based on whether the system uses OBD devices, hardwired units, dashcams, or ELDs.
Is GPS fleet tracking worth it for small fleets?
Yes. Even small fleets see savings in fuel, idle reduction, route efficiency, and fewer breakdowns. Many small fleets recover the cost within a few months.
What’s the difference in cost between plug-and-play and hardwired devices?
Plug-and-play devices usually cost less upfront and require no installation labor. Hardwired units cost more and take longer to install but are more durable for heavy-duty environments.
How long does it take to see ROI?
Most fleets see savings within the first one to three months. Fuel and idle reductions alone often offset the cost of the system.